Dallas Real Producers - July 2026

DALLAS

Cole Swearingen THE POWER OF SHOWING UP

CLAUDIA RODRIGUEZ

Beyond the Fields to Roots of Resilience

PARTHVI SHAH Next Level Impact

JOHNSON UNITED STORAGE & MOVING Moving Above & Beyond PHOTO BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

JULY 2026

2 • July 2026

Dallas Real Producers • 3

Contents 32

Claudia Rodriguez

Cole Swearingen

26

COVER STORY

IN THIS ISSUE PROFILES

16 Parthvi Shah

United 20 Johnson Storage & Moving

6 Preferred Partner Index 8 Meet the Dallas RP Team 10 Publisher’s Note 12 Your Dallas RP Badges 13 By the Numbers 16 Rising Star: Parthvi Shah 20 Preferred Partner Spotlight: Johnson United Storage & Moving 26 Cover Story: Cole Swearingen 30 REAL Education 32 Agent Spotlight: Claudia Rodriguez 38 Event Recap: Summer Social 42 FAQ

If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at: Jordan.Espeseth@n2co.com 4 • July 2026

Dallas Real Producers • 5

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Meet The Team Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison

Reece Gentry Partner Liaison

Katherine Fondren Editor

Sarah Constentino Ad Strategist

Jin Kim Photographer

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

DISCLAIMER: The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers (“N2”). Advertisements appearing in this publication are paid placements and are not endorsed or recommended by N2. N2 is not responsible for the statements, opinions, or business practices of any authors, contributors, or advertisers featured herein. Portions of this publication may include content created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by authors or contributors and may not be independently verified by N2.

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Dallas Real Producers • 9

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

WHAT BUILT AMERICA

STILL WORKS Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of people took a risk on an idea.

Not a perfect idea. Not a guaranteed idea. Just a belief that hard work, personal responsibility, opportunity, and freedom were worth pursuing.

As our country celebrates 250 years of history, I have found myself thinking about the qualities that helped build America in the first place. Grit. Resilience.

Integrity. The willingness to bet on yourself. The ability to get back up after a setback and keep moving forward. While the world has changed dramatically over the last two and a half centuries, those qualities have stood the test of time.

What’s interesting is that those same qualities are still what build great businesses today.

Every month, we have the privilege of sharing the stories of top agents throughout North Texas. The numbers are impressive, but the stories behind those numbers are what stand out.

10 • July 2026

Rarely do we hear about someone who had a perfect path to success.

Instead, we hear stories of risk, sacrifice, long hours, uncertainty, failure, reinvention, and perseverance.

We hear stories of people who kept going when things got hard. People who stayed committed when nobody was watching. People who built trust one relationship at a time.

Technology has changed. Marketing has changed. The way people buy and sell homes has changed. AI is changing the way many of us work. Yet the fundamentals remain remarkably similar. Character still matters.

Relationships still matter. Keeping your word still matters. Showing up consistently still matters.

In a world that is constantly looking for shortcuts, I think there is something refreshing about being reminded that the old-fashioned principles still work. The agents and partners in this community prove that every day. The people who build lasting businesses

are rarely the ones chasing the latest trend. More often than not, they are the ones doing the simple things exceptionally well, year after year.

As we reflect on 250 years of America, I am grateful for the opportunities we have, the businesses we’ve built, and the people who helped us get here. And while the tools, technology, and tactics will continue to evolve, I have a feeling the qualities that built America, and the qualities that build great businesses, will continue to stand the test of time.

Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers

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Dallas Real Producers • 11

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

Because of your 2026 MLS production, you earned your spot as a 2026 Dallas Real Producers Top Agent and can represent your badge proudly! This year, we have added NEW badges to the top 500 and top 1000 – top 10, top 25, top 100, top 250, and top 750 —the badge you will receive is determined by your production.

Regardless, that is the top 6% in Dallas!

BADGES

Missing your badge? Email team@ dfwrealproducers.com.

Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge, and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web listings, marketing material... nothing’s off limits!

12 • July 2026

Our preferred partners have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by

your peers and are some of Dallas’ most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!

