FORT WORTH
Scott Kirkpatrick & Andrea Rhodes BUILT ON TRUST, STRENGTHENED BY PARTNERSHIP
OCTOBER 2026
CHRISTIAN PADILLA MERCADO Helping People Find Home
LAURA SWEARINGEN
Experience Opens the Door
SHERRY MCKENZIE & AMERICAN HOME SHIELD Beyond the Warranty
PHOTO BY KATHARINE GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
MORE THAN A LOAN.
A BETTER MORTGAGE
Partner.
REAL TIME UPDATES
Maldonado
EFERR
ED
Stephanie
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
PR
COMPETITIVE RATES
PARTNER Dallas Fort Worth
20
26
PERSONALIZED APPROACH
Mortgage Broker NMLS#: 1092638
(817) 383-1554
stephaniemaldonado@homemortgageexp.com
Loans subject to credit approval and borrower qualifications, including income, home value, and underwriting. Rates, terms, and programs may change without notice and may not be available in all areas. Reducing payments may result in a longer loan term or higher total finance charges. Home Mortgage Express Corp. 1000 Ballpark Way Ste 310, Arlington, TX 76011
2 • October 2026
INSPECTION | ENGINEERING | ENVIRONMENTAL | HOMEPRO CONNECT
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL The Nation’s Best Inspection Company Dedicated to Fort Worth Real Producers Offering Home and Commercial Inspections, Engineering, Environmental and HomePro Connect Services. Next-Day Appointments Available. Open 7 Days per Week $9 Billion in Real Estate Inspected Annually 175+ Team Members Ready to Serve TREC License #21088
WWW.GREENWORKSINSPECTIONS.COM | 855-349-6757 Fort Worth Real Producers • 3
4 • October 2026
Contents
30
Laura Swearingen
Scott Kirkpatrick & Andrea Rhodes
24
COVER STORY
PROFILES IN THIS ISSUE
16 Christian Padilla Mercado
20 American Home Shield
6 Preferred Partner Index 8 Meet the FW RP Team 10 Publisher’s Note 16 Rising Star: Christian Padilla Mercado 20 Preferred Partner Spotlight: American Home Shield 24 Cover Story: Scott Kirkpatrick and Andrea Rhodes 30 Agent Spotlight: Laura Swearingen
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!
BUILDER Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
MOLD SERVICES Culley Enviro (817) 939-1643 culleyenviro.com
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL LENDER Hometown Lending (972) 322-4472 hometownlend.com
Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com
MORTGAGE LENDING Cherry Creek Mortgage - The Aldredge Team (817) 602-0348 TheJeffersonTeam.com
ROOFING Deluxe Roofing & Construction (817) 247-8628 deluxeroofingdfw.com
Home Mortgage Express, Inc (254) 716-3181 homemortgageexp.com
PROCO (817) 975-1403 procoroof.com
Major Money Matters Major Singleton (808) 763-6831 majormoneymatters.com
T-Rock Roofing & Contracting (469) 931-9867 dallasroofer.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 RENOVATION & REPAIR Hawkhill Property Services (817) 668-8897 hawkhillservices.com HOME WARRANTY American Home Shield Sherry McKenzie (817) 296-6125 INSURANCE USA Benefits Group (614) 791-9990 www.usabg.com/shinds
6 • October 2026
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
TITLE COMPANY Independence Title - Schultz & Kellar Matt Schultz (817) 308-3606 Dustin Kellar (817) 946-1742 IndependenceDFW.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
Helping You Stay Ahead of the
Competition!
• CONVENTIONAL • FHA • JUMBO • VA • LOW DOWN PAYMENT
Apply Now!
Sales Manager | NMLS# 134292 817.602.0348
Guild Mortgage Company; Equal Housing Opportunity; Company NMLS ID 3274. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/. All loans subject to underwriter approval. Terms and conditions apply, subject to change without notice. For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.
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: The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers (“N2”). Advertisements appearing in this publication are paid placements and are not endorsed or recommended by N2. N2 is not responsible for the statements, opinions, or business practices of any authors, contributors, or advertisers featured herein. Portions of this publication may include content created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by authors or contributors and may not be independently verified by N2.
