Issuu

DALLAS

JANUARY 2026

Valerie Dillon NEW CHAPTERS

TERRI GUM Finding Home

DAVID SHEEHAN Reflections on Real Estate

BETSY WEBER HURST & EMILY SCHULTZ of the Hurst Schultz Group at Compass Three Generations, One Calling

CASA VERDE HOME SERVICES White Glove Reliability PHOTO BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

2 • January 2026

Dallas Real Producers • 3

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Contents 30

David Sheehan

Valerie Dillon

COVER STORY

IN THIS ISSUE 4 8 10 12 14 18

PROFILES

14 Terri Gum

Betsy Weber Hurst & Emily Schultz

18 Casa Verde Home Services

Preferred Partner Index Meet the Dallas RP Team Publisher’s Note Your Dallas RP Badges Agent Spotlight: Terri Gum Partner Spotlight: Casa Verde Home Services 22 REAL Education:: MyMetroTex Campus 24 Cover Story: Valerie Dillon 30 Broker Spotlight: David Sheehan 34 Generations: Betsy Weber Hurst & Emily Schultz 40 North Dallas & Dallas MASTERCLASS

If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at: Jordan.Espeseth@n2co.com 6 • January 2026

Dallas Real Producers • 7

Meet The Team Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison

Reece Gentry Partner Liaison

Katherine Fondren Editor

Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist

Jin Kim Photographer

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

@DFWREALPRODUCERS

8 • January 2026

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A New Year, A New Season

holding your child that shifts your focus from ambition alone to legacy, presence, and intentionality. And that perspective has shaped the way I’m approaching 2026. The beginning of a new year always comes with excitement, but real momentum happens when that excitement turns into disciplined action. It’s the small, ordinary choices like showing up consistently, leaning into relationships, investing in yourself and your craft. It is these things that shape your December long before you get there. Whether you’re an agent building momentum, a partner investing in deeper relationships, or someone chasing new highs in your personal life, the truth remains the same: the future rewards the intentional. So, as we step into 2026 with fresh goals, fresh opportunities, fresh energy…I hope you’ll join me in choosing consistency over hype, purpose over busyness, and connection over isolation. This community is built on relationships, and there is so much good ahead when we choose to grow together. Here’s to a year of clarity, action, and continued transformation… both personally and professionally. And here’s to savoring the moments that matter…because if this past year has taught me anything, it’s that those moments come and go faster than any of us expect.

Welcome to 2026! There’s something special about the quiet reset of January. The decorations come down, the last of the holiday treats disappear, and suddenly we find ourselves holding a brand-new calendar…365 fresh opportunities staring back at us. It’s a season where motivation runs high, where the page truly feels blank, and where we all begin to dream a little bit bigger about who we can become this year. But this January feels different for me. 10 • January 2026

Last year at this time, I wrote this note as an almost dad..excited, nervous, hopeful, and totally unaware of just how much life was about to change. Today, I’m writing it with Ember crawling around our living room, babbling to herself, and reminding me every day that time moves quickly and purposefully. Becoming a father this year didn’t just change my schedule or my sleep. It changed the way I see the world. The dreams I chase, the priorities I protect, the goals I set...they all carry new meaning now. There’s something about

Cheers to a meaningful and momentum-filled 2026!

Jordan Espeseth DFW Real Producers Founder / Co-Owner

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Dallas Real Producers • 11

YOUR DALLAS Real Producers Congrats on earning your Real Producers Top Agent Badge!

BADGES

It is January - and the real estate sales of 2025 are in the books! That means the new Dallas Real Producers Top 500 and 1000 agents’ 2026 is being released! The new list is based on 2025 sales according to the MLS, and as part of this exclusive community of the top 5% real estate agents in DFW, the top 500 agents will receive the magazine in the mail each month and the top 1000 will receive it digitally. All top 1000 agents will be able to attend our exclusive events for agents and RP preferred partners in the city.

12 • January 2026

As part of the top agents in Dallas, you will also have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of the Real Producers community. How did you finish out 2025? Will you make the 2026 list? Check your inbox in January to find out! We can’t wait to celebrate your success in 2026!

