North Fort Worth Real Producers - June 2023

Photo by: Desiree

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ATTORNEY

Sullivan Law Offices

Christopher Sullivan

(214) 784-9900

sullivanlawoffices.com

BRANDED MARKETING

MATERIALS

Lovehandle

(281) 778-2051

www.lovehandle promo.com

BUILDER

Perry Homes, LLC

(972) 629-3900

perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com

BUSINESS COACHING

Rialto Academy

(512) 743-4330

RialtoAcademy.com

CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS

Board + Brie

(817) 693-1908

boardbriedfw.com

Buttermilk Sky Pie

Colleyville

(817) 581-7437

buttermilkskypie.com/ locations/colleyville/

COMMERCIAL ROOFING PROCO

(817) 975-5948

procoroof.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

DW Foundation Repair

(817) 706-3430

HANDYMAN

Ace Handyman Services

Craig Young (817) 809-6138

acehandymanservices. com/offices/colleyville

HEALTH

Restore Hyperwellness & Cryotherapy

(817) 912-1550

Restore.com

HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

Impact Health

Stephanie Ziemann

(817) 682-1356

HOME INSPECTION

Endeavor Real Estate Inspections

Chris Carathers

(817) 726-5333

endeavorinspect.com

Greenworks

(855) 349-6757

greenworksinspections.com

HomeTeam

Inspection Service

(972) 400-7034

HomeTeam-DFW.com

Inspect360

(817) 754-0360

inspect360.com

Semper Fi Home Inspections, Inc.

(682) 351-2267

SemperFiHome Inspections.com

Super Team Services

Robyn Jordan

(940) 367-1708

superteamservices.com

HOME WARRANTY

Achosa Home Warranty

(817) 933-8707 www.achosahw.com

INSURANCE

Duren Jenkins Agency

(817) 445-0120 insurinwithduren.com

Jason Ridley Agency

(817) 281-4500

jasonridleyagency.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Junkluggers of Grapevine, Irving & Denton

Rajagopal Ramanujam

(630) 470-8307

junkluggersofgid.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

Ameridream Mortgage Group, LLC

AmeriDreamMtg.com

Cardinal Financial Company, LP

972-777-5626 (LOAN) TheBryanConnatser Team.com

Cherry Creek Mortgage

(817) 709-4683 NunisLending.com

Edge Home Finance (972) 333-7360 NicktheBroker.com

First United Mortgage Group

(469) 629-0776

firstunitedbank.com

Movement Mortgage

(469) 202-4195

LoanOfficerMark.com

Neighborhood Loans

(817) 501-4255

mikeprotono.com

NXT Mortgage

Corey Kastler

(817) 715-5637

OriginPoint

Dan Carson (512) 878-3047

Titan Lending, LLC

(817) 290-3464

titanlending.com

MOVING COMPANY

Black Tie Moving North Fort Worth

JC Caldwell

(615) 900-2641

MOVING SERVICES

Firehouse Movers Inc

(972) 412-6033

firehousemovers.com

PEST CONTROL PROCO

(817) 975-5948

procoroof.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Desiree Roberts

Photography

(972) 998-3133

DesireeRoberts.com

Katie Wallace Studios

(817) 688-8557

katiewallacestudios.com

PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT

American Real PM

(469) 620-0114

americanrealpm.com

RENOVATIONS

Renovation Sells

Grapevine

(817) 646-5040

renovationsells.com/ grapevine

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

PROCO

(817) 975-5948

procoroof.com

ROOFING

Alpha Roofing & Restoration

(817) 330-9250

roofbyalpha.com

K&M Services, Roofing & Construction

(817) 918-3940

kmservicepro.com

Tarrant Roofing

(817) 571-7809

TarrantRoofing.com

Texas Direct Roofing & Construction

(682) 408-8551

txdroofing.com

ROOFING & SOLAR

Rankin Roofing & Solar LLC

(469) 952-9151

rankinroofingandsolar.com

STAGE & DESIGN

Evergreen Staging & Design

Sherwood Wilson

(817) 513-3141 x1

evergreenstaging.com

TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title Company

Cory Turner

(817) 896-8686

www.alamodfw.com

Boston National Title of Texas

(972) 584-9660

bnttexas.com

Fidelity National Title

- The Baker Firm

(817) 377-4100

fidelity-usa.com

Independence Title

- Schultz & Kellar

Matt Schultz

(817) 308-3606

IndependenceDFW.com

Juniper Title, Inc.

Julia Mitchell

(817) 358-9500

junipertitle.com

McKnight Title

(817) 500-4146

www.mcknighttitle.com

Texas Premier Title

(817) 577-5111

www.TXPrem.com

TRANSACTION

COORDINATOR

Controlled Transactions

(817) 889-0864

controlledtransactions.com

VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY

StudioUSA

(469) 955-5833

studiousa.live

WEBSITE DESIGN

MPC Studios Inc.

