Adam and Lindsey Crouch
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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 Consentino Ad Strategist
A Time of Boldness
As I write this Publisher’s Note, the weight of this time of year is not lost on me. September 11th already carries a heaviness in our nation’s history, and this year feels especially heavy as we are reminded everyday just how fragile life is.
What I’m reminded of in moments like these is that we are in more than a cultural struggle. Just as there is light in the world, there can also be darkness. And whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we share in this struggle, and no one is immune in times such as these.
The encouraging part is this: God can turn things around for good. History shows us that some of the darkest times become the very moments that awaken
courage, conviction, and faith in people who may have otherwise stayed quiet. I believe, in the future, we will see people, more than ever, stand up for their beliefs and their families with eternal purpose…and let their lives point to something greater than themselves.
My hope is that, out of this season, light will shine through the darkness and bring peace to the world for our generation, and hope for the generations to come. This is the time we will see people lead with courage, love, and truth.
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner DFW Real Producers
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Bigger, Better, and Built on Heart
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
Devin
DAUSSAT
For Devin Daussat, real estate isn’t about selling houses—it’s about building relationships. “I truly believe real estate is a service industry, not sales,” she says. “It’s about collaboration over competition, and connecting with people in a way that genuinely serves them.”
That belief has been the foundation of her business since she became a real estate agent in 2020, and it’s shaped the way she works with clients, fellow agents, and her growing North Texas community.
From the Stage to the Neighborhood Streets Devin grew up in Southlake, Texas,
community pride was a way of life. She graduated from Carroll Senior High School, serving as Captain of the Emerald Belles drill team, before trading her hometown football field for the bright lights of a performance career.
For more than a decade, she worked as a professional dancer for Disney, Holland America Line, and in cities like Paris, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. That life taught her discipline, adaptability, and how to connect with people from all walks of life. “Those skills translate beautifully into real estate,” she says. “It’s still about reading the room, anticipating needs, and making something memorable happen.”
Eventually, Devin returned home, opening a children’s dance studio in Colleyville. In 2015, her story took another full-circle turn—she married her childhood friend, Tony Daussat, who had also returned to Texas after an acting career. Today, they’re raising their two children, Sullivan and Demi Jean, in Northlake, where they’ve rooted themselves firmly in the community.
Building Bigger Better Texas
In just four and a half years, Devin has closed more than $35 million in sales volume. But numbers aren’t what excite her most. “Hands down, the most rewarding part is watching clients build their life in a home and community that truly fits them,” she says.
Now, she’s preparing to launch her own real estate team, Bigger Better Texas, with a mission that’s as much about people as it is about property. “The brand is designed to build leaders,” Devin explains. “It’s about having their names and their faces at the forefront. Bigger Better Texas is about ‘we,’ not ‘me.’”
Her vision includes a network of agents who shine in their own niches while working together to deliver “bigger vision, better results, and Texas hospitality at every turn.”
Creative Solutions for a Growing Market
Having grown up during Southlake’s 1990s boom, Devin sees parallels in the rapid development of Northlake and Justin. She’s become a trusted, hyper-local source—not just for real estate listings, but for community news, small business features, and neighborhood events.
When she noticed a common challenge—buyers needing temporary housing while waiting for new construction—she and Tony got creative. The result was Justine’s in Justin, a fully stocked, Instagram-worthy Airbnb designed to help local real estate agents and builders close more deals. “Sometimes builder timelines aren’t predictable,” she says. “Our Airbnb
bridges that gap and helps buyers make the move into their dream home.”
The name itself has a story. “In 1887, there was a typo in the town’s formation paperwork, adding an ‘e’ to the end of ‘Justin,’” Devin explains. “For a while, the city was called ‘Justine.’ Naming our place Justine’s Inn was our nod to local history.”
Community at the Core
For Devin, real estate is inseparable from community service. Whether she’s mentoring other agents, spotlighting local businesses, or cheering on her kids’ activities, she leads with generosity. “One of my favorite things to ask another agent or builder rep is, ‘What can I do to get YOU one more deal this month?’” she says. “When they realize
I’m after a mutual interest, we can make magic happen.”
Her family shares that spirit. This year, Tony launched Function Coffee Co., a local coffee roasting business using organic, ethically sourced beans. The Daussats can often be found serving their signature Can-On-Demand cold brew lattes at community events, open houses, and markets—another way they connect with neighbors and support local life. The family is now preparing to take the next step, with plans to open their brick-and-mortar location at Northlake Commons in Spring 2026.
