Elaina Kay Gage
Preferred Partners
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
ACCOUNTING/TAX SERVICES
DASG, LLC
Jeff Foust (214) 945-2488 dasgdfw.com
BUILDER
Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com
CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS
Gifts of Graze
Eileen Torres (214) 814-1216 giftsofgraze.com
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Partners in Building (214) 235-6814 partnersinbuilding.com
GENERAL CONTRACTING
T-Rock Roofing & Contracting (704) 449-6033 dallasroofer.com
HOME INSPECTION
HomeTeam Inspection Service (972) 400-7034 HomeTeam-DFW.com
Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com
Viking Inspections (469) 209-8132 vikinginspections.com
HOME SERVICES
Casa Verde Home Services (469) 645-8347 stainlessrefinishing.com
HOME STAGING
Set the Stage - Dallas Metro (469) 998-0305 dlm.wesetthestage.com
HOME WARRANTY
Achosa Home Warranty, LLC
Robyn DiPasquale (888) 509-2916 AchosaHW.com
Armadillo Home Solutions
Julie Jones (214) 971-0668 armadillo.one
INSURANCE
Smith Allen Insurance (214) 691-7655 smithallen.com
INTERIOR DESIGN & HOME STAGING
Audra McIntyre Interiors (469) 612-3424 ami.designs.com
Dwell Interior Staging + Design Co (817) 233-9709 dwellinteriors.co
MORTGAGE LENDING
Benchmark Mortgage
Sara Parker Jones (972) 841-9010 homeloansbysara.com
One Group - Highlands
Residential Mortgage
Dan Carson (512) 878-3047 applywithcarson.com
The Edmondson Team (214) 516-2401 thetattooedlender.com
Victory MTG (214) 542-8550 victorymtg.com
MOVING SERVICES
Black Tie Moving Tyler Coleman (512) 605-7328 blacktiemoving.com
Bolt Movers Dallas LLC (214) 774-2822 www.boltmovers.com
Finesse Movers (469) 657-5975 finessemovers.com
Johnson Storage & Moving (800) 289-6683 johnsonstorage.com
PAINTING AND HOME SERVICES
HOMEstretch (214) 838-7520 home-stretch.com/north-dallas
PHOTOGRAPHER
URSPECIALS by Jin Kim Studio (972) 375-1266 urspecials.com
ROOFING PROCO
Sara Lemley (817) 705-1501 procoroof.com
T-Rock Roofing & Contracting (704) 449-6033 dallasroofer.com
STAINLESS REFINISHING
Casa Verde Home Services (469) 645-8347 stainlessrefinishing.com
TITLE COMPANY
Acrisure acrisuretitle.com
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
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY
studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
WOOD/WINDOW/ROT/REPAIR
Preservan Dallas (469) 415-1631 preservan.com/locations/dallas
Meet The Team
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 Consentino Ad Strategist
WHAT MATTERS
MOST
teaches you what really matters, God, family, and the people who walk through life with you. My wife, Jess, is the most incredible partner and mom I could ever hope for, and I’m beyond grateful for her. And Ember… she’s pure joy. Watching her grow has reminded me daily of how good God is and how fast time moves when your heart is full.
That sense of gratitude and connection extends far beyond our home. It’s what makes this community so special. Real Producers has never been just about real estate; it’s about relationships. It’s about the people who show up for one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and lean in when life gets hard. It’s about the conversations, the collaboration, and the genuine friendships that form when great people come together.
To our RP Partners, thank you. Your belief in what we’re building and your commitment to excellence make this platform possible. To our agents, thank you for continuing to inspire us with your stories, your drive, and the way you impact this market.
As we close out the year, my hope is that we each take a moment to slow down, look around, and really appreciate what we have, not just in our work, but in our lives. Because in the end, it’s not about the numbers or the titles; it’s about the connections we make and the lives we touch along the way.