(956) 423-2233

mpcstudios.com

WINDOWS

Glass Guru Southlake

(817) 424-3500

theglassguru.com/southlake

JONATHAN ALEXANDER 972-523-1055

JAlexander@FirstUnitedBank.com

JAHomeLoans.com

TYLER SPEAKMAN

Tyler.Speakman@FirstUnitedBank.com MortgagewithTyler.com

Find The Mortgage That Fits Your Clients' Needs.

SAM ELDER 214-228-8774

Sam.Elder@FirstUnitedBank.com

SElder.FirstUnitedTeam.com

JWeston@FirstUnitedBank.com

JWeston.FirstUnitedTeam.com

USDA Home Loan

PATRICIA MAHONEY 214-952-6077

PMahoney@FirstUnitedBank.com

MahoneyHomeLoans.com

1235 S Main St. Ste. 100 | Grapevine

Member FDIC. NMLS #400025 Ⓒ 2022 First United Bank. All Rights Reserved.

First United Bank (NMLS #400025) is a licensed lender in Oklahoma and Texas. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. This is not an offer for extension of credit or commitment to lend. All loans subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Please consult your mortgage loan consultant for further information.

STANLEY P. SMITH 214-223-1724

SPSmith@FirstUnitedBank.com

SPSmith.FirstUnitedTeam.com

MEET THE NORTH FT. WORTH REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

lance.dunahoe@realproducersmag.com.

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at lance.dunahoe@realproducersmag.com.

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 North Fort Worth 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.

Landon Robinson Director of Client Relations

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Julie Altemus Executive Director

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Katherine Fondren

Kareen Delos Reyes

Dave Danielson

Mark Fadden Writer

Jessica Nelson Social Media Director

Desiree Roberts Photographer

Missy Kremer Editor

Landon Day Photographer

Best Coaching Question The of

ALL TIME

Personal Growth has been very important to me, particularly in the last 11 years. In college, I dealt with an enormous amount of anxiety and depression, and after a period of time, I couldn’t take it anymore. I remember a very specific day when I was 22 years old when I was at my breaking point. I prayed to a God (that at the time I wasn’t sure existed), and I made a commitment from that day on that I would never allow myself to feel that way anymore. I didn’t care how long it took, how hard it was, how much it would cost…I would find a way.

I started that journey with books, free online resources, daily meditations, and anything I could get my hands on that might help me get out of my trapped mind and emotions. As I got out of college, I continued that path and kept building on it. I recently did some reflecting and number crunching and realized that I have invested a large sum of money on personal development in that last seven years. Coaching, programs, seminars, trainings… You name it, I have probably done it. I don’t say that as some sort of brag, but I have just always felt deep in my soul that there is no better way to invest my money than into my own growth so I can be the best for myself, for others, and for God.

I wish I could teleport back to my 22-year-old self, so I could feel the massive change that has occurred within me in the last decade. So much growth has happened in that time. I have been blessed with so many amazing mentors and coaches, and I am so grateful for their influence on the trajectory of my life.

This last month, in two separate coaching calls from two different coaches, I got asked the same question relating to two different areas of my life. Both times, it led to an enormous breakthrough. I believe the quality of our life is determined by the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. I have been asked a lot of questions in the last 11 years… This question is by far the best question I have ever been asked:

“What is not being said right now?” Simple, but profound if truly reflected upon. Now, I want you to ask yourself this question regarding one or all areas of your life. You may need to ask yourself this question several times to peel back the onion to get to what truly isn’t being said or addressed in your life that needs to be.

When you discover what needs to be said or addressed…I challenge you to take massive and immediate action on it. It’s time to move forward.

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-Owner

CRAIG POWERS POWERS

Written by: Mark Fadden

Photos by: Desiree Robert, Desiree Roberts Photography

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

When Craig Powers became a licensed realtor in 2018, he had no way of knowing if it would work out.

“I quickly discovered a passion for the privilege of helping clients buying and selling their homes that I found endlessly gratifying,” Powers said. “I had a chance to play a small part in one of the most impactful transitions in a person’s life through helping them buy or sell a home.”

Powers was able to help his clients by leveraging the lessons he had learned through lifelong sales experience, a

relentless can-do mindset, creativity, and teamwork. He started out working in corporate America for many years, specifically in corporate events. The event projects included intricate exhibit fabrication with multiple specialties to design, produce, and then logistically deliver successful projects for his clients nationwide. The experience of working with events also taught him to have a “The show must go on,” attitude when working with his customers.

“When we had an event scheduled to start at 9:00, it started at 9:00… not 9:05,” Powers said. “Even if the exhibit pieces shipped to the wrong location or the local staff called out, we made it happen. I learned to think on my feet and solve problems on a national level.”

