Sowieja Ann agent feature Lessons Learned from the Golf Course

from North Dallas Real Producers - June 2023

KHAN

At first glance, one may not see the connection between professional golf and real estate. However, Ann Sowieja, who has built long and successful careers in each field, sees the similarities. Her role as a golf professional was the perfect first act to what has now become a two-decades long real estate career.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have chosen two careers that have been fulfilling and can be meshed together,” she says. “Both can be extremely rewarding, or painful and agonizing, and frustrating. In golf, it’s you and the course, and in real estate, it’s you and the client. In golf, you hit one good shot, and you come back for more. In real estate, you sell one house and come back for more. Both careers have fundamentals to master — the grip, stance, and alignment in golf. In real estate, we have the fundamentals of building relationships, networking, and goal setting.”

“It is important to learn from the losses, as well as the wins, and focus on the little things that lead to the bigger things. In both, you have to have the passion. Both are a way of life.”

The Golf Years

Born and raised in Minnesota, Ann found her way to Texas in 1986.

“You can’t really play golf year-round in Minnesota,” she laughs. “I knew I wanted to be in the golf business, and I knew I wanted to be in Dallas.”

After a four-year stint playing professionally on the WPGT and three years in Fort Myers, Florida, where she was mentored by Patty Berg, the cofounder of the LPGA, Ann moved to Dallas.

“I became fascinated with the golf swing and realized I loved teaching. I had more fun watching beginners make their first par than a professional make under par,” she reflects.

Ann landed at Chase Oaks Golf Club, a public course where she spent the next 15 years as the PGA Class A Head Professional and General Manager. She was fortunate to oversee the growth of the course and meet fascinating people from all walks of life, including professional golfers and athletes, movie stars, and businesspeople.

THE SECOND ACT

When the course changed ownership in the early 2000s, Ann sensed it was time for a change. As she considered her next move, real estate rose to the surface.

“My mom was a 28-year REALTOR® in Minnesota. I had a conversation with her, and she said, ‘Why don’t you get your real estate license?’ I saw it made a lot of sense. The two careers are a lot alike, and the lessons I learned in golf have really helped me in real estate.”

As a golf professional, Ann developed a love for connecting with others and hearing their stories. That’s become one of her biggest strengths in real estate, allowing her to become one of Dallas’ top agents.

Fun Fact

Ann played professional golf for four years. She played throughout Southeast Asia and had some amazing (and funny) experiences. “I watched my caddy chase a cobra with a six iron, almost got arrested for pouring orange juice on a curb in Singapore, and played golf with a princess and dined at the palace with the king of Malaysia.”

In 2022, she closed 24 deals for $14.2 million as a solo agent with Monument Realty Group. She attributes much of her success to a mastermind group of seven top-producing Monument agents, who make the time to give support and advice.

“I try to build deep connections with people,” Ann says. “That has always been a passion of mine, and real estate provides me with that opportunity. I want my clients to be treated like people, not a number, and I think my clients see that. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than being a part of people’s journeys through life.”

Twenty years into her real estate career, Ann couldn’t be happier with where she is. She loves the culture of her brokerage, which promotes positivity, productivity, and professionalism. Now that Monument Realty has been named the Title Sponsor of the PGA District at PGA Frisco, her two worlds have truly collided.

Most importantly, Ann loves working with clients. She’s committed to their success, which has in turn led to success for her, too.

“I want my clients to know that I’m always there for them, that I’ll be a person who always makes time to give support and advice. I hope they realize I’m an encourager and a pillar of strength when I need to be.”