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Dallas Real Producers • 13

AGENT SPOTLIGHT

TERRI GUM 14 • January 2026

FINDING HOME WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

here’s a natural calm that seems to follow Terri Gum wherever she goes—an ease shaped by years of helping others navigate change, and by the many moves and milestones in her own life. Some of that steadiness may trace back to her childhood in New York City before her family relocated to New Jersey and then Michigan. Some of it may come from her time at Michigan State University, where she earned a degree that launched her into a long, fulfilling career in hospitality. But much of it is simply who she is at her core: someone who understands people and enjoys caring for them. Before entering real estate, Terri spent over 20 years in the hotel industry, working in regional sales for a national hotel chain in Hawaii and ultimately becoming director of national accounts. “I really enjoyed it,” she says, “but I felt a strong pull to become a professional real estate agent.” It wasn’t an impulsive shift—more a recurring nudge toward a path that felt increasingly right. That nudge grew louder after she and her husband, Roy, moved back to Dallas and purchased their second home together in Dallas. Terri found herself fascinated by the process, intrigued by how homes could meet people’s needs in such personal ways. She also never forgot her first homebuying experience when she was still unmarried - not because of anything dramatic, but because the work itself felt meaningful. “I found it interesting to try to match people’s needs with homes,” she

says. She even helped a neighbor purchase her first home by directly connecting her with the seller. Roy, always her cheerleader, recognized her talent and encouraged her to get her real estate license. She listened. Terri entered the profession at one of the most challenging times imaginable—2008. “I remember working so hard my first year,” she recalls. “Multiple open houses every weekend and working the phone desk several times per week.” With many families renting instead of buying, she focused on relationships and consistency. She showed up, offered help without pressure, and built trust one conversation at a time. Those renters later became faithful clients, and the

steady groundwork she laid began to bloom. Today, seventeen years later, Terri still brings that same heart for service. “I absolutely love what I do,” she says. For her, real estate is not just transactional— it’s deeply human. “People move for all different reasons— marriage, welcoming new babies, professional moves, divorce, death,” she says. Regardless of the situation, she sees herself as a guide helping people through significant transitions. “Housing is a very basic human need. There’s food and shelter, and I help with the shelter aspect.” Her definition of success has broadened with experience, but the foundation remains clear:

Dallas Real Producers • 15

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT I DO.”

16 • January 2026

clients come first. “Success for me is a multitude of things,” Terri explains. “I love connecting people to their new home… My clients are always number one. I work every day of the week, 24/7.” Her dedication has earned recognition year after year. A Top 20 Producer in her office since 2012, she has been featured as a D Magazine top producer for at least twelve years. Last year, she ranked as a top agent every quarter and finished as the number two producer in her office. She was also selected for the MetroTex Leadership Academy in 2010, an experience that gave her a broader understanding of the industry.

“They thought they couldn’t bring their two dogs,” Terri recalls. She went to bat for them, persuading both the listing agent and the landlord that the pets would not be issue. “The family was able to keep their two dogs,” she says, her voice softening. It’s the kind of moment that reveals her heart more than any accolade.

But awards are not what define her work. Relationships do. Impact does. And her proudest moments often happen far from the closing table. She still remembers a family she helped in 2010 who, due to financial hardship, needed to sell their home and move into a rental.

Outside of real estate, Terri’s world is filled with joy—much of it thanks to her four beloved dogs. “I like to show my dogs,” she says, smiling. They are registered AKC purebred Keeshonden, and the hobby has introduced her to a vibrant community she never expected. A member of the

Terri’s success rests on a simple philosophy: show up, stay humble, and keep learning. It’s the same advice she gives new agents. “You have to work hard, and you need to lean into the senior producing agents,” she says. Being in the office matters. Networking matters. Presence matters.

Keeshond Club of America, she even served on its board. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says. “I’ve met some really nice people along the way.” Her hospitality background shines through in every client interaction—her quick responses, her calm communication, her service-first mentality. “If you don’t have the answer, then just tell them you’re still working on it,” she advises. Simple, honest, and rare. More than anything, Terri hopes to be remembered “for having a servant’s heart, and helping others with their real estate needs.” It’s a legacy already well underway. With new goals ahead—including her drive to finish number one in her office—Terri remains rooted in the same purpose that guided her from day one: helping people find home. And after seventeen years of doing exactly that, her story continues— one grateful client at a time.