Powers always had the entrepreneurial itch, so when the industry began to go through changes, he saw it as an opportunity to take his future into his own hands.

“Throughout my life, I have been a part of many startups, including my parents’ own business,” said Powers. “When I was a child, they owned a retail shop that was attached to our home. Often times, my mother would be making my breakfast or lunch as a customer would lean in from the doorway asking questions. Business was a part of our everyday life.”

After he got out of corporate events, he started a beauty industry tool sharpening and sales business. Working with local salons and pet groomers, Powers built the business from the ground up on his own. “It was a boots-on-the-ground, grassroots sales model that was entirely different than the corporate career I had before. I drove all over the DFW metroplex to visit clients and deliver products,” he said.

While being in business for himself satisfied his entrepreneurial spirit, he still had a gnawing urge to go into real

Craig Powers has spent a lifetime thinking on his feet to endure industry crises, economic hardships, and other unexpected events to deliver for his clients.

I QUICKLY DISCOVERED A PASSION FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF HELPING CLIENTS BUYING AND SELLING THEIR HOMES THAT I FOUND ENDLESSLY GRATIFYING.

estate. While he was unsure about how successful he would be, he realized that the knowledge, skills, and abilities from his past business experiences would transfer over well into a real estate career.

“With my decades of sales experience in corporate events and startup business initiatives, combined with project management and logistics experience, I knew that I understood how to guide the process for clients inside and out,” said Powers. “Also, in my prior business, I spent a decade driving all over the Dallas Fort Worth metro area and I knew the communities and neighborhoods very well. I knew I could always be ahead of the process to help break it down for my clients to ensure they were informed to keep the process seamless.”

Ultimately, while it was yet another shift in terms of starting over in a new industry, Powers felt right at home helping his clients do what great salespeople do: solve problems.

“In real estate, there can be unexpected delays beyond our control with any of the many parties involved in a given transaction,” he said. “My favorite part of being a realtor is searching for, and delivering, the perfect outcome for my clients. Buying or selling a home is a huge transaction, so I make sure my clients are informed and prepared for each step along the way.”

While he’s worked hard to scratch his entrepreneurial itch, Powers hasn’t forgotten to balance his professional ventures with his personal life.

“As a father of three, not getting the work done was never an option,” he said. “I had responsibilities and wanted to provide my family with the best life possible. I have been blessed with a lot of energy that I have used to do as much as I could in business and at home. While my children were growing up, I was a driving force for

them through sports, academics, and church. I coached their soccer and basketball teams and drove them to each event. My children are still a huge part of my life, and I am now a proud grandfather.”

With his children building their own lives, Powers has been able to turn his energy and focus into building a legacy as a real estate broker, but he still takes time to power down and relax. Whenever he’s not working, he enjoys playing golf, exercising, working in the yard, barbequing, hanging out with his family, and watching football. But no matter if he’s trying to lower his golf score or he’s helping his clients find their dream home, Powers has the kind of attitude to keep the show going on and on.

“If you just keep going and look for how to persevere with action, there will always be a way forward,” he said.

Kyle Hansen of The Glass Guru

Your Neighborhood Glass Guy

Kyle Hansen started out his professional life making sure that people’s glasses were full. As owner of The Glass Guru in Southlake, he’s now more interested in how his customers enjoy the glass itself.

For the first 18 years of his professional life, Kyle Hansen worked for Ben E. Keith in their adult beverage division.

“I had the opportunity to do it all,” Hansen said. “My last eight years there, I was a business development manager over the craft beer portfolio. I managed 150 different breweries with approximately 2,500 different brands.”

While he does have a favorite beer, Hansen said that after all those years working with the folks that produce such great brews, it’s like trying to choose between your children for the favorite. “But if I had to select one, it would be Sierra Nevada Pale Ale,” he said. “It’s just a great beer.”

Written by: Mark Fadden

Photos by: Desiree Roberts, Desiree Roberts Photography

Hansen moved on from Ben E. Keith to go to work at Revolver Brewery in Granbury as their sales and marketing director for three years, part of that time working under the new Miller-Coors ownership. He said that he saw the writing on the wall once changes started happening and knew that there would never be a better time to start his own business. Fortunately, an experience at his house a few years prior made him start thinking about getting into the glass business.

“When we moved into our house in Southlake, we had a broken window,” said Hansen. “But we couldn’t find anyone that would fix just one window. The big glass companies would come with quotes to redo the whole house because it wasn’t worth their time to just do one or two.”

Hansen and his brother, Kevin, who was also looking to start a business, began researching glass companies that would fill the niche of doing smaller jobs. They got close with buying

one but decided not to pull the trigger. Hansen then researched The Glass Guru franchise and thought it was a great option when he decided to go out on his own after leaving Revolver.

“The Glass Guru really fits that small to medium job niche well,” Hansen said. “The average ticket on our jobs ranges from $1,100-$1,400 and most of our business is repeat customers. We really are the neighborhood glass guys.”

