Fort Worth Real Producers - May 2024

SCHMIDT CINDY SCHMIDT CINDY

Photo by: Katie Wallace Studios Gaby Duran: Connecting Dreams Andra Beatty:

Rodeo and Real Estate

Worthington & Angie Thor: Who You Work With Matters

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!

ACCOUNTING/ TAX SERVICES

DASG, LLC

Joel Gilhang (214) 945-2488 dasgdfw.com

BUILDER

Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com

Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com

COMMERCIAL ROOFING PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Edward Jones Jay Brown (817) 459-0018 edwardjones.com/jaybrown

HOME INSPECTION

Greenworks (855) 349-6757 greenworksinspections.com

Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com

LAW FIRM

Harris Cook Law Firm (817) 275-8765 harriscooklaw.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

Cherry Creek Mortgage

- The Jefferson Team (817) 602-0348 TheJeffersonTeam.com

Major Money Matters

Major Singleton (808) 763-6831 majormoneymatters.com

Mortgage Matters (469) 807-1300 mortgagematters.us

Neighborhood Loans

- Tanner Graham (817) 527-9670 people.rate.com/ tanner-graham-1916291

NTX Mortgage

Glenda White (682) 365-0816 TheMortgage CoachDFW.com

Still Waters Lending (214) 518-6513 stillwaterslending.com

Tom Scott (817) 905-7397

MOVING COMPANY

Black Tie Moving- Fort Worth JC Caldwell (615) 900-2641 Blacktiemoving.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Built-to-Last (692) 936-4500 built-to-last.com

PEST CONTROL PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

DayDream Photography Landon Day (817) 983-1204 daydream photography.net

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com

RENOVATIONS

Advanced Renovations Manuel Herrera (817) 350-8553

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL LENDER Hometown Lending (972) 322-4472 hometownlend.com

ROOFING

Deluxe Roofing & Construction (817) 247-8628 deluxeroofingdfw.com

Hargrove Roofing (214) 838-8778 hargroveroofing.com

Texas Direct Roofing & Construction (682) 408-8551 txdroofing.com

TITLE COMPANY Fair Texas Title fairtexastitle.com

Fidelity National Title

- The Baker Firm (817) 377-4100 fidelity-usa.com

Independence Title Sue Smith (682) 478-0005 independencetitle.com

Yellowstone Title, LLC (817) 473-3332 www.yellowstonetitle.us

VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY

StudioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live

WEBSITE DESIGN & SEO

Digilatics (814) 954-6088 digilatics.com

Mortg ag e brokers work with a v ariety of lenders, including banks, priv ate lenders, credit unions, g iv ing realtors access to a wide rang e of mortg ag e products and rates for clients.

W E SAV E YO

B y partnering with a mortg ag e broker, realtors can sav e time by outsourcing the mortg ag e shopping process to a professional; allowing you time to focus on other aspects of the transac tion. Mortg ag e B rokers are specialist in their field and can prov ide realtors with up-to-date information and g uidance on mortg ag e products and financing options helping realtors better serv e clients.

FT. WORTH REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Katherine Fondren Content

Desiree Roberts Photographer

Katie Wallace Photographer

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 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. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

Katharine Gann Photographer

Rick Davis Videographer

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Julie Altemus Executive Director

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

Landon Day Photographer

Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist

Coordinator

YOUR FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS

BADGES

You now have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of this exclusive community of the top 1-2% in real estate!

Missing your badge? Email jordan. espeseth@n2co.com.

Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your

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 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 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!

CONGRATS FOR BEING ONE OF THE TOP 500 REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN FORT WORTH!

ABUNDANCE IS EVERYWHERE!

Or Is It?

publisher’s note

Have you ever thought about your mindset in regard to your business and life? Are you relational or transactional? Do you believe in collaboration or competition? Do you believe in abundance or scarcity? Are you short-term or long-term focused?

Depending on how you truly answer these questions will determine not only your enjoyment in your life and business but also how long your business will continue to succeed. Creating success in the short-term, and sustaining success over time, are two very different things.

Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game is a transformational book around this topic. He brings about the point that in business, most of the time, the pie is plenty big enough for everyone, and that we are better off focusing on how, collectively, we can grow the pie together, versus trying to take a crumb off your competitor’s plate. He says that if you embrace your competitors as co-players, you will start to develop a mindset of abundance over scarcity, which will in turn get you to focus on the big “why” in your business… more than the person next to you who is trying to “beat you.” This shift creates more success for you and your organization.