2025

BY THE NUMBERS

28.28

Here’s What Dallas Top 500

AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT

Agents Sold...

SALES VOLUME

$12,392,953,495

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS

14,112

$24,835,578 AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT

Dallas Real Producers • 13

SAVE THE DATE

DFW REAL PRODUCERS PRESENTS

THE

ESPE AWARDS HONORING THOSE WHO SET THE STANDARD OCTOBER 8TH, 2026 After a three-year hiatus. the ESPE Awards return.

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Invitations coming soon.

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RISING STAR

NEXT LEVEL IMPACT WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

PARTHVI SHAH did not wait for the perfect moment to begin.

In fact, by most standards, her timing would have seemed anything but ideal.

She launched her real estate career in March of 2024, just after giving birth to her first child.

There was no slow transition, no easing into the business.

Instead, she stepped in fully, balancing contracts, clients, and content creation while learning how to navigate motherhood for the first time.

PARTHVI SHAH 16 • July 2026

“It wasn’t perfect timing,” she says. “But it was a very intentional decision.”

That decision would become the foundation for something much bigger. In just two years, Parthvi has built a thriving real estate business in the Dallas area, closing 47 transactions and more than $19.2 million in volume. Even more remarkable is how she built it. Her growth came almost entirely through organic social media, where she has cultivated a community of more than 77,000 followers.

“I didn’t rely on cold calling, door knocking, or traditional farming,” she explains. “I focused on creating content, building trust, and showing up consistently.”

That consistency has become a defining theme in her story.

Long before real estate, Parthvi was drawn to independence and the idea of building something of her own. After more than a decade in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she began thinking seriously about what that could look like.

A traditional job was never the goal.

“I wanted a business where my results were directly tied to my effort, decisions, and consistency,” she says.

Real estate offered exactly that. It was not just a career path, but a platform. A way to grow, lead, and create something with longterm potential. Once she committed, she went all in.

From the beginning, the pace was demanding. There was no margin for hesitation.

“I was learning contracts, creating content, responding to leads, and serving clients all while adjusting to motherhood,” she recalls.

“There wasn’t a transition period. I had to operate at a high level from the beginning.”

One realization stood out early.

“Clients were trusting me with major financial decisions, and I took that seriously from day one.”

That sense of responsibility shaped how she approached every transaction. Being part of a cloud-based brokerage meant exposure to multiple perspectives, which required quick thinking and sound judgment. She learned to ask the right questions, evaluate different approaches, and make decisions with clarity and precision.

That discipline has carried through every stage of her growth.

In 2024, her first year, she closed 12 transactions totaling $4.6 million. By 2025, that number more than doubled to 27 transactions and over $12.1 million in volume. The trajectory was not accidental.

It was the result of a clear strategy, consistent execution, and a deep commitment to her clients.

remind me this isn’t just about buying homes. It’s about protecting people’s finances.”

One transaction in particular stands out.

“2025 was one of the most defining years of my life,” she says.

child. She delivered in August of that year. Around the same time, she experienced the loss of both her father and her mother-in-law, who had been a major source of support for her family .

“It was an emotional, overwhelming season,” she says. “But even through that, I continued to show up.”

“I negotiated nearly $100,000 in savings for a client,” she shares. “Moments like that

At the height of building her business, she found out she was pregnant with her second

There were moments that would have caused many to step back.

“The strategy and the impact,” she says when asked what she loves most. “I love negotiating and structuring deals where my clients truly win.”

While her professional growth has been significant, the personal journey behind it tells an even deeper story.

Dallas Real Producers • 17

“I was literally working from the delivery room,” she says.

“Not because I had to prove anything, but because I had built something I was deeply committed to.”

and creating something that continues to grow beyond just me.”

That season changed her.

“My family is my biggest motivation,” she says. “I want to build something that creates freedom, stability, and long-term opportunity for them.”

“It made me stronger, more focused, and more intentional about how I build and lead.”

Her motivation is rooted in both family and purpose.

