Built on Character

Agent Feature

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, StudioUSA

As a third-generation Dallas REALTOR®, Jeff Coats has been immersed in the real estate industry for as long as he can remember. His grandparents, Sterling and Willa Mae, launched their real estate careers in 1955. His dad, Jack, followed suit shortly after, becoming a REALTOR® in 1959 and founding Jack Coats Realtors in 1977.

Jeff never questioned his interest in real estate. From the days of driving around with his dad looking at properties to becoming a real estate agent himself after college, Jeff has always been clear on his professional path. Nearly four decades after launching his real estate career, he is more fulfilled than ever by his work. The pride he gets from his success is preceded by a sense of fulfillment for having touched the lives of so many.

Perhaps Jeff’s greatest honor is continuing the reputation of integrity his grandparents and father built.

“My dad had a great name of integrity and honesty in the business. He was a great mentor. He was servant-oriented, and that’s the way I’ve tried to run my business,” Jeff says humbly.

The Arc of Success

When Jeff began his real estate career in 1984, the Dallas construction industry was booming. There was plenty of raw land, and new developments were popping up everywhere. Jeff’s grandparents and father had a big hand in developing some of East Dallas’ most well-known neighborhoods, and Jeff has continued that tradition, making his mark on the Dallas market assisting with new construction, pre-owned homes, and ranches. Jeff has sold properties in 32 counties in Texas. keep that focus, to be that guy. I want people to remember me as a great guy to work with, a professional agent, a servant, and I hope I’ve done that,” Jeff says.

Jeff spent the early years of his career learning from his dad at Jack Coats Realtors. He went on to spend 35 successful years with RE/ MAX before moving to Compass in 2021. Today, he leads the Coats Group at Compass, a team that includes his wife Kenna, daughter Kasey, and agent Denise Cullers. Each team member contributes a unique skill set, allowing the group to maintain a top producer status. With such a diversified team, Jeff has the freedom to focus on doing what he does best — selling.

After over three decades with RE/ MAX, Jeff is thriving at Compass. The structure of the brokerage has made it easier to run a team and leverage technology in his business.

“The support we get at Compass allows our team to grow and become more efficient and knowledgeable concerning the ever-changing trends in real estate,” Jeff says.

Leaving a Legacy Jeff has closed over $700 million in his career, but it’s not the accolades or sales statistics that get him most excited; it’s the reputation he’s built in the community.

As an agent, Jeff has one goal: to serve his clients. He believes his clients know when they have an agent who is truly looking out for their best interests, and he continually strives to be that person.

Family Spotlight

Jeff and his wife, Kenna, have three adult children, Kristyna, Kasey, and Karaline. When they are not selling real estate, you’ll find Jeff and Kenna enjoying their ranch in Hill Country or serving through Christian ministry and Bible studies.

“My dad had an extremely good name in the residential market. Everybody loved my dad. I wanted to

“I think my clients know I take a genuine interest in helping them realize their real estate dreams, and that comes back in spades. There are a lot of people who are more tech savvy or better at marketing than me… but integrity and character matter, and you have to pursue that every day,” Jeff continues. “I want my legacy to be that I continued the Coats name in the city of Dallas as a family of integrity, faith, and character. That’s the way I want to be remembered.” print