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DALLAS Dallas Real Producers • 17

PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

CASA VERDE

WHITE GLOVE RELIABILITY

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

HOME SERVICES

hen John Green talks about his work, there’s a quiet confidence in his voice—the kind that comes from years of doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching. As the owner and founder of Casa Verde Home Services & Stainless Refinishing, John has built a reputation that rests on two things: communication and care. “We confirm, we show up, we protect the home, and we leave it better than we found it,” he said. “That’s our whiteglove reliability.” For John, that phrase—white-glove reliability —isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise. His team provides luxury homeowners and top agents across DFW with what he calls proactive value: quarterly home maintenance and stainless restoration that prevents problems before they start and protects listings when they matter most. “We help homeowners feel zero maintenance anxiety,” John explained. “Small, consistent actions—cleaning coils, replacing filters, descaling water heaters—make sure homes run smoothly and listings photograph like new.”

A Legacy of Care and Craft John’s journey to this niche world of stainless refinishing and luxury maintenance wasn’t linear. Born and raised in El Paso, he spent years in hospitality—running private country clubs, working in restaurants, and learning the art of service. “I moved to Dallas in 1992 and got into appliance sales around 1998,” he said. “By 2008, I built the stainless refinishing business here and later expanded into home services because my clients and agents kept asking for reliable, proactive care under one roof.” That instinct—to listen, adapt, and deliver—became the cornerstone of Casa Verde’s success. “Luxury clients wanted more than a handyman,” John said. “They needed a concierge partner who understood high-end materials and appliances, communicated flawlessly, and treated the home like a museum.” Today, Casa Verde Home Services stands alone in its field. From luxury homes valued between $2 million and $15 million to custom builders and top-tier real estate agents, John’s team brings consistency and craftsmanship that few can match. “There really 18 • January 2026

isn’t anyone else doing what we do, the way we do it,” he shared. “Especially when it comes to stainless refinishing—our process is in-house, it’s a craft, and it’s built from years of experience.”

The Art of Proactive Value At the heart of Casa Verde’s work is its proactive maintenance program —a quarterly service designed to protect a home’s value while reducing post-inspection stress for agents and sellers. “Our maintenance plans and stainless expertise protect listings, reduce post-inspection pain, and create lifelong clients for our agent partners,” John said. “If you want pre-listing polish or a post-close concierge plan that keeps clients raving about you, we’ll make you look like a hero.” Before a listing hits the market, Casa Verde steps in to restore stainless surfaces, deep-clean appliances, and replace bulbs so homes shine in photos and

Dallas Real Producers • 19

And then there’s John himself—still hands-on, overseeing quality control, complex restorations, and relationships with clients and agents. “We’re a small team, but that’s by design,” he said. “It keeps us focused on consistency and care.” Their motto—“Whatever it takes—done right” —is more than a slogan. It’s visible in every drop cloth, every shoe cover, and every photo they send after a job is complete. “Protective drop cloths on every surface, island staging so nothing gets left behind, and a full report in your inbox,” John said. “If it’s not perfect, we’re not done.”

Building a Brand on Trust and Follow-Through John attributes Casa Verde’s success to one simple principle: relentless follow-through. “Attention to detail is everything,” he emphasized. “We’re not perfect, but we really do try to do our best each day.” That mindset has earned him the trust of luxury real estate professionals across DFW who rely on Casa Verde to prepare listings and maintain client homes long after closing. In an industry where missed appointments and poor communication can derail deals, John’s approach feels refreshing. “White-glove reliability means our clients feel the difference immediately,” he said. “It’s in how we communicate, how we protect their space, and the quality of the finish we leave behind.”

Life Beyond the Workshop walkthroughs. After the sale, they keep clients delighted with turnkey maintenance that feels like a natural extension of the agent’s service. “When clients call their agent months later just to say ‘thank you,’ that’s success,” John added with a smile. Each visit includes detailed reporting and photo documentation, giving homeowners and agents a clear record of what’s been done and when. “We communicate early, photograph before and after, and make sure clients never wonder, ‘What’s next?’” John explained. “It’s all about removing uncertainty.”

Outside of work, John finds balance in family and creativity. He and his wife, Carrie, share a love for travel, live music weekends, and time spent cooking together with their kids and dogs. “Family dinners, live music, and projects that keep my hands busy and my mind relaxed,” he said. “I love building custom charcuterie boards and working with wood.” He even hosts a community event he calls “Bourbon & Blockchain,” where good people gather for good conversation—a reflection of the same sense of connection and craftsmanship that defines his business.