Through it all, she was not doing it alone. Her husband, Parth, played a critical role behind the scenes, supporting their home and family while she continued to grow the business.

At the same time, she remains focused on growth.

“While I was building the business, he was supporting everything behind the scenes,” she says. “That support made everything possible.”

For those just starting out, her advice is direct.

Today, Parthvi’s vision extends beyond production.

She is stepping into leadership, mentoring agents, and building systems designed for long-term scalability. She has already added two agents to her organization and continues to expand her reach.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as a Dallas Real Producers Top 500 agent for 2026, earned Icon Agent status with eXp Realty, and was selected as a founding member of the brokerage’s Sports and Entertainment division. She is also affiliated with eXp Luxury.

“I’m driven by becoming better, building stronger systems, and continuing to elevate how I operate.”

“Don’t wait for perfect timing. It doesn’t exist,” she says. “Build your own pipeline. Learn how to generate and convert your own leads. Consistency is what separates the agents who succeed from the ones who don’t.”

That philosophy has guided every step of her journey.

“Consistency compounds,” she adds. “You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You just need to keep showing up and executing.”

Still, her definition of success goes beyond just herself.

As she looks ahead, her goals are ambitious but grounded.

She is aiming for $50 million in volume while continuing to expand her business and leadership role. More importantly, she remains committed to the standard she has set for herself.

“Success is building something that operates at a high level,” she explains.

“It’s about trust, leadership,

“I want to be remembered for the level I operated at,” she says. “For protecting my clients, guiding them

18 • July 2026

with clarity, and building something meaningful for my family.”

Against all odds, Parthvi Shah chose to begin a real estate career at a time most people wouldn’t try. And in doing so, she proved that growth does not require perfect conditions. It requires vision, discipline, and the willingness to keep showing up, no matter what.

IT’S ABOUT TRUST, LEADERSHIP, & CREATING SOMETHING THAT CONTINUES TO GROW BEYOND JUST ME.”

Dallas Real Producers • 19

PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

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

20 • July 2026

JOHNSON I UNITED

n the demanding world of moving and storage, where the stakes are high and the demands even higher, one man has spent over three decades perfecting the art of moving. Kirk DeHaven, vice president of business development at Johnson United, is a name synonymous with top-tier service, meticulous planning, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.

STORAGE & MOVING

MOVING ABOVE & BEYOND

Kirk’s journey in the moving industry began during his college years, a time when most students were more focused on textbooks and term papers. “I started in college working on trucks and enjoyed the people in the business,” he recalls. This early exposure sparked a passion that would eventually shape his career. After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin, Kirk transitioned from working on trucks to taking a position in the office, and soon after, he ventured into sales. It was here that he found his true calling.

At Johnson United, Kirk is at the helm of a full-service relocation company that offers a comprehensive range of services. From local moves to interstate and worldwide relocations, Johnson United prides itself on its ability to handle any type of goods. “We can pack, move, and store anything,” Kirk explains, underscoring the company’s versatility and commitment to meeting the unique needs of every client.

But what truly sets Johnson United apart in a competitive industry is its dedication to quality service. “We go above and beyond to provide topquality service to all our clients,” Kirk says with conviction. This commitment is not just a company motto but a principle that drives every aspect of their operations. Whether it’s a simple move across the street or a complex international relocation, Johnson United’s focus remains the same: ensuring a stressfree, seamless experience for their clients.

Kirk’s experience of over 30 years in the industry allows him to craft custom move plans tailored to fit any budget. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the industry make him an invaluable resource for clients looking for a mover they can trust. “Our standards for our movers are the highest in the industry,” he notes, emphasizing the rigorous selection process that ensures only the best represent Johnson United. This commitment to excellence has earned the company a reputation for reliability and superior service, setting them apart from their competitors.

In an industry where trust is paramount, Johnson United has built lasting relationships with clients by putting their needs first. “The customer always comes first, and we want to keep our clients for Dallas Real Producers • 21

the company’s reach and reputation, all while staying true to the principles that have guided him throughout his career. For Kirk, success isn’t just about reaching professional milestones; it’s about finding happiness in the journey and achieving personal goals along the way. “Being happy while reaching your goals in life,” he says, is his definition of success.