Lessons in Service
Devin’s commitment to service is inspired in part by her mother, Darla
Denton, owner of Devin Designs Flowers in Grapevine. “My mom has grown her business through word of mouth my entire life,” Devin says. “She’s there for her community from prom night to weddings, new babies to the loss of a loved one. I’m striving to build a business that reflects that same dedication.”
That philosophy shapes every interaction. One of her first questions to new clients is about their preferred communication style—call, text, email, or video. “Meeting people where they are is the backbone of my business,” she says. “It’s not about the size of your social media following, but about the strength of your sphere of influence.”
Chasing Big Dreams
Devin doesn’t shy away from risk or change. From selling her dance studio after having “Irish twins” to starting over in a new industry, she’s learned that “growth happens in the uncomfortable seasons.” She’s not built for a slow-paced life—and she’s okay with that. “Your vision for the life you want is never too big,” she says.
Her definition of success? “Building a life and business that align with your values, serve others well, and give you the freedom to be present in the moments that matter most.”
In the coming year, she’s focused on officially launching Bigger Better Texas, expanding her hyper-local content for Northlake and beyond, and helping more families make confident moves.
Rooted in Texas, Ready for the Future
When asked what she wants to be remembered for, Devin’s answer is immediate: “As someone who led with generosity, lifted others up, and made my community better—both in real estate and beyond.”
It’s a legacy she’s already building— one relationship, one family, and one community connection at a time. And for Devin Daussat, that’s not just business. That’s home.
ADAM & LINDSEY CROUCH of FROM CHAOS TO CLARITY
HOMEstretch: North Dallas
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN • PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
When Adam and Lindsey Crouch started HOMEstretch: North Dallas, they weren’t just launching a business — they were solving a problem. And not just any problem. One that every seasoned real estate agent and overwhelmed homeowner knows all too well: the exhausting, fragmented, and timeconsuming process of getting a home ready for the market.
“Selling a home is stressful enough,” Lindsey said. “We wanted to create a service where homeowners and REALTORS® could breathe easy. They make one call, and we handle everything else.”
From painting and flooring to junk removal and landscaping, HOMEstretch specializes in full-service, pre-sale home preparation — and they do it fast. But what really sets them apart isn’t just what they do; it’s how they do it.
“Our motto is simple,” Adam shared. “Make it easy. Make it beautiful. Make it sell.”
It’s a mantra that came to life from their own lived experience. Lindsey, a former real estate agent, saw firsthand how clients juggled multiple contractors just to get a home market-ready — often missing the mark in the end.
“There were so many moving parts,” Lindsey recalled. “Clients were coordinating painters, cleaners, flooring crews, handymen — and still not getting the results they needed. It felt like chaos.”
That chaos was the spark that led the Crouches to combine Lindsey’s real estate background with Adam’s experience in project management. The result? A turnkey service that removes the burden from sellers and agents alike.
And it’s not just logistics they’re tackling — it’s people’s lives.
“We’re most passionate about the transformation,” Adam said. “Not just of homes, but of the people we’re helping. Every project represents a major life moment — a move, a downsizing, a family transition. We don’t take that lightly.”
He recalled one recent project where an agent reached out, completely overwhelmed. Her listing needed new paint, carpet removal, drywall repairs, a deep clean, and yard work — all in less than a week.
“She told us afterward, ‘I don’t know how I did this before I found you guys,’” Adam smiled. “That’s what we aim for — to become that trusted
partner agents know they can count on, no matter the pressure.”
Trust and ease are pillars of their business. They offer consultations within 24 hours, deliver customized proposals within another 24, and typically begin work within just 2–3 days. Speed and communication, they believe, are non-negotiables.
“Efficiency is critical,” Lindsey said. “Agents are on tight timelines, and families are navigating emotional transitions. We step in and make it smooth.”
But HOMEstretch isn’t just about fixing up homes. It’s about serving people.
“Our heart is for people in transition,” Adam said. “This isn’t just paint and repairs — it’s about showing care,
clarity, and respect to families going through big changes.”
That mission is reflected in the way they treat each project — with sensitivity, professionalism, and an understanding that behind every job is a story. Whether it’s an elderly couple relocating closer to family, a single parent selling the home where they raised their kids, or a real estate agent trying to get top dollar for their client, HOMEstretch shows up ready to serve.
“We don’t push services people don’t need,” Adam added. “We listen. We assess. Then we provide a clear plan that takes the pressure off and delivers results.”
It’s that intentionality and focus on relationships that have fueled their growth, and the future is looking bright.
