Dallas Real Producers - September 2019

DALLAS

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

Alex

Perry Positive Leader & Problem Solver

RISING STAR COURTNEY ELLIS LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT ROBBIE BRIGGS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT WILLOW BEND MORTGAGE

SEPTEMBER 2019

Safe, Sound & Secure.

BEFORE YOUR CLIENTS BUY...

We Inspect over 400 points in the Home

With Home Inspection Solutions, Your Clients Will Receive: •

Prompt, professional, and personalized service

•

Structural/Mechanical inspections

•

Wood Destroying Insect inspections plus additional inspections as needed

•

Over 20 years of full-time experience in the inspection business

•

24-Hour online scheduling

•

Extended Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

•

Military, teachers, and first responder discounts

•

Money Back, Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dallas

2 • September 2019

Ft Worth

Cliff and Sheri Willis, Owners

214-448-9572 817-939-8333

www.realproducersmag.com • 3

MEET THE

4 • September 2019

COMMUNITY Check Out Some Of Dallas’ Top 500 Producing REALTORS®

Nominate a top REALTOR® you’d like to see featured by emailing Brett@DallasRP.com www.realproducersmag.com • 5

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 13

14

24

Publisher’s Note

Cover Story Alex Perry

Rising Star Courtney Ellis

29

30

38

Dallas Real Producers FAQs

Leadership Spotlight Robbie Briggs

Partner Spotlight Willow Bend Mortgage

If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Brett@DallasRP.com DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Dallas Metro Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

6 • September 2019

www.realproducersmag.com • 7

G E O R G E BAS S S TAG E & D E S I G N

A full service designer and residential stage company that provides luxury homes with exceptional varieties and styles of inventory for the real estate market.

We are located in the Dallas Design Center by appointment only. We work with 100 of the top producing luxury real estate agents in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth metroplex. We were established in 2006 and have serviced the real estate industry with excitement and a unique style of stage in new builds and established residences and have exceeding selling price and days on market with listings. We have had the privilege of being a part of $650 million in real estate sales for the industry professionals the past 15 years in Dallas and surrounding cities.

100 Parkhouse Street Suite 200 | Dallas, TX 75207 Mobile 214 546-0100 | Office 469 776-5118 | www.georgebassdesign.com | georgebassdesign@outlook.com 8 • September 2019

MEET THE

D A L L A S REAL PRODUCERS TEAM Brett Martinsen Owner/Publisher 214-717-8525

Courtney Carter Photographer

Katherine H. Fondren

Dave Danielson Writer

Executive Assistant/ Ad Manager

Lucia Bird, Ph.D. Editor

Bryan K. Reed Graphic Designer

Jin Kim

Photographer

Geneva Eilertson Marketing Assistant

Kyle Martinsen Assistant Editor

Spring is Here!

ALAMO TITLE CO – THE BIGGERS LAW FIRM, P.C. for your Real Estate transactions

Partnering to help you Close with Confidence!

™

Fully Insured Licensed to travel to all 50 states Referral Based 2 Convenient Office Locations

Richardson 469-734-9000 North Richland Hills 817-903-6440

Trained Moving Professionals Innovative Scheduling Technology Full Packing Services Available Locally Owned and Operated 5 Star Google Rating

Call Today For Your Free Quote www.stonebriarmoving.com

A powerhouse title insurance and escrow closing team that offers you the unique combination of industry knowledge, experience, intuitive service, and the financial strength that comes with Alamo Title Co. being part of the Fidelity National Financial Kathryn Biggers, Attorney Edward Biggers, Attorney (FNF) title family.

Escrow Officer Escrow Officer

BiggersLawFirm.com • 214.252.1900 2616 Hibernia Street, Dallas, TX 75204 www.realproducersmag.com • 9

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!

CONCIERGE STORAGE & MOVING Callbox Storage (214) 681-2904 https://callboxstorage.com/ CUSTOM HOME BUILDER & REMODELER Axiom Builders Preston Johns (469) 939-1616 www.axiombuilders.co FOUNDATION REPAIR Elite Foundation Repairs Jefferie Ellison (214) 856-9634 EliteFoundationRepairs.com

INSURANCE AGENCY HUB International Personal Insurance Jim Marks (214) 855-5621 www.hubinternational.com Rani Alfers Insurance Agency, Inc. Rani Alfers (972) 661-5200 RaniAlfers.com LANDSCAPING Outdoor Home Living (214) 328-5296 OutdoorHomeLiving.com