Hansen’s interest in working with glass stems from the fact that it’s such a flexible material. “Glass can be designed into almost any shape, so designers are using it more and more with their interior designs,” said Hansen. In terms of new residential builds, he’s seeing a lot more glass backsplashes and glass cabinet doors. Designers are also getting more expressive when it comes to using glass in showers. Hansen recalled one house where they installed a glass wall in the shower that was just over 47 square feet and ½” thick. It took five workers

Photo provided by: Kyle Hansen

to transport it from the delivery truck to the installation site because it was so heavy.

Glass is also being used in remodels to bring more natural light into spaces. Hansen recalled one of his most interesting projects was replacing windows in a front entry way with enormous cathedral windows that required massive lifts to maneuver them into place.

But no matter if it’s a new build or a renovation to an older home, one of the most popular installations that Hansen and his team does is in-glass pet doors.

“We have that niche pretty much wrapped up and do them almost every day,” Hansen said. “The doors can go in a glass insert in a door or in almost any window where they will fit. We call them pet doors not dog doors because people get them installed for dogs, cats, even rabbits. We actually made one installation for a pet duck! The doors really make everyone happy from the pets on up the line.”

Hansen grew up in Hereford, Texas. Being in a small west Texas town allowed him a lot of freedom to hunt, fish, and ride four wheelers in the open countryside. He

developed his honesty, integrity, and work ethic from his parents—”My parents were the greatest,” he said. “They say you can’t pick your parents, but if I could, I would have picked them.”

Kanakuk Kamps, is a summer, Christian-based athletic camp that Kyle accolades for his foundation in a lot of areas of life. “I went to that camp from the time I was eight until I was 17 years old,” Hansen said. “It gave me the structure I needed to build character.”

Whether it’s driving to a customer’s house to put the dollar in her mailbox that she overpaid or creating a glass frame so that a grandfather could encapsulate a granddaughter’s favorite poster after she died (and doing so at cost), Hansen credits Kanakuk Kamps with helping to make him the man that he is today. It was also the place where, at 13 years old, he first met our own Lance Dunahoe, who served as a camp counselor.

Hansen knows that he is blessed to be around such wonderful people, both at work and at home.

“We truly have an awesome team at The Glass Guru. I couldn’t do it without them,” said Hansen. His office manager, Charlotte, has more than 30 years of customer service experience. Hansen said his operation manager, James, kills it every day. He went on to say that the glaziers they work with are all top notch and have taken the company’s culture to heart. Hansen is able show his team his gratitude now and again with Meat U Anywhere BBQ from Grapevine where his brother Kevin is now the CFO.

At home, his wife Stephanie, a speech pathologist in Keller ISD, helped him get the business off the ground. His son Caden, 17, is an exceptional golfer and student. “He is so driven in his quests to be more today than he was yesterday. I have so enjoyed watching him grow up and develop into an outstanding young man,” Hansen said. His daughter Brooklyn, 13, is Hansen’s “mini-me.” “She’s a competitive cheerleader that lights up a room, and she’s sharp as a tack. No feat is too big or challenge too tough. She takes it all on full force with a smile and laughter that’s contagious.”

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

ARE YOU A PART OF?

REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers in the DFW Metroplex

A

Quick Look at

the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

North Dallas Real Producers

Fort Worth Real Producers

Dallas Real Producers

North Fort Worth Real Producers

Rethink Roofing

rp vetted business spotlight

Written by: Mark Fadden

Photos by: Desiree Roberts, Desiree Roberts Photography

Henry Espinoza always knew he wanted to help people. Growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C., he saw firsthand that no matter how little you have, there is always a way to help others.

“My parents are Honduran and Guatemalan, and I am a first genera tion American,” Espinoza said. “I’ve seen my parents struggle and work multiple jobs to bring food to the table. I’ve also seen them take people in, serve the community, and never waiver in tough times.”

Seeing how his parents cared for others sparked Espinoza’s desire to make an impact in people’s lives. When he graduated high school, he felt a calling to go to seminary to study theology and biblical studies. While there, he recalled a pivotal moment that truly changed the way he viewed the world.

“I was working as a custodian to pay for tuition, room, and board,” said Espinoza. “I would often have the night shift which consisted of deep cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming hallways. Because people weren’t around, it was easy to slack off or be halfhearted with the tasks. I remember one night, I was cleaning the bathrooms after a big event and I called my mentor and told him that I felt like I was supposed to be doing something greater with my life. I will never forget what he told me.

He said, ‘Today, nothing is greater than what you are doing. Because what you are doing today will determine what you are entrusted with tomorrow. How you handle this job will set you up for greater things. Tomorrow’s impact is directly connected to today’s faithfulness.’”