“Our goal is to be the go-to name for home prep in the Dallas area,” Lindsey said. “We want agents to think of HOMEstretch first when they need a house ready to list — because they know we’ll get it done right.”
And when they’re not transforming homes or calming stressed-out sellers? The Crouches are busy being parents to Avery (11) and Caleb (9), both of whom attend school in Lake Highlands. Family time is sacred — filled with bike rides, soccer games, and evenings around the dinner table.
“As parents, we’ve learned to be intentional with our time,” Adam shared. “Work is important, but so is being present at home. I plan my schedule around the moments that matter.”
That balance of business and family life is woven into every part of HOMEstretch’s story. It’s what makes them relatable — and deeply respected by the agents and families they serve. When asked what drives their success, Adam didn’t hesitate.
“We’re not just selling a service. We’re solving a real problem — one that most people don’t even realize is holding them back. We simplify the chaos, and in doing so, we give people peace of mind.”
That peace of mind has earned HOMEstretch a loyal following — one that continues to grow as more agents and sellers realize the value of a reliable home prep partner.
“If you’re a top producer, or even just trying to do right by your client, we’re here to help,” Adam said. “You don’t need to do it all. Let us carry that load so you can focus on what you do best — selling the home.”
With integrity at their core and transformation as their mission, Adam and Lindsey Crouch are proving that HOMEstretch isn’t just a service — it’s a solution. And in the fast-paced world of real estate, it might just be the partner you didn’t know you needed.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach out to Adam and Lindsey at adam.crouch@home-stretch. com, HOMEstretch: North Dallas One call. One team. Done right.
TOM FERRY’S SUCCESS SUMMIT
Bringing Together Thousands of Real Estate Professionals Celebrated Its 23rd Year in Dallas
Ferry International, the leading real estate coaching and training company, recently hosted the 23rd annual Success Summit in Dallas. The three-day event, held August 26–28, drew thousands of real estate professionals from around the world, both in-person and virtually, all united by a shared mission: to elevate their businesses, their mindsets, and their impact.
Founded by world-renowned real estate coach Tom Ferry, the Success Summit has grown into one of
the industry’s most influential conferences. Over the years, it has become known for delivering high-impact strategies, powerful networking opportunities, and direct access to some of the most successful voices in real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
This year’s lineup featured an elite roster of thought leaders and high performers, including Tom Ferry, the #1 ranked real estate coach and bestselling author; Josh Altman, star
of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles; Tim Grover, legendary performance coach to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant; Matthew Ferry, mindset coach and spiritual strategist; Jason Pantana, marketing and tech authority for modern agents; and Jimmy Mackin, CEO of Listing Leads and real estate marketing expert.
“Each year, our goal is to equip agents with the tools, systems, and mindset they need to grow—both personally and professionally,” Tom Ferry said during
the event. “The industry is changing faster than ever before, and Success Summit is where serious agents come to future-proof their business.”
With a strong focus on innovation, marketing, AI-powered systems, and mindset, this year’s theme challenged agents to rethink how they scale and succeed in today’s fast-paced real estate market.
Since its inception, the Success Summit has not only been a gathering place for real estate professionals but also a catalyst for growth and transformation within the industry.
White Glove Service,
Rooted
in Relationships
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
In real estate, transactions and the numbers, awards, and sales figures that follow often get the spotlight. But for Alan Sahliyeh and his team at The Sahliyeh Swanson Real Estate Group under Compass, the true story lies elsewhere. It’s about the experience they provide to people—clients, families, investors—and the trust they place in the team to guide them through one of life’s most important decisions.
“Our clients and their referrals are everything,” Alan says. “That’s really what has built our business. We never take it for granted, and we work every day to make sure people know we’re here for them.”
That focus on service is at the heart of the brokerage’s success. For nearly two decades, Alan has been involved in real estate in Dallas, steadily building a practice rooted in relationships rather than transactions. Today, the group is known for providing white-glove service at every step of the process. Whether helping a firsttime buyer, guiding a family through an upsizing move, or working with investors on new opportunities, the approach is always the same: attentive, thorough, and client-focused.
A Philosophy of Care
Alan’s introduction to real estate came early. He grew up in Preston Hollow, where his parents emphasized hard work, endurance, and setting goals. He first managed commercial properties for his father, an experience that taught him the nuts and bolts of ownership and responsibility. Later, he gained experience at a boutique brokerage before launching his own path. Each stop along the way reinforced a belief he carries into his business today: that consistency, honesty, and care matter more than flash or shortcuts.