Looking Ahead A Team That Shares the Standard Behind Casa Verde’s precision and polish is a tight-knit five-person team who take pride in every detail. Dana manages operations and scheduling, keeping communications and calendars running seamlessly. Ransom serves as Field Lead and Client Liaison, coordinating visits and ensuring every homeowner interaction reflects the brand’s signature professionalism. Aaron handles quarterly maintenance and reporting, while Jeremy specializes in stainless refinishing—bringing dull or damaged metal back to a flawless, like-new finish. 20 • January 2026

As Casa Verde approaches its fifth anniversary, John has big goals. “We’re expanding to 120+ active maintenance plans, launching formal training videos, and integrating select exterior services through vetted partners,” he shared. Long-term, he envisions a systems-driven brand known for its white-glove reliability, operating multiple service vans across DFW. Casa Verde Home Services is a business built not just on skill, but on heart—a reminder that in the world of luxury home care, doing “whatever it takes—done right” isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life.

Dallas Real Producers • 21

REAL EDUCATION

MyMetroTex Campus A New Era of REALTOR® Learning in North Texas BY LES MCGEHEE PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY RIALTO ACADEMY

orth Texas has long been home to some of the most driven real estate agents in the country—professionals who expect their education to be as modern and dynamic as the market they serve. Agents in DFW spend approximately 500,000 hours educating themselves, every year! With the launch of MyMetroTex Campus, MetroTex has introduced a streamlined learning environment designed for how Dallas-area agents actually work today: fast, mobile, and always raising their game. The Campus brings CE, MLS training, designations, professional development, new-member requirements, and an expanding library of on-demand courses into one intuitive experience. For working agents, it removes friction and turns ongoing learning into something both accessible and strategic.

A Partnership Designed to Elevate the REALTOR® Experience To bring the Campus to life, MetroTex teamed with Rialto Academy, a national leader in localized REALTOR® education serving more than 500,000 REALTORS®. Together, the two organizations built a platform that reflects the realities of the North Texas market—purposeful, polished, and built to support learning that sticks. A key part of that collaboration takes place inside Rialto’s Dallas-area production studio, where top MetroTex instructors work alongside Rialto’s instructional designers and media team to produce modern, multimedia on-demand courses. These aren’t repurposed Zoom recordings—they’re professionally filmed sessions with strong structure, compelling visuals, and the clarity REALTORS® expect from high-level training.

MetroTex Steps Into a Bigger Future “We’re committed to being one of the most forward-looking REALTOR® associations in the country,” says CEO Justin Landon. “MyMetroTex Campus is built for today’s REALTORS®— high quality, flexible, and accessible anywhere.” The launch arrives at a milestone moment. With MetroTex Association completing its merger with the respected Collin County Area REALTORS®, the combined organization now supports nearly 40,000 REALTORS® across the Dallas area and broader North Texas region. It’s one of the most influential REALTOR® associations in the country—and the Campus reflects that leadership. MetroTex has long been known for service and professionalism. The Campus builds on that legacy with a modern, member-first approach.

22 • January 2026

Rialto also expands the instructional bench, bringing in nationally requested educators such as Marki Lemons Ryhal, Julia Lashay, and Josh Cadillac, complementing MetroTex’s deep roster of accomplished local instructors.

Educators of Influence: Highlighting a Few of the Exceptional Voices on the Campus With more than 75 accomplished instructors contributing to MyMetroTex Campus, the depth of expertise available to members is remarkable. The educators featured here are among those helping shape the early success of the platform—each bringing a distinct voice, real-world mastery, and a genuine commitment to elevating REALTORS® across North Texas. Marion Napoleon — AwardWinning Educator With a Motivational Edge

A Texas REALTORS® Educator of the Year, senior instructor, broker/owner, author, certified life coach, and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Marion Napoleon brings a rare duality to her courses: precision and presence. Her background training teams for Fannie Mae, Wells Fargo, and Freddie Mac informs her practical, empowering style. “Education should elevate your business right away. MyMetroTex Campus puts that level of learning in every member’s hands.” Michica “Mish” Guillory — Commercial Authority & Media Voice A Senior Instructor and Educator of the Year recipient, Mish Guillory founded Texas’s only TREC-licensed school focused solely on commercial leasing education. A regular real estate commentator on Fox 26, she brings clarity to a sector many agents want to understand but rarely get to explore. “Commercial and legal knowledge gives REALTORS® a true edge. MyMetroTex Campus makes that edge accessible to everyone.” Todd Bingham — Veteran Broker & Association Leader With more than 20 years of real estate experience, Todd Bingham is a respected broker, Texas REALTORS® Director, MetroTex Board Director, TREPAC Trustee, and instructor. His work centers on negotiation strategy, ethics, and advancing professional development for real estate professionals nationwide, with a focus on building sustainable, long-term businesses. “The most successful agents aren’t just working harder. They’re learning smarter.”