As we step into this season of gratitude, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply than ever on how much there is to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving will be my first as a dad— our daughter Ember’s first Thanksgiving—and that alone fills my heart in ways I never could’ve imagined.
Becoming a parent changes everything. It slows you down and sharpens your focus at the same time. It
Wishing you all a season filled with gratitude, connection, and joy!
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner DFW Real Producers
$11,716,293,985 14,842
•
YOUR DALLAS Real Producers
Congrats on earning your Real Producers Top Agent Badge!
BADGES
Because of your 2024 MLS production, you earned your spot as a 2025 Dallas Top Agent and can represent your badge proudly! Depending on your production will determine if you received the Top 500 or Top 1000. Regardless, that is the top 6% in Dallas!
Missing your badge? Email team@ dfwrealproducers.com.
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!
Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge,
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!
ELAINA
Home on the Range
KAYGAGE
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
When you grow up in Wichita Falls, Texas, on a ranch, wide open spaces and the rhythm of ranch life become second nature. For Elaina Kay Gage, those roots would eventually shape her career in ways she never imagined. “I grew up on a working horse and cattle ranch,” she says. “Later, I went to Tarleton State University where I rodeoed and competed in barrel racing. Stephenville is known as the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World.’ That experience shaped me.”
But her story took a different path first. Elaina also picked up a guitar in college, writing songs that launched her career as a touring country singer and songwriter. She spent years on the road with stars like Wynonna Judd, chasing the spotlight and the grind that comes with performing across the country. She was even nominated as “Best Country Artist” by the Dallas Observer and featured in Rolling Stone Magazine! “As a musician, it was about the spotlight, the adrenaline, and making just enough money to get to the next show,” she recalls. “I accomplished bucket list dreams and goals, and I was used to working really hard and constantly hustling to stay relevant.”
Then, the world changed. When COVID shut down touring, Elaina found herself at a crossroads. “I could not tour and play shows during that time, and I had to find another way to support myself,” she explains. “So, I got my real estate license.” What seemed like a setback at first became a pivotal moment. “Again, COVID changed my life for what I thought at the time was for the worst. However, looking back, it was actually for the best. I met my husband, I started my career, we had a daughter, and my career is thriving.”
Jumping into real estate during a booming market created its own surprises. “I started during COVID, when you could sell a house in ONE day, and I did, so I thought it was easy… HA!” she says with a laugh. While she was grateful for the supplemental income from private music gigs in those early days, she quickly realized that building a career in real estate would demand the same grit and grind she had honed on stage.
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ROBERTS
Now, four years in, Elaina has carved out a unique niche that plays to her strengths and her roots. As part of the TT Ranch Group with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, she specializes in ranch and land sales across Texas and Oklahoma. “Seeing Texas and Oklahoma ranch land excites me most about real estate,” she shares. “Specializing in ranch and land means I get to travel far and wide and see so many different kinds of farms, ranches, horse properties, businesses, terrain, topography… I don’t just go look at houses in neighborhoods.” Her clients entrust her with transactions that go far beyond the typical home purchase.
“Realizing that very sophisticated and successful individuals trust me to represent them in purchasing multimillion-dollar ranches is something I’ll never forget,” Elaina says. That trust is not taken lightly. Her background gives her an edge—she speaks the language of ranching because she’s lived it.
Seeing Texas and Oklahoma ranch land excites me most about real estate.”
That authenticity has earned her recognition in a competitive industry. Elaina has received the Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Rising Star Award, Top Producer honors, D Best recognition, Dallas Real Producers recognition, and a spot in the Top 10%. Yet for her, the motivation extends far beyond accolades. “Family motivates me,” she says simply. “Knowing that the growth in my career is limitless keeps me going.”
Elaina defines success differently today than when she was on the road with her guitar. “Now, I apply that work grind to real estate as it is also an eat-what-you-kill industry,” she explains. “But it also allows me to have financial freedom to own our own land, build a home with my husband and daughter, and start our own legacy.”
