Dallas Real Producers - June 2026 by DFW Real Producers

Matt Wood

WHERE THE WATER FEELS LIKE HOME

ANA ANASTASIA MARTIN

Faith Bigger than Fear

KEYATTA JOHNSON

Finding the Way Back

AUDRA MCINTYRE INTERIORS

Design That Lives, Sells, and Performs

PHOTO BY KORENA BOLDING STUDIO

Audra McIntyre

Keyatta Johnson

Preferred Partners

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HOME INSPECTION

HomeTeam Inspection Service (972) 400-7034 HomeTeam-DFW.com

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Viking Inspections (469) 209-8130 vikinginspections.com

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One Group - Highlands Residential Mortgage

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Johnson Storage & Moving (800) 289-6683 johnsonstorage.com

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STAINLESS REFINISHING

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TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title - Park Cities (214) 373-7653 alamotitleoftexas.com

Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com

Republic Title Ken Callahan (214) 793-5979 RepublicTitle.com

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WOOD/WINDOW/ROT/REPAIR

Preservan Dallas (469) 722-4200 preservan.com/locations/dallas

Meet The Team

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.

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Reece Gentry Partner Liaison

Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison

Katherine Fondren Editor

Jin Kim Photographer

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Sarah Constentino Ad Strategist

EVERYONE YOU ADMIRE IS STILL FIGURING IT OUT

One of the most surprising things about being around top producers year after year is realizing how many of them still feel like they’re figuring things out.

Seriously.

You sit down with someone doing $15 million, $30 million, or a team leader doing $100 million a year in production and think, “Okay, this person has to have it all dialed in by now.” But the truth is,

a lot of them are still asking themselves the same questions everyone else is.

Can I sustain this? Am I building this the right way? Am I falling behind? Should I be using more AI? Hiring differently? Structuring my team better? Working less? Working more?

Some are coming off the best year of their career and quietly wondering if they can replicate it. Others have been

doing this at a high level for 15 years and still battle insecurity, comparison, pressure, or imposter syndrome from time to time.

The longer I’m around high performers, the more I realize confidence and certainty are not the same thing. And honestly, I think that’s important to remember in an industry like real estate where there can be a lot of pressure to always look like you have it all together.

But the truth is, we all succeed in some areas and struggle in others. None of us have every part of life perfectly dialed in. And that’s okay. In fact, I think growth happens a lot faster when we stop pretending otherwise. When we can be honest, humble, authentic, ask questions, learn from each other, and admit we’re still growing too.

One of my favorite things about Real Producers is seeing what happens when people let their guard down a little. Some of the best conversations at our events have nothing to do with production numbers. They’re about family, burnout, leadership, lessons learned, mistakes made, and the realities behind building a business and a life.

That’s where real connection happens.

So yes, be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You should be. What many of you have built is incredibly impressive.

Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers

BADGES YOUR DALLAS Real Producers

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$12,392,953,495 14,112 SALES VOLUME TOTAL TRANSACTIONS AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT

AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT $24,835,578 28.28

For Ana Anastasia Martin, real estate wasn’t simply a professional pivot; it was the culmination of a life shaped by discipline, loss, faith, and meaningful relationships that ultimately led her to Dallas and a new chapter she never saw coming.

Born in Moscow, Russia, Ana’s early years were defined by determination and focus. As a Junior Olympic figure skater and classical music student at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, she learned early that excellence required sacrifice and perseverance.

“My path to real estate in Dallas was shaped long before I formally entered the industry,” Ana reflects. “Born in Moscow, Russia, I developed a deep sense of discipline and perseverance early on through my years as a Junior Olympic figure skater and later through my classical music studies.”

That discipline would soon be tested in ways she never anticipated.

In 1990, Ana immigrated to the United States without speaking English. It was a leap of faith that would shape the foundation of her life.

“I immigrated to the United States without speaking any English, determined to master the language with as little accent as possible,” she says. “I also carried with me an unwavering belief that I would succeed in anything I set my mind to.”

Those early years taught her resilience, adaptability, and a quiet confidence, qualities that would later define her career and personal journey.

Ana pursued a degree in finance and business administration and launched her career with Credit Suisse First Boston, where she sharpened her skills in market analysis, strategic thinking, and negotiation. But her journey continued to evolve.