8 • October 2026
Fort Worth Real Producers • 9
PUBLISHER’S NOTE hope, will make the night feel special. And if I’m being truthful, there are moments when looking at all of those details at once can feel a little overwhelming. But I’ve learned something through building Real Producers, putting on events, and really through business in general: at some point, you have to trust the work. That doesn’t mean crossing your fingers and hoping everything works out. It means giving yourself enough time, doing the preparation, taking the next action in front of you, surrounding yourself with great people, and controlling what you can control. Then, eventually, you have to loosen your grip on the outcome. There will probably be something that doesn’t go according to plan on October 8th. There almost always is. But I’ve learned that perfection was never really the goal anyway. The goal is to prepare well enough that when the moment finally arrives, you can actually be present enough to enjoy it.
BEFORE YOU KNOW THE ENDING As I sit here writing this in the middle of September, we’re just a few weeks away from the ESPE Awards. Right now, the stage hasn’t been built. The tables aren’t set. No awards have been handed out. But by the time you’re reading this, more than 500 of us will have gathered together, the lights will have gone down, the winners will have been announced, and months of planning will have culminated in one night.
And I think there’s something in that for all of us. So much of life requires us to do the work before we know the ending. You make the call before you know if it will lead to the opportunity. You invest in the relationship before you know what it will become. You take the risk, build the business, hire the person, pursue the goal, and keep showing up without any guarantee of exactly how the story will unfold. We can’t control every outcome. But we can control how we prepare, how we show up, and whether we allow ourselves to enjoy the process along the way. As I write this, I don’t know who won. I don’t know which moments brought the room to its feet. I don’t know what went perfectly or what inevitably didn’t. You know something right now that I don’t. But I do know we gave it everything we had. So from the Jordan and Lance writing this before October 8th to all of you reading it on the other side, we hope it was one heck of a night. More importantly, we hope you walked away reminded of just how special this community really is. And whatever you’re building right now, keep doing the work. Then trust it.
So... how was it? I’m dying to know. It’s kind of funny asking that question knowing you have an answer and I don’t. Because right now, I’m still living in the details. The seating chart. Sponsors. Tickets. Lighting. Music. Vendors. Valet. Staffing. Timing. Who is standing where. Who hands the microphone to whom. There are hundreds of little decisions that most people will never notice, but collectively, I 10 • October 2026
Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers
Fort Worth Real Producers • 11
YOUR FORT WORTH Real Producers Congrats on being one of the top real estate agents in Fort Worth!
BADGES
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
12 • October 2026
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!
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
The Realtor's Roofer
OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DFW Family Owned & Operated | Certified Professional Installers Exceptional Quality Control | Owned by Former TREC Inspector Free Same-Day Inspections | Detailed Reports | Pay-at-Closing Options Available
Experience the Deluxe Difference! Call Today! 817.893.5044 14 • October 2026
|
DeluxeRoofingDFW.com
Fort Worth Real Producers • 15
RISING STAR
CHRISTIAN F
PADILLA MERCADO
Helping People Find Home
or some people, real estate begins with a lifelong fascination for homes or architecture. For Christian Padilla Mercado, it began with something much more meaningful. It was never about the houses themselves. It was about the people who would one day call those houses home. That perspective has helped shape Christian’s early success as a real estate agent with eXp Realty in the Fort Worth area. In just three years, he has built
approximately $15 million in career sales volume, including $8 million in 2025 alone. Yet when he talks about what matters most, production numbers quickly fade into the background. His focus has always been on building lasting relationships and helping others achieve some of life’s biggest goals. “I don’t have a special affinity for houses,” Christian says. “But I sure do love helping people make homes out of these houses.” That simple philosophy has become the foundation of a career built on trust, friendship, and genuine care.