Kirk’s favorite quote, “Hard work beats talent,” encapsulates his approach to both life and business.

It’s a reminder that dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic are key to overcoming challenges and achieving greatness. This mindset has undoubtedly contributed to Kirk’s success and will continue to drive Johnson United forward in the years to come.

As a parting thought, Kirk encourages REALTORS® and top producers to consider Johnson United as a trusted partner for their clients’ moving needs. “We will treat your clients and their possessions with the utmost care and respect,” he assures. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, Johnson United stands out as a mover of choice for those who value quality and reliability.

life,” Kirk affirms, highlighting a core value that has been instrumental in the company’s success. It’s this dedication to customer satisfaction that makes Johnson United a top choice for anyone seeking a quality mover, whether they’re moving across town or across the globe.

Kirk’s leadership at Johnson United is supported by a strong team that shares his vision for excellence.

Angie, the relocation coordinator, ensures that everything is scheduled and runs on time, while Mitch, the general manager, keeps operations smooth and efficient. Luell leads the crews, instilling in them the importance of making the customer their number one priority. “Our team is the backbone of our success,” Kirk says proudly. It’s clear that Johnson United’s success is a team effort, with each member playing a crucial role in delivering outstanding service.

Balancing a demanding career with family life is no small feat, but Kirk has found a way to manage both effectively. “Work smarter, not harder, so you can have time at the end of the day to enjoy family,” he advises. When he’s not working, Kirk enjoys spending time with his wife, Darcie, and their three children— Rylee, Doak, and Nash. Family dinners and traveling together are cherished activities that help Kirk maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Looking ahead, Kirk is focused on continuing to grow the Johnson United name in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. He’s motivated by the opportunity to expand 22 • July 2026

When it comes to relocation, every detail matters, and Kirk DeHaven and his team at Johnson United are raising the bar, one move at a time.

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COVER AGENT

Cole

Swearingen 26 • July 2026

he explains. “I wanted more independence and the opportunity to build something of my own.”

The Power of Showing Up WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

T

here’s a quiet confidence in the way Cole Swearingen approaches his work. It’s not loud or flashy, and it’s certainly not built on shortcuts. Instead, it’s rooted in something far more enduring: consistency, discipline, and a genuine belief that relationships are the foundation of everything.

“I’ve always believed that effort and consistency matter more than anything in this industry,” Cole says. “I take a lot of pride in showing up every day and putting in the work, regardless of how things are going.”

That mindset didn’t happen overnight. Born and raised in Dallas and growing up in Plano, Cole was shaped early on by a close-knit family and a strong sense of responsibility. He carried those values with him to Texas Tech University, where he earned a degree in marketing and sales before stepping into the professional world.

At 25, he made the decision to take a risk and step into real estate, a move that required both courage and conviction. Like many new agents, he wrestled with the uncertainty that comes with a commission-based career.

“Walking away from a steady paycheck into something with no guaranteed income isn’t an easy decision,” Cole admits.

What helped bridge that gap was early exposure to the industry through a relationship with a high-end residential builder in Dallas. That experience offered more than just insight; it gave him a starting point.

“It provided me with an initial pipeline of business, which served as a strong foundation when I was first getting started,” he says. “That early exposure and support gave me the confidence to take the risk.”

Still, the beginning was far from easy. Cole remembers the mix of excitement and uncertainty that defined his early days, along with the lessons that came from figuring things out on his own.

“There was definitely a level of fear,” he says. “But I also knew it was exactly what I wanted to be doing.”

Over the past 8 years, Cole has built an impressive career, closing more than $233 million in total volume, including $41 million in sales last year alone. He has earned recognition as a D Best Realtor, was part of a RealTrends-ranked top team in Dallas, and was named a Dallas Real Producers Top 250 Agent for 2026.

But rankings and awards aren’t what drive him.

“Awards are nice acknowledgements,” he says, “but they’re not the reason I do this.

For me, it’s always been more about the relationships I build and the clients I help.”