That legacy is already unfolding, and her goals remain clear: continue raising her production, expand her network, and meet more people in the ranching and land market. She’s realistic about the challenges. “I would love to keep my production rising, however I am also realistic in knowing that real estate is going to be up and down,” she says.
Outside of business, Elaina embraces the passions that have always defined her life—riding horses, songwriting, playing guitar, and traveling. She thrives in the outdoors and still carries the spirit of a performer, though today her stage looks a little different.
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Elaina doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be remembered as being a kind and empathetic person, also a FUN and BOLD person.”
From ranch gates in Wichita Falls to rodeo arenas, and from the stage lights of country music to closing multimillion-dollar ranch deals, Elaina’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She has proven that grit, adaptability, and authenticity can carry you from one world into another—while staying true to your roots. And in a business built on trust, her story is one clients know they can believe in.
ACRISURE
BUILDING TRUST, BUILDING TEAMS
WRITTEN
BY
KATHERINE H. FONDREN
When Josiah McDaniel stepped into the title industry more than a decade ago, he didn’t see it as just another job. For him, it was an opportunity to serve others and create something lasting. “Real estate is a small world,” he explained. “A family member first introduced me to the title business, and it has proven to be a wonderful industry to grow professionally while serving others. After working as a real estate agent, the move into title felt like a natural next step.”
Today, Josiah serves as senior vice president – Texas/ Oklahoma for Acrisure Title of Texas, a company that has been steadily expanding across the state. With ten offices already in the DFW metroplex, Acrisure’s reach is both local and national, and that balance is something Josiah takes great pride in. “Acrisure is the most forwardthinking real estate service provider I have seen in the industry. We provide the customer and employee the level of care you get with a local company, with the strength and innovation that comes with being part of a large national brand.”
That dual identity—both neighborhood-focused and nationally resourced—is
PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
what sets Acrisure apart. For real estate agents, builders, and investors, it means more than smooth transactions; it means partnership.
“Being an Acrisure-owned company means we are not just a title company,” Josiah said. “Through our Acrisure partners across multiple verticals, we’re able to offer our customers an unmatched level of partnership. When working with the Acrisure Title of Texas team, clients gain access to resources and opportunities that enhance not only their business but their lives—well beyond the title transaction itself.”
At the heart of that promise in Dallas is a team that reflects Josiah’s vision of culture and service. The office is led by Branch Manager and Escrow Officer Tiffany Johnson Beecham, who brings 17 years of experience in closing residential, commercial, and investor transactions. A Dallas native and graduate of Ursuline Academy and the University of Texas at Dallas, Tiffany is known for her relentless dedication to her clients. “Her clients know her as the consummate professional who will work tirelessly to make sure that their transactions close smoothly and on time,” Josiah said proudly.
For Tiffany, real estate is more than a profession—it’s in her blood. Growing up around real estate agents, she found it a natural fit to join the industry and eventually follow her mother, Helen Johnson, into the title business. “We’re inseparable—we’re two peas in a pod,” Tiffany said of their working relationship. “We both have a strong
work ethic and always strive to be the best.” Tiffany’s transition into escrow was a proud moment for Helen, who saw in her daughter both a caring nature and the professionalism needed to excel. “One of Tiffany’s many strengths is to make everyone happy,” Helen said. “She makes it her top priority to ensure every client has a stress-free experience and truly enjoys the closing.”
Helen, who serves as a sales executive in the Dallas office, brings two decades of experience in the mortgage and title world. She was first recruited into the title industry by a headhunter nearly 20 years ago, and it quickly became the career where she thrived. Tiffany joined her not long after graduating from college, and the two have been building their reputations ever since. “I admire her confidence,”
Tiffany said of her mom. “She’s the strongest woman I know and has worked so hard to make sure my sisters and I had a great life.”
Together with Tom Morin, Office Administrator, and Cynthia Garza, Escrow Assistant, the Dallas office exemplifies the familylike culture that defines Acrisure.“First and foremost, our team will make agents’ lives easier and businesses healthier,” Josiah said. “They will feel cared for, and they will have peace of mind knowing that their business is in good hands with Acrisure Title.”
