Fort Worth Real Producers - April 2026

FORT WORTH

APRIL 2026

Elle Snodgrass Chasing Connection

DERRICK RUBIN

Built on Faith, Strategy, and Connection

KELLI TRICE Guiding Them Home

DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Teardown to Turnkey

PHOTO BY LUKE SYRES, LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

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Fort Worth Real Producers • 3

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Contents 18

DayDream Photography

Elle Snodgrass

22

COVER STORY

PROFILES IN THIS ISSUE 6 8 10 13 14 18

14 Derrick Rubin

30 Kelly Trice

Preferred Partner Index Meet the FW RP Team Publisher’s Note By the Numbers Rising Star: Derrick Rubin Preferred Partner Spotlight: DayDream Photography 22 Cover Story: Elle Snodgrass 30 Broker Spotlight: Kelli Trice

If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at: team@dfwrealproducers.com Fort Worth Real Producers • 5

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!

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Fort Worth Real Producers • 7

Meet The Team

Have an Idea?

Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner/Founder

Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner

Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison

Reece Gentry Partner Liaison

Katherine Fondren Editor

Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist

Landon Day Photographer

Katharine Gann Photographer

Rick Davis Videographer

Want to pitch, nominate or share a really cool story with our readers? Scan the QR code below to share with our Publisher.

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

Follow us on our social channels for the latest info on exclusive events, newsmakers and more!

@DFWREALPRODUCERS

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.

8 • April 2026

2024 NATIONAL BROKER OF THE YEAR

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Fort Worth Real Producers • 9

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

leads to opportunity after opportunity.

But the connections don’t stop there.

The other businesses in this community are doing incredible things as well. We regularly see partners collaborating with other partners, sharing ideas, forming new relationships, and finding ways to grow together.

That’s the kind of environment we are always trying to create within this community. A place where the topproducing agents and the businesses they trust can connect in a meaningful way. Not just to exchange business cards, but to build real relationships that move everyone forward.

ONE CONVERSATION AWAY

O

ne of the things I love most about Real Producers is how often I hear the same kind of story. Two people meet at an event.

Maybe it’s someone they’ve seen around but never actually talked to. Maybe it’s someone completely new. They strike up a conversation, exchange a few ideas, and go on with their night.

A few weeks later, that conversation turns into a referral. Or a partnership.

Or a new way of doing business they hadn’t thought about before. It’s amazing how often big things start with something that simple.

One conversation.

In real estate, it’s easy to focus on production numbers, closings, and the

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So as the year continues and the market picks up momentum, I would encourage you to lean into those moments. Introduce yourself to someone new at the next event. Sit down for coffee with someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. Ask questions. Share ideas. Because more often than not, the next opportunity, partnership, or breakthrough in your business isn’t hiding in a spreadsheet or a marketing plan.

It’s waiting on the other side of a conversation.

daily grind of running a business. Those things matter. But when you zoom out, so much of the growth in this industry actually comes from relationships.

For our RP Top Agents, one conversation with the right business partner can completely change the way a transaction runs. But it’s not just about agent-topartner relationships. We constantly see agents connecting with other agents in this community as well. One conversation can lead to a referral for a buyer or seller, a collaboration on a deal, or even a new idea that helps elevate the way someone runs their business.

For our Preferred Partners, one conversation with an agent can turn into a long-term working relationship that

Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers

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YOUR FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS BADGES Congrats on being one of the top real estate agents in Fort Worth!

Because of your 2026 MLS production, you earned your spot as a 2026 Fort Worth Real Producers Top Agent and can represent your badge proudly! This year, we have added NEW badges to the top 500 and top 1000 – top 10, top 25, top 100, top 250, and top 750 —the badge you will receive is determined by your production. Regardless, that is the top 6% in Fort Worth!

Missing your badge? Email team@ dfwrealproducers.com.

Using your badge? We’d love to see how!

Show us how you are using your badge,

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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!

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 Fort Worth’s most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!

2025

BY THE NUMBERS Here’s What Fort Worth’s Top 500 Agents Sold...

25 AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT

SALES VOLUME

TOTAL TRANSACTIONS

$6,321,884,345.16

12,498

$12,643,768.69 AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT

Fort Worth Real Producers • 13

RISING STAR WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY KATHARINE GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

DERRICK 14 • April 2026

RUBIN BUILT ON FAITH, STRATEGY, AND CONNECTION

T

here’s a steadiness about Derrick Rubin that’s felt almost immediately. It shows up in the way he listens, the way he speaks, and the way he approaches business—not rushed, not reactive, but thoughtful and intentional. In an industry often defined by speed and volume, Derrick has built his career on something deeper: personality, perspective, and sharp business acumen shaped by decades of experience.