After seminary school, Espinoza stepped into ministry full-time where he not only got to fulfill his goal of helping others, but he also learned to manage teams, budgets, systems, and processes. Combining that experience with other skills he learned growing up in a family of construction workers, and the career change from ministry to roofing didn’t seem like that far of a stretch.

“My wife, Dianna, and I were always nonstop traveling and on the go,” said Espinoza. “Our honeymoon consisted of backpacking through Europe, visiting half a dozen countries. In the first

three years of marriage, we set out to experience different countries and cultures including Spain, Israel, and Germany.” But as their focus shifted to starting a family, they began thinking of how they would build their legacy. “We felt led to step into the business world while still being rooted in building people’s lives and making an impact,” he said.

For Espinoza, he leaned on the pastors and members of his church— Milestone Church in Keller—to learn how to best combine his passion for reaching people and building lives with his desire to start a business. They taught him that ministry is really about caring for people in a moment of loss, catastrophe, inconvenience, and practical necessity. A roofing business, if run the right way, can do the same.

“In an industry that is notorious for insensitivity, unreliability, dishonesty,

Henry Espinoza has been providing shelter from life’s storms for others all his life, first as a pastor and now as a roofer.

and ‘sales-y’ strategies, I set out to build something that accomplished meeting practical needs with integrity and a heart for the person… not just the profit,” he said.

One such example of putting the person over the profit came when Espinoza was still fairly new to the roofing industry. He received a call from a widow asking if he would come out and look at her damaged roof. She explained that her husband was the one who handled repairs around the house, but that he had just died from complications due to COVID-19. When Espinoza came out to talk with her, he could tell that she was still very much in the grieving process.

“I told her that I would temporarily fix the roof, so that she didn’t have to worry about it for a while,” Espinoza said. “I wanted her to know that it would be okay to put off a decision about it until she felt better. That’s when she broke down and told me

how she had five different roofers come out to meet her, and they were pushing her into signing a contract when she didn’t know a thing about what she was signing. She was so scared about doing anything without her husband.”

“But it’s important that whoever you chose is some that will be there before, during, and after the project is completed. You need someone who is relational, not just transactional.”

To that end, Espinoza had some tips for all homeowners when it comes to preventive maintenance.

When the widow was finally ready to replace the roof, Espinoza walked the entire neighborhood with her, pointing out different roof types and colors. He knows that caring for his customers like that makes him and his business partners different.

“You can get a roof from 7,000 different companies in DFW,” he said.

“Most people are reluctant to get their roof looked at unless they have active leaks,” said Espinoza. “But it is highly recommended you get it checked out twice a year to give it a clean bill of health. Many times, even if there is storm damage, you may not need a full replacement if it’s been replaced within the last five years because it still has most of its useful life left. We know that a roof is not an exciting purchase, how ever we cannot negate the importance of the very thing that protects our most valuable assets and our families. We strive to provide solutions for people that marry quality work at a price that makes sense for families.”

BUT IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WHOEVER YOU CHOSE IS SOME THAT WILL BE THERE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED. You Need Someone Who Is Relational, Not Just Transactional.

Crouch Brad

Written by: Mark Fadden

A SERVANT LEADER cover story

Photos by: Desiree Robert, Desiree Roberts Photography

Brad Crouch knew what it meant to serve others from an early age.

“I had a paper route when I was ten years old,” Crouch said. “I didn’t have money, and my parents said I would have to work for it. I remember after school going home to roll and deliver papers while the other kids went to play. Rain, sleet, or shine, I delivered papers. I got really good at it and could roll and deliver in a short amount of time and still had time to go play. I think that really started the foundation of work in my life.”

Another big part of his life’s foundation was growing up in Grapevine. Crouch is a fifth-generation Texan whose family at one point had the largest, independently-owned dairy farm in the United States in the 1920s.

“My great grandfather had eight brothers, and they were all dairy farmers in the Burleson area. They delivered all the milk to the greater Fort Worth region. I enjoy my heritage, and I am proud to be a Texan. I have moved away a number of times to many different places, but I always knew I would wind up back here,” Crouch said.

During one of those breaks from living in Grapevine, Crouch took a sabbatical in his twenties and traveled across the US working odd jobs at resorts and parks along the way.

“I worked resort to resort in the Rockies,” he said. “I grew my hair long—I might have been a little bit of a hippie—and did everything from work in Yellowstone National Park, to being a lift operator in Vail, to being a houseboat instructor on Lake Powell in Utah. I didn’t have any money, no credit cards or debt, and not very many personal possessions. It was one of the most free and fun times of

After his sabbatical wound down, Crouch began a career in the food industry. Working in restaurants showed him how his work could serve people on both sides of a transaction.

“As a general manager of restaurants, you wear a lot of hats,” Crouch said.

“From managing people, to marketing, to organizing your week based on projected business, to scheduling and product ordering, and anticipating guest needs. You had to relate well with people, and most importantly, make guests feel welcome and give them a reason to come back.”