HANDYMAN & REMODELING Lone Star Home Repair Dale Thompson (214) 797-9850

MORTGAGE LENDING Alpha Loan Group JC Mier (972) 597-4300 TheMortgageGOAT.net

HOME INSPECTION Home Inspection Solutions (214) 448-9572 HISDFW.com

Benchmark Mortgage Rich Detz (972) 398-7657 RichDetz.com

HOME THEATER AND AUTOMATION Stellar Home Theater (214) 227-1088 livestellarnow.com

Guardian Mortgage Wade Betz (469) 906-2522 winningwithwade.com

HOME WARRANTY Home Warranty of America (888) 492-7359 hwahomewarranty.com Landmark Home Warranty Theron Smith (214) 490-0872 Landmarkhw.com

Park Cities Mortgage (972) 818-5626 www.parkcities mortgage.com Petra Home Lending Jason O’Quinn (214) 432-0443 PetraLending.com Seidel Mortgage Group Ted Seidel (214) 552-8834 www.TedSeidel.com

10 • September 2019

The Hicks Group Cardinal Financial, LP Brent Hicks (972) 728-3401 BrentHicks.com Verity Mortgage Michael J. Fooshee (469) 677-7037 FoosheeGroup.com Willow Bend Mortgage (214) 449-2334 wbm.com MOVING SERVICES Element Moving and Storage (972) 805-0988 elementmoving.com Stonebriar Moving Services (469) 734-9000 stonebriarmoving.com PHOTOGRAPHER URSPECIALS (972) 677-9988 urspecials.com PLUMBING Texas Plumbing Solutions LLC Elisha French (208) 596-7890 texasplumbing.solutions PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT UMB Financial Corporation (602) 996-8635 UMB.com REAL ESTATE VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY Icarus Independent Productions (469) 865-7459

icarusindependent.com REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHY AmpliFilm (972) 965-2098 amplifilm.net ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION Phoenix Roofing & Construction, Inc. (469) 360-4952 phoenixroof.com Red Dirt Roofing & Construction (817) 454-0608 reddirtroofing.net ROOFING & RESTORATION Bethel Roofing & Restoration Tim Bethel (214) 578-4904 STAGE & DESIGN George Bass Stage & Design (469) 776-5118 GeorgeBassDesign.com Haven Interiors Group (817) 233-9709 www.haveninteriorgroup. com TITLE COMPANY Alamo Title Co - The Biggers Law Firm, P.C. (214) 252-1900 BiggersLawFirm.com Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com

­

­ ­

­ ­ ­ ­ ­

817-233-9709 www.haveninteriorsgroup.com lindsey@haveninteriorsgroup.com 3839 McKinney Ave | Suite 2223 | Dallas, TX 75204 www.realproducersmag.com • 11

12 • September 2019

3KEY TAKEAWAYS publisher’s note Hello, Real Producers!

As I write this publisher’s note, it is August 15th and I’m at my favorite “go-to” spot, The GEM Juice Bar/smoothie place in Preston Center.

Many of you have met me here!

So much has happened over the last few months - hundreds of meetings and interviews getting to know many of you rockstar real estate agents, coordinating photoshoots and planning our launch party, while doing my best to connect you with the most elite service providers in Dallas that you are looking for.

After meeting so many of the top agents, hearing your stories, and learning more about what has made you successful, I thought I’d share some of my biggest lessons I’ve learned from you: 1) It typically takes a strong work ethic to succeed in this business, along with a genuine interest in helping others and a high level of empathy.

2) You don’t have to know anyone at first in order to succeed in real estate. There are quite a few agents who did not know a single person in Dallas when they first started in real estate, and they went on to become top producing agents in Dallas.

3) You all have a unique story. It’s so cool getting to know you, diving deeper into who you are as individuals, and discovering the path you took to succeed.

More info on what we do: If you are still trying to comprehend what Dallas Real Producers is all about, this section should help you better understand.

You are receiving this magazine every month since you were one of the TOP 500 producing REALTORS® in Dallas last year, and you made the Dallas Real Producers squad!

Since you are in the TOP 500...

• You will be receiving our publication every single month for FREE • You will be invited to all of our quarterly parties for FREE • You have the opportunity to be featured for FREE (if you are nominated by your peers)

You should have received a copy of the magazine at your office the past four months. If you for some reason

have NOT received it yet or if you would like it sent to your home address instead, send me a quick email at Brett@DallasRP.com and we will update it for you.