After raising her two children, she stepped into a new role in the plastic surgery industry, eventually managing a top Beverly Hills practice. There, she refined a service-first mindset that would later become a cornerstone of her real estate business.

“It was there that I perfected my commitment to exceptional client service, discretion, and the ability to anticipate and meet people’s needs at the highest level,” she explains.

Yet the most defining chapter of Ana’s story wasn’t professional; it was deeply personal.

In 2016, she met someone who would change her life forever.

“In 2016, my life took a deeply meaningful turn when I met my soul sister, Dusty, in Los Angeles,” Ana shares. “She quickly became a steady and grounding presence in my life, though I didn’t yet realize the profound role she would come to play.”

Following the heartbreaking loss of her husband of 18 years, Dusty became her anchor.

“Following the loss of my husband, Dusty stood beside me through every stage of grief,” Ana says. “In my lowest moments, she reminded me of my strength and gently encouraged me

to believe in the possibility of rebuilding.”

That friendship would ultimately lead her to Dallas and to real estate.

“By 2021, inspired to begin again and surrounded by the love and support of Dusty and her incredible family, I made the life-changing decision to move to Dallas,” she explains. “It felt like a place where new beginnings were not only possible, but inevitable.”

Soon after arriving, Ana was introduced to prominent developers and immersed herself in the world of new construction and luxury real estate. With each relationship she built, she discovered how her life experiences uniquely prepared her for this work.

“As I built relationships with builders and clients, many navigating significant life changes of their own, I recognized how deeply my personal journey had prepared me for this work,” she says. “It allows me to serve with empathy, precision, and confidence, offering far more than just a transaction.”

One of her earliest milestones in Dallas remains unforgettable.

“One of the most defining moments early in my career was closing my first transaction in Dallas,” she recalls. “It represented far more than a successful deal; it was validation that I had made the right decision to start over in a new city and pursue a new path.”

Since then, Ana has continued to rise. In just three years, she has ranked among the top 750 real estate agents in Dallas out of more than 15,000 agents and closed over $10 million in sales volume.

“For me, this milestone represents more than numbers,” she says. “It reflects the trust my clients place in me, the consistency of my work ethic, and the resilience it took to build a business from the ground up in a new city.”

Still, for Ana, success has evolved beyond achievements.

“Success, to me, is about impact both in my professional life and within the community I am proud to be part of,” she explains. “Today, success is no longer just about what I accomplish, it’s about how I contribute, who I impact, and the legacy I am building along the way.”

Her passion for community has also opened unexpected doors. Recently, Ana was invited to serve as a host on an Emmy-nominated lifestyle show on ADVT, providing another platform to connect with and highlight the community she serves.

“Giving back to the community is something I’m deeply passionate about,” she says. “I’m excited to expand my platform to connect, inspire, and highlight others.”

Ana’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building trust in a new city required patience and faith.

“When I arrived in Dallas, I was starting from scratch, without an established client base,” she shares. “What carried me through was my faith. Through prayer and a deep trust in God’s timing, I found the strength to keep going.”

That faith, combined with mentorship and the trust of industry leaders like Leo Amaya, VP of Sales at Crescent Estates Custom Homes; Mehrdad Moayedi, founder of Centurion American; and Kirk Wilson, founder of T Wilson, who played a

It’s about how I contribute, who

I impact, and the legacy I am building along the way.”

pivotal role in jumpstarting Ana’s real estate career, helped lay the foundation for her success. “I often reflect on Leo’s advice: The more you learn, the stronger you become as a REALTOR®,” Ana says. “That experience taught me that mentorship begins with authenticity and a genuine desire to learn.”

Outside of real estate, Ana greatest motivation comes from her two children, Julian and Isabella. “As adults, their love, encouragement, and constant belief in me have been one of the major driving forces behind everything I’ve

accomplished,” says Ana proudly.

“During one of the most challenging chapters of our lives, they stood by me with remarkable strength and compassion, helping care for their father during the six years he was bedridden. Their resilience and unwavering support remind me daily why I continue to push forward, grow, and build a meaningful life. Not just for them, but because of them.”

Ana also finds joy in cooking, entertaining, and staying active. A former athlete, she enjoys Pilates, barre, and pickleball, and even appeared in Tae Bo workout videos with Billy Blanks.