“Our clients come to us during pivotal times in their lives,” Alan explains. “Maybe they’re welcoming a child, relocating for a new job, or starting a new investment journey. These are big moments. Our responsibility is to make sure they feel supported, educated, and cared for throughout the process.”
That means going beyond the basics of showing homes and signing contracts. The group takes a proactive approach— anticipating client needs, removing obstacles, and ensuring every detail is handled with professionalism. It’s a philosophy that has led to loyal relationships and steady referrals, the true backbone of the business.
A Team Built on Collaboration
The Sahliyeh Swanson Real Estate Group is more than a collection of agents under one name—it’s a collaborative team. Alan
emphasizes that success is shared. “We want every agent to succeed,” he says. “That culture of support directly impacts our clients because when our agents thrive, they deliver an even higher level of service.”
Training, mentorship, and open communication are central to the group’s dynamic. Agents share insights
and strategies, working together rather than competing against one another. This creates an environment where clients always benefit from a team approach, with multiple perspectives and skill sets coming together to serve their needs.
Alan’s advice to new agents echoes the culture he’s built: “Find a broker that
provides support, training, and help when you need it. This business is about constant learning.”
Dallas Roots, Future Vision
Dallas is more than a market for Alan—it’s home. Having grown up in the city and raising his own family here, he takes pride in watching it grow and evolve. He sees opportunity in its development and stability, describing it as one of the most insulated and attractive markets in the country. “Dallas continues to welcome growth,” he explains. “More companies are moving here, more families are calling it home, and we see that continuing over the next five to ten years.”
His long-term vision includes playing a role in shaping that growth through development, while continuing to serve individual clients with the same hightouch service that has defined his career.
Relationships at the Center
While Dallas may be expanding rapidly, Alan insists that the most important part of his work remains unchanged: the people he serves. For him and his team, every client relationship is personal. Many clients return again and again as their needs evolve, and they often become friends. Referrals, too, mean the world to the team. “When a client trusts us enough to recommend us to their family or friends, it’s the highest compliment we can receive,” Alan says. This emphasis on relationships extends beyond the office. Alan, his wife Kelley, and their daughter, Vivienne Monroe, enjoy life in Dallas together, staying grounded through family time, travel, and community involvement.
Looking Ahead
Ask Alan what success looks like, and he won’t point to charts or accolades. Although he has sold over $100 million in volume in just the last four years, real estate for Alan comes back to one simple principle: put people first.
It’s a philosophy that has guided him from the beginning, and it continues to define the white-glove service The Sahliyeh Swanson Real Estate Group gives to their clients every day.
KELSEY BERRY
Escrow O cer
Lawyers Title Frisco
Escrow O cer
Lawyers Title Lakewood
MADISON KELLY
ALDEN Alma
FORGING A LEGACY
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
For Alma Alden with Dave Perry Miller Preston Center, real estate has never been just about closing deals—it’s about opening doors to new possibilities. “My passion is helping others, and I am committed to continuous personal growth so I can best serve my clients,” she says. “By striving to improve myself every day, I ensure my skills, knowledge, and dedication empower those I work with to achieve their real estate goals.”
That philosophy is woven into every chapter of her 27-year career in the Dallas market. Originally from Northern Mexico, Alma moved to Dallas at the age of six. She grew up in Oak Cliff, graduating from Sunset High School before earning her degree from the University of Dallas in Richardson. The eldest of six children, Alma learned responsibility and resilience early— qualities that continue to define her both personally and professionally.
Before stepping into real estate, Alma built a thriving career in the luxury retail industry. “That experience taught me how to deliver exceptional customer service, pay attention to the smallest details, and truly understand my clients’ unique needs,” she recalls. “It translates seamlessly into real estate, allowing me to provide a concierge-level approach.” That foundation has become one of her strongest differentiators in a competitive market.
When she entered real estate in 1998, Alma quickly realized that the industry demanded constant evolution. “In the current shifting market, I’m deeply focused on adapting my mindset to uncover opportunities and share them with my network,” she explains. Her approach is proactive—identifying ways to create value for her clients, even when conditions are unpredictable.
For Alma, the most rewarding part of the business lies in the relationships she
builds along the way. “Each transaction is as distinct and special as the people I represent,” she says. “I embrace every stage of the process with my clients, from the excitement of the search to the satisfaction of closing.” Her clients, in turn, trust her not just as a real estate agent but as a guide who navigates the journey with empathy, insight, and unwavering commitment.
