Dallas Real Producers - June 2024

CHASE BRAY

Photo by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

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DALLAS MEET THE

REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

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 v 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. If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at Jordan.Espeseth@n2co.com

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

Missy Kremer Editor

Julie Altemus Executive Director

publisher’s note

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

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PHOEBE TOOMBS

CHRISTOPHER DAI OF FAITH & FAMILY

On the Dallas real estate scene, one name stands out for its integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to family and community—Christopher Dai of Bradford Elite Real Estate. With just five years of experience under his belt, Christopher’s journey is a testament to faith, discipline, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Before real estate, Christopher excelled at T-Mobile, ranking as the #2 sales rep nationwide. “It taught me the ropes of sales and customer service,” he shares. Central to his values in business is his unwavering faith. “My faith is my foundation,” Christopher emphasizes. “It guides everything I do, from client interactions to facing challenges.”

For Christopher, success transcends transactions— it’s about building relationships and impacting lives positively. Guiding clients in crafting their dream homes and ensuring their financial empowerment drives his passion. Despite industry challenges, Christopher’s perseverance has driven him forward. “The key challenge? Staying disciplined,” he admits. “This job demands relentless dedication.”

With over $41 million in transactions, Christopher’s commitment to

HE’S DONE SO

LEIGHTON PINKHAM BROKER/OWNER REGAL REALTORS

excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the #1 top producer in his company in 2023 and nominations for the NAR 30 Under 30 Top Agents. Yet, Christopher’s definition of success remains grounded in family. “Success is coming home to my wife and kids,” he asserts. Family serves as his primary motivation.

When asked about his definition of success, Chris’s answer was unequivocal: “For me, success is all about coming home to my wife and kids.” Family is at the heart of everything Chris does, serving as a constant source of motivation and inspiration. “They’re my everything, the reason I push so hard every single day,” he expressed warmly.

Beyond his career, Christopher cherishes his role as a husband and father. “I want to be remembered as a great husband and father,” he says. “It’s about leaving a legacy of love, integrity, and faith.”

Looking ahead, Christopher envisions a vibrant future for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, foreseeing abundant opportunities in real estate development and innovation. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of faith, discipline, and community—a reminder that true success lies in the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind.

rp vetted business spotlight

Written by: Katherine Hunter Fondren • Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

DANIEL CARSON

OF HIGHLANDS RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Daniel Carson, senior vice president and area manager at Highlands Residential Mortgage, has spent the past 13 years carving out a niche in the mortgage industry. Based in the Dallas area, Carson’s company is ranked among the top 50 mortgage companies in the United States. His journey from accidentally falling into the mortgage business to becoming a top 1% producer nationally and being recognized as a Mortgage Bankers Association Future Leader Award in 2019 has shown his efforts are a testament to his dedication and unique approach.

Dan Carson and his team stand are recognizable in the crowded mortgage market by pursuing excellence in helping people achieve the American dream of homeownership. “We are passionate about solving complex problems and helping our partners grow by closing more transactions then they would without us,” Dan says. This passion extends to customers, partners, and employees alike, making his approach holistic and impactful. “When you love was you do it makes it not seem like work.”

Dan’s extensive experience in various roles within the mortgage world sets him apart from the competition. His background includes recruiting top loan officers and industry leaders, managing a sales team, and growing an independent mortgage bank (IMB) as a national sales manager. This diverse experience gives him a deep understanding of the business beyond merely closing loans.

“I have a unique experience that collectively my agent partners benefit from. The practices we have and the knowledge I have gained is from working with the best of the best on the industry for a long time,” Dan notes.

Specializing in fostering collaboration, Dan’s ideal partners are those who appreciate the value hard work and teamwork. “If you put those things together, you can do

a lot for each other’s business,” he explains. His commitment to being available and ensuring timely closings builds trust with top producers, making him a valuable asset in their networks. Ultimately growing their business as a result from working together.