Christian’s story begins in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he was born and raised. Growing up, he stayed active playing volleyball and basketball while developing a love for learning that led him to study chemistry at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. During college, he tutored math and chemistry and worked as both a server and bartender. Those varied experiences taught him resilience, adaptability, and how to connect with people from all walks of life. Looking back, each chapter prepared him for a profession he never expected to pursue. Christian entered real estate in March 2023 without any industry connections or mentors to guide him. “I personally didn’t know any real estate agents at the time and had no knowledge of what to expect or whose steps to follow,” he recalls. 16 • October 2026
Even so, uncertainty never outweighed determination. “I’ve never put all my eggs in one basket up until that moment and I remember knowing I would do whatever it took to see this through to the finish line, even if it ended in failure.” That commitment continues to define the way he approaches every opportunity. He believes consistent effort matters, especially during the moments when progress feels slow. His advice to anyone entering the profession reflects that mindset. “Do the work even when it feels like it’s not working and especially when you’re not too good at it.” While many agents talk about closing transactions, Christian prefers to talk about friendships. Every client interaction is an opportunity to build something that lasts well beyond the closing table. “My favorite part about being a REALTOR® is knowing I am a direct contributor to so many people achieving their life goals,” he says. “The most exciting part about being an agent, to me, is knowing any day I get to meet potential future friends.” He adds, “Like most successful REALTORS®, I value relationships over everything and I strive to become people’s friend, not just their real estate agent.” That commitment has led to some of his most cherished memories.
Many professionals consider client referrals to be the greatest compliment. Christian sees it differently. “A lot of agents say the best compliment they can receive is a referral, but I personally think the best compliment I can get is an invitation to dinner.” He still remembers the first unexpected phone call from a former client months after their transaction had closed. Expecting a real estate question, he answered the phone only to receive an invitation to join a family dinner. “It still makes me smile to think of this,” he says. Those moments confirm that his work extends far beyond contracts and negotiations. They represent genuine relationships built on trust and care. Christian’s outlook on success has evolved as well. Early in his career, financial goals occupied much of his attention. Today, his priorities look very different. “If you asked me three years ago, my definition would have been very financially oriented,” he says. “Now I believe success can be as simple as being in control of how you spend your time. Time is the most valuable resource and anyone who gets to choose how they spend their days is already successful in my eyes.” That perspective was shaped in part by a deeply personal loss. “The unexpected death of one of my best friends changed my outlook in life more than a decade
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY KATHARINE GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Fort Worth Real Producers • 17
“Professionally, my goal is to help at least 45 families achieve their real estate goals.” Away from work, Christian enjoys experimenting with new recipes, playing video games with friends, visiting the shooting range, and spending time at what he calls his favorite place in the world: a real beach. His passion for people also shows up in what he believes is one of his greatest strengths. “My ability to listen and understand what is truly important for people individually.”
My ability to
LISTEN & UNDERSTAND what is truly
IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE individually.”
ago and it still carries today, especially in my career.” The experience taught him to appreciate every opportunity and every relationship. “It’s always a shame when someone dies young, but being close to that person forces you to think of everything they no longer get to enjoy and it teaches you to be more grateful for everything, big or small.” That gratitude fuels his constant pursuit of growth. Whether physically, mentally, 18 • October 2026
or emotionally, Christian is committed to becoming the best version of himself. Recognition has followed his dedication. Making the Real Producers top agent list in Fort Worth so early in his career stands as an achievement he deeply appreciates, and one he hopes to earn again in the years ahead. Still, awards are never the destination. This year, his goal is simple and people-centered.
It is that willingness to listen that allows him to guide clients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives with confidence and compassion. As his career continues to grow, Christian hopes the impact he leaves has little to do with sales statistics and everything to do with encouraging others. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who pushes people to be and do better,” he says. “The lasting impact I wish to make in this world is for people I pushed to be better, to continue doing the same with the people they come across.” The best advice he has ever received continues to guide him each day. “Take care of the work and the work will take care of you,” shared by John Penzo. It is a philosophy Christian lives out daily. By putting relationships first and focusing on helping people above all else, he is proving that a rising star is measured not only by success, but by the lives he touches along the way.
Your Guide to Success! Leverage Our Efficiency to Get Your Deals to the Closing Table Quickly!
Maximize Your Client's Buying Power 24-Hour Pre-Approval Fast 14 Day Closings TBD Underwriting Available Our Co-Marketing Puts You Front & Center Non-QM Loans Commercial Loans Hard Money Loans We Can Find Financing for Credit Scores As Low As 500
Get a Q u ot e To d a y!
Aryan Jafarzadeh | Founder & CEO NMLS: 1989264 | 1566096
972.322.4472 HometownLend.com
Fort Worth Real Producers • 19
S
PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
SHERRY MCKENZIE & AMERICAN HOME SHIELD Beyond the Warranty
Twenty-one years ago, Sherry McKenzie was not looking for a new career.