Once again, congrats and welcome to the Dallas Real Producers community!

It has been so much fun getting to know many of you over the last few months. I am grateful for all of your support and look forward to creating a community that you love being a part of.

Cheers to an amazing finish to 2019!

With Gratitude, Brett Martinsen Owner & Publisher of Dallas Real Producers Call/Text 214-717-8525 Brett@DallasRP.com

www.realproducersmag.com • 13

A LEX

P ER RY Positive Leader & Problem Solver

14 • September 2019

www.realproducersmag.com • 15

cover story

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

T H O S E W HO SE T T H E B A R A N D AC H I EV E S U C C E SS AT A HIGH L EV EL DON ’T P O S S E SS MAG IC, B UT T H EY DO CA L L O N A L L THE A BILIT I ES T H EY P O S S ES S .

One clear example of what can be accomplished through hard work, positivity, and leadership is Alex Perry.

Growing Up in the Business Today, he serves as Executive Vice President and leads the top producing group at Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Like all leaders, however, there was a time, a time to learn, before his success.

“My father was in real estate in Los Angeles, so, growing up, I was surrounded by it. But I didn’t know that was what I wanted to go into,” Alex recalls.

When he started college, Alex came to Texas and was a real estate finance major at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

“I was interested in real estate, but I didn’t know where it would take me,” Alex remembers. “I had interned in commercial real estate and realized I didn’t like that during school. So, I thought I’d try residential real estate for fun for six months until I finished school to see if it was something I would like.”

16 • September 2019

He graduated at a pivotal time.

As he says, “It was 2006, and the market was booming. I got lucky to catch that 18-month period before the market busted. It really piqued my interest in residential, and that’s how I got into it.”

Alex started his career with Allie Beth Allman & Associates 12 years ago. He has been there ever since— steadily gaining successes and growing into his role as a senior leader.

Alex has reached a level of success about which most people dream. For the past six years, he’s been a true top producer in terms of individual production. At the same time, his 13-member team recorded over $200 million in volume in 2018, including a significant accomplishment of closing ten sales over $5 million.

Moving Forward Despite his lofty achievements and uncanny leadership, Alex doesn’t rest on his laurels. In fact, he doesn’t rest at all. Instead, he looks forward.

As Alex says, “I always keep myself in check. It doesn’t matter what you

did yesterday. It’s what can you do to help your clients today. I really think of myself as a problem solver. And, when the deal is complete, that means you solved the problem.”

He emphasizes positivity.

“I try to see the positive in everything and focus on that,” he explains.

“I focus on why people love the home, and why they’re willing to pay for it, and sell those features. That creates a positive energy in the home when you’re showing it, and that leads to sales. So, that’s one of my keys to success. It’s focusing on why someone would buy that home, not why they wouldn’t.”

As Alex looks back over his career to date, he’s grateful for the progress he has made along the way.

“I’d say, when I started 12 years ago, it seemed like any deal I got was practically luck. But the market has changed. You no longer just put a sign in the yard. There’s so much that goes into selling a home now. That starts from the day you meet someone to list it. And, there’s the work you do with

www.realproducersmag.com • 17

AND, WHE N C LIENTS GE T TO T HE POINT WHE RE T HE Y BELIEVE I N YO U AND GIVE YOU AN O PPO RT UNITY TO SE RVE T HE M, YOU HAVE A PRE SSURE ON YOU TO PE RFO RM. I ENJOY T HAT PRE SSURE. lenders move their business forward, and clients reach their goals, ultimately, I’ve already been successful.”

One of the rewarding aspects of life for Alex is having his three brothers in Dallas with him. There are his older brothers, Dom and Matt, and his twin brother, Elliott. In fact, Elliott, who works with Hudson Construction Group, teams up with Alex on some deals to create a Dallas version of the Property Brothers.

On the topic of brothers, one of the most fulfilling parts of life for Alex has been his role as Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization for the past ten years.

Hard work, commitment, follow-through, and success are in Alex’s DNA. His grandfather, Fred Perry, was one of the best tennis players globally in the 1930s and won the U.S. Open, the French Open, the Australian Open, and Wimbledon (three times). a buyer. It’s instrumental in helping them find the right property. “ Alex sees his journey of growth being ongoing throughout his career.

“I’ll probably look back at today and say I can always be improving. So that’s the other thing. You want to stay humble and realize you don’t know everything,” Alex says. “Every deal is different, and, at the end of the day, we’re all working together. You

18 • September 2019

don’t want to put anything above that.

