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!
BUILDER
Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com
HOME INSPECTION
Greenworks Inspections and Engineering (832) 209-7199 greenworksinspections.com
Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com
Viking Inspections (469) 209-8130 vikinginspections.com
HOME WARRANTY
American Home Shield
Sherry McKenzie (817) 296-6125
MOLD SERVICES
Culley Enviro (817) 939-1643 culleyenviro.com
MORTGAGE LENDING
Cherry Creek Mortgage - The Aldredge Team (817) 602-0348 TheJeffersonTeam.com
Home Mortgage Express, Inc (254) 716-3181 homemortgageexp.com
Major Money Matters
Major Singleton (808) 763-6831 majormoneymatters.com
Still Waters Lending (214) 518-6513 stillwaterslending.com
MOVING SERVICES
Black Tie Moving
Tyler Coleman (822) 920-2966 blacktiemoving.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
DayDream Photography
Landon Day (817) 983-1204 daydream photography.net
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
Signature Real Estate Media (972) 972-9346 signaturerealestatemedia.com
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL LENDER
Hometown Lending (972) 322-4472 hometownlend.com
ROOFING
Deluxe Roofing & Construction (817) 247-8628 deluxeroofingdfw.com
PROCO (817) 975-1403 procoroof.com
T-Rock Roofing & Contracting (469) 931-9867 dallasroofer.com
TITLE COMPANY
Independence Title
Dustin Kellar (817) 946-1742
Matt Schultz (817) 308-3606 independencetitle.com
Patten Title Company - Ft. Worth (817) 435-2035 PattenTitle.com
Texas Secure Title (817) 519-8800 texassecuretitle.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
Meet The Team
Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner/Founder
Katherine Fondren Editor
Landon Day Photographer
Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison
Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist
Rick Davis Videographer
Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director
Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner
Reece Gentry Partner Liaison
Katharine Gann Photographer
WE SEE YOU
overcome, and the impact they’re making on the people around them.
It’s easy to look at this magazine and see numbers. Transactions. Volume. Rankings. Awards. But I’ve never believed that’s what defines someone. What I find inspiring is what those numbers represent. The years of sacrifice. The early mornings. The late nights. The deals that fell apart. The clients who became lifelong friends. The moments you questioned yourself but kept showing up anyway. The courage to bet on yourself, the humility to keep learning, and the discipline to continue serving others at a high level. That’s what we see.
It’s why we tell stories instead of simply publishing statistics. It’s why we host events that bring people together instead of simply filling a room. It’s why we celebrate great businesses alongside great agents. And it’s why, in just a couple of months, we’ll gather Real Producers ESPE Awards. Not because people need another trophy, but because everyone deserves to know their hard work, character, and impact matter. At Real Producers, our hope has never been to create a community built on comparison. There will always be someone selling more homes, building a bigger team, or reaching the next milestone. Instead, we want to build a community that celebrates one another, encourages one another, and recognizes the greatness in others. A rising tide truly does lift all ships.
Recognition doesn’t create someone’s value. It simply reminds them that their value has been seen.
So, here’s my encouragement this month. Don’t just wait to be seen. Be someone who sees others. Celebrate a teammate. Encourage another agent. Thank a business partner. Tell someone the difference they’re making. You never know how much those few words might mean or how they might change the course of someone’s day. And if no one has told you lately, let me be the one to say it.
Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe DFW Real Producers
THE ESPE AWARDS
HONORING THOSE WHO SET THE STANDARD
OCTOBER 8TH, 2026
After a three-year hiatus, the ESPE Awards return.
An unforgettable black-tie evening dedicated to honoring the agents, leaders, and industry partners who continue to raise the standard in DFW real estate. BLACK TIE. UNFORGETTABLE.
RELIVE ESPE 2023
Watch the recap video and experience the event that everyone is still talking about.
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, 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!
REAL SUCCESS, TO ME, IS THE RELATIONSHIP THAT OUTLASTS THE TRANSACTION.”
what this industry was about before diving in.”
When she finally launched her real estate career, she quickly discovered the tremendous responsibility that comes with helping clients make what is often the largest financial decision of their lives.
“The first time someone handed me their biggest financial decision and trusted me to protect it, I felt the responsibility in a way I hadn’t expected,” she recalls.
That responsibility became her greatest teacher. Rather than trying to carry every burden herself, Patty learned the value of building strong relationships with trusted professionals, including lenders, inspectors, contractors, attorneys, title experts, and fellow agents.