Named 2024 MetroTex REALTOR® Member of the Year, Cindy Baas is a broker, MetroTex Board Director, and well-known leader in Texas and North Texas real estate. Her courses emphasize communication, client care, and the professional habits that create longevity. “Clear communication and integrity strengthen our entire industry.”

A Platform Built for Growth—and Built for REALTORS® Guiding the Campus’s ongoing expansion is Roxie Glenn, VP of Member Engagement, whose team continually curates and refines a catalog of on-demand learning, virtual programs, designations, MLS mastery tracks, and native-language Spanish options. The result is a platform with depth, flexibility, and a distinctly North Texas identity. MyMetroTex Campus is positioning MetroTex as a national leader in REALTOR® learning—offering education that is both modern and meaningful.

A Final Note to Real Producers Readers North Texas REALTORS® lead with generosity, collaboration, and a desire to elevate their profession. If you have expertise that could benefit your peers, Rialto Academy welcomes new instructor voices.

To explore teaching opportunities in real estate, contact Les McGehee at Les@RialtoAcademy.com.

Les McGehee is the President of Rialto Academy, #1 in the world for localized real estate education with more than half a million REALTORS® on association education campuses.

Cindy Baas — REALTOR® Member of the Year & Trusted Community Voice

Dallas Real Producers • 23

COVER AGENT

Valerie Dillon NEW CHAPTERS

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

24 • January 2026

hen Valerie Dillon looks back on the moment she decided to start a career in real estate, she remembers the uncertainty more than anything else. “I didn’t think I had what it took to succeed,” she admits. “I questioned my abilities, my timing, and whether I could juggle it all. But I took a chance—and it changed everything.” Today, Valerie is part of the prestigious Perry-Miller Streiff Group at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, one of Dallas’s top-producing teams. Yet, her journey into this competitive industry didn’t begin with confidence—it began with courage. An Oklahoma native and graduate of Oklahoma State University, Valerie spent nearly a decade in medical device sales before moving to Dallas in her early 30s. After marrying and starting a family, she stepped away from the corporate world to focus on raising her three children. “That season was so special to me,” she recalls. “I was chairing auctions, school carnivals, and community events across the Highland Park school district. It kept me connected, sharpened my organizational skills, and taught me how to lead—all things I use in real estate every day.” But even with her strong background in business and community involvement, real estate wasn’t something she saw coming. “A friend of mine saw something in me before I did,” Valerie says with a smile. “She encouraged me to get my license, even though I wasn’t sure I had the confidence— or the time. But I took a leap of faith.” That leap launched what would become a thriving career. Her first few years were formative, guided by mentorship and trial by fire. “Those early days were humbling,” Valerie says. “I remember being scared to death—terrified of messing something up. Every call and every client meeting felt huge. But it taught me how important it is to know the contracts, understand the market, and always keep learning.” Over time, fear turned into focus, and focus turned into fulfillment. “Real estate has become more than a career for me—it’s a true passion,” she says. “I genuinely love what I do, not just because of the homes or the market, but because of the people. Whether it’s buying, selling, or investing, I feel honored to walk alongside my clients during some of the most important decisions of their lives.”

Dallas Real Producers • 25

That belief carried her through one of her most challenging personal moments: selling her family home after her divorce. “It was a home I truly loved, and I’d promised my kids we’d keep it,” she says softly. “Letting it go for financial reasons was incredibly hard. But it taught me how to start over with strength and grace.” That experience also deepened her empathy for clients facing transitions of their own. “I understand what it feels like to let go of something meaningful. That’s why I approach those moments with patience and compassion.”

THIS YEAR, MY GOAL IS TO REACH

$50 million in sales.”