Raised in Berkeley, California, Derrick grew up in a community where “integrity, accountability, and relationships” weren’t just ideals—they were expectations.

A graduate of Berkeley High School, he then served in the National Guard for eight years as a forward observer in the 1st and 143rd Field Artillery Brigade.

He carried the values he learned in the service with him as he stepped into adulthood, long before real estate ever entered the picture. His professional roots were planted in lending, where he began his career in 1994, following in the footsteps of both his father and stepmother.

“What propelled me into lending was my father and step-mother were both in lending,” Derrick shares. “So I gravitated towards it and I’ve been in it all of this time.” Before that, he worked a variety of jobs—valet, customer service, and other roles that taught him how to read people, respond to their needs, and communicate with empathy.

Those early lessons would quietly become the backbone of how he does business today.

For more than 20 years, Derrick worked as an underwriter, gaining an in-depth understanding of mortgage finance from the inside out. Alongside his wife of 20 years, Connie Rubin, he co-owns RHL Lending, a full-service mortgage brokerage built on trust, transparency, and long-term client

relationships. Three years ago, Derrick made what he describes as a natural evolution—adding real estate to his professional portfolio.

“Once Connie and I opened RHL Lending, my wheels started turning,” he explains. “I decided to add realty, not just for the income, but because it gave me a greater ability to service my borrowers.”

That decision is where Derrick’s business acumen truly shines.

By serving as both lender and real estate agent for many of his clients, he’s able to offer a strategic advantage few can match. “When a borrower uses me as their lender and REALTOR®, I give them a credit from my REALTOR® comp to either buy down their rate or use towards other closing costs,” he says. It’s a move rooted not in commission, but in care.

That client-first mindset defines Derrick’s approach. He’s known for clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and a calm presence that keeps clients informed and confident.

Understanding people—how they think, what they need, and how they process big decisions—is one of his favorite parts of the job. He references a guiding scripture from 1 Corinthians 9:22: “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

For Derrick, that translates directly into real estate. “I’ve had to come to the conclusion that I have to be everything to every client in order to be able to fulfill their dream,” he says.

Despite decades in the industry, Derrick still finds joy in the simple Fort Worth Real Producers • 15

reflects. “But today, my success is defined as having a healthy family, good health, and a clear understanding that without the Lord Jesus Christ, none of my success would be possible.”

Faith and family are his greatest motivators, and they guide every decision he makes.

MARKET YOURSELF. PEOPLE WILL DO BUSINESS WITH YOU BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE.”

Professionally, the results speak for themselves. Derrick was a top producer at his agency, The Morine Empire Realty and Associates in Mansfield, under his broker, Nicole Rogers, four times in 2024, with 27 career sales and 13 closings in 2025 alone. Yet, when asked about his goals, his answer isn’t tied to volume. “To be a better husband, father, son, brother than I was in 2025,” he says simply.

Outside of work, Derrick serves as a deacon at Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington, a role he’s held since 2008. He loves coaching youth football— even though his own kids aren’t playing—and cherishes time spent with his grandson, Jaciere. When it comes to legacy, Derrick is clear. He wants to be remembered as “a man that loves the LORD, did his best to follow Jesus, and was a protective and loving father and husband.”

moments. “The most exciting thing for me are the smiles and gratitude people have when they’ve purchased their home,” he shares.

There’s also freedom—freedom to attend his daughter’s college volleyball games, to spend time with Connie, and to travel without asking permission. But those perks are secondary to the relationships he builds along the way.

One moment, in particular, stands out. Derrick recalls a client he’d been speaking with for over three months. “One day he sounded off,” Derrick says. When he asked what was wrong, the client shared 16 • April 2026

that his grandmother had just passed away. Derrick immediately shifted gears. “I quickly shifted the conversation away from real estate and asked him to tell me about her… what made her smile, her favorite perfume, hobbies.” By the end of the call, Derrick could hear the smile in his client’s voice.

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful impact has nothing to do with contracts or closings.

Over the years, Derrick’s definition of success has evolved. “When I was a younger man, success was defined in monetary values,” he

For up-and-coming Real Producers, his advice is straightforward and personal.