“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about knowing how to find the right answer and surrounding yourself with the right people.”
That philosophy has shaped not only her business but also her approach to leadership and life. After building and later stepping away from a real estate team, Patty gained clarity about what mattered most.
“Letting go of the team wasn’t a failure; it was clarity,” she says. “It let me refocus on serving my clients at the highest level, set healthier boundaries, and prioritize the people who matter most, including my family.”
While Patty has earned impressive recognition, including RPR Top Agent, RPR Top 500, Circle of Excellence, Best
in Class, and the GOAT Award for the highest single sale in her brokerage, her definition of success has evolved significantly over time.
“When I started out, I measured success the way most people do, by numbers, awards, ROI, and production,” she says. “Now, success is the client who becomes a friend.”
She smiles as she talks about the phone calls that come years after a transaction
closes, the referrals from family members, and the familiar faces who attend her client appreciation events long after the paperwork is complete.
“Real success, to me, is the relationship that outlasts the transaction.”
That loyalty runs both ways, and she has built a motto around it: “Love Your Agent! And if you don’t, stop working with them.”
That commitment to relationships was never more evident than during one unforgettable experience with a client.
In 2021, Patty helped a crane operator sell one home and purchase another that better fit his family’s needs. Shortly after moving in, he suffered a devastating workplace accident that resulted in the loss of both legs.
From the hospital, he called Patty.
“I’ll never forget his words,” she says. “‘I’m alive, but I’m in the hospital, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve lost my legs, but it’s okay. I’m going to learn to walk again, and I’ll be back at work soon.’”
At the time, Patty was surprised he had called her. Looking back, she sees it differently.
“In one of the hardest moments of his life, I was someone he trusted enough to reach for.”
Hannah, Dom, Michael, Patty, Abbey, and Bryce
Months later, she suggested he consider selling his two-story home for a onestory property.
His response was immediate.
“‘No way. I love this home, and I love the neighborhood you found me.’”
He was determined to walk those stairs again. And eventually, he did.
“That moment reminds me why I do this,” Patty says. “It was never really about the house. It was about the life being lived inside it.”
Today, Patty remains focused on serving clients deeply rather than simply growing bigger. Her motivation comes from helping people accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach, whether that means buying a first home, relocating across the country, or navigating a major life transition.
At home, she treasures time with her husband, Michael, their growing family, the close circle she calls her tribe, and the exciting anticipation of becoming a grandmother — soon to answer to “Nammie” — later this summer. She loves cooking, entertaining, cheering on the Cowboys and Rangers, traveling, and sharing the story of how her devotion to Frito Pie earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Yet for all the milestones she has achieved, Patty hopes her legacy will remain remarkably simple.
“I don’t necessarily want to be remembered as the agent who sold the most homes,” she says. “I’d rather be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about people, treated everyone with respect, and made a positive impact on the lives of the families I served.”
In an industry often focused on transactions, Patty Smith stands out for something far more meaningful: her belief that people always matter more than houses. And that is exactly what makes Patty Smith an Agent to Watch.
STEPHANIE MALDONADO
MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
There is a quiet strength in people who never forget where they came from.
For Stephanie Maldonado, Mortgage Broker and founder of Home Mortgage Express Corp., that strength was forged long before she ever helped a family purchase a home. It was shaped by perseverance and a determination to create a better future.
Born in Honduras, Stephanie came to the United States at the age of 13 after being adopted. The transition was not easy. She arrived unable to speak English, and the adoption journey did not unfold the way she had hoped.
“At a young age, I realized that if I wanted a different future, I was going to have to work for it,” she recalls.
That realization became the foundation for everything that followed.
Determined to build a life of stability and opportunity,
of financing options tailored to their specific needs.
Yet, if you ask Stephanie what sets her apart, she rarely talks about loan products or interest rates.
Instead, she talks about the families she helps.
“I don’t see clients as transactions. I see them as families trusting me with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”
That philosophy guides every interaction.
Stephanie graduated high school early and began charting her own path. She attended community college before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Looking back, she recognizes that the challenges she faced did not define her. Instead, they strengthened her resolve.
“The reason I work so hard and stay so consistent today is because of where I came from,” she says. “Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t have much, and more than anything, I craved stability.”
Today, that desire for stability fuels her passion for helping others achieve homeownership.