At the time, she was working as the marketing director for Fort Worth Stockyards Station when a mutual acquaintance connected her with American Home Shield. The opportunity was unexpected, but as Sherry learned more about the position, she began to see how naturally it aligned with both her professional strengths and the life she was building with her family.
homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“I wasn’t looking for a new opportunity at the time, but once I learned more about the role and how it would allow me to use my skills and talents in this new role, while raising a family, it just made perfect sense,” she says. “I haven’t looked back.”
Service That Continues After Closing
More than two decades later, Sherry serves as executive market manager for American Home Shield, bringing years of experience, industry knowledge, and a relationship-first philosophy to real estate agents and
20 • October 2026
For Sherry, American Home Shield provides home warranties, but building meaningful relationships is the heart of what she does. “I want REALTORS® to know that I truly care about them and their clients, and the type of service I provide exceeds expectations,” she said.
American Home Shield helps homeowners manage the financial impact of unexpected home repairs through home warranty coverage. For agents, however, Sherry and her team offer another layer of support, providing tools that can help with repair negotiations and create new opportunities for agents to market their businesses. Sherry says the level of personal service surrounding those products
is what distinguishes their approach. “Our Dallas Fort Worth American Home Shield team provides a concierge service to our real estate professionals and their clients, and service doesn’t stop after closing,” she explained. That means being available before closing to answer questions and educate buyers about their options, helping order warranties and coordinate invoices with title companies, and then remaining accessible after the transaction when homeowners need assistance. “My goal is to make the agent’s life easy.” Sherry said. By handling the warranty side
of the transaction, she wants agents to have more time for what they do best: building relationships and selling homes. Clear communication is an important part of making that happen. “When we set clear expectations and keep all parties updated, it makes the transaction smoother and more enjoyable for all parties involved,” she said. After 21 years in the industry, Sherry also brings perspective that only comes with experience. “Not only does that make me a little more ‘mature,’ but I’ve also seen a few things in the
Sherry with her family at her son Jack’s recent graduation from Texas Wesleyan University in May. L to R: Sherry’s husband Clay, daughter Lexi, son Jack, daughter Audria, and Sherry. Photo provided by Sherry McKenzie
home repair business over the years,” she joked. Those experiences allow her to anticipate questions, understand challenges, and apply what she has learned to each new transaction.
Building Business Through Relationships The real estate agents Sherry most enjoys working with tend to share her belief that real estate is about far more than closing a transaction. Her ideal agent values relationships with clients and vendors and sees everyone involved as part of the same team. She especially appreciates agents who understand future business opportunities often begin with how a client is treated today. “Future business comes from truly caring about the client, their goals, and the people they surround themselves with,” she said. “Together, we can achieve our goals and build a successful business.” Sherry carries that same philosophy into her own team. She works alongside DFW Account Managers Heather Waddle, Jen Giraud, Meredith Martin and Kristi Renteria, as well as Shelley Horan in West Texas. “I am so blessed to be able to work with these ladies that feel like sisters,” she says. Together, they work to make sure real estate agents and title partners throughout the region receive the attentive, conciergestyle service Sherry believes they deserve.
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY JIN KIM, URSPECIAL
Fort Worth Real Producers • 21
I really believe
knowledge is power.”
The AHS DFW Team (l to r): Sherry McKenzie, Kristi Renteria, Jen Giraud, Heather Waddle & Meredith Scheer
Coming Home to Fort Worth Sherry’s connection to DFW extends well beyond her career. She grew up in the area and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Advertising, and Marketing from the University of Texas at Arlington. After marrying her husband, Clay, the couple purchased their first home in Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights neighborhood. When their growing family needed more space, they headed to Aledo, which Sherry remembers as “the country” at the time. There, their three children grew up surrounded by horses, donkeys, chickens, a pig and plenty of other animals. “It was a wonderful season,” she said. Eventually, the children grew up and, as Sherry puts it, “flew the coup.” She and Clay returned to Fort Worth and now live near TCU. Married for 31 years, they are proud parents of three grown children and are still waiting patiently for grandchildren.
22 • October 2026
Away from work, Sherry enjoys reading, gardening, discovering restaurants, traveling and volunteering through her church and other community organizations. A good book, a cocktail and an outdoor patio are also high on her list. Life outside the office is equally intentional. Sherry sums up her priorities simply: “God, Family, Health, Work.” “It all works together - if one is off, it’s all going to be a little off,”she said. Daily discipline has helped her pursue professional goals without losing sight of what those goals are meant to support.