The goal is to make your clients happy and move on to the next deal.”

Influencing Outcomes A central part of Alex’s drive is serving those around him.

As he says, “I determine success based on how I affect the people that are in my life around me. If I can help other people become better agents, other title companies grow their business,

Day by day, week by week, Alex keeps his focus on hard work, knowledge attainment, and a problem-solving brand of service.

“It takes a lot of time to build up the reputation and the clientele base,” he smiles. “And, when clients get to the point where they believe in you and give you an opportunity to serve them, you have a pressure on you to perform. I enjoy that pressure.”

"What an important part of my real estate business Dale Thompson has proven to be! My clients continue to rave about his expertise, reliability and top quality work in their homes. He is now the first referral I give to my clients as they are getting their homes ready for market!"

- Lori Kircher REALTOR® | KircherHomes.com | D Best REALTOR® GRI, CRS, Accredited Luxury Home Specialist

Dale Thompson, Owner 214-797-9850 Thompson.S.Dale@gmail.com Lonestarhomerepair lonestarhomerepair

www.realproducersmag.com • 19

“ Great follow-up, Professional, Communicates freely.”

- Happy Customer

Discover why homeowners choose Red Dirt Roofing in the greater Dallas Fort Worth Area for roof repair and roof replacement.

FREE Estimates. Call Us Today!

Justin Barker, Owner

Cell 817 454 0608 | Justin@reddirtroofing.net Www.reddirtroofing.net 1309 Ridge Rd | Suite 109 | Rockwall TX 75032 20 • September 2019

MEET THE L AWYERS OF L AWYERS TITLE SERIOUS RESOURCES FOR SERIOUS REALTORS

LAWYERS TITLE OFFICE

972-202-5500

6333 E. MOCKINGBIRD LN., SUITE 270 DALLAS, TX 75214 4514 COLE AVE., SUITE 1400 DALLAS, TX 75205

DEDICATED PARTNERSHIP

INNOVATIVE RESOURCES

PROVEN STRENGTH

WWW.L AWYERSTITLEDFW.COM

www.realproducersmag.com • 21

DALLAS

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

PREVIOUS FEATURE STORIES

NOMINATE A TOP REALTOR® YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FEATURED BY EMAILING BRETT@DALLASRP.COM 22 • September 2019

We are a full service construction company serving the building needs of Dallas, TX. If you or your client wish to expand a home with an addition, remodel a fixer upper, or build a brand new house from the ground up,

we can help.

www.axiombuilders.co

469-939-1616

We are fully licensed and insured, with FULL workers compensation on all movers.

Local, Long Distance, International Residential and Commercial moving Packing, unpacking, loading services, specialty crating Moving, Storage, Packing, Unpacking, Loading Services, Specialty Crating

Dallas 972-805-0988/ Austin 512-717-3276 Email: info@elementmoving.com U SD OT# 2038052 | T XD M V# 006519926c | MC# 715198

www.realproducersmag.com • 23

rising star

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS Additional Photo by Southern Ellis

Courtney

Ellis

24 • September 2019

“My parents’ ability to take what had been ignored and forgotten and transform it into a life-giving space was (and still is!) exciting. They took us along for the ride, and we like to think we’re a little more creative and low-maintenance because of it!”

Finding Her Future After graduating from Fredericksburg High School, Courtney attended Texas A&M University and studied communications and journalism. That was followed by her first career step, which was political fundraising in Washington, D.C.

Planting Roots;

Bringing Life One of the true signs of success is doing something professionally that you also love—that point where work and passion meet.

That’s the way it is for Courtney Ellis, a Keller Williams Urban Dallas REALTOR®, who has quickly established herself as one of the industry’s Rising Stars in Dallas.

As Courtney says, “Working in real estate feels like a gift! I spend my days searching and strategizing with clients, who become friends. I get to help plant (and transplant!) people, who end up sitting around dining room tables and on living room couches, putting down roots, and growing deeply. A lot of life tends to unfold inside homes. At least, it’s where a lot of it starts! Getting to play a role in that part of life is pretty fun.”

While she loved the experience and the city and learned much about listening first and pitching second, Courtney decided she likely didn’t have a career in politics. After three years, she returned to Texas and moved to Dallas, where she joined a healthcare software startup called Loopback Analytics.

As she says, “I loved working for an entrepreneur who was inventive and bold, took risks, and worked well under pressure. Watching him lead his company prepared me for what was next!”