Of course, a 27-year career is not without its challenges. Whatever obstacles Alma may face, she chooses professionalism, respect, and she is dedicated to ethical practices. “Clear communication, integrity, and collaboration are the keys to ensuring the best outcomes for my clients,” she remarks.
Her ability to rise above difficulties comes from personal experience. At the most trying times in her career, she reshaped her professional mission. “I was inspired to move beyond my comfort zone,” she reflects. “Stepping into branch management, I discovered my strengths in leadership, resilience, and strategic decision-making.” Those hard-earned skills now help her guide clients through their own life transitions with grace and confidence. “Real estate empowers me to turn dreams into reality, serve with kindness and
integrity, and create lasting positive impact in the lives of her clients and community,” she states with conviction.
Outside of real estate, Alma’s world revolves around family. She’s the proud mother of two sons, Zach and Noble, both graduates of prestigious universities who now live and work in New York City. She also loves spending time outdoors, whether hiking in the mountains or relaxing on the beach. “Traveling fuels my passion for adventure,” she says. “And practicing Pilates keeps me balanced and grounded.”
Ask Alma what sets her apart from other agents, and she’ll tell you it’s the way she treats people. “I believe in the Golden Rule—respect and kindness at the core of every interaction,” she explains. “I’m relentless, collaborative, and energetic, with strong negotiation skills. My goal is always to create win-win outcomes.”
Her definition of success is refreshingly grounded. “It’s staying true to my faith, prioritizing family, and dedicating myself to work I love,” she says. “When you lead with a genuine passion for serving people, everything else falls into place.” And her track record speaks for itself: over $126 million in career volume, with more than $9.2 million closed last
I BELIEVE IN THE RESPECT AND KINDNESS AT THE CORE OF EVERY INTERACTION.”
Golden Rule
year alone. This year, she was named among the Real Producers Top 1000 real estate agents in Dallas for 2025—a recognition she views as a reflection of her commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, Alma’s mission is clear: to be the trusted advisor for anyone seeking change—whether buying a first home, investing in property, or expanding a portfolio. “Through genuine service and commitment, I aim to leave a lasting, positive legacy in our community,” she says. “I want to empower others to turn their dreams into reality.”
And while her accolades and career milestones are impressive, Alma hopes to be remembered for something even more enduring. “I want to be remembered as a passionate mother, sister, aunt, friend, and REALTOR®—a beacon of kindness and an advocate for justice—dedicated to daily acts of service that inspire others and help create a more compassionate world.”
In a fast-paced, competitive market like Dallas-Fort Worth, it can be easy to get swept up in trends. But Alma Alden’s story is a reminder that at its heart, real estate is about people—their dreams, their challenges, and the places they call home. As she continues to grow, serve, and lead, her legacy will be measured not just in properties sold but in lives touched.
Lindsey Malouf | Principal Designer
STRONGER
How the MetroTex–CCAR
Merger Redefines REALTOR®
Leadership in North Texas
together
When the members of the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® (MetroTex) and the Collin County Area REALTORS® (CCAR) voted to merge, they weren’t just approving a plan of merger. They were choosing to shape the future of real estate in North Texas.
PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
2025 MetroTex & Collin County Executive Teams
This merger is the product of years of conversation about where the industry is headed and what REALTORS® need from their association to thrive. The result is a new MetroTex, nearly 37,000 members strong, that is positioned not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it.
Doing More
The North Texas market is one of the most dynamic in the nation. Urban infill, suburban growth, rising costs, and fast-moving regulations demand an association capable of meeting challenges head-on.
By joining forces, MetroTex has the scale to do just that—investing strategically in what matters most:
• Advocacy that carries weight at every level of government.
• Smarter technology that makes business simpler and more efficient.
• Professional development that prepares the REALTORS® to serve their clients and in the industry as a whole.
“We now have the scale and agility to invest where it matters most, through advocacy, education, and member success,” said Justin Landon, CEO of MetroTex.
A Model for the Nation
Across the country, REALTOR® associations are asking how to stay relevant in an era of disruption. The MetroTex–CCAR merger provides a clear answer: unify, streamline, and focus on delivering meaningful results for members.
It also reflects a deeper belief that through fostering opportunity, protecting property rights, and raising professional standards, MetroTex isn’t just serving today’s REALTORS®. It’s safeguarding the future of the profession.
What Comes Next
This is not the end of a process, but the beginning of a transformation. Staff will integrate, committees will align, and new tools will roll out over time. But the trajectory is clear: a stronger, smarter, more connected MetroTex.
