Dallas Real Producers - August 2023

Photo by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

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FOUNDATION REPAIR

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HOME INSPECTION

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INSURANCE

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MORTGAGE LENDING

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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ROOFING

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TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title Company Ashley Polito (214) 727-7034

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Dave Danielson Writer

Mandi Jackson Events Assistant

Jordan Espeseth

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Jin Kim Photographer

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Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator

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Julie Altemus Executive Director

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This Was Written by

ChatGPT

publisher’s note

The following article was written by ChatGPT. The only prompt I gave it was this: “Write a 300-400 word Publisher’s Note article for Real Producers Magazine on how real estate agents should embrace artificial intelligence in their business.”

Here is what came out…

“Title: Embracing Artificial Intelligence for Real Estate Success

Dear Readers,

Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in recent years, revolutionizing various sectors, and real estate is no exception. The integration of AI tools and platforms offers unparalleled opportunities for agents to enhance their business practices, improve efficiency, and provide exceptional value to their clients.

One of the key advantages of AI in the real estate industry is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. With AI-powered algorithms, agents can streamline their property search process, identify relevant listings based on client preferences, and even predict market trends and pricing fluctuations. This empowers agents to offer tailored recommendations, saving valuable time for both themselves and their clients.

Moreover, AI can automate mundane tasks such as paperwork, scheduling appointments, and responding to inquiries, enabling agents to focus on high-value activities that require their expertise and personal touch. This increased efficiency not only boosts productivity but also enhances the overall client experience, leading to higher satisfaction and increased referrals.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are also transforming the way real estate agents interact with their clients. These intelligent bots can engage in natural language conversations, answer common queries, and provide 24/7 support. By leveraging AI in customer service, agents can ensure prompt responses, efficient lead nurturing, and improved communication, ultimately leading to stronger client relationships.

Additionally, AI can aid in accurate property valuations by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and property characteristics. Agents can leverage this information to price properties competitively, negotiate better deals, and provide clients with accurate estimations of their property’s worth. This level of precision not only instills confidence in clients but also positions agents as trusted advisors in the market.

However, embracing AI does not mean replacing the human touch; rather, it enhances it. Real estate agents bring invaluable interpersonal skills, market expertise, and negotiation prowess to the table. AI serves as a powerful tool that empowers agents to elevate their capabilities and provide unparalleled service to clients.

As AI becomes more and more prevalent, we encourage you to explore the latest AI technologies and discover how they can transform your real estate business. Embrace the power of artificial intelligence, and unlock new opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

Wishing you continued success in your real estate endeavors!”

Not bad, right?

Jordan Espeseth Owner

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TYLER MCGEE & UNBRIDLED PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES

WHERE FAMILY VALUES MEET UNPARALLELED CLIENT SERVICES

If you’ve ever been to a dinner party at The McGee’s home in Frisco, you’d know that Tyler is a man who truly appreciates the value of family and community. As the aroma of warm, fresh baked cookies fills the air, you’ll find Tyler, his wife Summer, and their three children, Mase, Scottie, and Stella, sharing laughter and good times with friends and neighbors. It’s in these moments that the seeds of Tyler’s professional philosophy for Unbridled Insurance were planted, culminating in the creation of Unbridled Private Client Services, an innovative company dedicated to “Insuring Family Success™.”

Originally hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Tyler moved to Texas to chase his wife of 10+ years, Summer, and to rejoin the rest of his family (who he proudly notes) have been born and raised in the Lone Star State since the late 1800s. Today, the McGee family enjoys spending their free time on the lake or at the beach with friends and family, making sure to get their share of vitamin D.

Driven by his passion for people and business, Tyler founded Unbridled Insurance and later launched Unbridled Private Client Services. This specialized branch of Unbridled Insurance is dedicated to offering a suite of custom solutions and services that cater to the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and aren’t typically found at a standard insurance brokerage. At the heart of the company’s philosophy is their trademarked motto, “Insuring Family Success,” which embodies the belief that every client deserves

personalized attention and a meticulously crafted insurance plan that addresses their specific needs and desires, while protecting their family and assets.