After three years at the startup, she decided to merge much of what she’d been learning by jumping headfirst into residential real estate.

Gaining Other Experiences Like many who discover their passion in real estate, Courtney experienced other paths that gave her a well-rounded set of skills and helped shape who she is today.

Bringing it Home Now, halfway through her third year in the business, Courtney feels like she has come home in her career.

It began for Courtney as one of five children growing up in the Texas Hill Country. She watched her parents merge vision and creativity as they took on projects that needed life restored.

“Real estate combines so much of what interests me already, including people, homes, neighborhoods, and

www.realproducersmag.com • 25

communities. I get to be the boots on the ground as people process through how a large investment, like a home, affects many parts of their lives, including who their neighbors will be, where their kids will go to school, how they’ll spend their time, and how they’ll grow as people.”

While Courtney is officially an individual real estate agent, she has an amazing team across the city in her title companies, lenders, inspectors, carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, painters, etc., as well as at home in her husband, Southern, and their ten-month-old son, Stone.

As she says, “Southern is an architect, with a side gig of managing all my marketing, both online and in print. He has an eye for staging and can creatively assess what structural and cosmetic changes might need to be made to increase value for my buyers and my sellers.”

Southern and Courtney dove into their own home project, as well.

“We just wrapped the bulk of our East Dallas home renovation when we finished our kitchen remodel a few months ago. Getting a vision for the changes we wanted to make and managing who we believe to be the best subs in Dallas were real learning experiences for us both. Not all of my clients renovate, but, for those who do, we have tips and recommendations from start to finish!”

Heartfelt Pursuits Courtney truly relates to her clients, which is a big part of her success.

This is because, as she works with them on the details, nuts, and bolts of the transactions, she actually sees the parts of life that are supported and made stronger by that sense of home.

26 • September 2019

“I love the access I get to people through real estate,” she says. “I enter in at a pretty crucial part of life when a lot of things seem to be up in the air and big decisions are looming. Buying or selling should really be fun, but it requires having an expert in the trenches with you to keep a pulse on the market, negotiate well on your behalf, and manage the

players who come together to make a deal work well.”

Each day, Courtney feels gratitude for the part she gets to play in her clients’ lives.

“My husband primarily designs hospitals, so success for him means creating a space where healing can

happen. For me, I think it’s similar!

So much of life happens inside homes and around tables as people are seen and heard, known and loved. Healing happens inside homes, too! And, as a REALTOR®, my job is to creatively, strategically, and smoothly ask the right questions and pull in the right players, so people can continue planting, pruning, and growing in new

places. Most of all, I want to wrap deals with clients who know that I love them.”

start to finish, as well as long after the transaction ends.

And, that’s just what she does. Sometimes that means driving to Home Depot for locks and lumber after a listing was burglarized. Other times, it means arriving early to hold a place in line for a meeting with the city down at the Jefferson Blvd. office. But most of the time, it just means being on her clients’ teams and representing them well from

“To me, being a REALTOR® is about helping people put down roots, whether they’re renting, buying, or selling and transplanting somewhere else. Homes are where people are restored, where they are loved, and where the deep stories of life unfold.”

www.realproducersmag.com • 27

MEANS YOU HAVE ONE LESS WORRY

When it comes to covered home repairs, a Landmark Home Warranty® can help ease your clients' budget worries. Our service and coverage helps make repairs a walk in the park rather than a steep mountain climb.

"Elisha and his team are fantastic. They're extremely professional, always available, thorough, clear, and trustworthy. My husband and I use them for all our plumbing needs + they're the first team I refer to all my clients and friends. 5 Stars!"

Courtney Ellis, Keller Williams Urban Dallas

• Plans have generous limits on repairs and replacements.* • Every customer gets a welcome call to explain their coverage and how to use their plan.

• In 2019, alone we received two awards** for our outstanding service and coverage!

THERON SMITH Account Executive

®

Cell 214-490-0672 Email: theron@landmarkhw.com

214-418-4964

texasplumbing.solutions

28 • September 2019

Place orders at:

www.landmarkhw.com/order/realestate *Landmark Home Warranty® plans cover the repair or replacement of many of your home's system components and appliances when they break down, but may not cover the entire system or appliance. See our brochure for details on what is covered, excluded, and any limits for each system and appliance. **2019 Consumers Choice Award (Best Company) • 2019 Best Regional Company (Homewarrantyreviews.com)

DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of Real Producers?