From being a paper boy at the ripe old age of ten, to working in the restaurant industry, to now being a real estate agent, Brad Crouch has spent a lifetime working for others.

When he got married, Crouch’s schedule became an issue, which gave him the perfect opportunity to try his hand at his true passion. “Everyone knows it’s nights, holidays, and weekends when you’re in that line of work,” Crouch said. “My wife had a professional career with regular hours. We felt like we rarely got to spend time with one another because of my long hours and irregular schedule. She was in a financial position to help me achieve my dream of going into real estate. She encouraged me to go for it, and that’s how we got here.”

‘Here’ is being an agent for the last five years, who has leveraged the people skills he honed in the restaurant industry, during his sabbatical, and even as a paper boy, to be a true servant leader when the situation calls for it. A perfect example, Crouch said, was when during COVID, he helped a couple who was moving to Colleyville from England. They weren’t going to be able to see the house in person before buying it, so they had to trust him 100%.

“We did everything by FaceTime, so the pressure was on me to make sure to fully represent their interests,” Crouch said. “I really tried to anticipate their needs before they even knew them and helped to educate them about the pitfalls and problems they could potentially face. The level of trust they had in me spoke volumes.”

That experience helped shape how Crouch treats all of his clients, whether they are long-distance or working with them in person.

“I love helping my clients achieve their dream of home ownership or finding a home they love…the place they want to call home and raise their families in. They put a lot of trust in me to take care of their interests, and I take it very seriously,” he said.

Crouch is also able to feel the sense of wanderlust that he developed in his twenties by visiting Roatan. His father bought a place on the island 12 years ago, and Crouch tries to get down there four to five times a year to spend time on a new passion in his life—scuba diving.

“Things move at a different pace, and it is just an incredibly gorgeous place,” Crouch said. “I took up diving a few years ago, and it is probably one of the things I am most passionate about now. When you’re under the water, you’re working on your breathing, you have this narrow scope of vision, and you’re looking at coral and fish, and it is just beautiful! It is one of the most relaxing things I have ever done because I am completely immersed in the moment. I’m not thinking about bills, or work, or any other issues. I am just enjoying life. I didn’t realize how precious that is. That’s why I love it!”

But while Roatan is a place of relaxation, Crouch has also been able to combine a healthy dose of work while he’s down there. He recently became an ambassador for Las Ventanas al Paraiso resort, a new development that features private residences.

For Crouch, no matter if it’s here in Texas or down in Roatan, everything he does in life is a learning opportunity to make himself a better agent.

“I am always taking extra classes and getting extra certifications,” he said. “I have several mentors, and I hope I never get to a place where I feel like I know it all. I learn something with every transaction. There is always more to learn.”

I LEARN SOMETHING WITH EVERY TRANSACTION. THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE FAQ

Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 100 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. Real Producers first launched in DFW in August 2018 with North DFW Real Producers (now called “North Dallas”). In May 2019, Dallas Real Producers launched, and then Tarrant Real Producers in March 2021.

In 2022, Tarrant Real Producers split into two publications, North Fort Worth and Fort Worth Real Producers. Fort Worth Real Producers launched in August 2022!

Q: WHO RECEIVES REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINES?

A: The top 500 real estate agents in each of the four markets in DFW based on their MLS production for the previous year. Refer to the map in this publication for the exact territories. If your broker address is within that given territory and you are in the top 500, you will receive that publication for the year. There are approximately 60,000 licensed real estate agents in DFW. The list will reset at the end of every year and continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS MAGAZINE?

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 top 500 real estate agents and RP-vetted businesses in every market, and we build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, market trends, and upcoming events — really, anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.

Q: DOES REAL PRODUCERS HAVE EVENTS?

A: Yes! Each community will have two main events a year, and then we do a combined event at the end of the year, which is an awards gala called The ESPEs. For these events, we invite the top 500 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. Top 500 agents are allowed to invite members of their team as well. These

events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best of the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connections made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?

A: It’s really simple. You have to be on the top 500 list, and we take nominations seriously. You can nominate other real estate agents, businesses, brokers, owners or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone brought to our attention who is in the top 500 because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. We cannot guarantee a feature, but we encourage you to meet with one of our team members, support Real Producers and attend our private events to increase your chances.

You can email your nominations to jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com.

Q: WHAT DOES IT COST A REAL ESTATE AGENT/TEAM TO BE FEATURED?

A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. It costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of Real Producers.

Q: WHO ARE THE RP-VETTED BUSINESSES?

A: They are one of the best businesses in DFW in their category, and you can find them listed in our index! We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One of many of the top real estate agents has recommended every single business you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. 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 for the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A BUSINESS?

A: If you know and want to recommend a business that works with top real estate agents, please email us to let us know at jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com.