“I remind myself I work to LIVE, not live to work,” she said.
Knowledge That Makes a Difference That perspective also shapes Sherry’s definition of success. “Success for me is being content with today, while always striving to learn and become better tomorrow,” she said. Sherry encourages agents to embrace learning, particularly when it comes to understanding the resources available through American Home Shield. “I really believe knowledge is power,” she says. “Any time I can spend 30 minutes meeting
with an agent they usually walk away with at least one tool they can use to grow in their business,” she said. For Sherry, more than two decades with American Home Shield have been about far more than home warranties and real estate transactions. It is about building lasting relationships and serving as a trusted resource for real estate professionals before the closing table, long after the keys are handed over and whenever their clients need support. Because for Sherry McKenzie, service does not end when the sale is complete. In many ways, that is where the relationship truly begins.
Licensed in TX, OK, FL, GA, IN, AR & AL
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, Nepali & Laos
Fort Worth Real Producers • 23
COVER STORY
Scott & Andrea
Rhodes
Built on Trust, Strengthened by Partnership
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY KATHARINE GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Some businesses begin with a carefully crafted business plan. Others begin with a conversation.
For Scott Kirkpatrick and Andrea Rhodes, a chance connection through a social media group became the foundation for something neither of them expected. Living in different places and coming from very different backgrounds, they started talking every day. Before long, they recognized something far more important than geography. They shared the same values.
“A couple of months later, we met in person, and we’ve been together since January 21, 2022,” Andrea says. Today, they are partners in both life and business, leading Cowtown Realty, an independent, veteran- and woman-owned brokerage headquartered in Fort Worth. Together, they have built a company that serves residential clients, investors, financial institutions, corporate portfolios, REO properties, and property management clients across North Texas. Yet behind every transaction is a philosophy that has guided them from the beginning. “We’re not just building a brokerage,” Scott explains. “We’re building a legacy.”
24 • October 2026
OF COWTOWN REALTY States Navy during Desert Storm, where leadership, accountability, and discipline became lifelong principles. After military service, he built a successful business career in the IT Industry before entering real estate in 2016. Over the years, he developed expertise in brokerage operations, complex negotiations, valuations, investment properties, REO assets, and property management. Andrea’s story began thousands of miles away in Germany. After making Texas her home, she earned her MBA from Texas Christian University and built a career centered on business operations, organizational leadership, and creating exceptional customer experiences before entering real estate in 2022. Although their paths looked very different, their priorities were remarkably similar.
Their individual journeys could hardly have been more different.
“We discovered we believed in the same things: integrity, honesty, hard work, and treating people with respect.”
Scott grew up in Texas and proudly served in the United
Those principles eventually became the cornerstone
strengths Our
naturally complement one another.”
of both their relationship and the brokerage they built together. Long before Cowtown Realty opened its doors, both were unknowingly preparing for the roles they now fill so naturally. Scott oversees brokerage leadership, valuations, business development, and strategic planning. Andrea leads operations, marketing, client experience, and the systems that keep everything running efficiently. “Our strengths naturally complement one another,” Andrea says. “Cowtown Realty reflects both of us. It’s the result of two different journeys coming together with one shared vision.” That partnership has shaped the company in ways neither could have accomplished alone. “Most brokerages are built around one individual,” Scott explains. “Cowtown Realty was built by two people from opposite sides of the world who discovered they shared the same values.”
Fort Worth Real Producers • 25
Their vision was never simply to sell homes.
Interest rates shifted. Technology evolved. Consumer expectations changed.
Instead, they set out to create a brokerage known for professionalism, lasting relationships, and integrity.
Instead of resisting those changes, Scott and Andrea embraced them.