“Don’t allow anyone to tell you how to run your business,” he says. “Market YOURSELF. People will do business with you because of who you are.” It’s advice that mirrors his own journey—one built not on shortcuts, but on faith, strategy, and genuine connection.

In Fort Worth and beyond, Derrick Rubin is proving that being a rising star isn’t about chasing the spotlight. It’s about showing up with wisdom, heart, and a business model rooted in service— and letting trust do the rest.

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PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

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DAYDREAM

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PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’ve picked up this magazine and admired the striking images of some of Fort Worth’s top agents and polished portraits, magazine-worthy listings of homes that practically whisper move in already, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen the work of DayDream Photography.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to capture 3,600 listings in a single year, dodge rogue livestock, survive tornado sirens, and still deliver impeccable imagery with a smile… well, you’re about to find out.

DayDream Photography was established in 2004 by lead photographer Landon Day. But as Landon will tell you, they “do more than just take great photos; we’re about capturing priceless moments

and turning them into masterpieces, because who wouldn’t want their epic fails and goofy grins immortalized in fine art?”

It’s that blend of craftsmanship and comedy that defines the DayDream brand. Landon is not just a guy with a camera. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Hardin Simmons University and carries an alphabet soup of credentials behind his name: M.Photog.Cr.CPP. He is a Certified Professional Photographer, earned his Photographic Craftsman Degree in 2016, and his Master Photography degree in 2019.

To put it simply, he’s serious about his craft.

His commitment extends beyond Fort Worth.

Landon is a renowned speaker and trainer, having taught in cities like Atlanta, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, helping photographers sharpen their skills and elevate their businesses.

But if you ask who really runs the show, you’ll quickly be introduced to Katharine Gann. Katharine is Landon’s self-proclaimed “Left-Handed Right Hand.” An Alabama native and unapologetic coffee enthusiast, she’s also a Certified Professional Photographer, licensed drone pilot (not the exploding kind), and recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Photography.

Before stepping into photography full-time, she was named Teacher of the Year, proof that leadership and creativity have always been in her DNA, AND you can trust her with your children.

Today, she runs DayDream “while being nice and letting Landon think he is in charge.” And as the team jokingly adds, “If you need something photographed or a question answered don’t be fooled, she’s the man… woman.”

Their dynamic is equal parts talent and timing, which may explain how they’ve managed to become the go-to photographers for Real Producers in Fort Worth, lending their expertise to photograph many of the top agents featured in these pages.

But of course, polished magazine spreads are only half the story.

When you photograph over 3,600 listings in a year, you start collecting stories. Some impressive. Some hilarious. Some that require a group text labeled “last known location.” Take, for example, the wildlife.

They’ve been chased by chickens, headbutted by a goat, and bitten by dogs so frequently, in fact, that “Will I be bitten by a dog?” is now a mandatory

What makes DayDream Photography special isn’t just the degrees, the drone footage, or the national speaking engagements.

IT’S THEIR ATTITUDES WRAPPED IN HUMOR (IN CASE IT ISN’T OBVIOUS).

IT’S PROFESSIONALISM PAIRED WITH PERSONALITY.

question on their order form. Then there was the afternoon in Waxahachie for one of the team.

“I was finishing up backyard photos in the sticks of Waxahachie when the homeowner came out with a loaded shotgun and casually started hunting rabbits near me with his neighbor mid photo-session,” one team member recalls. “No warning whatsoever. Just Texas real estate things.”

Just Texas things, indeed.

And sometimes it’s not animals you have to worry about…it’s the décor.

“We’ve walked into hundreds of houses that make us scratch our heads and say, ‘You knew we were coming, right??’” they share. From contractors “wrapping up final touches, AKA wires everywhere, wet paint, mirrors and fixtures not installed,” to tile jobs halfway complete and closets that definitely should have been closed.

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One photographer recounts, “I walked into a house decorated with dog poop and trash everywhere, and a primary bedroom proudly featuring a fully exposed ‘TikTok calendar trend’ photo of the wife, apparently part of the staging, since the husband refused to take it down.” Other discoveries range from hidden doors and secret hallways to full-blown doomsday shelters. “Some houses grow our bucket lists for a dream home and others give us creeps and nightmares, but it’s all part of the job.”

Of course, not all the surprises are funny.