Our primary mission is to UNITE the top REALTORS® in the local community by helping you connect with other top producing agents on a deeper level. We accomplish this through our monthly publication and our quarterly parties and events.

Is there a cost to me, the REALTOR®?

No cost to you. Our entire platform is FREE for you! All of our costs are covered by our approved business partners. They have all been recommended by one of the top 500 REALTORS® in the community, so you should feel comfortable using them as well.

Who is the magazine distributed to?

ONLY the TOP 500 producing REALTORS® south of 635 will be receiving our monthly publication. The top 500 varies each year based on MLS production, so there are no guarantees you make the top 500 next year. Keep working hard!

Where do we get the top 500 from?

The TOP 500 comes directly from real MLS data. The Dallas Real Producers community includes the top 500 REALTORS® south of 635 in Dallas county, along with Rockwall, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Duncanville, Waxahachie, etc. **We also have a North DFW Real Producers community and magazine for the top 500 REALTORS® NORTH of 635. You are welcome to come to their parties and events as well (as long as you promise to be fun).

How will you be receiving the magazine every month?

We will be shipping your copy of the magazine to your office with your name on the back, so keep your eyes open for it every month! We will send out a monthly email with the digital version of it as well. **If you would like it shipped to your house instead of the office, please email Brett@DallasRP.com with your home address.

www.realproducersmag.com • 29

leadership spotlight

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

30 • September 2019

RO B B I E

BRIGGS

A LEADER FOR ALL SEASONS

In real estate, there are no fair-weather leaders. Those who mentor, guide, support their teams, and set the bar for client service must have what it takes to lead through all seasons.

If a university were offering a course on true leadership, Robbie Briggs would be a great choice for Professor Emeritus.

Today, Robbie is CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty in Dallas, an iconic organization represented by more than 400 agents across nine offices. However, this wasn’t always the case. Getting here took vision, creativity, and persistence.

Designs on the Future In a lot of ways, Robbie has been in real estate his whole life. In fact, his father started Ben R. Briggs Real Estate in 1960.

As Robbie says, “From the time I was eight years old, real estate wasn’t at the forefront for me. I thought I was going to be an architect.”

After high school, Robbie earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in architecture from Tulane University.

“Shortly after school, I got married. We had a baby very quickly, and I went to work for an architect,” he says. “At the time, during the 70s, when I got out of school, it was very difficult to make a living.”

Robbie quickly realized architecture wasn’t going to be his future. He remembers the 1970s as a rough time for design with developers asking for uninspired, glass reflective, box-like buildings.

Moreover, Robbie’s earnings weren’t going far in supporting his young family.

But Robbie had earned his real estate license.

“I literally went into real estate with the idea that I could make what I made in architecture with my

www.realproducersmag.com • 31

“I thought, in a market dependent on people relocating to Dallas, no one in Frankfurt, Germany; Monterey, Mexico; or even Chicago, Illinois knows who Robbie Briggs or any of my competitors are, but everyone knows about Sotheby’s International Realty, so I think that would be a good move for us,” he explains.

eyes closed. And, I’d do it while I figured out what to do with my life,” he says.

Robbie started working in his dad’s firm in 1979 with about 13 other agents. As it turned out, he liked it. So, Robbie stayed. By 1982, his dad was ready to retire, so Robbie assumed leadership.

As technology came along, Robbie was an early adopter. First, he bewildered team members, who wondered why he would want to have a pager. Then came fax machines and cell phones.

At the same time, he decided to adjust the personal production path on which he’d been.

“I felt that way I could put together a better group of agents and really spend my time on the business in rainmaking and managing,” he says.

“And, that’s where we started building the business.”

New Company. New Country.

In time, Robbie was approached by Charles Freeman, who had his own firm. He wanted to merge with Robbie. Eventually, the two men joined forces and became Briggs-Freeman.

32 • September 2019

For 18 years, the two men partnered. Along the way, Robbie’s children came of age, and his son moved to China to open a factory. Soon, Robbie was invited to join a ministry tour of the country. One thing led to another. Robbie’s son fell in love and decided to stay.

Robbie and his wife ended up living in China for three years while Robbie served as the Chairman of the Board for the International School of Beijing. During that time, Charles Freeman and Stephanie Bates assumed daily leadership while Robbie came back to Dallas multiple times per year to stay engaged.