Like many entrepreneurs, the beginning brought equal parts excitement and uncertainty. “Starting a business means believing in your vision before anyone else can see it,” Andrea recalls. What surprised them most, however, was realizing that real estate had very little to do with property itself. “We quickly learned that real estate isn’t really about property. It’s about people.” That realization continues to shape every interaction they have with clients. Some are purchasing their first home. Others are downsizing after decades. Some are relocating across the country. Others represent corporations managing extensive portfolios. Regardless of the situation, their mission remains unchanged. “Our goal is the same, to provide honest guidance, clear communication, and the confidence that someone is looking out for their best interests.” Since entering real estate, Scott and Andrea have closed more than $68 million in combined career sales volume across more than 200 transaction sides. Last
26 • October 2026
“We invested in better systems, better communication, and better ways to serve our clients. Every challenge made us stronger.”
year alone, Cowtown Realty closed more than $13.2 million in sales. Those accomplishments matter, but not for the reasons many might expect. “Production is an important measure of experience,” Scott explains, “but we are most proud that our business has grown through repeat clients, professional referrals, and long-term relationships built on trust.” Ask them how they define success, and the answer has nothing to do with rankings or sales volume. “Success isn’t measured by the number of transactions. It’s measured by reputation.” Andrea continues, “If clients trust us enough to refer their friends and family, if business partners know they can count on us, and if our agents are proud to build their careers at Cowtown Realty, then we’ve succeeded.” That commitment has been tested as the real estate industry has changed dramatically over the past several years.
Perhaps no moment captures their journey more clearly than opening the doors to their own Cowtown Realty office. “It represented years of sacrifice, hard work, and believing in one another,” Andrea says. “Standing there together, we realized the office wasn’t the achievement. It was the symbol of everything we’d built together.” Looking ahead, their goals continue to focus on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.
Communicate before your client has to ask. Know your contracts. Never stop learning.” They add, “Real estate is a relationship business, and trust is earned one interaction at a time.” Those words echo the advice that has guided nearly every decision they’ve made. “Protect your reputation,” Scott says. “It arrives before you do.” Outside the office, Scott and Andrea enjoy traveling, spending time with their dogs, exploring emerging technology, and continually improving the systems that support their business. They are lifelong learners who believe there is always a better way to serve people. In the end, though, they hope their legacy will be measured by something much simpler than numbers.
They plan to strengthen their residential, REO, corporate, and property management divisions while investing in technology and automation that improves communication and enhances the client experience. They also hope to continue building the kind of brokerage where agents and clients know exactly what they can expect.
“We hope people remember that we kept our word,” Scott says. “That we treated people fairly. That we built a company where integrity mattered more than volume.”
Their advice for agents entering the profession is refreshingly straightforward.
Andrea and Scott agree, “If someone says, ‘You can trust Cowtown Realty,’ we’ll consider that the greatest compliment we could ever receive.”
“Protect your reputation. Answer your phone.
Then they offer one final thought that perfectly captures both their relationship and their business.
COVERAGE YOU CAN COUNT ON HEALTH INSURANCE | LIFE INSURANCE SENIOR INSURANCE TONYA & STEVEN HINDS
Why Choose Us?
Health & Life Insurance Experts 817.415.0272 | shinds@usabg.com usabg.com/shinds Call or Scan for a Free Quote!
Fort Worth Real Producers • 27
We renovate investment properties. Your listing just became one.
Before
Pre-listing renovations, financed for your sellers. Smart scope, no fluff, great price. Sell faster. Sell for more. Pay later. 817.668.8897 HawkhillServices.com 28 • October 2026
“Agents don’t need another contractor’s card. They need a plan they can put in front of a seller, a number they can trust, and a crew that shows up.” Gabe Knox · President, Hawkhill
Fort Worth Real Producers • 29
LAURA SWEARINGEN
Experience Opens the Door
AFTER 34 YEARS IN REAL ESTATE, LAURA SWEARINGEN HAS WORKED THROUGH NEARLY EVERY KIND OF MARKET IMAGINABLE. SHE HAS WATCHED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORM THE INDUSTRY, NEGOTIATED THROUGH CHANGING INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS, BUILT AND LED A SUCCESSFUL TEAM, AND HELPED GENERATIONS OF CLIENTS BUY AND SELL HOMES THROUGHOUT NORTH TEXAS.
Yet when Laura thinks about what has sustained her career, she begins with trust. “I don’t look at my clients as transactions,” Laura says. “I want them to know that I genuinely care about their goals, their families, and their future.” That philosophy has become the foundation of a career exceeding $200 million in sales. Combined with 34 years of experience, a Master Certified Negotiation Expert designation, and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist credentials, Laura brings both knowledge and advocacy to every transaction.