Tyler and his team of skilled professionals take the time to get to know each client on a personal level, allowing them to understand not only the unique complexities that come with significant wealth but also the individual preferences and lifestyles that make each client different. With this knowledge in hand, Private Client Account Executives can craft insurance solutions that encompass everything from luxury homes and collectible automobiles to yachts and private aviation.

A standout feature of Unbridled Private Client Services is having Account Executives who are certified Risk Advisors. We focus as much on Risk Management as we do insurance products. As a client, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of professionals who are available to answer questions, address concerns, and offer guidance on any insurance-related matter. This client-centric approach not only makes the insurance process seamless but also provides clients with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are in capable and caring hands.

Tyler’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his insurance endeavors to his philanthropic efforts as well. He is deeply involved in various charitable organizations, and he uses his business acumen and connections to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. This dedication to giving back is an integral part of the Unbridled Insurance ethos, reflecting

TYLER’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE EXTENDS BEYOND HIS INSURANCE ENDEAVORS TO HIS PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS AS WELL.

Bev Berry

THE THRILL OF IT ALL

Go ahead. Admit it. You probably get a bit of an adrenaline rush from what you day-to-day, right?

There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a positive thing. That feeling of winning… of knowing you went into a competitive situation and were able to help your client come out feeling like a winner?

That’s one of the driving forces in the efforts that Bev Berry puts forth each and every day for her clients.

WINNING WAYS

As a Vice President and Top REALTOR® with Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Bev appreciates those wins … the thrill of it all.

“There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you find a deal, especially in this market. I love to see my clients excited about getting a new house,” Bev says with a smile.

“They call me constantly. I love the excitement they share and the thrill of the hunt … to find a great house and get the deal … it’s a natural high. Another side of it that I really like is the ability to solve a puzzle … to find out what my clients need and finding the spots that fit those needs and then to have it all work out.”

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Before she started her current chapter of her career in real estate, Bev developed a rich world of experience on the corporate side — contributing at a high level for world-class brands such as Levi’s, Hershey, Pepsi, DR PEPPER, and others in marketing promotions.

In time, she was a stay-at-home mom with her children for a couple years before deciding to re-enter the working world. At the time, one of her good friends, Gene Schule (who is also a licensed Agent at Allie Beth Allman & Associates), suggested real estate to her.

The idea made sense to Bev, so she moved forward and earned her license in 2014. She spared little time in making an impact when she got into the business. In fact, she earned Rookie of the Year honors, and has

agent feature

Written by: Dave Danielson

Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

been featured as a D Magazine Best REALTOR® eight of nine years.

Ever since then, she has steadily moved forward, averaging $10 to $15 million in sales volume each year.

WONDERFUL LIFE

Family enriches Bev’s world. She and her husband treasure time with their sons — Jack and Sam. Jack attends Kansas University, while Sam is a high school senior planning

on attending the University of Arkansas this fall.

In her free time, Bev is a big fan of Texas Tech University. She also adores her two pug dogs that she has.

Each life comes with a certain set of challenges and hurdles. For Bev, one of hers arrived in the form of a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. Since then, however, she has survived and thrived — beating it.

When it comes to giving back, Bev loves being engaged with Women for Orphans Worldwide (WOW). One of the most powerful experiences that she shared with her family was when they all went together to Guatemala.

“That was an experience that changed us,” she says.

She has also served as the annual Hope Dinner Chairperson four times as part of the event held to benefit

mental health care work for teens being supported by Gran Halliburton Foundation.

On top of everything, one of her favorites is also spending Tuesday afternoons playing Mahjong with a group of friends.

CARE AND CHARISMA

Bev brings a charismatic and easy-totalk-with approach to her work. At the same time, she reveres her role as

a trusted guide for her clients. With that in mind, she is careful to provide the advice they need.

As she says, “I tell them what they need to hear and not what they want to hear,” she says. “I have become great friends with most of my clients. I go to kids’ birthday parties. It’s neat to be good friends with them.”