Reinventing Success Time passed. And, Briggs-Freeman grew to 120 agents in one office. It was September 2008, and Robbie felt it was time to come home. Before he got back, the financial market collapsed. As he arrived, he saw fear and uncertainty in the market and his team.

“I was driving in, and I said, ‘Lord, how can I encourage these people when I’m not sure myself?’

And the message came. I felt like God asked, ‘Can you encourage them today?’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, I can do that,’” Robbie remembers. “So, I walked into that first meeting, and I said, ‘God is in control.

We’re going to figure this out every day and get through it.’”

At the same time, Charles was ready to retire, and Robbie had seen a new opportunity. Through their travels, the Sotheby’s International Realty name popped up. Robbie saw the future.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty was born. Through Robbie’s leadership, agents were added, along with business that was fueled in part by the global connections and visibility that clients received by having their properties plugged into the Sotheby’s International Realty brand.

As Robbie explains, “We’re staying creative and learning every day how we can better serve our clientele and how we can find niches that are the areas that we do particularly well and focusing on. There are a lot of disrupters. And, that’s okay, because it makes us better, and it pushes you to find the space you’re truly gifted in and do well. That’s where I’m trying to lead our company. What is it that makes our clients keep coming back?

And, what is it that attracts new clients to us?”

Growing from 13 agents to over 400 didn’t take magic. It took leadership in all its forms and through all seasons.

“I really enjoy the people that I work with. We go through great times together, and then we go through difficult times,” Robbie emphasizes.

“I go to work every day thinking okay, how can I make everything I do be a win-win situation. How can I make a difference and help somebody? I hope our agents recognize how much I want them to succeed and how I want people in our organization to work together to reach their best capacity.”

Auto • Home • Life • Business Rani Alfers | Rani Alfers Insurance Agency Office/Text: 972-661-5200 @RaniAlfersAgency Ralfers@farmersagent.com

Partnerships are key during a real estate transaction. My goal is to provide an experience for you and your clients that leaves a "WOW" impression.

Let's build value together.

SUCCESS THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS Rich Detz

Branch Manager | Loan Strategist | NMLS#275665

Direct: (972) 398-7657 | Cell: (214) 454-3777 rdetz@benchmark.us | www.richdetz.com 3333 Lee Parkway, Suite 639 Dallas, TX 75219 www.realproducersmag.com • 33

Foundation Repair Pier & Beam Drainage Jefferie Ellison, Owner Office: (214) 856-9634 Cell: (469) 939-9799 info@elitefoundationrepairs.com EliteFoundationRepairs.com 34 • September 2019

REALTORS® ON

THE RISE SOME OF THE TOP UP AND COMING REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN DALLAS

NOMINATE A RISING STAR YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FEATURED BY EMAILING BRETT@DALLAS RP.COM. www.realproducersmag.com • 35

DALLAS

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

We are looking for “rising stars” & also agents who love to give back!

The top agents who you see featured every month have all been nominated and selected by other top agents in the community.

And it didn’t cost them anything to be featured!

Want to see some of your favorite top agents featured?

Nominate them by emailing Brett@DallasRP.com

36 • September 2019

DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS

LOGOS

CONGRATS on being one of the Top 500 Producing REALTORS® in Dallas!!

Because you made the Dallas Real Producers squad, you now have your own EXCLUSIVE TOP 500 logo to use in your marketing!

Email Brett@DallasRP.com for your logo.

Our approved business partners/advertisers have their own logos as well. They are highly recommended from other top producing Realtors and are some of Dallas’ most elite businesses, so give them a shot!

www.realproducersmag.com • 37

partner spotlight

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

Willow Bend

MORTGAGE 38 • September 2019

Way. Better. ™ Mortgage.

When you talk with the professionals at Willow Bend Mortgage, you quickly understand their commitment to personal care and relationships.

The key? Individualized attention from traditional loan officers who take pride in the success of their clients.

A Team Supporting Client Dreams The Willow Bend Mortgage tradition stretches back 26 years.

Since 2017, Willow Bend Mortgage has doubled in production due to its pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the big growth numbers is an even bigger commitment to making a caring difference for clients.

Chad Stansell, who got into the mortgage business ten years ago, is Producing Branch Manager at Willow Bend Mortgage. Last year, Chad joined other team members, such as Dan Carson, Drew Brenner and David Betbadal, who brought their experience and expertise to Willow Bend Mortgage.

“All four of us came here after being at big mortgage companies,” Chad explains. “Willow Bend Mortgage is a smaller, privately owned company that has a completely different feel. It’s a boutique approach to the business. With my wife and two children, work/life balance is really important, and we have that here with Willow Bend.”