There have been moments when someone texts the team, “If you don’t hear from me in an hour…”

They’ve been chased by road rage into a property driveway, only to be rescued by a homeowner who met the aggressor at the door and sent them packing.

One photographer returned from shooting a backyard to find someone had broken into the locked front door and was inside sharpening a knife. She ran to her car, parked a few houses down, and called for help.

Another was mid-listing when tornado sirens began wailing as she stood in the backyard. And then there are the “unfortunate events.”

One team member was hit with sudden food poisoning halfway through a shoot and quarantined herself in the seller’s bathroom until backup arrived. Another locked herself out on a second-story balcony at a vacant property and briefly considered jumping before wisely choosing to call a sweet neighbor who saved the day.

They’ve photographed the wrong house due to a typo, more than once. They’ve forgotten to be warned about security systems and calmly continued shooting while

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“WE WON’T SAY WE’VE SEEN IT ALL, BUT WE’VE SEEN MOST OF IT.”

waiting for police to arrive. Through it all, they show up again the next day, charged batteries in hand.

What makes DayDream Photography special isn’t just the degrees, the drone footage, or the national speaking engagements. It’s their attitudes wrapped in humor (in case it isn’t obvious). It’s professionalism paired with personality.

In real estate, first impressions are everything, and the DayDream team understands that every image carries weight. They are entrusted with representing homes, brands, and reputations, especially here in Fort Worth, where they partner closely with Real Producers to capture the agents who define our market.

They’ve seen almost everything. “We won’t say we’ve seen it all,” they laugh, “but we’ve seen MOST of it.”

And still, after thousands upon thousands of homes, they approach each new property with fresh eyes.

Because at the heart of it, DayDream is about more than just photography. It’s about storytelling. It’s about elevating the everyday into something worth remembering, even if that story includes a goat, a tornado siren, or a very unexpected calendar on the wall.

Through the lens of Landon and Katharine and the team who bravely venture into the wild world of real estate with them, every listing becomes a little legendary. And thankfully for us, they live to tell the tale.

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Elle COVER STORY

Chasing Connection WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY LUKE SYRES, LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

SNODGRASS

T

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There’s a certain energy that follows Elle Snodgrass into every room she enters; an unmistakable blend of ambition, warmth, and curiosity. It’s the kind of presence that doesn’t rush, doesn’t force, and doesn’t perform. Instead, it listens, observes, and then gets to work. In a real estate career that has grown quickly and intentionally, Elle’s success hasn’t come from chasing transactions; it’s come from chasing connection.

unknowingly trained her from the backseat of the car. “Every time we passed a house with a ‘for sale’ sign, I’d perk up and ask, ‘Can we go in?’” By the time Elle was old enough to help, she was answering texts, scheduling showings, and posting “Just Sold” updates. Ironically, watching her mom work made her swear she’d never go into real estate—“because, as I used to tell her, ‘you’re always on the phone.’”

As it turns out, she was right.

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Elle grew up surrounded by extended family and a strong sense of home. Still, she always knew she wanted to see more of the world. That instinct carried her to Ole Miss, where she earned a degree in marketing and corporate relations and met the person who would eventually lead her to Texas: her partner in life, Hunter. After stints in Nashville, Charleston, and Dallas, Fort Worth became the place that felt right. “Fort Worth quickly began to feel like home for both of us,” she says. Today, they live in Arlington Heights with their dog, Swayze, and two cats, Sullivan and Weezie.

Before making the leap, Elle built a foundation in public relations, marketing, and custom home building, experiences that sharpened her communication skills and deepened her appreciation for design and structure. When she finally committed to real estate, she did it thoughtfully. New to Fort Worth and determined to learn the city properly, she researched top agents, cold-emailed them, flew in for interviews, and ultimately joined Carley Moore as an assistant while earning her license. “I spent a year learning the business from the ground up,” she says. “She was an incredible mentor.”

While Elle officially entered real estate four years ago, her relationship with the industry began much earlier. “I like to joke that I actually started my real estate career in middle school,” she laughs. Her mother, a longtime real estate agent in Knoxville,

That preparation mattered, especially when fear crept in. Elle remembers hesitating to schedule her licensing exam; not because she wasn’t capable, but because self-doubt got loud. “Sometimes the biggest hurdle at the start of something new is

Fort Worth Real Producers • 23

Sometimes the biggest hurdle at the start of something new is simply getting out of your own way.

24 • April 2026

simply getting out of your own way,” she reflects. She passed on the first try and never looked back.