But above all, her story remains rooted in relationships, resilience, and purpose.

“My personal journey… brought incredible, lifelong connections into my life, most importantly my soul sister,” she reflects.

“It’s a bond that not many are fortunate to experience.”

Today, Ana Anastasia Martin continues to rise — not just as an agent, but as someone committed to making a meaningful difference.

Her advice for those just starting out?

“Never give up and have your faith bigger than your fear.”

And for Ana, that philosophy isn’t just advice; it’s the story she lives every day.

On any given day in North Texas, a real estate transaction hinges on trust. Not just between buyer and seller, but between the professionals guiding them through one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. For Kris Svendsen, owner of Viking Inspections, that responsibility is personal. After 13 years in the inspection industry, he has built a business rooted in one defining belief: “We don’t just inspect; we illuminate the full picture so our clients can move forward with peace of mind.”

Kris’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t follow a straight line—but every step prepared him for where he is today. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and proudly half Norwegian, the “Viking” name is more than branding—it’s heritage. Texas, however, has long been home. “I’ve been in

Texas since 1981, so after more than four decades here, I very much consider myself a Texan,” he says.

Early on, Kris realized college wasn’t the right fit. Instead, he found his stride in information technology, where he spent the majority of his professional career.

Alongside IT, he nurtured a love for woodworking— working with his hands, solving problems, and understanding how things are built. That curiosity eventually turned into a small remodeling business, where homes became more than structures; they became systems. “That hands-on experience with homes naturally led me to start Viking Inspections in 2012,” he explains.

From the beginning, Viking Inspections was designed to remove stress from the transaction—not add to it. Serving residential and commercial clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. Structural and foundation evaluations, mold and air quality testing,

thermal imaging, sewer line camera inspections, solar panel assessments, termite inspections, pool and spa evaluations—everything designed to answer questions before they become problems.

“What truly sets Viking Inspections apart is our unwavering commitment to removing uncertainty from the real estate transaction,” Kris says. That philosophy is summed up in the company’s guiding principle: Clarity Over Uncertainty. It’s more than a tagline—it’s how the business operates. Reports are clear, visual, and actionable. Communication is straightforward. Education is constant.

That approach has made Viking Inspections a trusted partner for top-producing agents across DFW. Kris is clear about why. “Topproducing agents choose us as their secret weapon because we’re not just inspectors—we’re the seamless extension of their elite sales process,” he says. By delivering client-ready reports that help agents anticipate objections and guide conversations, Viking Inspections doesn’t slow deals down—it helps move them forward with confidence.

That ability to integrate seamlessly into an agent’s workflow didn’t happen by accident. Kris credits mindset and perseverance as the foundation of his success. “Success comes from doing what others won’t—pushing through obstacles and persevering when reality hits hard,” he says. Like many entrepreneurs, he learned early that building something

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN • PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY

meaningful requires stamina. Mentors played a critical role, reinforcing the importance of resilience and execution. One quote continues to guide him: “Those who implement, win.”

Momentum is what fuels him. “I’m most passionate about the chase—the constant drive to improve and grow,” Kris shares. Whether it’s launching a new service, refining a process, or expanding systems, forward motion is the goal. That mindset extends beyond Viking Inspections.

Today, Kris owns three businesses—Viking Inspections, Viking Tool Supply, and Bugzilla Pest Control—with a clear vision for each. “My big goal is to bring each of them to the level I’ve always envisioned: stronger systems, broader impact, happier teams, and even greater value for our clients.”

Outside of work, Kris’s curiosity doesn’t slow down—it just shifts focus. Every day includes a game of chess, a mental exercise he enjoys for its strategy and patience. He also spends

“Whenever possible, I spend time in our outdoor kitchen by the pool. IT’S MY HAPPY PLACE.”

time repairing electronics, drawn to the satisfaction of diagnosing and fixing problems. Science and space content fill his downtime as

well, feeding his fascination with how the world—and universe—works.

But his true escape is found closer to home, in his outdoor kitchen.

“Cooking—it’s my true passion and escape,” he says. Smoking briskets, pork, and ribs, reverse-engineering restaurant dishes, and experimenting with flavors is where Kris unwinds.