That relationship-first approach is what sets Cole apart. In an industry that can often feel transactional, he focuses on building trust and creating an experience that feels natural and authentic.

“I don’t believe in pushing myself on someone just to try and get their business,” he explains. “I want to work with people who like and trust me, and vice versa. It should feel organic.”

It’s a philosophy that extends into every part of his process.

From the first conversation to the closing table, Cole prioritizes communication, organization, and reliability.

His first deal became a defining moment.

“My clients trust me to guide them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives,” he says. “I don’t take that lightly.”

His first role as a sales director in the hospitality industry gave him a solid foundation in client relations and negotiation. But something was missing.

“It wasn’t just about the transaction,” he recalls. “It was the realization that I had created that opportunity from nothing and successfully guided it to the finish line.”

That level of care is backed by a strong work ethic, one that continues to evolve as he grows in his career.

One of his biggest challenges has been adjusting to the lack of structure that comes with real estate.

“I quickly realized that the corporate environment wasn’t the right long-term fit for me,”

That moment confirmed what he had hoped all along–he was in the right place.

“I’m naturally a very Type A person, so not having a set routine or steady paycheck was Dallas Real Producers • 27

perspective. Instead of getting caught up in the ups and downs, he focuses on what he can control.

“My effort, my relationships, my follow-up, and the level of service I provide,” he says. “If I stay consistent in those areas, the results will follow.”

Outside of real estate, Cole maintains that same sense of consistency in his personal life.

Whether he’s walking the Katy Trail, working out, traveling, or enjoying live music, he values staying active and present.

I had to learn how to create my own structure and stay

disciplined without

external pressure.” difficult at first,” he shares. “I had to learn how to create my own structure and stay disciplined without external pressure.”

Over time, that challenge became one of his greatest strengths.

28 • July 2026

“It’s pushed me to become more adaptable and more selfmotivated,” he says.

Today, Cole defines success differently than he did when he first started.

“Early on, I focused more on production and proving myself,” he says. “Now it’s about building a life and career that I actually enjoy.”

That shift has allowed him to approach his business with a greater sense of balance and

But at the core of everything he does is a desire to build something meaningful.

“I want to be remembered as someone who was honest, reliable, and truly cared about the people I worked with,” he says.

It’s a simple goal, but one that reflects the way he approaches both business and life: with intention, integrity, and a commitment to doing the work.

Because for Cole Swearingen, success isn’t about chasing moments. It’s about showing up for them, every single day.

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Dallas Real Producers • 29

REAL EDUCATION

T

he world’s largest mergers of REALTOR® organizations are happening right now. One of the best examples is right here in DFW—and the lessons apply to every DFW brokerage, team, and real estate company looking to grow.

Serving major associations and MLSs through Rialto Academy gives me a front-row seat to real estate leadership at scale.

Today, Rialto is helping roughly 300,000 REALTORS® navigate growth, mergers, acquisitions, and new communities across North America. Watching these organizations succeed has revealed a clear pattern—one that works for large organizations and can work for your brokerage too.

Few ideas are bigger than a successful merger. Here in DFW, we’ve watched respected REALTOR® communities come together to create stronger organizations serving tens of thousands of members.

MetroTex. Greater Fort Worth. Across North America, similar stories continue unfolding as organizations expand their reach and increase their value to members.

Rialto has the privilege of serving many of these organizations as they grow education campuses, launch on-demand learning, develop instructors, strengthen leadership, and create new opportunities for REALTORS®.

What 300,000 REALTORS® Just Taught Me About

GROWTH

BY LES MCGEHEE, RIALTO ACADEMY

30 • July 2026

Quick question: If you doubled the size of your brokerage all at once, what system would you use to bring those communities together briskly and come out of it with positive energy and smooth sailing?

That’s the question these organizations have been answering.

The most successful growth strategies use education to create momentum.

This lesson is surprisingly relevant for every broker and team leader reading this, because while most brokerages are not merging tens of thousands of REALTORS®, they are capable of doubling briskly, even repeatedly, through recruiting, onboarding teams, acquiring companies, acquiring teams, and growing with momentum.