As the owner of Home Mortgage Express Corp., Stephanie has spent the last 12 years helping families, first-time homebuyers, homeowners, and investors navigate the mortgage process. As a mortgage broker, she works with multiple lenders, giving her clients access to a wide range
Whether she is helping a first-time buyer who needs reassurance, a selfemployed entrepreneur searching for creative financing solutions, or a family that has been turned away elsewhere, Stephanie approaches every situation with patience, compassion, and a servant’s heart.
In addition to her clients, Stephanie values the partnerships she has with real estate agents and believes many people overlook the fact that they are commission-only. “The next client you send my way isn’t just another lead—it’s how you provide for your family,” she says. “It’s how you pay your bills, create opportunities for your children, and build your future. When you trust me with a referral, you’re trusting me with your reputation, your relationship, and your livelihood.”
But her path into the mortgage industry was not part of some grand master plan. At the time,
Stephanie Maldonado Mortgage Broker | Home Mortgage Express Corp. (254) 716-3181
Stephaniemaldonado@homemortgageexp.com
her husband was unable to drive because of epilepsy, and she needed a career that offered flexibility for her family. While working at Wells Fargo, she accepted a position as a home loan advisor because it fit her circumstances.
What began as a practical decision quickly became something much more meaningful.
“Once I got into the business, I found my niche,” she says. “I loved helping people. I loved solving problems. I loved being part of one of the most important moments in a family’s life.”
clients, your family, your friends, and your community.”
She believes the greatest impact people make comes through the way they care for others.
That belief extends beyond her work and into her home life.
Stephanie and her husband are raising two daughters, Isabella and Victoria, whom she describes as her greatest blessings. Their favorite moments together are often the simplest ones: taking walks, spending time outdoors, grabbing ice cream, and enjoying quality time as a family.
Those experiences serve as a reminder of what truly matters.
“Family is at the center of everything I do,” she says.
Her definition of success reflects that perspective.
Over time, she learned a lesson that still shapes her approach today.
“I’ve always believed that when you lead with your heart and focus on serving others, success becomes a byproduct.”
That mindset has helped Stephanie build a thriving business, but success, in her eyes, has never been measured by production numbers alone.
“Life is not always about production, numbers, or accomplishments,” she says. “It’s about serving people. It’s about showing up for your
decisions, both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, Stephanie dreams of owning a commercial building where families can come to learn about homeownership, receive guidance, and feel supported. She hopes to expand her community outreach and create opportunities to practice what she calls “radical generosity.”
But even as she looks toward the future, her focus remains rooted in the present.
She hopes her story encourages those who may be struggling, discouraged, or simply trying to find their way.
“Success is found in the little things,” she says. “It’s showing up every day and trying to become just 1% better than you were yesterday.”
Her advice is refreshingly simple.
“For me, success isn’t a number in a bank account or a production goal. Success is freedom.”
Freedom means being present for her daughters. It means creating memories with her family. It means having the ability to help others, give generously, and use her blessings to serve a greater purpose.
Throughout every season of life, Stephanie credits one source above all others for her success.
“I believe the biggest reason for my success has always been my faith in God.” That faith continues to guide her
“Take care of your home. Take care of your family. Take care of your health. Take care of the people God has entrusted to you.”
Then she offers a final reminder that perfectly captures the life she has built.
“Flashy things don’t bring us happiness. Create a life you enjoy living. Handle the little things with excellence. And then trust God with the rest.”
Because as Stephanie has learned through every challenge, every opportunity, and every blessing, the life we hope for is often built one faithful step at a time.
Success stories often appear seamless when viewed from the outside. The accolades, the achievements, and the thriving business can make it seem as though everything unfolded exactly as planned. But for Angelica Vargas, there are two things that define her journey: authenticity and courage.
VargasAngelica
Authenticity because she has built her business by simply being herself.
Courage because some of the most defining moments of her life came from taking chances long before she felt completely ready.
Originally from Mexico, Angelica immigrated to the United States as a child. Her family’s journey would shape not only her future but also the way she serves clients today.
“Growing up, I learned early on the value of hard work, resilience, and creating opportunities,” she says. “Those experiences shaped who I am today and gave me a deep appreciation for the sacrifices many families make in pursuit of a better future.”
Raised in the Fort Worth area, Angelica grew up watching firsthand what determination and sacrifice could accomplish.
Those lessons stayed with her as she pursued higher education, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin before launching a successful corporate career.
Most people would have considered her story complete at that point. She had achieved the stability many aspire to. She climbed the corporate ladder and eventually became a vice president at Goldman Sachs, leading teams, managing complex projects, and thriving in a highly competitive environment.