“Whenever possible, I spend time in our outdoor kitchen by the pool. It’s my happy place and the perfect way to recharge.” That same patience, attention to detail, and love of process show up in his work—whether he’s perfecting a brisket or finetuning an inspection report.

Looking ahead, Kris’s mantra comes from Tony Horton: Keep pushing play. It’s a reminder that progress is built through consistent action.

“There’s so much I want to

accomplish, and the only way forward is to consistently chase the ‘next,’” he says. Challenge, for him, isn’t a deterrent—it’s an invitation.

When asked what he appreciates most about the Real Producers platform, Kris points to its ability to tell the full story. “It reveals the human side of people in our industry—the stories, passions, and personal journeys that you rarely see,” he says. It’s a sentiment that mirrors how he runs his business: focused on people, grounded in trust, and committed to clarity.

In an industry where uncertainty can derail even the strongest deal, Kris Svendsen has built Viking Inspections as a steady presence—one that supports agents, educates clients, and proves that when clarity leads the way, confidence always follows.

Megan Tierney

Keith Williams

/ Attorney

Phoebe Toombs

Christine McLean

Kelsey Berry

Kelly Berry

Tracey McCann

Jason Ramsey

Tamera Gaede

Trey Mccann

MATT WOOD

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN

PHOTOS BY KORENA BOLDING STUDIO

WHERE THE WATER FEELS LIKE HOME

“It is life, I think, to watch the water. A man can learn so many things.”

–NICHOLAS SPARKS

Some of Matt Wood’s earliest memories begin at the edge of the water.

Long before he ever considered a career in real estate, before contracts and negotiations and starting a brokerage, there was a small cabin at Lake Park in Tyler. His grandparents bought it when he was just a month old, and over the years, it became more than a place; it became a foundation that would influence and his life and career.

“Some of my greatest memories were made with them there,” Matt shares. “Summers at Lake Park shaped so much of who I am today.”

Those early experiences didn’t just create nostalgia. They quietly formed a vision.

Years later, that same vision would guide Matt toward a unique niche in real estate, one centered on lake homes, second properties, and the relationships built around them.

A Dallas native who also spent time in Waco and Athens, Matt grew up with a love for baseball and big dreams. “My favorite sport has always been baseball, and I dreamed of being a professional catcher

one day,” he recalls. While that path didn’t materialize, the discipline, patience, and teamwork that define the sport would later influence how he approached his career.

Matt attended both Baylor University and Louisiana Tech University, eventually stepping into a decade-long career before real estate that took him through the nonprofit sector, parish ministry, and the steel building industry. Each chapter added a layer to his perspective, especially the importance of serving others and building meaningful connections.

Then, in 2013, he made the decision to begin a real career in real estate, and everything changed.

“The experience that was most formative for me was spending time at my family lake house in Tyler,” Matt explains. “Though I didn’t know it at the time, that place and the memories I made there would shape my specialization in the lake house and second property market.”

Another key influence came through a trusted relationship. Duke Jimerson, a longtime family friend and then General Manager at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, helped Matt navigate the launch of his career in Dallas real estate. “Duke played a key role in helping me get started,” Matt says, noting the value of mentorship early on.

But perhaps the most defining moment came in the form of simple advice.

“Without a doubt, it was a comment from Erin Mathews

I NEVER FORGOT THE GUIDANCE & AFFIRMATION.

about giving focus to the lake house market,” Matt remembers. “While I didn’t take the advice right away, I never forgot the guidance and affirmation.”

That suggestion stayed with him, and eventually became the cornerstone of his career. Today, Matt has spent 13 years building a reputation as a trusted lake house specialist, particularly in the Lake Athens and Cedar Creek Lake markets. His deep understanding of these properties extends beyond square footage and pricing. He understands the lifestyle, the rhythms, and the emotional significance that lake homes represent.

“I know the Dallas market very well,” he explains, “but I excel in the nuances of lake house properties and all that goes into that lifestyle.”

That lifestyle—family weekends, early mornings on the water, and quiet evenings watching the sunset—mirrors the experiences that first shaped him.

For Matt, real estate has never been just about transactions. It’s about helping others create meaningful memories of their own.

“Success for me is helping people find the kind of place that had such a profound impact on my own life,” he says. “A place on the water, or in the mountains of Colorado, where they long to spend time with those who mean the most to them.”

Relationships are at the heart of everything he does.