A lifelong Dallas resident, Carson briefly moved to Austin in college but returned to Dallas to look after one of his family members in a time of need. His team realizes what loyalty is and that he is always willing to sacrifice for those around him. Each of them is an extension of who we are. “We have

an amazing team, and I am so grateful for the loyalty and gratitude that I received from them all,” he says. After long tenures in previous roles the move to Highlands Residential recently was easy because they shared the same values. They will be opening the locally based company’s main Dallas office in June and are looking forward to helping their presence grow.

Surprisingly, Dan’s entry into the mortgage industry was serendipitous. “It was by accident; mortgage found me first!” he recalls. However, his success is no accident. His gratification of seeing loan officers grow after working together and passion to help families buy their first homes has been a significant driver of his achievements. “We focus on the smaller daily wins, but we know we are chasing something great, we know what we are building has a higher purpose,” he reflects.

Success for Dan is defined by financial independence and having the freedom to manage time freely. Having the ability to choose how you spend your time is one of the most valuable things. Our time is our greatest asset and we have to make the most of it. One of his favorite quotes, “Well done is better than well said,” by Benjamin Franklin resonates with his philosophy of action and excellence over just words.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, playing rugby, and building things. Maintaining a work-life balance is a challenge he meets by normalizing longer days in the office and hiring excellent support. “I try,” Dan admits. So much so that he shares much of his time at work with his better half, Kelsey, who is also a top producing loan officer. Together, they balance work and family, often discussing business since they work together. Outside of business, they enjoy traveling, music, and yoga in their spare time. Dan also enjoys spending time with his children, Cade and Olivia, and believes in putting family first. “I am so proud of my children; my son and daughter light up my days,” he says proudly.

Looking ahead, Dan’s goals are clear. “I want to help 250 families personally each year,” he says with determination. I also want to help each of my loan officers due the same. He values the partnerships fostered through platforms like Real Producers, and looks forward to continuing to serve DFW’s top agents. He believes that working with him will be a game-changer for REALTORS®. “You’ll never regret working with me, and it will better your business moving forward,” he asserts. His ability to handle various types of loans, from first time homebuyers to self employed and complex, his ability to get deals done is unmatched In DFW.

One of the reasons Highlands Residential is a great partner for the business is that they are a one stop shop of products from having great Conventional, VA, FHA, and USDA where they simplify their underwriting. Overall, having a that “no overlay” attitude on the day to day while offering one of the best in class offerings jumbo, construction & renovation, and in-house bank statement, asset depletion, lot and bridge options it all adds to the list of reasons people want to team up with Dan and the team at Highlands Residential Mortgage.

In conclusion, Daniel Carson’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated commitment to helping others achieve their dreams. His unique perspective, born from diverse experiences within the mortgage industry, combined with his unwavering support for his team and clients, makes him a standout leader in his field. Dan’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

CHASE Bray

ONE THING

Written by: Katherine H. Fondren • Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

Throughout his career, Chase Bray, president and Broker of Bray Real Estate Group, has faced numerous challenges, from staying focused on his “one thing” amidst a whirlwind of entrepreneurial pursuits to balancing the demands of business ownership with the responsibilities of family life. Yet, through it all, Chase has remained steadfast in his commitment to growth and self-improvement, aspiring to be remembered not only as a successful businessman but as a man of God and a good human.

Chase’s journey from humble beginnings to industry titan is a story of unwavering dedication and unbridled ambition. Born and raised in Lubbock and later moving to the DFW in his teens, Chase’s entrepreneurial spirit began to take root at an early age. After graduating from Rockwall-Heath High School in 2008, he attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in General Business. After graduation, Chase embarked

on a career in medical sales, honing his skills in negotiation and client relations before ultimately finding his true calling in the world of real estate.

In 2016, Chase made the bold leap into the realm of real estate, setting the stage for the founding of Bray Real Estate Group with only $10 in his pocket. “Being on the brokerage side has allowed me to continuously be exposed to the market as an investor,” Chase reflects,

cover story

highlighting the symbiotic relationship between his role as a Broker and his passion for real estate investment. “My wife and I now have over 20 rental properties, creating long-term passive income for our family. We are able to build something that is ours, where we can share our passion for real estate with others while building a long-term wealth avenue.”