Different scale. Remarkably similar leadership challenge.

Mergers of teams and brokerages create a sea of uncertainty.

Education provides the framework for navigation, turning direction into momentum and helping Realtors become one community.

Brokers identify a future worth pursuing and chart the course. That provides direction. Education is the wind in the sails so that you can have momentum.

Momentum breeds confidence.

Confident Realtors realize they’re an effective professional community.

Through well-designed educational experiences, REALTORS® repeatedly engage with the future you’ve identified. They’ll help sail the ship there with you.

MetroTex An interesting portion of MetroTex’s successful merger has been the role of the instructor community. Many people think of instructors only as teachers.

They are often MUCH more than that.

Instructors are often mentors, committee chairs, advocates, legacy brokers, and board volunteers. They interact with membership frequently and often passionately, helping shape how people experience the organization.

Instructors are multipliers. They carry ideas, relationships, and messaging, and can display confidence. When Realtors see trusted instructors that are confident, they become more confident themselves.

A very successful strategy MetroTex deployed was to briskly grow educational excellence, instructor development, and expanded educational opportunities. Many of us

already knew the education leaders involved—they were among the best in the nation. Jess Barker, formerly an education leader at Collin County Area REALTORS® and now Professional Education Director at MetroTex, has had a front-row seat to this merger from both sides of the process. We asked Jess what she learned about bringing strong, proud communities together through education—and which educational strategies are creating the most momentum during the transition.

“The importance of building strong relationships with our faculty members has never been more critical. Our instructors are deeply connected to the industry, and maintaining those relationships helps us stay informed about emerging trends and delivers timely, relevant education to our members. One strategy that continues to gain traction is our commitment to OnDemand education.

By making more faculty-led content available online, we’re able to extend the reach of our instructors’ expertise and provide members with highquality learning opportunities whenever and wherever they need them. Combining the strength of our faculty with flexible learning options has helped create greater access to education and a more connected member community.”

Education leaders like Jess remind us that education is not just scheduling classes. It is about helping members move forward together as a community.

What This Can Mean for a Brokerage The larger a brokerage becomes, the more important direction becomes.

Growth creates temporary complexity.

If you want large, fast growth, you’ll need a scalable system for integrating people. Agents, teams, and companies are acquired. Everyone gets onboarded, provided vision and direction. You need communing, communication, community.

The principle remains the same. A well-built education system provides a home for these things to happen: 1. Direction creates the opportunity for momentum.

2. Momentum creates confidence.

3. Confident Realtors recognize they are in a professional community that looks forward.

That lesson scales beautifully whether you are merging 30 or 300,000 REALTORS®.

Great brokerages don’t succeed at abrupt, large-scale growth by chance.

They grow with direction, momentum, confidence, and community. And those things live in your education opportunities.

That is the biggest lesson 300,000 REALTORS® just taught me about growth.

CONTACT

US!

If you’d like 3 secrets for supercharging your brokerage’s opportunities with education with little or no expense, contact me: Les@RialtoAcademy.com.

My gift to Real Producers.”

Les McGehee is Chief Education Strategist at Rialto Academy and works with associations, MLSs, brokerages, instructors, and industry leaders across North America to create educational experiences that help people and organizations grow.

Dallas Real Producers • 31

CLAUDIA

AGENT SPOTLIGHT

Rodriguez

BEYOND THE FIELDS TO ROOTS OF RESILIENCE

32 • July 2026

T

here are some people whose stories remind us that success is not always born from comfort. Sometimes it grows quietly through sacrifice, resilience, and a determination to create something better for the next generation. For Dallas area real estate agent Claudia Rodriguez, serving clients across Dallas and Ellis County, every chapter of her life has shaped the way she serves families today.

Claudia’s story began FAR from luxury. Born in Orlando, Florida, she spent much of her childhood moving from place to place as her parents worked as migrant laborers. Her father, originally from

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

Mexico, and her mother worked tirelessly to provide for their family, often under difficult circumstances.

worked at First USA, often commuting by bus and DART train from Oak Cliff because they did not yet own a car.