This focus on abundance over scarcity, and how that drastically alters our experience, is something I have been putting a lot of awareness around lately. Did you know we have something in our brains called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) that is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that only allows important information to come through our brains and filters out the “unnecessary” data?

What is interesting is that there are billions of bits of data coming through our five senses at any given moment, and our brains can only process a tiny fraction of that information. This is where the RAS comes in. And, the data that gets allowed in, is determined by our beliefs. If you believe people are friendly, that is what you will see and experience. If you believe people are wicked, that is also what you will see and experience. If you believe there is abundance… you guessed it…you will live in a world filled with abundance. “Ask and you shall receive,” has never rang truer.

As we enter into the midway point of the year, I want to challenge you to look at your beliefs and how you are approaching your life and business. Some of you may realize that you have been allowing your RAS to show you a world that is making it more difficult for you to create the life you want. It is important to ask…are you playing the infinite game?

I hope to see you in the land of abundance!

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-Owner

In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, there is a real estate broker whose story is as vibrant and resilient as the Texas communities that she serves. Andra Estes Beatty has thrived in the real estate industry for two decades. As the owner of Andra Beatty Real Estate, her positive attitude and energy creates a spirit of professionalism and warmth. She has led a life full of faith, determination, and unwavering dedication to her clients throughout her career in the real estate industry.

Andra’s Texas family heritage dates back to the 1890’s when her great-grandfather cultivated land and raised livestock in the Whites Chapel area, which is now part of present-day Southlake. Her family’s legacy includes acts of courage during World War II with an uncle who earned a Purple heart at Pearl Harbor, and a grandfather who trained pilots and captivated audiences in air shows throughout the 1940’s.

Her own journey began by balancing academics with responsibilities. Andra attended college courses in the afternoons while completing high school classes in the morning and rushing out in between to care for her horse and work in the evenings. One night, her car was stolen at knifepoint by two men. They threw all of her school books and belongings out the window. Facing the aftermath of this traumatic event, and finding herself at a crossroads, with no books and no means to replace them, she made the difficult decision to drop out of college.

Andra was heartbroken, but soon realized that “Adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities.” She quickly found a new purpose competing in the wild west shows at Billy Bob’s Texas. Joining the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and traveling around the country riding bulls and bareback broncs. In 2020 she was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

After marrying and starting a family, including three wonderful daughters, Andra ventured into a new phase of personal and professional growth. She returned to school and worked ten years with civil engineers and surveyors, contributing to both the Landscape Architecture Team and the Residential Development Team. Afterwards, she shifted her focus to the exciting realm of real estate. As her daughters entered high school, she made the bold decision to start a new high school rodeo team. They recruited 26 students, only two of whom had prior rodeo experience, and together they produced 5 rodeos and a bull riding fundraiser for Rocky Top Therapy Ranch. These students worked hard and by the second year this rodeo team was in the top fifteen out of over eighty high schools.

ANDRA BEATTY

ANDRA BEATTY

Written by: Katherine H. Fondren

Photos by: Katharine Gann, DayDream Photography agent

ADVERSITY CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES.

ADVERSITY CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES.

Andra was among a select group of only 100 realtors in the state recognized by Texas REALTORS® for her “Acts of Kindness.” This honor was given for outstanding community involvement, leading by example, and going above and beyond to improve the lives of her clients, friends, and neighbors. Her numerous volunteer activities include, CASA of Tarrant County advocating and working directly with foster children, political involvement for neighborhood initiatives and electing local officials, participating in prison ministries, serving on two non-profit boards, and actively contributing to organizations such as the Stockyard Business Association, Texas Trail of Fame, North Fort Worth Historical Society and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum. The most treasured book in her library is “Becoming a Woman of Influence” by Carol Kent, which beautifully encourages the reader to choose to make a difference in the lives of others. True success, according to Andra, is reflected in our ability to positively influence and uplift others.

Andra is a true cowgirl at heart and her connection to Fort Worth runs far deeper than mere geography. It’s a bond forged through generations of family ties, shared experiences and a love for her community. As she looks ahead to the future and the unwavering spirit of this remarkable city. This connection to Fort Worth is the driving force behind her community involvement, professional endeavors, and personal faith. Her connection to the city influences her actions as she works to make a positive impact in her hometown.