What Elle loves most about real estate isn’t the spotlight; it’s the puzzle. “My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is the problem-solving,” she says. She thrives on the challenge of matching people with possibilities, especially when creativity is required. From sourcing off-market opportunities to helping clients see potential in homes with “good bones,” Elle excels at guiding vision into reality. Her background allows her to think strategically—where a bathroom could be added, how a kitchen might expand, or which updates will deliver long-term value. “I love the challenge, the hunt, and ultimately the win,” she says.

her equalizer. “Now I like to think of myself as a bit of a Fort Worth zip code encyclopedia.” One client summed it up best: “You may look like you are 16, but you get things done.”

What keeps her moving forward is a mix of vision and passion. Elle wants to become a name synonymous with Fort

Worth real estate, while continuing to collaborate with other driven creatives shaping the city’s future. Outside of work, she finds balance at the barn, riding horses at October Hill Farm, or playing Mahjong with friends at Colonial Country Club. These rituals ground her, reminding her that success is built with intention—on and off the clock.

But for Elle, success has evolved beyond wins and numbers. “It’s less about a single transaction and more about the relationships that lead to a strong referral network,” she explains. “There’s no greater compliment than hearing, ‘I gave your number to my co-worker.’”

One of her closest friendships even began at an open house, an encounter that later led to a record-setting sale in Crestwood. “Real estate is about relationships first,” Elle says. “You never know which conversation will change your trajectory.”

That relationship-first mindset has fueled rapid growth. In just two years, Elle earned a spot on League Real Estate ’s Leadership Team, surpassed $33 million in career volume, and landed recognition from Fort Worth Magazine, 360 West, and Real Producers.

Still, she’s quick to acknowledge the challenges. Starting in Fort Worth at 25, without local roots, meant proving herself daily. “It just pushes me harder,” she says. Preparation became

Fort Worth Real Producers • 25

At the heart of it all is mentorship, especially from her mother. “Even now, having her as someone I can call with any question is something I never take for granted,” Elle says. From her mom, she learned how to care deeply, work quietly, and build trust that lasts.

When Elle thinks about legacy, she wants to be remembered for how she showed up—for her devotion, her effort, and the relationships she built. Elle Snodgrass has built her career by staying rooted in people, building connection wherever she goes. And that may be the most powerful foundation of all.

26 • April 2026

It’s less about a single transaction and more about the relationships that lead to a strong referral network. Real estate is about relationships first. You never know which conversation will change your trajectory.”

Our

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REAL EDUCATION

LEARN THIS:

Markets Compound Both Ways

BY LES MCGEHEE, CHIEF EDUCATION STRATEGIST, RIALTO ACADEMY

Albert Einstein is often credited with saying that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. Around Rialto Academy, we often repeat the rest of the lesson: those who understand compounding earn it; those who don’t understand compounding pay for it.

Most people think of compounding as a financial idea. But in real estate markets, compounding shows up somewhere else first—in professional skill.

Skills compound. Habits compound.

Reputation compounds. Professional respect compounds. And when markets neglect education or treat it only as a compliance matter, confusion compounds, too.

Every real estate market is compounding something. Every professional is compounding something. The only question is what direction it’s going.

28 • April 2026

Top agents already understand this principle in their own businesses.

A professional who builds good habits early—clear communication, strong contract knowledge, careful client service—tends to see those habits multiply over time.

Clients return. Referrals increase.

Reputation grows. Small disciplines turn into long-term advantages.

The opposite compounds too.

Sloppy habits compound. Avoidable mistakes compound. A market where professionals feel unsupported or underprepared eventually develops patterns that are harder to correct later.

This is where education quietly becomes one of the most important forces inside a market.

Not education as a box to check. Not education as a last-minute compliance

requirement. Education that treats the real estate agent’s career with respect and helps professionals continually improve their craft and level up.

When that kind of education exists, something important begins to happen.

Newer agents learn faster. They avoid common early mistakes. They gain confidence earlier in their careers.

Instead of struggling alone or quietly leaving the business, they begin building stable practices that support their families and serve their clients well.

Which means they could grow to the next level. That progress compounds.

At the same time, experienced agents benefit too. Top producers tend to appreciate working in markets where other professionals understand the business. Transactions move more

smoothly. Risk is reduced. Professional standards stay high. And the environment of truth, advocacy, and empathy compounds positively.