“Our business is one built on relationships,” Matt explains. “It’s the opportunity to meet new people, build new relationships, and cultivate existing ones.”

Even during challenging moments, one of the biggest leaps in his career came when he launched TX Lake & Land RE Group, a start-up brokerage based at Cedar Creek Lake.

“Starting a new brokerage one month before the COVID pandemic was scary,” he admits. “Having just left Compass, the challenge of building a brokerage from scratch amidst the uncertainty that 2020 brought was daunting. What followed, though, was an incredibly successful venture.”

At the end of 2023, Matt made the decision to re-brand to allow for his evolving focus on second properties not only at area lakes, but also in Colorado.

SCOUT was born, and with agents based in Dallas, Crested Butte, and Creede, Colorado, the focus has grown to better serve Dallas clients with interests in waterfront properties in Texas and mountain properties in Colorado.

That willingness to take risks, paired with his focus on people, helped Matt navigate uncertainty and continue growing his business. Along the way, he has achieved notable milestones, including being part of the largest sale at Cedar Creek Lake in 2018 and earning recognition as a D Best Real Estate Agent since 2015. In 2025 alone, Matt closed $56 million in sales, an impressive reflection of his consistent performance and trusted reputation.

Still, success for Matt isn’t defined by numbers.

What motivates him most is simpler…and more meaningful.

“Spending time with those who are most important to me,” he says, “My wife, Michelle, and our five boys, Grant, Walker, Luke, Christian and Sean.”

Outside of real estate, Matt enjoys Nordic skiing in Crested Butte and stand-up paddleboarding at his place on Lake Lydia, activities that keep him connected to the lifestyle he helps clients achieve.

Looking ahead, Matt’s goals remain rooted in growth

RobynD@achosahw.com AchosaHW.com

The N2 Company was named to Inc.’s Best in Business list for Social Good — the authoritative list of companies that make a meaningful impact beyond proﬁt.

Here’s the part we’re most proud of: The magazine you’re reading is part

REAL LEADERSHIP, REAL OPPORTUNITY

HOW REAL PRODUCERS ARE USING ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

SYSTEMS TO BUILD INFLUENCE , NOT JUST PRODUCTION

There’s a moment in most successful real estate careers when production alone stops being the whole story. Professionals want to teach, advocate, and eventually, a select few will LEAD.

For them, another layer comes into focus—one that is hungry for influence and responsibility. Not just how much you can earn this year, but how durable your business becomes, how far your relationships extend, and whether your impact in the market outlasts any single cycle.

That’s when two different questions start to show up:

What kind of leadership influence can I have in my market? Where do I get the opportunity?

Across Texas, some of the most forwardmoving associations and MLSs are

leaning into that exact moment. They are not simply offering education. They are building leadership systems— intentionally designed to develop the people who will help shape their markets next. And educators are frequently the biggest benefactors.

Through innovative products like Rialto Academy’s Board Excellence Series, top-producing real estate leaders are learning how to gain expertise as board leaders, opening up entirely new levels of leadership opportunity. Learning experiences like this are crucial to leadership success. These leaders gain knowledge on everything from “Robert’s Rules of Order” to “What is the 3-way agreement?” Real skills that a professional board member is expected to know.

They are not waiting for leaders to emerge. They are building them. You are invited, and there is training to help you succeed.

Where Leadership Actually Begins

In organizations such as MetroTex Association of REALTORS®, Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®, and Austin Board of REALTORS®, education has become more than support. It is infrastructure—and often the entry point into leadership.

MetroTex CEO Justin Landon, who just led a successful board merger and is renowned for strong board members, puts the role of the association in clear terms:

“At the end of the day, the association is trying to bring organization to what would otherwise be a very chaotic ecosystem. Through leadership academies, the board excellence series,

LES MCGEHEE, CHIEF EDUCATION STRATEGIST, RIALTO ACADEMY

and great educator development, we create a path for leaders.”

When education is utilized in this manner, and production leaders are nurtured to become educators and organizational leaders, it doesn’t just transfer knowledge. It creates alignment, sharper professionals, and a group of members who are engaged enough to care about what happens next. These individuals are leaders of the local industry.