For Chase, success transcends mere financial prosperity; it embodies the profound impact he can make in the lives of others. “Success is making a difference in other people’s lives,” Chase asserts, remarking on the positive influence he can wield as a mentor, leader, and advocate for his clients and colleagues alike. “Each individual defines their own success, but it is not measured externally, only internally. Being truly happy and being able to provide for my family and those around me is my definition of success.”

As a testament to his unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise, Chase has been recognized as a leader in the real estate industry, earning accolades such as D Magazine’s Best/ Top Producer and D CEO-Faces “Face of Residential Real Estate.” However, for Chase, true fulfillment lies not in the accolades themselves, but in the knowledge that he has made a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients and colleagues. “Being a brokerage owner, you are exposed to so many different things that help you grow as an agent,” says Chase. “I truly care about my clients, and money has never been the motive. Being able to make a difference in someone’s life truly pushes me in this business.”

Chase finds respite in his family with his wife, Melanie, and two daughters, Kennedy (5) and Landyn (2). Away from work, Chase relishes being a “girl dad.” Traveling and cheering on Texas Tech also bring him joy.

Looking ahead, Chase has set ambitious goals for the future, with plans to achieve $100M in personal sales, $1B in brokerage sales, and expand Bray Real Estate Group to include 400 agents. Yet, amidst the lofty aspirations and grand ambitions, he remains grounded in his commitment to his family, his faith, and his community.

In the ever-changing real estate market of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Chase Bray and Bray Real Estate Group stand as a shining example of excellence, focusing on that “one thing,” and guiding clients and colleagues alike towards their dreams of homeownership, financial prosperity, and personal fulfillment. With each transaction, each interaction, and each endeavor, Chase Bray continues to strive to invest in himself, his brand, and those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the world of real estate and the lives of those he touches.

BEING ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE TRULY PUSHES ME IN THIS BUSINESS.

SHARON

Written by: Katherine H. Fondren

Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

FROM RETAIL TO REAL ESTATE

With a career spanning over two decades, Sharon Redd, a seasoned real estate advisor at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, stands out not just for her professional acumen, but for the depth of care she brings to her craft. Her journey is a testament to her compassion and unwavering dedication to her clients.

“I grew up in Houston and attended UT for college,” Sharon shares, reflecting on her roots. Her career trajectory, however, took a different path before real estate beckoned. “I worked for Foley’s Department Stores (now Macy’s) for 25 years,” she recalls. From corporate merchandising to managerial roles, Sharon honed invaluable skills that would later define her approach to real estate.

For Sharon, real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building relationships and nurturing them with genuine care. “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” she emphasizes, revealing the cornerstone of her business philosophy. “It’s what I live by in my business,” she affirms, a mantra that has guided her for over two decades.

The most rewarding aspect of Sharon’s journey? “Building relationships and helping clients reach their goals,” she beams. It’s not merely about closing deals for her; it’s about being a trusted advisor, guiding her clients every step of the way. “It doesn’t stop after the sale,” she notes, highlighting the enduring nature of her client relationships.

Yet, Sharon’s path hasn’t been without challenges. The most notable so far in her career? “Working when the market crashed,” she reflects, recalling a pivotal moment of adversity.

Learning to navigate uncertainty and forge ahead in the face of adversity has been a defining experience, shaping her resilience and fortitude.

In 2019, a tornado struck Sharon’s home, turning her life upside down. “In those moments, we were so blessed that no one was hurt that night,” she recalls, gratitude infusing her voice. Over the next two and a half years, Sharon and her family grappled with the arduous task of rebuilding their home amidst myriad challenges, from living in temporary accommodations to weathering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through it all, Sharon’s unwavering spirit and commitment to family shone through. “Home became a different setting, but it reinforced that it’s wherever family is,” she reflects, finding solace amidst the chaos.

BE CONFIDENT IN WHO YOU ARE. I DON’T KNOW THAT I AM DIFFERENT. I AM JUST ME, AND I DO WHAT WORKS AND HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL FOR ME.