Which means they could grow to the next level. Education, when done well, supports that environment.

As Texas Realtor Instructor of the Year, Cassandra Davis often reminds professionals: “We can give REALTORS® at all career levels the guidance they need, WHEN they need it, so they can succeed at their current level as an ethical and skilled professional, and continue growing.

We train agents to not be order takers but advocates who lead in TEA — Truth Advocacy and Empathy.”

That’s when you begin to notice the difference between markets where professionals steadily become more capable and markets where the same avoidable problems keep repeating themselves.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

CONTACT LES MCGEHEE LES@RIALTOACADEMY.COM

Compounding always works.

It works quietly. It works relentlessly.

The only real question is what your market is compounding.

Her point reflects something many successful agents already know.

Professional growth rarely happens by accident. It happens because someone invests in learning and improvement over time.

For agents, that means taking education seriously even after the mandatory hours are completed. The best professionals consistently look for ways to sharpen their skills, learn from experienced instructors, and stay current in a complex industry.

For brokers, the compounding effect becomes visible across an entire office.

Teams that value learning tend to develop stronger agents. Transactions move more smoothly. Confidence grows across the brokerage. Over time, those offices become magnets for talent.

Markets work the same way.

When professional development is respected, markets tend to grow stronger and more stable. When education is treated only as a requirement—or ignored entirely—the opposite quietly compounds instead.

Cassandra Davis!

Congratulations on your recognition at the Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting! 2025 Educator of the Year!

And compounding rarely reveals itself in a single year. It shows up over five years. Over ten.

Fort Worth Real Producers • 29

BROKER SPOTLIGHT

Trice with Hello Realty Co.

GUIDING THEM HOME

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS

BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

30 • April 2026

For Kelli Trice, every relationship begins with “Hello.”

Long before she became a broker, before contracts and closing tables became part of her daily routine, she was simply someone who cared deeply about people. That instinct, steady, sincere, and grounded, would eventually become the foundation of her career.

Today, as the Broker/Owner of Hello Realty Co., Kelli leads a boutique brokerage in the Fort Worth area built on something she believes the industry needs more of: expertise paired with genuine care.

And for Kelli, that philosophy didn’t come from a textbook. It came from her life experiences.

Roots That Shaped Her Kelli’s story begins close to home. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Crowley, she grew up surrounded by familiar faces and lasting friendships.

“I went to school with many of the same classmates from kindergarten through twelfth grade,” she says. “Growing up in a close-knit community really shaped my values and my love for this area.”

That sense of connection would later influence how she approaches real estate: never as a transaction, but as a relationship.

Before entering the industry, however, Kelli followed a very different professional path. She trained as a registered dental assistant and spent five years working in patient care at a dental office in Fort Worth.

“I truly loved caring for patients,” she explains. But the demanding schedule often stretched far beyond the traditional workday.

“I found myself missing too many of my daughter’s activities. Ultimately, I wanted a career that allowed me more flexibility and time for what matters

most.” That search for balance would lead her somewhere unexpected.

accessible, honest, proactive, and fully committed to advocating for my clients.”

The Moment That Everything Changed

That commitment still defines her work today.

In 2008, Kelli purchased her first home, an experience that quietly altered the direction of her life.

“What started as a personal milestone quickly turned into something much bigger,” she recalls. “I was fascinated by the entire process, walking through other people’s homes, exploring neighborhoods, and imagining the possibilities each property held.”

But the experience wasn’t perfect.

“Unfortunately, our initial agent wasn’t the right fit,” she says. Communication was inconsistent, scheduling showings was difficult, and the experience left her feeling uncertain.

Eventually, she hired a different agent who changed everything.

“Watching the difference in approach was eye-opening,” Kelli says. “It showed me just how impactful the right representation can be during such an important life decision.”

Inspired, she began working part-time for that agent while pursuing her real estate education. When she earned her license, she made a promise to herself.

“I would always strive to be the kind of agent I wish I had from the very beginning—

A First Transaction She’ll Never Forget Ask Kelli about the early days of her career, and one moment immediately comes to mind. It was her very first transaction.

was replaced, and the sale moved forward.

“That moment taught me early on that real estate isn’t just about the pretty walkthroughs and closing photos,” she says. “It’s about advocacy, problem-solving, and staying steady when things don’t go according to plan.”

Those seasons require more than market knowledge. They require patience, empathy, and steady guidance.”