As Chad says, Willow Bend Mortgage brings a lot of advantages to the market.

“We offer a full range of products, including construction and renovation loans. We do those really well, but, in general, we perform at the highest level on all loan types! In the process, we’re able to be on the forefront of growth in Dallas/Fort Worth and Texas in general,” Chad says. “It’s a lot of fun. We offer great interest rates, we’re locally owned and operated, and, as a medium-sized mortgage company, we don’t have a lot of layers of management.”

www.realproducersmag.com • 39

Systems for Service Drew Brenner is a Residential Mortgage Loan Officer with Willow Bend Mortgage. Growing up in Edmond, Oklahoma, Drew watched his father build his own mortgage company that survived the economic downturn.

After moving to Dallas with his wife, Cayla, Drew worked first at Southwest Bank and then at two Coldwell Bank Residential offices as the inhouse loan officer before finding his home at Willow Bend Mortgage in August 2018.

“I started with my dad’s company.

Through the years, I’ve worked in small to medium to big organizations, and I wanted to get back to much more of a family-oriented, local culture. Willow Bend Mortgage hits that on the head,” Drew emphasizes. “The transition was very easy. We have a lot of great systems in place that allow us to do loans more quickly and keep clients informed. In the process, some of the administrative sides of things are taken off our shoulders, so we can focus on helping our clients.”

As Drew says, everyone takes the role of client service to heart.

“Our whole processing, underwriting, and operations staff is right here in Plano. And, we get to know each other on a personal basis.” Drew says. “It means a lot to have good relationships with people who work on our files and really care about helping us get it all done for clients.”

Crafting Individual Solutions David Betbadal joined Willow Bend last fall as a Residential Mortgage Loan Officer after gaining significant mortgage experience, including wholesale work in Los Angeles in the mid-2000s. He continued his mortgage career after the economic downturn when he moved to Dallas.

Along the way, he worked for large

40 • September 2019

organizations, so coming to Willow Bend Mortgage was a breath of fresh air. He appreciates the sense of flexibility and support.

“Willow Bend Mortgage does what they say they will. Here, I feel surrounded and supported by a good operations team they have helped me build.

I’ll do my initial conversation with a client, get

the application in, start collecting documents, and then work with our team to keep it moving along,” David explains. “We’re a very service-oriented place that makes sure clients are happy. Plus, we have the products and the right pricing to make it all work.”

Bend Mortgage as a local lender. The company had a great reputation established by Craig Shrank and Bill Shaddock, who founded the company 26 years ago in a job site trailer in one of Willow Bend’s first developments. As Dan says, “We are continuing that growth and success with great partnerships and new leadership from the recent addition of Pam Jenkins, our new president, and an amazing team of originators across the board.”

As Dan says, “I saw that large companies weren’t going to be able to compete with local lenders with a family feel because the service levels drop off after a certain point. Here, I’ve been fortunate to join an organization that wants to provide a great customer experience for clients and partners. We can offer everything a big company with modern technology has, but with very important attention to price and service advantages.”

Willow Bend Mortgage moves forward with a tireless focus on excellence.

“We want to be the best for everyone we work with.

When REALTORS® work with us, they become part of our family. With the online lenders and big companies, the thing that can get missed is the value of the relationship. That’s our number one focus,” Dan smiles. “Every chance we get to do a mortgage is a chance for us to enter someone’s life. And, we take that very seriously. We’re not about being the most profitable. We’re about being the best place to close, refer, and originate loans—period.”

For more information about Willow Bend Mortgage: Visit WBM.com You can also contact: David Betbadal(NMLS#: 925521) Phone: 214-918-9957 Drew Brenner(NMLS#: 298139) Phone: 214-282-6387 David enjoys the process of crafting the right solution as he helps people.

As he says, “It’s asking the right series of questions to figure out what the right fit is for them, figuring out a relatively complex situation, feeling the connection with them, helping

to move the file along, and getting it to work — helping clients get where they want to be.”

A Lender for Life Dan Carson is Senior Vice President of Sales. Born and raised in Dallas, Dan saw the opportunity for Willow

Dan Carson(NMLS#: 1642355) Phone: 512-878-3047 Chad Stansell(NMLS#: 117371) Phone: 214-449-2334

www.realproducersmag.com • 41

214-328-5296

42 • September 2019

www.realproducersmag.com • 43