The Pipeline Most Agents Don’t See Many board members didn’t begin in leadership roles. They began as engaged educators—teaching classes, contributing to programming, caring about advocacy, and showing up consistently. In many cases, they never stopped. There are board members today who are still active educators, still contributing, still sharpening their perspective.

Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors CEO Suzanne Westrum, following a major and successful merger in Fort Worth that is combining and growing two great communities, underscores this point:

“When you meet a REALTORS®, you meet someone who cares deeply for their community,” Suzanne Westrum said. “REALTORS® are committed to making the Fort Worth area a desirable place to live, whether that’s through advancing the profession or advocating for personal property rights.”

insight. They gain proximity to decisions that matter.

They contribute to conversations around board and MLS structure, policy, professional standards, investment, and member experience. Over time, they become known not just for production, but for perspective.

More Than Volunteering

It is worth saying plainly: This is not just volunteering.

It includes volunteering. It requires giving time. But if you think this is only about donating hours, you are missing the point—and potentially missing the opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership in your market.

The professionals who step into these roles consistently come out of the experience more connected, more informed, and more effective in their own businesses.

They see the market differently. They understand its mechanics more deeply. They build relationships that don’t exist anywhere else.

And they carry that back into their companies and teams.

Bringing It Back to the Individual

At its core, all of this still connects back to the individual professional transacting homes in our markets.

Emily Girard, CEO of the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Unlock MLS, framed that responsibility in practical terms:

business, engagement, education, advocacy, and developing trained board leadership volunteerism. And offering Rialto’s Board Excellence Series to emerging leaders.

The Opportunity

Most agents will continue to focus on production, and many will do very well.

But a smaller group will decide to build something more.

They will step into education not only as participants, but as contributors.

They will engage in leadership development early, not later.

They will take seriously the idea that influence carries both opportunity and responsibility.

And over time, they will help shape the direction of their markets— while continuing to grow their own businesses.

The opportunity is there.

A Simple Next Step

If you are ambitious about your growth—not just in production, but in leadership—this is where the path begins.

Start showing up where leadership is being developed. Engage. Contribute. And if you are serious about building that path intentionally, reach out to us for more information.

These professionals care to shape cooperation, rules, investment, and the long-term direction of the market itself. And they enjoy gaining leadership skills along the way.

Agents who engage deeply in education—particularly leadershiporiented education—don’t just gain

“My job is to help them sell one more house—so they can stay in the business and grow their trajectory over time.”

Austin’s board has helped that trajectory span from beginner to amazing board leader, many times, helping members grow through

Les McGehee is Chief Education Strategist at Rialto Academy, the number one provider of localized real estate education, where he works with leading associations and MLSs across North America to develop education and leadership systems that drive member success, engagement, and long-term growth. les@rialtoacademy.com

INTERIORS

That people-first philosophy extends to her team made up of Lacey, Stacey, and Karen, each bringing unique strengths to the company. Together, they are an essential part of delivering the level of detail, care, and elevated experience that AMI is known for, creating a collaborative and supportive environment that reflects her values of trust, flexibility, and care.

“I’m lucky to be supported by an incredible team of women who each bring their own strengths, perspective, and a whole lot of heart to AMI,” she says.

Her approach also resonates deeply with real estate professionals. Top-producing agents consistently describe her work as more than design—it’s strategy. As one agent noted, “She doesn’t just decorate, she understands how buyers think and how to make a home photograph in a way that stops the scroll.” Another added, “Having Audra McIntyre Interiors in your network isn’t optional. It’s a competitive advantage.”

For McIntyre, those partnerships are built on collaboration and trust. She spends significant time on-site, working alongside contractors and trades to ensure designs translate seamlessly into reality. She approaches construction with a realistic mindset, understanding the moving parts, constraints, and level of detail required to execute a project well, designing in a way that supports the builder, respects the process, and leads to a smoother experience for everyone involved. “Some of the best solutions come from those conversations in the field,” she explains. “I value that collaboration deeply.”

Her approach also carries into staging, where relationships are just as important as ROI. “We specialize in occupied staging, which is inherently more personal for the homeowner,” she explains. Whether helping a family transition from a longtime home or guiding sellers through a major life change, McIntyre and her team remain mindful of the human side of the process.