For Josiah, success is not just measured in numbers or growth, though Acrisure has ambitious goals for the years ahead. “Our goal as a company is to grow into each market across Texas,” he shared. “You will
see Acrisure Title offices opening all over the state throughout the next year and for several years to come.” But at a personal level, his definition of success comes back to something far more meaningful. “If I can put my head on my pillow at night and believe that through my actions I put God’s Glory on display that day, I will say it’s been a successful day. And I just hope to have as many days like that as possible.”
That sense of grounded leadership filters through the Dallas team as well. Agents working with Acrisure Title of Texas quickly notice that the service goes beyond technical expertise. It’s about
“FIRST AND FOREMOST, OUR TEAM WILL MAKE AGENTS’ LIVES EASIER & BUSINESSES HEALTHIER.”
we are entrusted with.” For him, it’s about presence, whether that’s with clients, colleagues, or loved ones. “Every relationship is a plant in a garden, and they all need tending to and deserve our full attention, or they will wilt away.”
Acrisure Title’s commitment to being present shapes how we build lasting relationships in Dallas and beyond. That dedication is why Josiah confidently encourages top agents to partner with his team: “If you aren’t currently working with Acrisure Title, I can assure you it will be an exceptional experience for both you and your clients.”
creating peace of mind, trust, and partnership. “I am confident in making the claim that if a real estate producer is serious about their business, Acrisure is the best partnership they can create to improve their financial health,” Josiah stated.
When asked how he approaches work-life balance, Josiah shared wisdom from a mentor: “Wherever you are, there you are. A more common version of this is ‘be where your feet are.’ I don’t think we need work/life balance. I think we should be present with whoever we are with and fully devote ourselves to those people
The story of Acrisure Title in Dallas is one of both growth and deep roots—national resources combined with local commitment, innovation balanced with care, and leadership rooted in service. As Josiah says, ‘Our company’s success is directly tied to how effectively our team collaborates. By fostering a culture of teamwork, we not only better serve our customers but also elevate our innovations, with success naturally following as a result.”
With leaders like Josiah and a team like Tiffany, Helen, Tom, and Cynthia, Acrisure Title of Texas isn’t just closing transactions. They’re opening doors to lasting partnerships across Dallas and the state of Texas.
THE POWER OF THREE
In the ever-changing world of real estate, three women have carved out a place where collaboration, mentorship, and vision lead the way.
Taylor Black, Katie Bankston, and Andrea Childress—each accomplished in her own right—have come together as the driving force behind The TX Collective Group at The Agency Dallas. Their story isn’t just about sales or statistics; it’s about building something bigger than themselves.
Nearly a decade ago, both Taylor and Katie stepped into real estate after buying their first homes. What began as personal milestones quickly transformed into careers they felt called to pursue.
“My biggest fear when starting in real estate was taking the leap and relying solely on myself to succeed,” Taylor recalled. Katie echoed the sentiment, admitting, “Leaving the security of my
corporate job to work solely for myself was intimidating, but it also fueled my determination to prove I could succeed on my own terms.”
Andrea’s journey was different, but no less personal. Coming from a background in digital marketing, she had already immersed herself in the behind-thescenes strategies of the business. “The person who pushed me to take the leap was my dad,” Andrea shared. “He always believed I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to.” His encouragement sparked her career, and even after his passing, his influence continues to shape her path.