Some of Claudia’s earliest memories are not of playgrounds or vacations, but of long days working alongside her family in the fields.

“We were young, broke, ambitious, and willing to work hard for a better life,” Claudia says. Later, both transitioned to the Credit Union of Texas, where Claudia became a member service lending officer while her husband climbed the ranks to collections supervisor. They worked exhausting hours trying to create stability for their growing family, but deep down, Claudia felt torn between career ambitions and motherhood.

“Some of my earliest memories are of me and my sister working in the fields alongside my family, picking oranges and strawberries from dusk to dawn,” she recalls. “Life was not easy, and money was tight, but those experiences taught me the true meaning of sacrifice, hard work, and resilience at a very young age.”

Eventually, her family settled in Irving, Texas, searching for affordability and stability.

Though finances were limited, Claudia never viewed her upbringing through the lens of scarcity. “We were rich in love, rich in family, and rich in faith,” she says.

Those values became the foundation for everything she would later build.

Growing up, Claudia believed college was out of reach.

She excelled academically as a straight-A student, but life circumstances led her directly into the workforce after high school. Her first job was at Burger Station, where she walked to and from work every day, determined to create opportunities for herself.

At just 19 years old, she married her husband, who was 20 at the time. Together, they began building a life from the ground up. The couple

Then came a moment she says changed her life forever.

While helping process an auto loan application for a mortgage loan officer, Claudia overheard the woman reading a bedtime story to her baby in the background.

“I remember thinking to myself… ‘I want that more than anything,’” Claudia says. “I wanted to be successful and provide for my family, but I also wanted time with our first born son.” That same day, she picked up her son from the sitter only to learn he had taken his very first steps while she was at work.

“Everyone was celebrating… but inside, my heart broke because I wasn’t there to witness it.” In that moment, Claudia made a life-altering decision. She left the security of her job and stepped into the mortgage industry. It was a leap of faith that would ultimately open the door to a 27-year career in real estate and lending.

Dallas Real Producers • 33

trusted advocate for countless families throughout the Dallas area, especially those who come from backgrounds similar to her own.

“I get to walk alongside families just like my own family who came to the US with nothing,” she says.

“Guiding them, helping them, their dreams come true, too.”

Throughout her career as a licensed agent, Claudia has a total closed volume of over $165,602,107 million in real estate sales. Claudia has earned recognition including Ellis County Top Producer, Top 500, and Top 1000 honors over multiple years.

Yet accolades are not what motivate her.

Over the next 13 years, Claudia worked as a loan officer, processor, branch manager, and eventually opened her own branches under Supreme Lending and Southwest Funding. Along the way, she discovered something even deeper than a love for mortgages. She discovered her calling to a new career.

For Claudia, real estate has been more than a job; it’s personal.

“I absolutely loved helping families achieve homeownership,” she says. “But I also realized how much I loved working alongside REALTORS®.”

“I still remember I would dream about what our first home would look like,” she says. Today, those memories fuel every client interaction.

That passion eventually led her to earn her real estate license in 2012, combining her mortgage expertise with a servant-hearted approach to helping families navigate one of life’s biggest milestones.

34 • July 2026

As a little girl, she remembers believing that homeownership was only for wealthy people.

Her father promised the family that one day they would finally stop moving from place to place and have a home of their own.

“Real estate is so much more to me than a transaction,” Claudia explains. “It’s about helping families believe that they, too, also deserve the American dream of becoming a homeowner.” That perspective has made her a

“For me, success has never been about the number in a bank account,” she says. “True success is found in the smiles across the closing table, the excitement and emotion filling the room, and the moment I place keys into someone’s hands knowing I just helped open the door to a brand new chapter in their life.”

Her business continues to thrive 100% all by referrals, something she treasures deeply because it reflects trust and relationships rather than transactions.

“To me, that means more than any award ever could because it reminds me that people never forget how you made them feel during one of the biggest moments of their lives.”

Even through profound loss, Claudia continues moving forward with purpose.