As Bev goes forward in life and work, her faith is a powerful ally for her—at her side.

“I know that this isn’t just about me. It’s all by the grace of God,” she says with a smile. “I’m happy and through faith, things always seem to work out.”

Congratulations to Bev Berry for combining her skill and experience to create wins in life for those around her. Along the way, she can’t help but feel excited about the outcomes … about the thrill of it all!

SUZANNE WARNER SUZANNE WARNER

Many Gifts at Work

Written by: Dave Danielson

Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

You dedicate all of your experience and expertise to helping them win the deal, so they can win in the next chapter of their lives.

Suzanne Warner has that same drive when she helps those around her, as well.

As Principal of Warner Group Consulting with Compass, Suzanne definitely puts a world of gifts to work.

“There are quite a few different aspects of real estate that I really enjoy each day,” she explains.

“I’m passionate about networking, relationships, and selling. Plus, I love interior design and marketing. Real estate is very complex. I love that and this is an industry that allows me to be very diversified in my business.”

DIVERSIFIED DRIVE

That ability to be diversified is something that Suzanne credits for her fulfillment that she feels each day and also as part of her success.

“When you are diversified, it helps you in peaks and valleys in different parts of the business. I do everything from residential and luxury in town to investment properties,” Suzanne says.

“I also do a lot of work with second home market, in addition to working with raw land, farm/

ranch, commercial, and waterfront properties, as well as mid-rise, high-rise, and resort deals.”

Suzanne is licensed in both Texas and Colorado. She originally earned her license more than six years ago.

WORKING WITH STYLE

Before beginning her real estate business, she worked in the world of luxury fashion. After doing

that for a time, she was ready for a change. So she went for real estate, since that had long been an interest and passion.

“In the process, I discovered that the same things I learned in retail would serve me well in real estate,” she recalls.

“In fact, many of my clients came with me when I started working in real estate. That’s one of the

When you set about the job of helping your clients get through the process and to the closing table, you don’t bring just one asset to bear.

Suzanne Warner with Adrienne Ford

I DON’T CLAIM TO KNOW EVERYTHING.

I’ve connected to so many smart and successful people who have helped me along the way.

things I really enjoy about this business, as well … the fact that many of my clients have become my friends and vice versa.”

BRILLIANT SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Today, Suzanne continues to build on her business and her record of achievements. In fact, she recorded $51 million in sales volume in 2022.

Supporting her success along the way is her Assistant/Transaction Coordinator, Marketing Director, and External Marketer.

For all of her achievements in the business of real estate, Suzanne finds true rewards in life through her family, including her son, Ryan, who is a licensed REALTOR® in Austin; and her daughter, Grace, who is pursuing her Master’s degree in Urban and Community Development at the University of Colorado.

Away from work, Suzanne has a longstanding love for water skiing as a tournament competitor. She also loves snow skiing.

Suzanne definitely has a heart for helping people and her community. She founded a charity event to support tissue banks and cancer research called Exposed.

“It started off with skin cancer and now they’re connecting skin cancers to prostate and breast cancer. We help people get into clinical trials,” Suzanne says. “It’s really important, and we’re proud that 100 percent of the proceeds go to the tissue bank.”

BIG HEART. DEDICATED RESULTS.

When you talk with Suzanne it’s easy to see how big her heart is, and the way she clearly is happy to step forward and go the extra mile for those around her.

“That’s what I’m passionate about. I don’t want to let them down. I don’t care what the sales number is for a deal,” she says. “I’m driven, but not by the money … by the relationships that are involved.”

Her helpful nature is also bolstered by her strong drive to get it done.

“I’m tenacious in the work that I do on behalf of others. As part of that, I like to be very collaborative with other agents. If two agents get sideways on a deal, then everyone loses,” Suzanne says.

“My experience has been that so many agents are kind and professional. As a result, things end in a win-win for everyone.”

As Suzanne continues to build for the future, she enjoys the steps to evolve the brand—in turn, moving more into commercial and development work.