It’s that same passion that has fueled Valerie’s success and earned her recognition year after year. Named among D Magazine’s Best Realtors from 2022 through 2025, featured in Modern Luxury Dallas’s Real Estate Awards, and profiled by Candy’s Dirt, Valerie has become a respected name in the North Dallas market. Her total career volume has surpassed $115 million—a milestone built through persistence, teamwork, and heart. Still, Valerie is quick to say that her definition of success has changed. “When I first started, it was all about the numbers—sales volume, closings, goals,” she explains. “But as I’ve grown, success for me now means balance and fulfillment. It’s about building a career I’m proud of while being fully present for my family.” Her family remains at the center of her “why.” “My two daughters and my son are watching,” she says. “That motivates everything I do. I want them to see that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin—and that success is about showing up with integrity, consistency, and grit.” Valerie has also learned to trust herself, something that didn’t come naturally at first. “In the beginning, I second-guessed everything,” she admits. “But confidence doesn’t come from knowing it all—it comes from showing up and learning through experience. Growth happens right on the edge of discomfort, and that’s where the best things in life begin.” 26 • January 2026

Over her many years in the Park Cities community, Valerie has honed a true superpower: connecting the right people with the perfect properties. She thrives on the excitement of the search, unearthing hidden gems and exclusive opportunities through her vast and trusted network. Clients consistently say that with Valerie in their corner, they never have to second-guess whether their best interests are being fiercely protected. As Valerie looks to the future, she’s balancing big goals with meaningful reflection. “This year, my goal is to reach $50 million in sales,” she says, “but I’m also taking time after each deal to reflect on what went well, what could’ve gone better, and how I can keep growing.” She credits her team leader, Ryan Streiff, for his mentorship and example, calling his leadership “invaluable.” Outside of work, Valerie finds joy in life’s simple pleasures—traveling, hiking, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with a bit of needlepoint. “Balance isn’t always easy,” she says, “but it’s what keeps everything meaningful.” When asked what advice she’d give to new agents, her answer is thoughtful and grounded: “Start slow. Surround yourself with experienced people and remember it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s how you learn.” And to anyone doubting whether they’re ready to take a leap into something new, Valerie has a message that comes from experience: “It’s never too late to start something new, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I want anyone reading this who’s questioning themselves to know—you absolutely can do it.” Because Valerie Dillon’s story isn’t just about real estate—it’s about reinvention and believing that the best chapters often begin when you finally decide to turn the page. And that beloved family home she was forced to sell years ago for financial reasons? In April, she bought it back, and now she’s joyfully home… once again.

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BROKER SPOTLIGHT

David SHEEHAN When David Sheehan talks about Reflect Real Estate, it’s clear that the company is more than a brokerage—it’s a philosophy. “I didn’t create Reflect just to have full creative control over a brokerage,” David says. “I built it to tell a story that resonates with the people we serve and to build a culture where agents can shape a business that truly reflects who they are.”

Reflections on

REAL ESTATE

That sense of purpose has been a through-line in David’s life since childhood. Though born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, he’s been a Texan nearly all his life, growing up in Grand Prairie and graduating from South Grand Prairie High School. Afterward, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he made an unexpected pivot—from computer science to theater performance. “At 18, computer science sounded like a good, stable career,” he laughs. “But I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t want to spend my life behind a desk staring at code.” Theater, he discovered, taught him far more than acting—it trained him to read people, to tell stories, and to communicate clearly. “Those lessons,” he says, “ended up shaping how I connect with clients and run my business today.” Before stepping into real estate full-time, David spent nearly two decades on the legal side of the business, working with contracts, title commitments, and lending. That experience gave him an edge—but an unexpected detour selling HarleyDavidsons gave him something deeper: perspective. “That was one of the most unexpectedly rewarding chapters of my life,” he recalls. “Every day, someone would come in to finally buy the bike they’d dreamed about for years. It wasn’t just a motorcycle—it was a milestone.” That same feeling—helping people reach a personal milestone—is what eventually drew David into real estate sales. In 2013, a family friend and industry veteran, Sharon Parrish, invited him to dinner and asked what he planned to do next. “I told her I didn’t know,” he remembers. “She reminded me of my years in the legal side of real estate and said, ‘You’d be great at this.’” Within weeks, David had his license—and he’s never looked back. His first closing wasn’t a record-breaking deal, but it was a defining one. “It was a modest home for a young couple with a newborn,” he says. “When I handed them the keys and saw their excitement, that’s when it clicked. I thought, this is it. This is what I’m supposed to be doing.” 30 • January 2026