In the dynamic realm of Fort Worth real estate, Andra Beatty’s journey to success exemplifies the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of a steadfast commitment to help others achieve their dreams. In every situation, Andra embodies the true authentic spirit of Texas resilience, intertwined with the rich tradition of her family and rodeo heritage.

Andra’s grandfather, Doc Estes

Andra Beatty is an inductee in the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame

In the intricate world of media and content creation, Rick Davis stands as a maestro, orchestrating an ensemble of visual storytelling through his company, studioUSA. With eight years in the business, Rick embodies a passion for what he does and cherishes being an integral part of the vibrant DFW Real Producers

At studioUSA, the focal point isn’t just content creation; it’s ‘Content Creation at Scale.’ “We specialize in photogra phy, videography and aerial work on location and greenscreen, lives treaming and podcasting in studio,” Rick explains. He elucidates ‘Content Creation at Scale’ as akin to a factory geared towards producing high-quality, high-vol ume content, much like the Mercedes G Wagon, meticulously crafted in a factory but that’s not the first thing you think of when you see it.

One of the most fulfilling aspects for Rick is witnessing his team’s growth. From Cruz Acevedo, who commenced with zero real world experience and now stands with almost 1000 listing shoots under his belt as well as a published magazine photographer, including in North

RICK DAVIS

Dallas Real Producers, and adept video editor, to the collective growth that encourages each member’s individual passions.

“Growing the business allows me the bandwidth to elevate my team and facilitate their growth in whatever direction THEY are most passionate about,” asserts Rick.

Distinguishing studioUSA from competitors, Rick shuns transactional relationships, seeking instead long-term creative partnerships. “The biggest differentiator is that I’m not looking for one-off clients or thinking in a transactional way of doing things. I am far more interested in long-term partnerships from a creative collaborative standpoint so that over time, I become partners with the people in my work life.” For him, nurturing these collaborative partnerships cultivates an organic bond that evolves over time into genuine creative alliances.

At studioUSA, Rick and his team specialize in bringing out the individual personality and unique vibe that his clients have that might not be apparent until you get to know them. “I want what’s on the label to match what’s in the can,” Rick remarks. This, he believes, plays a pivotal role in the world of high-end real estate sales, where content often serves as the first handshake.

Ideal clients for studioUSA are those who

Photos by: studioUSA

appreciate the value of exceptional marketing and brand consistency, understanding that their time is best spent elsewhere rather than shouldering the additional role of content creation alongside their other responsibilities.

Rick’s ethos resonates deeply with his code: “Acquaintances become clients, clients become friends, and friends become family,” underscoring the profound connections he forges within his work life.

Despite being a self-professed workaholic bachelor, Rick considers his team as his family, valuing the cohesive unit that powers studioUSA’s creative engine.

I AM FAR MORE INTERESTED IN LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS FROM A CREATIVE COLLABORATIVE STANDPOINT SO THAT OVER TIME, I BECOME PARTNERS WITH THE PEOPLE IN MY WORK LIFE.

Hailing from an Army base in Ft. Riley, Kansas, Rick found his way to DFW when his father joined American Airlines in the ‘80s, setting the stage for his journey in media and content creation. “I got here totally by accident - I was a mortgage guy in a previous life and fell into a Tech Trainer/CE Instructor role when I was Affiliate Chairman after joining MetroTex in 2013, and it all happened organically from there,” recalls Rick.

Within his dynamic team, Rick assumes the role of the mad scientist, orchestrating a plethora of creative disciplines, while his team members like Cruz Acevedo, Howie Le, Stuart Foster, Ricky De La Cruz, Missi Trantham and Kristina Dang play crucial roles across photography, videography, editing, technical direction, business development and administration.

WE SPECIALIZE IN PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND AERIAL WORK ON LOCATION AND GREENSCREEN, LIVESTREAMING AND PODCASTING IN STUDIO.

For Rick, the key to success is perseverance—simply put, not quitting. His definition of success aligns with witnessing his team burgeon in numbers and skill.