From the start, each woman faced the uncertainties of entrepreneurship—an industry where nothing is guaranteed and every success is earned. Yet it was those very challenges that gave them resilience, grit, and vision. “Real estate is fast-paced, unpredictable, and often all-consuming,” Andrea said. “But my boys are my greatest priority. Learning to set boundaries, manage my time, and give myself grace has shaped me into a
stronger professional and woman.” Katie, raising two daughters, added, “Balancing a multi-million-dollar business with motherhood has been my greatest challenge, but it’s also what’s made me more intentional and present.” For Taylor, however, it was about changing her family dynamic. “When I decided to move back to the States and start fresh in real estate, there was so much uncertainty,” says Taylor. “Not only was I stepping into a brand-new career, but I was also becoming the primary breadwinner for my family. We made the decision for one of us to step away from their career so I could take this leap, fully knowing that it wouldn’t be an overnight success. That was intimidating and, honestly, pretty scary at times, but we trusted the process, leaned on each other, and committed to the long game.”
Despite their different beginnings, a common thread tied them together: the belief that real estate is about people, not just properties. Taylor described it simply: “My favorite part of real estate is mentoring and empowering others to grow while building their own success
stories.” Katie lights up when she talks about connecting clients to homes that feel truly one-of-a-kind. Andrea finds equal joy in mentoring the next generation of female entrepreneurs. For all three, the closing table is important, but the lasting relationships they build matter most.
Their partnership has proven powerful. Together, they’ve led their team to a lifetime sales volume exceeding $350 million. One career moment stands out for all three: selling an off-market property in a prestigious Dallas neighborhood that had previously been listed by three other agents without success. “We secured a record-time sale at an incredible price for our seller,” they shared. “It proved the power of strategy, persistence, and teamwork.”
But beyond the numbers, their motivation runs deeper. Family is at the heart of their “why.” Katie puts it this way: “As a wife and mother of two daughters, I’m motivated by the example I set for them every day. I want them to see what’s possible when you dream big, work hard, and lead with integrity.” Andrea’s words carry the same weight: “I want my boys to look back and see a mom who built a thriving career while always showing them love, strength, and possibility.” For Taylor, it’s about designing a life filled with freedom, creativity, and the joy of time with loved ones. “What motivates me most in my career is my family and the life we’re building together,” says Taylor. “I don’t believe in having a plan B or looking backward. I believe in moving forward with purpose. Knowing that my work directly impacts my family, and also helps other families find their place to call home, is what inspires me to keep going and give it everything I have.”
opportunity, not only for her daughters but also for the agents they mentor.
That spirit of mentorship is what sets The TX Collective Group apart. Each woman serves as both a leader and a teacher, guiding newer agents into top producers through collaboration and support. “Find your people,” Katie advises those starting out. “The obstacles you face in this business are often your best teachers.” Taylor’s guidance is equally direct: “Work hard, don’t give up, find your niche, and surround yourself with the right tribe.” Andrea adds, “Stay consistent and stay authentic. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.”
“DON’T COMPARE YOUR JOURNEY TO ANYONE ELSE’S.”
Outside of the office, each woman finds grounding in family, travel, and simple joys. Katie embraces her role as a “soccer mom,” cheering from the sidelines and creating adventures with her daughters. Andrea balances strength training and Pilates with time spent exploring new places with her boys. Taylor finds joy in live music, discovering new cuisines, and quiet moments outdoors with her dogs by her side.
It’s no surprise that their definition of success has evolved over time. Andrea admitted, “Success used to be measured in numbers—sales volume, transactions, milestones. Today, it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and balance. True success is when my team, my family, and myself are all thriving.” Katie added that success is about building a legacy of impact and
Together, Taylor, Katie, and Andrea embody more than professional excellence. They are mothers, mentors, leaders, and visionaries who believe in building not just transactions, but lives filled with possibility. Their clients may see them as the trusted guides who make every deal feel effortless. But behind the scenes, they are tenacious negotiators, creative marketers, and women on a mission to redefine what success in real estate looks like.
“We don’t just sell houses,” Katie explained. “We create experiences that connect people to their dream lifestyle.” And perhaps that is the essence of The TX Collective Group: three women who understand that real estate is never just about property—it’s about people, purpose, and building something lasting.