“At AMI, we’re not just providing a service; we’re stepping in as part of a larger team,” she says. “Whether we’re working alongside top-producing agents, investors, builders, or directly with homeowners, our role is to bring clarity and strategy to the process. It’s not just about preparing a home for the market; it’s about guiding people through a process that can feel overwhelming, and doing it in a way that is thoughtful, strategic, and respectful.”

That thoughtfulness is woven into every aspect of her work. McIntyre doesn’t chase trends or prioritize quick wins. “I’ve never been someone who chases trends or looks for the quickest path,” she says. “I care deeply about doing things well and creating something that will last.”

Her definition of success reflects that same grounded perspective. “To me, success is building a life and business that are aligned with the path God has set for me, where my work supports my family, not competes with it,” she says. “It means being present at home while doing work I truly love.” Along the way, she’s learned that while saying “yes” has opened many doors, knowing when to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with her values has been just as important.

Outside of work, that presence takes shape in simple moments: hosting friends, traveling, and enjoying time at home with her family. It’s the same environment she strives to create for her clients, spaces designed for living, connection, and memory-making.

Looking ahead, McIntyre plans to expand her vacant staging division while continuing to bridge the gap between staging and design clients, creating full-circle experiences that deepen connection, whether that means staging a listing and later designing a client’s new home, or supporting them through furnishings and finishing touches after the move. “Those opportunities allow us to serve clients at a deeper level, and I’d love to see more of that in the future.”

At the core, however, her mission remains unchanged.

“That great results don’t happen by accident. They come from having the right team in place and trusting the process,” she says.

It’s a philosophy that reflects both her journey and her future, designing with purpose, building through relationships, and creating spaces where life unfolds naturally.

Because for Audra McIntyre, design has never just been about how a home looks. It’s about how it lives, how it’s experienced, and ultimately, how it holds its value over time.

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CREATING SPACES BUYERS DREAM OF AND HOMEOWNERS FALL IN LOVE WITH.

HOME STAGING

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Lindsey Malouf | Principal Designer

Johnson Keyatta

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN

PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL

Finding the Way Back

Sometimes the path to purpose isn’t a straight line. For Keyatta Johnson, it was a journey shaped by fear, perseverance, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope. Today, as a real estate agent with OnDemand Realty in the Dallas area, Keyatta is known for her compassion, resilience, and dedication to helping families achieve homeownership, but her journey to success was anything but easy.

Originally born in Chicago, Keyatta moved to North Texas at a young age when her father’s job brought the family to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1987. She grew up in Grand Prairie, graduating from South Grand Prairie High School in 1999. From an early age, she developed a strong work ethic that would later serve as the foundation for her career.

Before stepping into real estate, Keyatta spent years in mortgage lending, gaining valuable industry experience long before she ever held a real estate license. “Before becoming a REALTOR®, I worked in mortgage lending from the age of 21,” she shares. “You name it, I probably did it for one of the big banks.”

Her journey through the lending world was extensive. She began in customer service before working her way into default and loss mitigation. Eventually, she transitioned into loan processing and later became an underwriter. During the refinance boom of 2003, she traveled as a contract underwriter, even living in New York for a year.

When the housing market crashed in 2008, Keyatta found herself helping homeowners navigate one of the most challenging times in real estate history. “I was working at Countrywide when the market

crashed in 2008. At that time, I went into doing short sales, deed in lieus, and loan modifications to help save homes,” she explains.

Despite her deep experience in the housing industry, stepping into real estate as an agent took time. Fear kept her on the sidelines for more than a decade.

“I started my real estate career in 2016. I had put it off for over 10 years out of fear,” she recalls. Then, one evening at Mi Cocina with her best friend, everything changed. “We were at Mi Cocina’s, and I told her that I think I’m going to go ahead and get my real estate license. We decided that day over Mambo Taxis that we would take the leap together.”

That leap turned into a defining moment. Her friend moved into loan originations, eventually becoming the owner and broker of Dynasty Lending Group, while Keyatta launched her real estate career.

Still, the early days weren’t easy.

“For me, I remember finally leaving corporate after being a ‘secret agent’ for almost a year with no deals,” she says. Determined to make it work, Keyatta made a bold decision. “I decided to withdraw my 401k and just give it a real shot. I had no backup plan, and after being in corporate since 18, I really wanted to make this work.”

Her first opportunity came from someone who believed in her.