Losing her father to COVID remains one of the most

I GET TO WALK ALONGSIDE

FAMILIES JUST LIKE MY OWN

FAMILY WHO CAME TO THE US WITH NOTHING.”

difficult experiences of her life, but his belief in her continues to guide her daily.

“No matter how hard life got, my dad always made sure I knew how proud he was of me,” she says.

Outside of real estate, Claudia cherishes family above all else. She loves traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and embracing her role as “Tootsie” to her growing family, including two more grandbaby boys arriving this year.

When asked what she hopes people remember most about her, her answer has little to do with real estate production. “I want to be remembered as someone who gave people hope,” she says. “I want people to feel seen, valued, encouraged, and understood.”

And perhaps that is exactly what makes Claudia Rodriguez extraordinary.

Her story is not simply about selling homes. It is about reminding people that no matter where they begin, a different future is possible.

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Dallas Real Producers • 37

EVENT RECAP

DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS 2026

Summer Social PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

Our Dallas Summer Social took over the eclectic Electric Shuffle in Deep Ellum, and the vibes, conversations, and connections did not disappoint.

A huge thank you to all of our Preferred Partners, and a special shoutout to Proco Roofing & American Home Shield for serving as the Host Sponsors of this event.

Of course, thank you to Jin Kim for always capturing the moments and to StudioUSA for bringing the energy to life in this recap video.

38 • July 2026

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.

Congratulations again to all of our 2026 Real Producers Top Agents!

We’ll see you at the next event.

SCAN HERE

RECAP VIDEO

Dallas Real Producers • 39

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Q: Who receives Real Producers Magazine?

A: The Top 1000 agents in each community will receive the digital magazine for the year. The Top 500 agents will also receive the magazine physically to their mailbox. Our RP Vetted Businesses also receive the magazine physically and digitally.

Q: Can I be featured?

Real Producers

FAQ

Real Producers Magazine is a national franchise that started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 130 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. DFW has four Real Producers Communities: North Dallas, Dallas, North Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Real Producers.

Q: What is the goal of Real Producers?

A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate. We take the highest producing real estate agents, and RP-vetted businesses in every market, and build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, upcoming events, and educate – really anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.

At Real Producers, we believe we are one person, one conversation, or one idea away from everything in our business and life changing. With this powerhouse community, it happens all the time.

Q: How do you become a Real Producers Top Agent?

A: In all of DFW, there are roughly 60,000 licensed agents, meaning there are ~15,000 agents in each of our four communities. We rank all those agents based off their yearly MLS sales volume. In years past, we congratulated the Top 500 Agents, and we still are, but in 2026, we are adding a other groups to our community… all in the RP Top 1000! These agents are in the top 6%.

42 • July 2026

A: If you are in the Top 1000, you have the opportunity to be featured! We love nominations and take them seriously. If you’d like to be considered for a feature, or if you would like to nominate someone, you can email team@dfwrealproducers.com.

Q: What does it cost to be featured as an RP Top Agent?

A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. How, you ask? Because of the businesses that your peers have recommended, who partner with Real Producers, and invest in this community to support you. These companies have all been recommended by top agents and have been vetted by us to ensure they are of the highest quality. So instead of you paying $5k - $10k for this feature…they cover all those costs for you! Pretty incredible, right?

Q: Does Real Producers host events?

A: Yes, we host many different events throughout the year! Some large 400-800 people, some 75-250 people, and other more intimate events that are 30-50 people. We do Social Events, Magazine Celebration Events, an Awards Gala, and Masterclass Events. You can see quick recaps of some of our events under the “Events” tab on our website.

For our events, we invite the top 1000 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. The Top 1000 agents are allowed to invite agents on their team, as well. These events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connection made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!

Q: Who are the RP Vetted Businesses?

A: They are some of the best businesses in DFW in their category! You can find them listed in our index and their ad in the magazine. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Each business has come recommended by your peers, the top producing real estate agents in the market. Our team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: Can I nominate an agent or recommend a business?

A: Absolutely! Email your nominations and recommendations to team@dfwrealproducers.com.

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