From the outside, everything looked secure.
Yet deep down, Angelica felt there was something more.
The turning point came after selling her own home. During the transaction, her real estate agent noticed something in her.
THE COURAGE TO LIVE AUTHENTICALLY
“She asked if I had ever considered a career in real estate,” Angelica recalls.
At first, the suggestion seemed unlikely. Real estate had never been part of her long-term plans. But the question lingered.
“That conversation planted a seed.”
Over the next year, she found herself continually returning to the idea. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that helping people navigate one of life’s biggest decisions aligned perfectly with her desire to make a meaningful impact.
In 2021, amid one of the most competitive housing markets in recent history, Angelica decided to take a leap of faith.
What followed was one of the most courageous decisions of her life.
“Walking away from a successful corporate career to start over in real estate was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made,” she says.
The decision carried significant weight. As a mother of three boys, she wasn’t simply leaving behind a paycheck. She was stepping away from years of hard-earned professional success and entering an entirely new industry with no guarantees.
One moment remains etched in her memory.
“One moment I’ll never forget was walking out of Goldman Sachs after submitting my resignation,” she says. “I remember feeling fear and excitement. There was no guarantee of success, just a vision for the life I wanted to build and the courage to pursue it.”
market conditions. It was learning to trust herself.
“The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome was learning to bet on myself.”
Even with years of leadership experience, she remembers feeling intimidated when meeting with her first clients.
“Coming from a corporate leadership role, I was comfortable presenting to executives and leading teams, but real estate felt different,” she says. “These were people trusting me with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”
THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS, JUST A VISION FOR THE LIFE I WANTED TO BUILD AND THE
courage TO pursue
She credits her husband and family for helping her navigate one of the biggest transitions of her life. Their unwavering support and encouragement gave her the confidence to take a leap of faith into real estate, even when the future felt uncertain.
That moment became a defining lesson.
“It taught me that the biggest opportunities often exist on the other side of fear.”
Ironically, one of Angelica’s greatest challenges wasn’t learning contracts or navigating
it.
Over time, experience replaced fear with confidence, but her commitment to serving others never changed.
Today, one of the aspects of real estate she treasures most is educating families who believe homeownership is beyond their reach.
“I get especially excited when I meet someone who believes homeownership is out of reach for them,” she says.
Whether someone has been discouraged by income challenges, credit concerns, or
past setbacks, Angelica enjoys helping them understand what is truly possible.
“Sometimes, it’s helping them qualify immediately, and other times it’s creating a plan that gets them there in the future.”
That passion is deeply personal.
Having witnessed her own family’s sacrifices, Angelica understands that a home represents far more than four walls and a roof.
“A home represents more than a place to live. It represents stability, opportunity, and a foundation for future generations.”
Her impact has been reflected not only in the lives she has helped but also in the recognition she has earned. Angelica has been named a Real Producers Top Agent for two consecutive years, earned national recognition as a NAHREP Top 250 Agent for two consecutive years, was named a NAHREP Top 100 Agent in the Mountain Region for two consecutive years, and has been recognized as a top producer within her brokerage. Since launching her real estate career, she has generated more than $38 million in sales volume.
Yet ask Angelica how she defines success today, and her answer has little to do with awards or production numbers.
“Success means making a meaningful impact while staying true to who I am.”
That perspective has evolved over time.
“Today, success is about the lives I get to impact. It’s helping a family purchase their first home when they never thought it was possible. It’s educating
my community, creating opportunities for others, and building a business rooted in trust and relationships.”
At the center of everything remains her family.
“My biggest motivation is my family,” she says. “As a mother of three boys, everything I do is
rooted in creating opportunities and setting an example for them.”
One of the most valuable lessons she has carried with her came from her broker.
“I’m a mom first and a real estate agent second, and I choose to work with people who understand that.”
CHALLENGE I’VE HAD TO OVERCOME WAS
bet
For Angelica, those words were liberating.
“It reminded me that I didn’t have to choose between being present for my family and building a successful career.”
In many ways, that philosophy captures the heart of her story.
She did not build her business by pretending to be someone else. She built it through authenticity, service, and the courage to trust her instincts.
And if you ask Angelica how she hopes to be remembered, the answer reflects the same values that have guided her every step of the way.
“I hope people remember me as someone who genuinely cared, showed up when it mattered, and helped others see possibilities they didn’t see for themselves.”
For the families she serves, the community she impacts, and the children watching her example, that legacy is already taking shape.