When not immersed in work, Rick enjoys embracing a mix of heavy metal guitar, pro wrestling, and indulging in offbeat genre films—a space where he finds a place to unwind. Acknowledging the perceived myth of work-life balance, Rick redefines it, relishing the synergy between his passion and his profession.

Looking ahead, Rick’s goals revolve around continuity— more of the same greatness that fuels his creativity and business growth. “I’ve been

with Jordan since 2019 and have seen the community grow from one magazine to four, and it’s been a great thing to be a part of - every year the ESPE’s get bigger and crazier and everyone in the RP family is just good people!” To REALTORS®, Rick extends a helping hand, inviting them to engage in brainstorming sessions to leverage the creativity and expertise of studioUSA.

On the horizon of DFW’s creative landscape, Rick Davis and studioUSA paint a portrait of collaboration, passion, and unwavering commitment, creating a symphony of visual storytelling that resonates far beyond the lens.

CINDY

SCHMIDT’S EXPERTISE & DEDICATION TO HER CLIENTS IS PROVEN BY HER TREMENDOUS SUCCESS.

She joined RE/MAX when she first obtained her license, almost 20 years ago, and has built a thriving business during that time. As her Broker, I consider it an honor to work with a profession of such high integrity and determination.

-JODY KAUTZ, RE/MAX Associates

six weeks of daily radiation, and three major surgeries,” Cindy recounts. “But today, I am cancer free and feeling great. I continued to work during that time and my team and I had our best years ever in 2020, 2021 and 2022.”

Despite the challenges, Cindy’s commitment to her clients and community remains unwavering. “The real estate business has helped support my family and helped me get more involved in my community,” she says. Beyond her role as a REALTOR®, Cindy serves as a Leadership Mansfield graduate, past board member, Rotarian, past Rotary board member, and more. Volunteering with the PTA and Meals on Wheels further demonstrates her dedication to service, echoing her parents’ legacy of volunteerism and community involvement.

In every aspect of her life and career, Cindy strives to be remembered as a trusted advisor, a dedicated mentor, and, above all, a genuine friend. “Success, for me, is highly satisfied and happy clients,” she says. “And being a great wife, parent, and grandma.” Cindy has been married to her husband, Byron, for 48 years. “We have two daughters, Jessica and Allison, and three grandchildren,” Cindy shares proudly. “My parents and my only brother still live in the town I grew up in (in Iowa). Both our daughters are married, and Allison (Ali) is a REALTOR® on my team.”

As Cindy looks to the future, she remains focused on her goals of providing superior customer service, staying involved in her community, and mentoring the agents on her team. She’s had many jobs in her life, but being in the real estate business for the last 20 years has been the perfect fit for Cindy. As she concludes, “I love all aspects of the business - working with clients who often become friends, networking, mentoring, staying involved in the community, and of course, providing for our family.”

• Use when farming your favorite neighborhood.

Were you, your broker, or the team featured in an issue of Real Producers?

REPRINTS!

What the heck is a reprint? A reprint is a four-page, magazine-quality-grade paper with your full article and photos featuring you on the COVER of the publication.

WHY DO I NEED THOSE?

These reprints are a professional marketing tool that can help brand you, your team and/ or your business.

• Use on listing appointments.

• Send out to friends and family.

• Send to clients with your holiday greetings.

WHAT IF I CHANGED COMPANIES OR NEED SOMETHING CORRECTED IN MY ARTICLE?

No worries! We can make any changes needed. We send you a proof, you approve, and they are sent to you via FedEx.

WHO CAN BUY THESE?

The REALTOR® who was featured, the broker or family. Anyone who wants to promote you.

HOW DO I ORDER?

Email Katherine Fondren at katherine.fondren@n2co.com or call 985-518-1991.

• Brokers, use as recruiting tools for capturing new talent. Want a copy of your article or

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS DEBORAH WORTHINGTON ANGIE THOR

It is said that two are better than one, and there is a dynamic duo in Fort Worth dedicated to turning real estate dreams into realities—Deborah Worthington and Angie Thor. It is easy to see their passion for their craft, and with nearly 30 years of combined experience, these real estate agents from CB Apex aren’t just professionals; they’re storytellers, creating narratives of homes, dreams, and aspirations.