30 • October 2026
Experience may get her through the door, but trust is what keeps clients coming back. Laura has called Arlington home since 1975. Raised in a close family, she remembers a childhood filled with love and lasting memories. Her parents were high school sweethearts, and she remains close with her sister, Lyn. After graduating from Lamar High School, Laura attended Baylor University, earning a degree in computer science and management in 1984. She began her career as a systems analyst with ExxonMobil, but after welcoming her first son, Kyle, she chose to stay home. Later, while her younger son, Kevin, attended Mother’s Day Out at Fielder Road Baptist Church, Laura found another role she loved: teaching kindergarteners at church. Real estate entered her life through family friend Rose Dewald, who owned a successful brokerage and repeatedly encouraged Laura to consider the profession. “She kept telling me I would be really good at it,” Laura recalls. “After praying about it, I felt God lead me down that path.” She earned her license in 1992, and one of her earliest opportunities provided immediate confirmation that she had found the right career.
Laura lived in a small gated subdivision with six remaining lots. She approached the developer with a confident proposition: let her list the properties, and she would sell them within three months. “He agreed,” she says. “Well, I sold all six within three months.” That determination quickly carried into a growing business. Laura became busy enough to build a team, eventually training buyer agents who later launched successful careers of their own. Helping those agents flourish became another measure of success. Over time, however, Laura decided to simplify. Today, her team consists of Laura and her husband, Kenn, who handles transaction coordination and marketing. “He rocks at both positions,” she says. Working together has created a different rhythm for this season of her career, but Laura’s standards remain unchanged. For buyers, her goal is to find the home where they can build lasting memories. For sellers, it is to secure the strongest possible outcome in the shortest reasonable time. Neither happens by simply telling clients what they want to hear. “I’m honest and upfront with my clients I give them advice and opinions, even when it’s not what they want to hear,” Laura says. “My goal is to protect them, guide them, and help them make the best decision for their family and finances.” Negotiation is one of her favorite parts of the job. “I love the challenge of putting a deal together, solving problems when they arise, and finding
AGENT SPOTLIGHT
creative ways to get my clients where they want to be,” she says. “There is something very rewarding about knowing my experience and negotiating skills helped make a difference in the outcome.” Those skills were developed through decades of changing conditions. Laura has experienced booming markets and difficult ones, shifts in technology, fluctuating rates, and transactions that required patience and creativity. “You can’t control the market, but you can control how prepared you are, how you respond to challenges, and how well you take care of your clients,” she says. Her career has brought recognition from organizations and publications including D Magazine, Texas Monthly, Real Producers, Five Star Professional, Top Agent Magazine, America’s Top 100 Agents, and the DFW Top Producer Group. During her years with RE/MAX, her team regularly ranked among the company’s top producers. Still, some of Laura’s favorite memories have nothing to do with her industry achievements. She remembers showing homes to a married couple who began arguing during the appointment. Laura suggested the wife ride with her while the husband followed separately. When they reached the next property, the wife took one look and said she did not like it. Then Laura surprised even herself. “Get out of the car. We are looking at this house,” she told her. “I would NEVER say that to a client,” Laura laughs. “I apologized. I told them, ‘I didn’t say that. God did.’”
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY KATHARINE GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Fort Worth Real Producers • 31
Her advice to newer agents reflects the same principles that have guided her since 1992: learn continuously, become a strong negotiator, keep your word, build genuine relationships, and never put a commission ahead of a client’s best interest. “Always be true to yourself. Put your clients first,” Laura says. “Always do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do.” Moments like that remain meaningful because Laura still feels the same excitement when clients find the right fit.
After 34 years, that may be the clearest explanation for Laura Swearingen’s longevity.
Even after three decades, the people are what keep the career fresh.
Experience has taught her how to navigate the transaction. Trust, honesty, and putting people first have given her a career filled with relationships that last far beyond the closing table.
“Being trusted to guide someone through such an important decision is something I never take for granted,” she says.
The couple, a pastor and his wife, agreed to go inside. “They walked into the entry and they both said, ‘This is our home!’”
ALWAYS BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. PUT YOUR CLIENTS FIRST.”