Taylor Black
Andrea Childress
Katie Bankston
Megan Tierney
Rashelle Gallegos
Tatum Vanderpool Christine McLean
Keith Williams President / Attorney
Broussard
Phoebe Toombs
Kelsey Berry
Kelly Berry
Tracey McCann
Jason Ramsey
Tamera Gaede
Trey Mccann
BRENDA
MELISSA WHITE SMULYAN & GENERATIONS OF TRUST WHITE
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN • PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
For Brenda White and her daughter, Melissa White Smulyan, real estate is more than a career—it’s a shared calling that spans generations and celebrates the deep roots of family, community, and integrity. Together, they’ve created the White House Group, a mother-daughter partnership that blends decades of wisdom with a fresh perspective, serving clients across Dallas with warmth, expertise, and a personal touch that’s increasingly rare in today’s market.
Both women share a love for the city they call home. Melissa, who now lives in Lakewood near White Rock Lake, grew up in University Park surrounded by the closeknit neighborhoods that first sparked her appreciation for Dallas. “I grew up here, and I know these neighborhoods inside and out,” Melissa says. “I love this city—the vibe, the people, and the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.” Brenda, who still lives in University Park, came to Dallas from New Orleans to attend SMU. After marrying her college sweetheart, she decided to put down roots and never looked back. “Dallas offered the kind of community I wanted for my family,” she reflects. “It’s where my heart has always been.”
Before Melissa joined the world of real estate, she spent years coordinating national and international marketing events for pharmaceutical companies. That experience sharpened her attention to detail and gave her a global appreciation for architecture and design. Brenda, on the other hand, began her career in education, teaching political science and history at Richardson High School. But in 1979, she was recruited by industry pioneer Colleen Flowers to join the newly formed Hank Dickerson Residential Real Estate
Firm—a move that would shape her life for decades to come. Brenda went on to build an extraordinary career, working for only two brokers before ultimately joining Compass Real Estate seven years ago.
For Melissa, the path to real estate was practically written in the MLS books she grew up seeing around the house. “I remember those beepers going off during family dinners,” she laughs. “I always thought I’d end up partnering with my mom someday.” In 2010, after years of extensive travel for work, Melissa was ready for a change. “I wanted a career where I could be my own boss, stay closer to home, and still build meaningful relationships,” she says. Despite launching her career in the wake of the 2008 housing crash, she found her footing under Brenda’s guidance. “The market was slow, but that gave me time to learn the business the right way. Mom taught me the ins and outs, and I’m grateful for that foundation.”
The duo’s approach is as unique as it is effective. “If you work with one of us, you get both of us,” Melissa explains. “We don’t have assistants—you’re dealing directly with us every step of the way.” Their combined 60plus years in the industry mean clients benefit from a vast network of agents, vendors, and trusted relationships built over decades. Brenda brings industry savvy and the ability to navigate even the most complex deals with discretion, while Melissa offers a fresh eye for today’s market trends. Together, they complement each other perfectly.
Design is another key element of their success. Brenda has run a design company on the side for more than 30 years, and Melissa shares her passion for creating beautiful spaces. Their design background allows them to see
potential where others might not and to offer free staging services—both consulting and providing furniture—to ensure every listing shines. “I love people, homes, and design,” Melissa says. “This career allows me to combine all three, and that’s such a privilege.”
But for both women, real estate is ultimately about relationships, not transactions. “A home is often someone’s biggest purchase and asset,” Brenda says. “I feel privileged to guide clients toward a wise investment and a place where they can raise their families. People have even told me that my job is a ministry.” Melissa agrees: “We get to walk with people through different phases of their lives—first homes, growing families, downsizing. It’s about being a partner in those journeys.”
Their business philosophy is simple but powerful: lead with integrity, treat people with respect, and always do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. “My mom built her career on these principles, and I’m proud to follow in her footsteps,” Melissa shares. “My children are watching, and it matters to me that they see us treating others with kindness and honesty.”