A Journey Rooted in Community

For Deborah, home is Mansfield, Texas—a place that has witnessed her growth from a young girl navigating two-lane, country roads to a seasoned real estate expert. “Mansfield was a close-knit community with simple lifestyles,” she reminisces, painting a vivid picture of her upbringing. “It had a rural feel with lots of open spaces and farmland.” On the other hand, Angie’s journey traces back to Amarillo, Texas, with moves to Houston and eventually college at Baylor. After graduating from Baylor, she went to work for Ernest and Young as a computer consultant. She enjoyed her time there, but the job required a lot of travel, so when she became pregnant with her first child, she made the move to be a stay-at-home mom. She began to call Mansfield her home in 2004. The two ladies’ paths converged through a shared passion for community service, long before they embarked on their real estate journey.

“We met when our kids were in kindergarten,” Angie recounts with a smile. “We were partners in serving on the PTA board in various positions for over 9 years. Our favorite positions were when we organized the annual auctions and carnivals for the elementary school kids.” Little did they know that this partnership would evolve into a formidable real estate team, united by a shared passion of dedication and service.

From Corporate to Client-Centric

Before diving into the world of real estate, Deborah’s career spanned 15 years in purchasing/ inventory management with Armstrong World Industries—a far cry from the world of home sales. “I had always wanted to do real estate,” she reflects.

“So once I had my first baby, I wanted a more flexible career.”

For Angie, the transition came later, after years of being a community volunteer.

Their foray into real estate wasn’t just a career change; it was a leap of faith—one that has since been rewarded manifold.

“Helping clients achieve their goals, no matter how big or small, is our favorite part,” Deborah shares. “Being a part of their journey is incredibly rewarding.”

Their approach to real estate isn’t just transactional; it’s deeply rooted in empathy, integrity, and professionalism. “Our client’s priorities are our focus above everything else,” Deborah asserts. “We make them feel like a part of our family, guiding them through every step of the process.”

Whether it’s helping their clients find their dream home, negotiating a successful sale, investing in real estate or helping them out of a difficult situation, Deborah and Angie love the feeling of making a positive impact on their clients’ lives. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with such important decisions and we cherish the relationships we build along the way,” Angie adds.

A Commitment to Excellence

Deborah and Angie’s commitment to their profession has been recognized with many awards and achievements. The Silver Award, Diamond Award, Platinum Eagle Award, New Horizon Award, and Top Team for multiple years are just a few of the accolades they have earned. In 2023 alone, Deborah and Angie ranked in the top 5% of North Texas agents, 2nd for all of CB Apex Top Teams, and were the #1 Top Team 2023 in the Mansfield office.

Success isn’t just about accolades and achievements; it’s about the quality of experiences and relationships forged along the way. For Deborah and Angie, success is synonymous with meeting their clients’ needs, and facilitating a smooth transaction while exceeding expectations when the transaction closes.

power team

Written by: Katherine H. Fondren

Photos by: Landon Day, DayDream Photography

FUN FACT

Deborah is an early bird and Angie is a night owl. So, they offer customer service around the clock.

“We’ve been blessed with numerous awards, but our biggest reward is overcoming our clients’ preconceived ideas about the real estate market,” Deborah explains. “So many people get misinformation, and it is our job to educate them.”

Community Advocates

Beyond the realms of buying and selling homes, Deborah and Angie are fervent advocates for their community. Whether it’s supporting local shelters, helping to organize food drives, sponsoring educational initiatives, corn hole tournaments, football camps, or donating to senior living facilities, their commitment knows no bounds. “We believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” Deborah emphasizes.

“We enjoy volunteering in our community and real estate allows us the flexibility to do this,” says Angie. “Some of the activities we partner with are Homes For Dogs, which is a clear the shelter event along with collecting supplies for local shelters. We also help sponsor golf tournaments for the MISD Education Foundation which provides grants for teachers in the classroom.”

Family First

Deborah and Angie value the importance of spending quality time with their families and enjoying their hobbies away from work. Deborah is married to her husband, Gary, who has worked in the aircraft industry for 35 years. He is a veteran who owns Frontline Roofing & Contracting. “My son, Weston, works in HVAC, and my daughter, Ashlyn, graduated Texas Tech and works in medical device sales,” Deborah proudly shares. She loves traveling, fishing and hunting with the family. Angie is married to her husband, Kirk, who has been a coach for 33 years. He currently coaches at Lake Ridge High

School, and they have three children. Their son, Peyton, is married to Lyndsay, and he is the quarterback coach at Frisco High School. Their son, Cooper, works for 6th Sense Fishing and is married to Cassidy, and Angie and Kirk are the proud grandparents to their baby, Colt. Their daughter, Courtney, is currently a sophomore at Texas A&M. Angie loves watching football, going to the lake, and hanging out with family.