As she does, she goes forward with deep gratitude and a positive, collaborative nature.

“I don’t claim to know everything. I’ve connected to so many smart and successful people who have helped me along the way,” she says. “I really appreciate everything that people have done for me along the way.”

Written by: Dave Danielson • Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

THE REWARDS OF TRUSTED GUIDANCE DEREK power couple

DEREK KIM

& KIM DEAN

AS SOMEONE IN YOUR ROLE WHO WORKS WITH CLIENTS, YOU ARE THE EXPERT GUIDE WHO HELPS THOSE AROUND YOU REACH THE OTHER SIDE OF AN UNKNOWN WILDERNESS — COMPLETE WITH SURPRISES AND CHALLENGES .

When you reach the other side, you understandably and deservedly feel good about your achievements on their behalf.

SPIRIT OF CARE

That’s the same spirit that is carried out each day by the husband-and-wife team of Derek and Kim Dean, Founders of the Simply Texas Real Estate Group and Team Leaders with eXp Realty.

Kim began her adventure in real estate in 2003, with Derek joining her in the business in 2015. The two have been married for six years but actually share a path in life that began as friends in high school, coming of age in Carrolton.

“When we graduated from high school, I went to Texas A&M, and Derek went to the University of North Texas,” Kim recalls. “But our paths came back together.”

THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF LIFE

It didn’t take long for Kim to know that real estate was the path for her. After graduating from college, she started her working career as a pharmaceutical salesperson.

“After doing that for about nine months, I met my previous husband, who was in the U.S. Army and we moved to Washington, D.C. in 2001,” Kim says. “We got married, had our first child, Mason, and were there in the Capital City on 9/11. We lived just a mile away from the Pentagon.”

Before long, they moved back to Texas in 2004. Prior to that time, Kim had become licensed in Virginia for a few months before the move. Upon arriving back in Texas, Kim joined a team at Keller Williams part-time while her youngest child was in pre-school.

“We got busy and my sister joined the business and is still with us today. She joined the business and our team moved to RE/MAX, and then my team lead opened up a RE/MAX franchise and we had our second child in 2007.”

Then the economic downturn of 2008 hit.

“My sister and I knew we were moms first, followed by real estate. We loved providing for our families. In 2008, she encouraged me to get my Broker’s license,” Kim remembers. “From 2008 to 2019 and we rebranded to Simply Texas in 2019. We grew from 10 agents to more than 60 agents in two and-a-half years. In the fall of 2021, we partnered with eXp Realty.”

MEANT TO BE

In the meantime, Derek was on his own path in life. As a student at the University of North Texas, he found that college was not his calling.

“While I was in college, I worked two jobs … for a golf course and as a bartender,” he remembers. “I ended up tending bar for 20 years. During that time, I made a lot of friends and connections.”

Derek’s parents had gifted him land in Flower Mound.

“In time, I decided to sell it. That’s when I talked with Kim,” he remembers with a smile. “That’s when she said that I needed to get my license and come work with her. So in 2015, that’s what I did while I was bartending.”

An unexpected injury caused Derek to move up the timeline for his real estate career.

“I’ve always been a big sports fan. I was playing indoor soccer and tore my right ACL. I had surgery in October 2016, and during my recovery the bar I worked at sold, so I didn’t have a job to go back to,” Derek remembers. “While I laid on the couch recovering, Kim handed me my laptop and I started. It all came at a perfect time. I was an agent at her brokerage, D&B Real Estate. Years later, her sister stepped out of ownership, as a new business partner came in, and that is when we rebranded it as Simply Texas Real Estate.”

In the midst of all of that, there was a serious health hurdle that arose. In 2021, Kim had gone to South Carolina on a hockey trip with their youngest child. During that time, Derek developed an excruciating pain on his left side that sent him to the Emergency Room.

After tests, Derek got the news that he had a tumor that had grown through his left kidney.

“It was very near an artery, so chemo and radiation weren’t going to work. So, they did laparoscopic surgery to extract my kidney,” he remembers. “Today, I’m in remission.”