32 • October 2026
Today, Laura’s motivation is balanced between continuing to serve clients and enjoying the life she has built. She treasures traveling, hiking, biking, country music, good restaurants, beaches and mountains, and time with family and friends. She especially loves being with her sons, Kyle and Kevin, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Kynlee, Knox, and Karsyn. As the years have passed, Laura has become increasingly aware of how quickly time moves. “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish professionally,” she says. “It’s about the people you love, the relationships you build, and the experiences you share along the way.”
Fort Worth Real Producers • 33
will also receive the magazine physically to their mailbox. Our RP Vetted Businesses also receive the magazine physically and digitally.
Q: Can I be featured?
Real Producers
FAQ
Real Producers Magazine is a national franchise that started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 130 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. DFW has four Real Producers Communities: North Dallas, Dallas, North Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Real Producers. Q: What is the goal of Real Producers? A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate. We take the highest producing real estate agents, and RP-vetted businesses in every market, and build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, upcoming events, and educate – really anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.
A: If you are in the Top 1000, you have the opportunity to be featured! We love nominations and take them seriously. If you’d like to be considered for a feature, or if you would like to nominate someone, you can email team@dfwrealproducers.com.
Q: What does it cost to be featured as an RP Top Agent? A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. How, you ask? Because of the businesses that your peers have recommended, who partner with Real Producers, and invest in this community to support you. These companies have all been recommended by top agents and have been vetted by us to ensure they are of the highest quality. So instead of you paying $5k - $10k for this feature…they cover all those costs for you! Pretty incredible, right?
Q: Does Real Producers host events? A: Yes, we host many different events throughout the year! Some large 400-800 people, some 75-250 people, and other more intimate events that are 30-50 people. We do Social Events, Magazine Celebration Events, an Awards Gala, and Masterclass Events. You can see quick recaps of some of our events under the “Events” tab on our website. For our events, we invite the top 1000 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. The Top 1000 agents are allowed to invite agents on their team, as well. These events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connection made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!
Q: Who are the RP Vetted Businesses? At Real Producers, we believe we are one person, one conversation, or one idea away from everything in our business and life changing. With this powerhouse community, it happens all the time.
Q: How do you become a Real Producers Top Agent? A: In all of DFW, there are roughly 60,000 licensed agents, meaning there are ~15,000 agents in each of our four communities. We rank all those agents based off their yearly MLS sales volume. In years past, we congratulated the Top 500 Agents, and we still are, but in 2026, we are adding a other groups to our community… all in the RP Top 1000! These agents are in the top 6%.
A: They are some of the best businesses in DFW in their category! You can find them listed in our index and their ad in the magazine. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Each business has come recommended by your peers, the top producing real estate agents in the market. Our team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.
Q: Who receives Real Producers Magazine?
Q: Can I nominate an agent or recommend a business?
A: The Top 1000 agents in each community will receive the digital magazine for the year. The Top 500 agents
A: Absolutely! Email your nominations and recommendations to team@dfwrealproducers.com.
34 • October 2026
Mold Is All We Do So That Closing Confidently Is All You'll Do!
WHY CHOOSE US? › Water Damage Experts Since 2007 › Mold Industry Specialists Since 2011 › Practical Remediation Protocol Plans › Civil Liability Protection for Buyers & Sellers › Risk Mitigation & Compliance Strategy › State Licensed Mold Inspections, Assessments & Testing Schedule a Phone Consultation Today! 817.939.1643 • CulleyEnviro.com Teresa Gianopoulos ACO#1131 MAC#1364 Fort Worth Real Producers • 35
EMPOWER YOUR CLIENTS when you team up with the Leading Mold & Indoor Air Quality and Inspection Company in the DFW & East Texas Area!
Convenient Inspection Packages that Include: • New Construction Phase Inspections • Pre-Listing Inspections • Commercial Inspections • Termite/ WDI • Thermal Imaging • Pool Inspections • Sewer Line Inspections • Drones • Water Quality Testing • Inspection Repair Amendment Builder Tool • Level 2 Foundation Inspection Report • Thermal Imaging & Zip Level Measurement Included with Every Inspection • Virtual Report Review Available
Eli Howard General Manager 36 • October 2026
Schedule Now! 817.754.0360
Se ha Inspect360.com Españbla E n v i r o 3 6 0 . c o m ol
Fort Worth Real Producers • 37
9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063
A FIRST CLASS MOVING EXPERIENCE
Tyler Coleman
512.605.7328 Tyler@BlackTieMoving.com | BlackTieMoving.com