“My first client was my daughter’s volleyball coach. She really trusted me to get her into her new home,” she recalls. That first success helped build the momentum she needed to continue.

But just as her career began to take shape, life brought an unimaginable challenge.

“My biggest challenge was in 2019, during my first year fulltime as a REALTOR®, when my son, Kanon, passed away at the age of two months old,” Keyatta shares. “It was a devastating loss that sent me into a deep depression. I wanted to give up on everything, especially real estate.”

The grief was overwhelming, and for a time, she couldn’t see her way forward. “I couldn’t see myself out of that dark time in my life,” she says. Yet, through faith, family, and support from friends, she slowly began to heal.

“Thankfully, I had friends and family that prayed me through it, and when I was ready, clients were waiting for me to get back out there,” she explains. “One client led to another. One follow on social media led to another, and I began sharing my story.”

Though naturally private, the loss of her son Kanon changed her perspective. Opening up about her journey allowed her

Always be closing.”

to connect with others in a deeper, more meaningful way…and helped her rediscover her passion.

Today, that passion is rooted in helping families, especially those who may feel homeownership is out of reach. “My favorite part is helping single moms and young families achieve a goal that many believe is unattainable,” she says. “It’s something about handing over those keys at closing that never seems to get old.”

Over time, Keyatta’s definition of success has evolved. “Success to me is waking up and doing what I love every single day,” she shares. “Being able to provide for my kids and still make it to every doctor appointment, every school event, travel, see the world, and meet new people.”

Her motivation today is deeply personal. “My kids are my motivation to keep going,” she says. “Although my daughters are now grown, I have two little boys, Kash and Krew, and they keep me going; the rainbow after the storm.”

With nearly $50 million in career volume and $8 million in sales in 2025 alone, Keyatta continues to build momentum in her business. She has also earned Ruby and Sapphire awards during her time at JPAR, multiple Top Producer recognitions, and was named a Real Producer for 2025.

Despite the accolades, she remains grounded and relatable. “I’m just a mom juggling a career, church, friends, and two littles that keep me busy,” she says with a smile.

Outside of real estate, Keyatta enjoys staying active, trying new restaurants, traveling, and unwinding with true crime shows. “If my TV is on, I’m watching Dateline or 20/20,” she laughs.

As she looks ahead, her goals remain focused on growth and impact. This

year, she hopes to reach $10 million in sales and help at least 25 families achieve homeownership.

Her advice to others entering the business reflects the lessons she’s learned along the way. “Never give up. Even on the hard days, get some rest and just get up and try again. Write down your goals, big and small, and set a plan to execute. Celebrate even the small wins.”

For Keyatta Johnson, success didn’t happen overnight. It took time to find her flow, rebuild momentum, and rediscover her passion. But through perseverance and faith, she found her purpose again: helping clients, building

relationships, and turning dreams into reality.

In the end, she hopes to be remembered for being a true advocate for her clients. “I want my clients to leave the closing table feeling like I fought for them to get the best deal,” she says. “A true lifeline that they tell their friends and family about.”

And perhaps her guiding philosophy is best summed up in the words that have stayed with her throughout her career: “Always be closing.”

Because for Keyatta Johnson, every closing isn’t just the end of a transaction. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, both for her clients and for the life she’s worked so hard to rebuild.

NORTH DALLAS & DALLAS Masterclass

Our first Masterclass of 2026 on April 15th was something special.

This one felt different from the start. Not your typical sit-and-listen event. The room was full of energy, laughter, real connection, and yes… even a little dancing. It was one of those events where you could feel people growing in real time.

Huge shoutout to Les McGehee and his Plays Well with REALTORS® interactive masterclass. The FOMO on this one was very real.

Attendees walked away with a simple but powerful shift: how to create more momentum and alignment in their conversations by using “Yes, and…” instead of unintentionally shutting people down. They left with practical tools to build stronger

relationships, communicate more effectively, and ultimately get more yeses in their business.

This is exactly what happens when you get the right people in the room.

Thank you to ALL our RP Preferred Partners and especially our event sponsors:

Supreme Lending, Anthony Ditoma

Black Tie Moving

Jenny Weidner Insurance

Proco Roofing

Partners In Building

Preservan Woodcare & Repair

Beth Graeme Photography

American Home Shield

Grateful for everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

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%.

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?

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.