REDING A SEAT AT THE TABLE

agent feature

COMING FROM A MULTI-RACIAL BACKGROUND, KIM REDING WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE’S ALWAYS PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS LIKE THEY BELONG.

Written by: Mark Fadden

Photos by: Desiree Roberts, Desiree Roberts Photography

Growing up in Austin, Kim Reding realized that even though her hometown is known for being inclusive, as the daughter of an Italian father and a Thai mother, she often felt out of place.

“Growing up multicultural and biracial, sometimes it was hard to find where I belonged, a place that I fit in,” Reding said. “You don’t know you’re different until you step outside. I didn’t understand that I was biracial; I didn’t understand what that meant. There weren’t many kids like me which gave me a lot of insecurities.”

Soon though, she found her niche playing basketball. She grew up loving the game and even played on her college team. Playing a sport where the unique strengths of different players were needed in order for the team to be successful, Reding learned how to perceive differences a different way.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that it is our differences that make us

important puzzle pieces to our community and it’s important to respect and honor the differences of those around us,” Reding said. “On our website, we have a circle with the words, ‘You belong here.’ I realized as I got older how important that is. That’s the way I run my business and my life. Everyone belongs and has a seat at the table.”

Real estate has always been a part of Reding’s professional life. She was a part-time realtor while working as a teacher—she taught middle school science, third grade English, and served as a basketball and track coach—and then as an administrator at a charter school in Corinth. After a divorce in the mid-2000s, she became a single mom and quickly realized that her salary wasn’t providing enough income. So, she decided that going full-time into real estate would be a great way to earn more while sustaining her passion for education.

“As a former educator, I wanted to be able to make sure what I chose next mattered and that I would continue to make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.

“I love being a resource for my clients, especially the ones who are entering into uncharted real estate territory. When the process is new to them, I love being able to teach them about all the exciting things that will happen and being an advocate for them when the unexpected happens.”

I LOVE BEING A RESOURCE FOR MY CLIENTS, ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHO ARE ENTERING INTO UNCHARTED REAL ESTATE TERRITORY.

Speaking of unexpected, Reding’s life was surprisingly impacted when, in 2006, her sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “She lost movement of her right side and speech, but after chemo and physical therapy, she has progressed beyond measure,” said Reding. However, the cancer has come back, and her sister will begin chemotherapy again this summer. Her sister’s continued battle with cancer has made Reding realize that while it’s important to plan for the future, tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.

“I have realized that there is so much in our lives that matters and if we keep focusing on tomorrow, we will miss the beautiful memories right in front of you,” she said.

To support her sister and others suffering from brain cancer, Reding led the children’s section at the National Brain Tumor Foundation Walk in the Dallas/FW area. Two years ago, she created a non-profit Brain Tumor Foundation walk called Live A Legacy, “Memento Mori.” The fundraising event is held annually in the first week of December in Denton.

Reding is remarried to Mark and enjoys spending time with their children—Hudson, 21, Kennedy, 18, Rylee, 17, and Ramey, 15.

“Our oldest is almost through college, and the girls are all working their way through high school,” Reding said. “They are all athletic and I love watching them play sports, act in theater, and excel academically. I can’t wait to see them blossom into adults. They make me proud daily.”

Reding and her husband, Mark, recently converted a sprinter van to take on long road trips. They’ve visited several national parks and have driven to Siesta Key in Florida. They take along electric bikes and use them to explore their surroundings once they arrive at their destination.

As a self-proclaimed tomboy, Reding lives in Denton County where she enjoys the outdoors, sports, and music.

“Denton is very music-centric and has an urban atmosphere,” she said. “There are lots of really great parks and outdoorsy things to do in town, but it’s small enough that it’s easy to escape to nature and the country when you need a breather.”

I HAVE REALIZED THAT THERE IS SO MUCH IN OUR LIVES THAT MATTERS AND IF WE KEEP FOCUSING ON TOMORROW, WE WILL MISS THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.

Trying to establish a work-life balance isn’t easy, but her goal is to build a strong foundation for her real estate team. She also has a few goals for her personal life, as well.

“The goal is to have a team of real estate professionals whose first priority is to take good care of others,” Reding said. “I would love to continue to travel with Mark and our family, live an adventurous life, and eat all the sushi I can!”

If you would like more information about the Live A Legacy, “Memento Mori,” walk including sponsorship details, please visit https://www. facebook.com/livealegacy5k.

DALLAS COPPELL FLOWER MOUND SOUTHLAKE

COLLEYVILLE ARGYLE ROANOKE

REAL PRODUCERS YOUR

BADGES

CONGRATS on being one of the top 500 real estate agents in North Fort Worth!

Our RP-vetted businesses 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 in the top 500 and are some of North 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!

Written by: Mark Fadden

Photos by: Desiree Robert, Desiree Roberts Photography

Hendrix Lani inspirational agent

The Life in Her Years

Abraham Lincoln once said that “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Not only is that Lani Hendrix’s favorite quote, but it’s the theme of her life.