The rewards of their work go far beyond sales numbers or awards—though their accolades, including repeated recognition as D Magazine “D Best” agents and top producer status at every brokerage, speak for themselves. For Brenda, one unforgettable memory stands out: “When Melissa was in college, we wanted to buy her a car but couldn’t afford it. Then I
THIS CAREER HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO OUR FAMILY, & NOW IT’S A BLESSING WE GET TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.”
closed the biggest sale of my career at that time and was able to surprise her with a Jeep for her 21st birthday. That’s the kind of blessing this business has brought to our family.”
Today, their motivation remains deeply personal. Brenda is driven by a commitment to serve clients well, while Melissa finds inspiration in setting a positive example for her children. Outside of work, they treasure family time—whether it’s playing mahjong, volunteering at school, or taking adventurous family road trips. “Last summer, we spent two weeks in an RV traveling through 10 states,” Melissa laughs. “We are not RV people, but it was an experience we’ll never forget.”
For Brenda and Melissa, success isn’t measured by how many homes they sell, but by the relationships they build and the legacies they leave. “At the end of the day, we care more about the client experience than the numbers,” Melissa says. Brenda adds, “This career has been a blessing to our family, and now it’s a blessing we get to share with others.”
In a city as dynamic as Dallas, where neighborhoods grow and change but the value of trust never fades, Brenda and Melissa’s story is proof that integrity, heart, and a shared love of home can build something truly lasting— one family at a time.
Brenda White
Melissa White Smulyan
Mike Harrison
BUILDING HIS OWN TABLE
When Mike Harrison talks about real estate, it’s not just about contracts and closings—it’s about competition, commitment, and courage. For him, success comes from more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about being the best version of yourself, not for personal glory, but for the clients who place their trust in you.
“I believe in competing to be the best version your clients can possibly experience,” Mike explained. “That means elevating your skillset, your systems, and your touchpoints. If you’re representing a seller, it’s about exposing their home to as many people as possible in a real way. And if you’re working with buyers, it’s guiding them through every step of the process.”
That competitive spirit was shaped long before Mike launched The Harrison Group at eXp Realty. Born in Dallas and raised in Denison, he grew up in a two-bedroom house that sometimes held 14 people. His father’s blue-collar wage carried the weight of everyone under that roof. “Our home life was so challenging at times, I remember asking my friends to pick me up one or two blocks away because I was embarrassed,” Mike recalled. “Some may call it pride, but I used those experiences to put massive chips on my shoulder.”
Those chips became fuel. Mike held summer jobs from the time he was in eighth
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
grade and moved out on his own at just 17. College wasn’t financially possible, so he threw himself into full-time work at warehouses and manufacturing plants before breaking into sales at a beverage distributor. Later, he carved out a decade-long career in Corporate America, leading sales teams of up to 200 employees. He became the first in his family to earn a college degree, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Even with the recognition— national sales awards, exotic incentive trips, topperformer titles—something was missing. “I felt like God told me, ‘Don’t beg to sit at someone else’s table when I called you to build
your own,’” Mike said. That conviction led him to pursue real estate in 2020, just as the world was shifting.
His first lesson in the business wasn’t glamorous, but it was powerful. After committing to host an open house, Mike underwent surgery that left him in excruciating pain. Still, he showed up. “My dad really honed in on the ‘honor your word’ conversations, and he led by example,” Mike shared. That day, no leads came—but the agent who entrusted him with the open house later referred him a buyer, leading to his very first sale. “I was able to tell my dad that honoring my word led directly to my first closing. That was a full-circle moment.”
Mike’s story is also about facing fears head-on. In his mid-20s, he joined Toastmasters to overcome his fear of public speaking. What started as nerves soon became excitement, fueling his confidence as a leader. Years later, another fear resurfaced: putting himself out there on video.
“My wife will tell you—I bought camera equipment and it collected dust for three years. I was operating from a place of fear and never pressed record,” Mike admitted. That changed in March 2023 when he finally uploaded his first YouTube video. The results were transformative. His production jumped from $4.8 million in 2023 to $14.6
PHOTOS
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY & DOING THEM MY WAY, UNAPOLOGETICALLY.