“That was a big reason why we made the switch to eXp Realty,” Kim recalls. “We had been building the business, and the stress with each agent who joined us kept mounting. It’s a very active role that a Broker

has to take. We didn’t know what our future would be. We saw eXp and the different ways we could earn income with the company as the solution, and our agents have the same opportunities,” Kim says. “Because of that move, other doors have opened for us. Last fall, I was a book writer and had an Amazon best seller with other women. With models like eXp, it has changed the playing field for women and for women to be able to grow.”

ENJOYING THE SAME PATH

Today, Derek works primarily with buyers, sellers, and personal transactions, while Kim focuses her energies on developing and growing the team. They still enjoy going on appointments together.

The passion they have for sharing the same path in life and business is clearly evident.

“Not every couple can do this, but we have such a good chemistry and work structure that it balances out and works seamlessly,” Derek emphasizes.

“Another important key is that we have a shared faith. For us, it is faith first and, when we go to bed every night, we understand the stresses and struggles each other is going through,” Kim explains. “I don’t think other spouses can relate on that level. We

understand how we can help each other. Our pros and cons balance each other out.”

LIFE’S FULFILLING MOMENTS

Family is at the center of the world for Kim and Derek. They cherish time with children, Mason and Gavin. They also adore Aspen, their English Cream Golden Retriever.

In their free time, they have a wide range of interests. Derek is an avid movie goer and golfer. He also is motivated to help others in a big way. The month after recovering from his surgery, he partnered with the American Cancer Society for a contest to walk 100 miles in the month, raising donations along the way. In fact, he was fundraising leader in the state for the month. As he looks to the future, Derek plans on assembling an annual Simply Texas golf tournament to support cancer-fighting efforts.

Kim and Derek also have a strong, shared love for baseball. They are working on making their way to watch games in person in all of the MLB ballparks. It’s no coincidence that they share this passion, since their engagement pictures were taken at the old Texas Rangers stadium.

They also enjoy a friendly family rivalry when it comes to college sports allegiances, with Kim holding on to her love of the Aggies and Derek rooting on the Longhorns of the University of Texas.

Kim also has a passion for giving back. She has enjoyed taking part in the Young Men’s Service League with her sons in McKinney. She also has a big place in her heart for the Samaritan Inn in Collin County. Another favorite is Street Side Showers, a mobile shower trailer delivering a hot shower and clean clothing to the homeless population. They also support McKinney Roots, a group that grows and provides organic vegetables for people in need. Another is Hugs, a McKinney restaurant that provides a place for special needs adults to work.

Whether they are helping their clients, supporting the community, or building for others around them, Derek and Kim Dean make a difference each day. In turn, they experience the rewarding returns that naturally come their way as a result.

“My favorite part is a lot of people feel they aren’t doing what God called them to do. I feel I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be in my mission field,” Kim emphasizes. “Through the good and bad times … we come alongside them and help people in that way. Treat others the way you want to be treated and business will take care of itself.”

Written by: Dave Danielson • Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

AMY JO SMITH

IN SERVICE TO OUR HEROES

THE SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT THAT GO INTO SERVING IN THE U.S. MILITARY ARE THINGS THAT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IN UNIFORM CAN TRULY UNDERSTAND.

Although, their family members have a very good idea, because they live through those times with them.

SERVING FROM THE HEART

Amy Jo Smith is a REALTOR® and Director of Mentorship at Pinnacle Realty Advisors. She is one of those family members who remembers the dedicated service of her father, who fought in the Vietnam War.

“My mom passed away five years ago. She was from the Philippines, and my dad served in the U.S. Navy. They met each other during the war, and they came here and started their family,” Amy Jo says.

“They ended up being married just over 50 years.”

Today, Amy Jo proudly serves those who have served our country with her niche working with veterans.

“That’s where my heart and soul is. I want to do a big shout-out to our veterans. A lot of them aren’t very well-versed in the VA loan and feel they can only use it once,” Amy Jo explains.