Growing up in a military family—her father was in the Air Force—Lani moved around a lot.

“We moved just about every two years,” she said. “I’ve lived in Oklahoma, Idaho, Arizona, Alabama, twice in New Mexico, North Carolina, and multiple cities in Texas including San Antonio, Del Rio, and Austin.”

But while many kids would have been intimidated by having to constantly try to fit in with new people and always having to make new friends, Lani thrived.

“Meeting new people and building relationships is something I enjoy,” she said. “You become very flexible and adapt well to situations. It made me super friendly and super outgoing. I have no issues talking to strangers.”

Moving around also meant that Lani gained perspective about the world around her. She learned about the various cultures that make up the social fabric of America. She also realized that she was motivated to work on her own. So, after high school, she began studying interior design, but eventually switched her studies to real estate and earned her license when she was 21 years old.

“I began my real estate career at a very small brokerage, but shortly after I had an opportunity to

open and operate a restaurant in Weatherford with my parents and decided to switch careers,” Lani said.

After running the business for almost seven years she decided to sell it in 2001 and moved to North Richland Hills where she and her husband Steven settled. Following her move, Lani joined an architectural firm and worked for several years before being laid off in 2010.

“At the time we had been trying to have another baby, so I took it as a blessing and was able to spend the next five years at home with my kids,” she said. “Our oldest son, Thomas, was in high school at that time and I was never really able to volunteer at the school or do extra things for him because I had always worked. I was able to enjoy his last years in high school and became very involved in the soccer booster club. We had two boys at the time, Thomas and Cole, and both of them kept us very busy with select soccer and school activities. In 2011 we had another son, Leo, who is almost 12 now.”

Thomas graduated high school in 2014 and was heading off to college at Southwestern University in Georgetown. Lani and her

husband had saved some money for his college fund, but it wasn’t enough to cover the expenses of a private college.

“I decided it was time for me to go back to work,” she said. “I did enjoy the time at home, but I was ready to go back. My goal going back to work was to pay for Thomas’ education and whatever else I made would be a bonus. Real estate has always been my passion, I had just never been given the opportunity to really get my feet off the ground.”

Lani joined Keller Williams in Southlake and was able to utilize her people skills that she had honed growing up in a family that moved around so much. She also leveraged the lessons that operating a restaurant taught her about running her own business.

“My past personal and professional experiences have taught me the value of setting goals, learning from failures, all aspects of running a business (marketing, financial, leadership, etc.), and the importance of building and growing relationships,” she said. Her budding real estate career was just taking off when, in 2016, tragedy struck.

“In the summer of 2016, we lost our oldest son Thomas in a hiking

accident in Austin,” Lani said. “He had just finished his sophomore year at college and stayed in Georgetown over the summer to work. He and a handful of his fraternity brothers had just moved into a house. It was July 4th and they had gone to the greenbelt in Austin to go swimming for the day. As they were leaving and hiking back up, Thomas slipped. One wrong step changed our lives forever.”

For Lani, the days after the accident were a blur. She said that she and her family would have never made it through the grief and pain had it not been for the people around them. “Our dear friends, our soccer families and our co-workers… they stepped up and got us through the most difficult time in our lives,” she said. “I was fairly new to Keller Williams and multiple agents in my office stepped in for me when I needed help. Some of them, I didn’t even know. They helped with so much, from managing showings, to submitting offers, to being there for closings. As a result, I’ve developed deep friendships with some of my fellow agents and will forever be

grateful for their friendship and the kindness they showed us.”

After the accident, Lani really put her head down and went to work. She poured herself into others as a way to deal with her grief. In 2019, she was asked to join the Agent Leadership Council (ALC) and has been doing that for the past five years.

“I’ve been able to give back to the office that took such good care of me when I needed it,” she said.

The experience of losing a child taught Lani that while it’s important to plan for the future, we should never take the present, and the people around us, for granted. And she knows that Thomas would agree.

“He was so proud of me that I went back to work and he’s so proud of me now,” she said. “We’ve learned to live in the moment. We’ve learned to focus on making memories because they last a lifetime. Life is precious and short, and I choose to be happy. This is how we honor Thomas. The sun does still shine above the clouds.”

We’ve learned to focus on making memories because they last a lifetime. Life is precious and short, and I choose to be happy.

Bryan joined the mortgage business in 1994

Bryan has been in the "Top 1% of all Originators" nationally every year since 2016, as listed by Mortgage Originator magazine.

The Bryan Connatser Team was voted the Silver Award winner in the Best in DFW People's Choice Awards, by The Dallas Morning News for 2022 in November.

Bryan has been named Best Mortgage Professional by D Magazine every year since 2016, and PLATINUM PRODUCER in 2020 & 2021.