She was representing a first-time buyer purchasing a new construction home in a brand-new neighborhood.

After the final walkthrough the evening before closing, everything appeared ready. The next morning should have been simple: keys, congratulations, and a celebration.

Instead, they walked outside and discovered something shocking.

“The outdoor HVAC unit was missing,” she says. “It had been stolen overnight, just hours before closing.”

For a brand-new agent, it could have been overwhelming. Instead, Kelli leaned in.

“I remember thinking, this is what I’m here for. My client trusted me to handle it.”

She immediately began communicating with the builder, working to resolve the issue quickly. The unit

When it was over, she felt certain.

“This is exactly what I’m meant to do.”

Behind the Scenes Not long after committing to real estate full time, life presented a challenge she hadn’t anticipated.

Just months into building her business, Kelli went through a divorce and became a single mother.

“It was overwhelming,” she admits.

For stability, she returned temporarily to the dental office, juggling two worlds while continuing to serve real estate clients whenever possible.

“I worked nights and weekends to keep moving forward,” she says.

Those years were difficult, but they shaped the agent— and person—she would

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When the weather is nice, she loves finding a patio with live music and spending time outdoors with friends and family. And whenever possible, her family heads somewhere warm.

“Give me sunshine, a beach, and the bluest water in the Caribbean, and I’m happy,” she says with a laugh.

Every ‘no’ simply brings you closer to the right ‘yes.’”

The Legacy She Hopes to Leave Looking ahead, Kelli’s vision is simple but powerful.

“I want to be remembered as someone who truly cared about the people behind every transaction,” she says.

become. “They built the resilience, grit, and empathy that shape how I show up for my clients today.”

likely the largest financial decision they’ll ever make is something I never take lightly.”

A Different Definition of Success

Sometimes that means celebrating a first home.

Other times, it means helping a family sell the house where decades of memories were made.

Sixteen years into her career, Kelli sees success differently than she once did.

Early on, it was easy to measure results by production.

“Now,” she says, “success is a smooth closing, relieved smiles, and clients who feel protected and well-represented from start to finish.”

The numbers matter, of course. But the relationships matter more.

Real estate, she explains, often intersects with life’s most meaningful transitions.

“To be invited into that space and trusted to guide someone through what is 32 • April 2026

“Those seasons require more than market knowledge,” she says. “They require patience, empathy, and steady guidance.”

Building a Boutique Brokerage Two milestones in Kelli’s career stand above the rest.

The first was earning her broker’s license.

“It represented growth, discipline, and the resilience it took to truly establish myself in this industry.”

The second would come later: opening her own brokerage.

Launching Hello Realty Co. meant stepping into leadership and creating something intentionally different: a boutique firm where relationships take priority and clients receive thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance.

It’s a model that reflects exactly who she is.

Because to her, real estate has never been just about property.

“It’s life transitions, big decisions, and new beginnings.”

Her goal has always been to guide people through those moments with expertise, integrity, and heart.

And one piece of advice she received early in her career still stays with her.

Life Beyond Real Estate When she isn’t working with clients, Kelli’s life centers around family.

“My husband of ten years and our children, Tryniti and Miles, are my greatest motivation,” she says. “They’re the reason I push myself and continue building a career I’m proud of.”

You’ll often find her at the ice rink cheering for her son during hockey practice, sometimes answering emails from the bleachers between plays.

“No’s are free.”

That wisdom, given by a mentor, changed how she approached the business.

“It reminded me not to fear rejection,” she says. “Every ‘no’ simply brings you closer to the right ‘yes.’”

For the clients who walk through the doors of Hello Realty Co., that confidence and care makes all the difference. Because at the end of the day, Kelli Trice isn’t just selling homes. She’s guiding people home.

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Fort Worth Real Producers • 33

EVENT RECAP

FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS FIRST SOCIAL OF 2026 Viridian Lakeview Event Center PHOTOS BY SIGNATURE REAL ESTATE MEDIA

Fort Worth Real Producers First Social of 2026 did not disappoint!

It’s never a bad time when you have BILLIONS of dollars worth of real estate sold by the agents walking around the room!

AND the best businesses in Fort Worth! You know, these events never get old.

A huge thank you to Major Singleton with Major Money Matters for being the host sponsor of this event! Oh, and those shirts you handed out to the top agents were so dang cool.

Thank you to Signature Real Estate Media for capturing the special moments and to Studio USA for bringing the energy to life in this recap video!

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