Looking Towards the Future

As they reflect on their journey so far, Deborah and Angie are fueled by a shared vision for the future.

“Our goal is to continue providing exceptional service and value while achieving successful outcomes,” Deborah states. “Our business is based strictly on referrals, which speaks volumes about the quality of service we provide.”

In a world where who you work with matters, Deborah Worthington and Angie Thor stand out as a team of excellence on the Fort Worth real estate scene, working hard and putting their client’s needs first. Their story is not just about selling houses; it’s about building relationships, giving back to the community, and turning dreams into reality— one home at a time.

Greg Esquilino and his wife wanted to bring DFW a roofing company that would push communication over all else. Greg noticed a huge lack in this industry when he first started roofing

Brendan Thomas, a lifelong friend of Greg's, shared this vision and ultimately joined Greg. He and Greg are expanding their services across DFW and East Texas, creating long lasting relationships.

MAGAZINE CELEBRATION EVENT

January/February/March 2024

Starting in 2021, Real Producers started doing mini-magazine release parties! In attendance for these events, we will have those real estate agents and businesses that were featured in that issue, along with a few nonfeatured advertising partners.

Last party, like all of our parties, was an absolute blast! At this event, we showcased the January through March 2024 issues. These events are such a fun way to debut the magazine and connect with a smaller group of incredible people.

Congratulations again to Samuel Demmel, Adrienne Schatzline, Mandy Nichols, Ivey Flex, Dennis Tuttle, Ray Bobo, Vivian Tejeda, Still Waters Lending, Betty Fish, Justin Lackey, Brandee Kelley, Dana Beaty, Sarah Lyons, Cindy Salinas, Jimmy Henderson, and Greenworks.

Our team feels very grateful to have had the chance to share your stories and celebrate with you.

We look forward to continuing these smaller celebrations in the months and years ahead!

event recap

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, studioUSA

America is a land of opportunity, where dreams are as big as the Lone Star State itself. Gaby Duran, a real estate Broker Associate, stands out as a person of compassion and connection. With 12 years of experience under her belt, Gaby’s journey in the real estate industry has gone beyond the closing table; it has been about building relationships, giving back to her community, and creating opportunities for others .

Born and raised in Fort Worth to an immigrant single mother of three, Gaby’s roots run deep in the heart of Texas. “Regardless of any situation, my sisters and I always saw my mom working hard to provide and never hesitating to give someone a helping hand,” she reflects on her upbringing, which instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and resilience.

Gaby’s path to real estate wasn’t a direct one. Before stepping into the realm of property transactions, she was a student and operations administrator for a direct marketing company. However, her innate drive for growth and opportunity eventually led her to the doors of the real estate world in October 2011. “I scheduled my Broker’s exam two days before the test (someone canceled so there was an opening). I tested in between my kids soccer and baseball games, I told myself I would study for 30 minutes before, but instead, I sat

SET THE EXPECTATION.

be remembered for, she exclaims, “Helping others! Making an impact in others’ lives.”

Despite her busy schedule, Gaby finds joy and strength in her faith and family..

“Set the expectation,” she recalls as the best advice she’s ever received as a real estate agent, echoing the wisdom imparted by her mentor, Randy. And as she looks towards the future of DFW, Gaby envisions continued growth, diversity, and cultural enrichment, with more condo buildings dotting the skyline. Recently, the Duran & Co Realty Group made the move to Monument Realty, and Gaby couldn’t be more excited for the years ahead. “I consider my team more than just business colleagues,” says Gaby. “We have a unique family bond. I value them and am excited for continued growth alongside them.”

In the dynamic world of real estate, where transactions often overshadow human connections, Gaby Duran stands out for her compassion and integrity. Her journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t just measured in transactions closed but in the lives touched and the communities uplifted along the way. As she continues to bridge dreams and realities, Gaby remains a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in the pursuit of one’s goals.

Photo by: Chris Tello, Paradigm Imagery

Photo by: Krystell Caycedo Photography