Professionally, Sharon’s accolades speak volumes about her dedication and expertise. From being named a top producer for her company to earning recognition from prestigious platforms like DBEST and Real Trends, Sharon’s track record underscores her commitment to excellence.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sharon finds joy in exploring her surroundings and staying active. “I love to travel and do HIIT several times a week,” she shares, highlighting her passion for exploration and fitness.

Aspiring real estate professionals seeking guidance would find a sage advisor in Sharon, a self-proclaimed “agent’s agent.” “Be confident in who you are,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of self-assurance in a competitive

industry. And for Sharon, authenticity reigns supreme. “I don’t know that I am different,” she humbly remarks. “I am just me, and I do what works and has been successful for me.”

In Sharon’s eyes, success isn’t just about achieving milestones; it’s about the journey itself—the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and the relationships forged along the way. “It’s what keeps you moving towards the next goal,” she reflects, embodying the essence of resilience and perseverance.

In Sharon Redd’s narrative of experience and success, one finds not just a successful real estate advisor, but a compassionate soul dedicated to making a difference—one relationship at a time.

BECKY

BOCHNIAK

At an early age, Becky Bochniak learned the value of a dollar. As a REALTOR® and Team Leader of The Bochniak Group, her journey has been marked by working hard for the benefit of helping those in need. Becky’s success is a testament to the power of faith, family, and giving back to the community as much as she can.

IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

Becky’s story traces back to her humble beginnings in the Chicago area, where she learned the values of integrity, humility, and hard work from her parents. “I learned certain values at a young age,” Becky reminisces, her voice echoing with nostalgia. From buying soft drinks on sale and reselling them to the neighborhood kids to diligently saving a portion of her earnings, Becky’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited early on.

Her journey into real estate began in 2002, following a successful career in administration and a passion to be an encouragement to others.

“Real Estate gives me an opportunity to invest in other people’s lives,” Becky reflects, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “The things that bring me the most joy are not the amount of money I earn or the things I own. It’s the intangibles - spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. My business has become a ministry opportunity for me to mentor and guide my clients through some very difficult seasons of their lives.”

For Becky, success isn’t measured by monetary gains; it’s defined by contentment, honesty, and compassion. “Being content, living within my means, and giving generously to make a positive impact on others is success to me,” Becky asserts, her words resonating with wisdom.

This guiding principal of generosity extends beyond business; it permeates every facet of Becky’s life.

Local communities thrive under Becky’s benevolence, as she partners with initiatives like the 100 Women of Sunnyvale, supporting various non-profit organizations and donating to those affected by cancer.

“God has blessed our business, and we want to give back to others,” Becky affirms, her commitment to philanthropy unwavering.

Internationally, Becky’s heart knows no bounds as she and her husband sponsor families in Ghana, providing essentials like food, school supplies, and medical assistance. “It’s our privilege to sponsor four families monthly,” Becky shares, her voice tinged with humility. Her journey to Ghana in 2018 is an example of her unwavering dedication to serving those in need.

Family lies at the core of Becky’s existence, as she cherishes moments spent with her husband of 40 years, Paul, their daughters, their spouses, and grandchildren. Together, they form a close-knit unit, rooted in love, faith, and shared values. “I prioritize intentional time for God and family,” Becky emphasizes, her love for her family evident in every word spoken. “We are blessed with a family who enjoys getting together on a regular basis.” Paul was previously a CPA/CFO in the Dallas area but quit his job to help Becky care for her ailing mother. “He has been a realtor since 2009 and has been a great asset to our team,” adds Becky.

Despite the accolades and recognition garnered throughout her career, Becky’s greatest achievement lies in the relationships she’s nurtured. “My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is the smiles, hugs, and appreciation from my clients,” Becky muses,

Written by: Katherine H. Fondren

Photos by: Jin Kim, URSPECIAL agent who gives back

“Becky is an amazing agent, not only in the results she gets for her clients and the levels of success she has received but also in the way she views service. She is involved in her community and in serving others in more ways that I can even describe. We are so honored to have worked with her for the past 20+ years!”

Lori Arnold, BROKER/OWNER COLDWELL BANKER

Team members Ben Wright, Becky Bochniak Paul Bochniak, and Nancy Benson

Becky with her family

Photo by: Stephanie Southard