Photo by Shana Berenzweig Photographer

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

Dallas Real Producers • 31

wanted to create a brokerage where clients and agents could ‘see themselves’—where growth isn’t measured just in dollars, but in quality, integrity, and connection.” Launching Reflect was also an exercise in patience and trust. “I’ve always been driven,” he admits. “Early in my career, I equated movement with progress. But I’ve learned that real breakthroughs happen when you give things room to breathe.” For David, that meant growing Reflect slowly and deliberately. “No chasing headcount, no shortcuts,” he says. “I’m focused on building something authentic and sustainable.” That mindset shows in everything Reflect does—from its distinctive branding to its reputation in the community. “Our agents are known for going above and beyond, for treating real estate like a craft,” David explains. Even their signature mirrorprinted logo and #seeyourself branding have a purpose: to spark conversation. “It’s simple, but it connects,” he says. “That’s what Reflect is all about—connection and meaning, not just marketing.” Today, David’s motivation is rooted in balance—between purpose and people, business and family. “Professionally, I’m driven by creating impact that lasts,” he says. “Personally, my wife, Dana, and our daughters are my anchor. They remind me why I do all of this.” That intentional balance guides his goals for the year: steady, meaningful growth for Reflect, and time spent on what matters most—his family, travel, and continuing to build a business that supports life, not the other way around.

At the end of the day,

I’M WIRED TO CREATE. Whether it’s a business, a brand, or just a good laugh.”

Twelve years later, that same feeling drives him. Real estate, for David, is equal parts art and strategy. “What excites me most is the mix of both,” he says. “I love the creative side—crafting marketing that makes people feel something—but I also love the chess game of it. Knowing when to move, when to hold, how to bring both sides together. Every deal tells a different story.” Over time, David’s definition of success has evolved. “Early on, it meant more transactions, bigger deals, higher production,” he says. “But now, success means alignment—doing work that feels meaningful, maintaining balance with my family, and building something that reflects who I am and what I value.” That evolution became the heartbeat of Reflect Real Estate. “I 32 • January 2026

Outside of real estate, David finds outlets that challenge and recharge him. He’s a competitive poker player who enjoys the psychology behind the game—“It’s a lot like real estate,” he says, “reading people, staying patient, and knowing when to press or fold.” He’s also a fitness enthusiast, a tinkerer who loves building digital tools, and a trivia fan who doesn’t mind a little karaoke. “At the end of the day, I’m wired to create,” he says. “Whether it’s a business, a brand, or just a good laugh.” As a leader, David’s advice to new agents is simple: “Play the long game,” he says. “Don’t chase quick wins—build something with depth. Learn every layer of the business, protect your energy, and remember that ‘busy’ doesn’t always mean ‘productive.’” Most importantly, he adds, “Find your voice. Don’t copy the next top producer. The moment your business reflects who you truly are, everything starts to click.” Looking back, David’s career has come full circle—from understanding contracts to understanding people. But what he wants to be remembered for goes beyond the deals and recognition. “I don’t want to be remembered just for selling homes,” he says. “I want to be remembered for building something that made the industry a little better, a little more thoughtful, and a lot more human.” That vision—of purpose and people intertwined—is the reflection David Sheehan sees every day in the company he built. And for him, that’s what true success looks like.

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GENERATIONS

Betsy Weber Hurst +

Emily Schultz of the Hurst Schultz Group at Compass

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASTLES AND CLOUDS PHOTOGRAPHY

34 • January 2026

Three Generations, One Calling

n Dallas, where roots run deep and neighborhoods carry stories from one generation to the next, the mother–daughter team of Betsy Weber Hurst and Emily Schultz demonstrates what happens when tradition, talent, and purpose join forces. Their partnership, The Hurst Schultz Group at Compass, isn’t simply a real estate team—it is a continuation of a legacy that began long before Emily earned her license, and even before Betsy began her own celebrated 46-year career. Their story has always been a family one. Betsy, a lifelong Dallas resident born at Baylor Hospital, often reflects on the strong generational ties that shaped her life. “I have lived in the same three square miles for my whole life,” she shares, still proudly rooted in University Park and Preston Hollow. She grew up steeped in community service, faith, and tradition— attending Highland Park United Methodist Church, where her granddaughters are now fifthgeneration members. Those deep roots grew even deeper when Betsy followed in the footsteps of her mother, Marvell Weber, a woman she calls successful at “everything she ever did.” Marvell initially got her real estate license simply to represent herself in selling the family home, but her innate ability quickly turned her into a