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Wright Chris
The Relationship Business
FONDREN
PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Success stories often look effortless from the outside. People see the closings, the awards, and the thriving business. What they rarely see are the long days, difficult transactions, unexpected setbacks, and countless moments that test a person’s determination.
For Chris Wright, a real estate agent with The Vibe Brokerage, success has never been about shortcuts. It has been about showing up consistently, even when the path forward was anything but easy.
Moving to Arlington at just two years old, Chris has spent most of his life in the DFW area. The community that shaped him continues to influence how he approaches both life and business today.
“Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, building relationships, and always putting people first,” Chris shares. “Those principles still guide me today.”
Long before he was helping clients buy and sell homes, Chris built a career in banking. Over the years, he worked his way through both retail and wholesale banking, gaining valuable experience in finance, customer service, and relationship building. At the same time, he helped his parents operate their IT business, where he developed an entrepreneurial mindset and learned firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up.
Watching his parents navigate the challenges of business ownership left a lasting impression.
“Seeing firsthand the sacrifices, hard work, and commitment it took to run a successful company taught me the value of perseverance, accountability, and serving clients at a high level,” he says.
Those lessons would later become the foundation of his real estate career.
Chris officially entered the industry in 2018, inspired in part by a longtime fascination with real estate. Like many future agents, he found himself captivated by television shows that showcased the excitement of the business.
“It was a complete nightmare,” Chris laughs. “It seemed like everything that could go wrong did go wrong.”
At the time, the experience felt overwhelming. Yet it ultimately became one of the most important moments of his career.
“It taught me invaluable lessons about problem solving, communication, and staying calm under pressure,” he says. “Looking back, that transaction gave me the confidence to know I could handle challenges and succeed in this business.”
“I’ve always enjoyed real estate and was a big fan of Million Dollar Listing and the classic HGTV shows,” he recalls. “Watching those programs sparked my interest in the industry.”
But as he quickly discovered, real estate in real life is often much messier than what appears on television.
In fact, the transaction he remembers most vividly is his very first one.
That lesson in perseverance would prove invaluable. Like every entrepreneur, Chris encountered deals that fell apart, clients who changed direction, and unexpected obstacles that threatened momentum. Rather than allowing setbacks to define him, he used them as opportunities to grow.
“Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying focused on long-term goals,” he explains.
Today, eight years into his career, Chris has closed more than $40 million in sales, including $6 million in transaction volume last year alone. Yet when asked about success, his answer is about more than just monetary gain.
“Success to me is having the freedom to spend time with my family, make a positive impact on others, and create opportunities for long-term growth.”
His definition has evolved over time.
“Early on, I viewed success mostly through financial achievements and production numbers. Over time, my definition has evolved to include balance, relationships, and building a business that gives me the flexibility to enjoy life while helping others reach their goals.”
Relationships remain at the center of everything Chris does.
The advice that has shaped him most throughout his career is simple but powerful: “Real estate is a relationship business, not a transaction business.”
That philosophy influences every aspect of how he serves clients and collaborates with industry partners.
“I want people to see how important relationships are to my success,” Chris says. “Whether it’s clients, business partners, fellow agents, lenders, title companies, or friends and family,
While the awards are meaningful, the recognition I value most comes from repeat clients, referrals, and the relationships.”
I’ve built my business by creating genuine connections and focusing on helping others.”
It is also why the recognition he values is not found on a plaque or trophy.
“While the awards are meaningful, the recognition I value most comes from repeat clients, referrals, and the relationships I’ve built along the way.”
For Chris, helping clients navigate one of the largest financial decisions of their lives is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is helping people achieve their goals,” he says. “Most importantly, I enjoy building relationships and helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”
Outside the office, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, traveling, and following sports. He is also known among his circle for hosting an annual turkey fry and wing-off, traditions that have become eagerly anticipated gatherings year after year.
And while many know him as a successful real estate agent, few may realize he still enjoys reality television, the same genre that first sparked his interest in real estate years ago.
As he looks ahead, Chris remains focused on growth. His goals include expanding his business, creating additional opportunities within the industry, prioritizing his health, and maintaining a strong balance between work and family life.
Through it all, he hopes his legacy will be defined by something much deeper than production numbers.
“I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about people, built meaningful relationships, and always looked for ways to help others succeed.”
In many ways, that simple statement perfectly captures Chris Wright’s story. A story built on trust. Strengthened by perseverance. And driven by the belief that when you invest in people, success naturally follows.