Now, she helps with every client, every transaction, and helps co-lead the team of agents in The Harrison Group. She has been pivotal in the growth of their business and continues to help the team expand.
The accolades have followed: two-time ICON Award winner at eXp Realty, 2025 D Magazine Top Real Estate Producer, and a featured DFW Real Producer. Yet Mike insists the real reward is knowing his clients feel genuinely cared for and that his kids see their father leading with authenticity.
million in 2024. This year, he has already surpassed $18 million by August.
“The numbers are simple,” Mike explained. “My YouTube channel averages over 1,000 hours of watch time per month. That’s 33 hours every single day of marketing, all organic. No bots, no paid views. Just real people finding us.”
For his clients, that commitment translates into unmatched exposure. Listings aren’t just placed on MLS—they’re promoted across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and boosted with consistent data-driven updates. “Across my clients, they’ll tell you I do more than any other agent has for them,” Mike said.
“And that’s the consistent feedback we receive.”
But Mike’s definition of success has evolved. In the early years, winning meant outperforming the competition at all costs. A pivotal conversation with a boss in his corporate days shifted his perspective. “He told me, ‘Mike, if something bad happened to you, the lights will still be on tomorrow, the phones will still ring. But your family will never be the same.’ It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was working myself to exhaustion for a company, but I wasn’t balancing my life. That advice changed everything.”
Today, success means scalability, freedom, and legacy. “My dad may not have
been the richest, but he was rich in character. I want my kids to take pride in their last name,” Mike said. His dream is to one day build The Harrison Group alongside them—but only if they choose that path organically. “I want them to see that it’s okay to bet on yourself, because I’m modeling it for them. I left comfort to trust God and build my own table.”
Fast forward, after his first six months marketing himself through video, his wife, Tara, left a comfortable health care position where she led a team of marketers for a nearby hospital. She was very successful in her career, but she saw that Mike’s client workload began to increase significantly, and she wanted to try something new.
For those just starting in real estate, his advice is simple but bold: “Press record. Get on video as fast as you can. Video is the fastest way to grow your brand and increase your leads. It’s a simple numbers game.”
Mike Harrison’s journey— from a crowded twobedroom home in Denison to leading a multimillion-dollar real estate team—is proof that betting on yourself is worth the risk. It’s about putting in the work, honoring your word, facing the fears that hold you back, and elevating every experience for the people you serve.
“I want to be remembered for doing things differently and doing them my way, unapologetically,” Mike said. “I want my kids to see that I obeyed what God was telling me to do. At the end of the day, I built my own table.”
2025 DFW Real Producers SUPER SOCIAL
On September 30th, we hosted our Super Social event,and holy moly, was it sure an amazing evening! The room was PACKED with top agents and the best businesses from across the Metroplex, the venue was beautiful, connections were being formed left and right, and the night was perfect.
The inaugural two-day national Real Producers conference, RP Elevate, was so special to have in our backyard and was filled with incredible speakers and powerful content.
To have our DFW Real Producers Super Social as the after party was the perfect way to cap off this one-of-a-kind event.
I must thank every one of our RP Preferred Business Partners and a special shout out to Perry Homes for being the Host Sponsor of this event! We couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you to our event photographers: Scott Peek Photography, Jin Kim Studios and Christopher St. Germain with Headshot Executive as well as our videographer team, studioUSA.
Thank you to the entire N2 Company team who stepped up in a huge way to ensure this event was a smashing success. We are so grateful for you all!
And of course, congrats again to every single agent who earned their 2025 RP Top Agent Award and for your support of Real Producers!
Enjoy the photos from this event.
SCAN HERE FOR RECAP VIDEO AND ENTIRE PHOTO GALLERY!
PHOTOS BY URSPECIAL, SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC & HEADSHOT EXECUTIVE LLC
Lindsey Malouf | Principal Designer