“I really pride myself on working with veterans. I love what I do, hearing all of their stories and the fact that they fought for our country and our freedoms. That’s where my heart and soul lie.”

MOVING FROM ONE SUCCESS TO ANOTHER

Amy Jo earned her real estate license in 2013. Prior to that, she worked as a bartender at a highend restaurant when the idea of pursuing real estate came to her through one of her patrons.

“One of my regulars approached me and said I should get my real estate license and he would hire me. I did get my license and the market started to shift, so it didn’t work for me to join his team. So, I went on to join a larger brokerage. I got my feet wet and then left to join a smaller brokerage.”

Her career was off and running. She spared little time in establishing her presence in the business. In fact, she earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Amy Jo’s transition into the business went fairly smoothly as she recalls. Her bartending career had paved the way for success.

“I work very relationally. I knew all of the old bar regulars, including their family names and birthdays, and that’s how I transitioned,” she says. “After I got my license, I delivered pop-by gifts and I stayed in contact with them.”

The passion she has for her work is easy to see.

“I really enjoy getting to know new people. Everyone has a different story,” she says.

“I also like following up with clients and learning about their houses and where they’re at in their lives.”

She puts her drive to work to make real estate dreams come true.

“I love what I do. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” she says.

FAMILY FOUNDATION

Her family is another major motivator for her. She cherishes time with them, including her husband, Bryant, her children, Lana and Lincoln, and her father, Richard.

They also have two wiener dogs that they adore — Wrangler and Levi.

In her free time, Amy Jo is a big reader. Her favorites include fiction, along with a variety of non-fiction topics, including self-help and personal development topics. She also has a passion for traveling, spending time at the beach, and following Pittsburgh sports.

KEEP GOING AND DIG DEEPER EVERY DAY. LITERALLY IT’S ABOUT FOLLOW UP AND BEING CONSISTENT.

“Whether it’s the Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins, I’m a big fan of Pittsburgh’s teams, since my dad grew up there,” she says with a smile.

LEADING THE WAY

Amy Jo has built a very successful career in the industry. And that growth comes from helping others move forward in their own lives. As she reflects on her own achievements, she shares helpful tips for others who want to continue moving ahead in the business themselves.

“They have to figure out what works for them. For example, it helps to think about your preferences for how you like to work. Some people are marketers, while others enjoy getting out and networking. Both are great. The key is following whatever your strengths and preferences are. Whatever those are, that’s what you need to focus on,” Amy Jo says.

“Keep going and dig deeper every day. Literally it’s about follow up and being consistent. Business isn’t going to fall in your lap.”

With full engagement, great listening skills, and genuine care, Amy Jo Smith continues to put her best foot forward while she helps those around her do the same in their own lives.

DFW

with Chris Heller

DFW Real Producers hosted their 2nd Masterclass event on June 16th from 1pm – 4:30pm at the Hurst Conference Center. Even though it was a Friday afternoon at the start of summer, we had over 200 in attendance!

Our keynote speaker, Chris Heller, delivered a relatively simple but extremely powerful message regarding mindset. These mindset reminders are so important and often these are ideas we have heard over and over, but the question to be asking ourselves is “Am I consistently living out what is being taught here?” If we are honest with ourselves that is not always the case. One of the many things I love about Chris is that he lives these things out better than most people on the entire planet. What he has accomplished is reflective of that…highest producing agent worldwide in Keller Williams, Former CEO of Keller Williams, current CEO of OJ Labs, Best Selling Author of Dominant Thoughts, and on and on!

After Chris’s message we had a beautiful time of high-level networking with some light bites and drinks. We want to give a big shout-out to everyone who came out, all our RP Vetted Businesses who are the backbone of this community, and a special thank you to our evening’s event sponsors: Bryan Connatser with Cardinal Financial, TL Global, Texas Premier

Title, DIGG Foundation, Titan Lending, All My Sons Moving, Glass Guru, and Best Shutters Direct.

We are excited for the 2nd half of the year and all the amazing events that we have planned!

See you at the next one!