top producer. It was Marvell who encouraged Betsy to take real estate classes during a summer break in college, believing that having a license “might be valuable sometime.” Betsy laughs now at how right her mother was—“My career path did not lead where I thought it would, and becoming a real estate agent was the best way to quickly become employed.” Over time, mother and daughter joined forces—before “teams” were even a concept in real estate. Betsy recalls the challenge of helping their brokerage understand what a real estate team even meant. But she and Marvell were pioneers, building a partnership anchored in trust, shared values, and persistence. “I worked for 20 years with my mother,” Betsy says. “Her advice was always patience and persistence… work as hard as you can even when it seems nothing is happening, because that work will pay off.” Today, that legacy lives on through Betsy’s own daughter, Emily—and the generational thread continues stronger than ever. Emily grew up with real estate as a backdrop to her childhood. Some of her earliest memories involve sitting in Marvell’s home office, “playing on the typewriter and helping her copy sheets out of the Mapsco.” When she learned to read, she was promoted to highlighting streets on the map—

an early sign that real estate was already taking root in her life. Still, Emily carved her own path first. Born and raised in Dallas, she thrived in sports, performance, and music— becoming a proud Woodrow Wilson graduate and later an equally proud Red Raider at Texas Tech. Her marketing career took her from gift showrooms at the Dallas World Trade Center to corporate roles, where she built a foundation that would eventually serve her well in real estate. But eventually, she felt the pull of home. “I have been around real estate my entire life,” she says. “We always joked I’d come around to doing this—I just had to give in to the idea first.” When she began helping Betsy behind the scenes with marketing, the truth became undeniable: a third generation was ready. The transition felt natural. Emily’s first clients were dear friends who “celebrated right along with me of it being ‘my’ first client,” she remembers. And what Emily discovered quickly is what her mother and grandmother always knew: real estate is about people first. “I love getting to know people and how they tick,” she says. “You can be friend, therapist, and real estate professional all at once.” For Betsy, the heart of the work has always been the families she serves. “The absolute joy of finding a family the perfect home,” she says, “or helping a family sell a property to their satisfaction.” Her definition of success has never been about numbers; it’s about creating what she proudly calls “Raving Fans.” To her, true success is

Dallas Real Producers • 35

Emily Schultz

Betsy Weber Hurst

when clients “are excited to tell someone else that they should call me.” That commitment has led to unforgettable moments—like the time a long-time client called while Betsy was on phone duty, ready to list a multimillion-dollar home. “Sixteen years and six previous transactions later,” she recalls, “and she called me to list their home.” It was a moment that affirmed everything she believed about service, loyalty, and relationships. As the third generation steps forward, Emily balances ambition with motherhood. “Success is being home to tuck my girls in and be at soccer games before jetting to an open house,”

36 • January 2026

Their story is proof that legacy isn’t accidental;

it’s nurtured. It’s lived. It’s shared.

she says. With two daughters and another on the way, her motivation is clear: “My family… knowing they come first is the biggest driver.” The two women are remarkably alike in ways that matter. Both are classically trained singers. Both love needlepoint. Both adore Broadway. Both see real estate as a calling rather than a career. And both are deeply grounded in

Dallas—its history, its communities, its people. Their story is proof that legacy isn’t accidental; it’s nurtured. It’s lived. It’s shared. When asked what she hopes shines through in her story, Betsy answers simply: “My wonderful years of working with my mother Marvell… and now my joy and pleasure of working with my daughter, Emily.” Three generations. Forty-six years of service. And a legacy built not just in homes sold, but in lives touched. For the Hurst Schultz Group, real estate is family. And family is forever.

Dallas Real Producers • 37

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EVENT RECAP

North Dallas & Dallas

MASTERCLASS PHOTOS BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY

Our third and last Masterclass of 2025 was nothing short of powerful! Agents and partners alike commented on how timely the conversations were and how needed the insights felt. And of course, the networking was second to none.

This Real Producers Masterclass went beyond prompts and theory. Robert and Jason showed step-by-step how to integrate AI into your daily workflow to create true leverage, efficiency, and consistency in your business. Huge thank you to ALL of our RP Preferred Partners and especially our event sponsors:

Thank you to our panelists: • Robert Wagner, REALTOR®/Certified AI Advantage Specialist • Jason Northcutt, REALTOR®/ AI Architect

Emcees: • Ashley Gentry • Les McGehee

What we learned: From Prompt to Profit: Real AI for Real Estate 40 • January 2026

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Thank you all for an amazing LAST event of 2025! Can’t wait for more in 2026.

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