“Our goal is not only to serve REALTORS® better but to elevate the profession,” said Johnny Mowad, President of MetroTex. “This merger is a movement toward something better: smarter service, stronger advocacy, and a truly member-driven future.”
Founded in 1917, the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® is the largest REALTOR® association in North Texas and one of the largest in the United States, representing nearly 37,000 real estate professionals across the region. MetroTex is an advocate for the real estate industry and private property rights. For more information, visit us online at MetroTex.com.
OPEN DOORS Chris
WRITTEN BY
KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY WHITNEY MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
MENDEZ
When Chris Mendez talks about his life, it’s hard not to hear the thread of gratitude running through every chapter. “Everything I have achieved has been by the grace and favor of God,” he says without
Chris’s story begins in Pereira, Colombia, where his father worked for Customs. Political upheaval disrupted their lives, ending his father’s career and opening an unexpected path.
“Shortly after, my parents applied for visas to enter the U.S., and the opportunity of starting a life in America began.” The family landed in South Florida, where Chris finished high school before making a move that would define much of his adult life—heading to Dallas in 1998 to study theology at Christ for the Nations.
It was there he met AnnMarie, the woman who would become his wife, business partner, and best friend. Two years later, they married, and this past August, they celebrated 23 years together. “We’ve been through it all,” Chris says, smiling. “The good, the bad, and everything in between.”
Before real estate, Chris spent 13 years as a Spanish medical interpreter, first at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and later at UT Southwestern. Then came another calling—service to his adopted country. In 2012, Chris joined the U.S. Navy Reserves, serving for eight years and completing two deployments. “The Navy made me stronger and
more resilient,” he recalls. “It taught me to keep charging ahead without hesitation, to be laserfocused on my goals.”
But his final deployment in 2017 proved pivotal. “That last one lasted almost a year,” he says. “It was incredibly hard on my wife and me. Coming back, I knew I didn’t want to go through another one.” Around the same time, his career in medical interpreting hit a dead end, and financial strain began pressing in. Bills piled up. The couple juggled multiple jobs—Chris working fulltime, serving on weekends, and squeezing in real estate part-time; AnnMarie photographing weddings and driving for Uber just to keep them afloat.
“There were mornings I’d wake up to see our bank account in the red,” Chris says. “AnnMarie would go out and drive to cover it. Then the next morning, we’d wake up in the red again. It was getting hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The turning point came through prayer, persistence, and a leap of faith. Chris earned his real estate license in 2018, diving headfirst into a career that, while uncertain, held the promise
EVERYTHING I HAVE ACHIEVED HAS BEEN BY THE
grace and favor of God.”
of something more. “With God’s help, through lots of prayer, perseverance, and hard work, we received our breakthrough,” he says. “In less than three months, we went from a negative bank account to becoming debt-free.”
A key part of that transformation was finding his broker, Chase Bray. “From the moment I sat down for an interview with Chase, I knew I’d found the place I wanted to be,” Chris says. “Chase and Melanie have hearts of gold. They invest in their people and make us better agents—and better people.”
By 2020, AnnMarie joined Chris in the business, and together they built The Mendez Group, a team that now consistently produces at a high level. In 2024, Chris closed over $8.6 million in volume, bringing his career total to nearly $39 million. Along the way, he’s been recognized as a Best Agent and Top Real Estate Producer by D Magazine and a Top Producer by Real Producers.
Still, Chris measures success differently. “Success is walking in obedience to the call that God has put before you,” he says. For him, that call includes building relationships, guiding clients through one of life’s most personal decisions, and doing it with integrity. “I’m
not a salesperson by nature,” he admits. “I’m an educator. I’m more relationship-driven than sales-driven.” That mindset carries over to his goals. “I want to help more families reach the goal of homeownership and find opportunities to help others,” he says. “I also want to travel more and spend time with loved ones.”
Chris’s journey has been anything but easy— immigrating to a new country, navigating financial hardship, serving overseas, and building a business from scratch. But his story is also one of faith and unshakable determination. “In real estate, there are no shortcuts,” he says. “If your heart is in the right place, good things will come your way. Above all, put God first in your life, family, and business. ‘Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.’”
These days, Chris and AnnMarie live in Frisco with their two dogs, Shack and Cookie, enjoying the moments they once had to miss. “The best part,” he says, “is that now I get to be present. We’re building something together, side by side.”
For Chris Mendez, every closing is more than a transaction—it’s a confirmation of the grace that brought him here, the grit that kept him going, and God who opened the doors along the way.
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