North DFW Real Producers - August 2020

NORTH DFW

I N F O R M I N G

A N D

I N S P I R I N G

R E A L

E S TAT E

A G E N T S

JUSTIN PHILLIPS REAL ESTATE AS MINISTRY

RISING STAR Sharon Cummings INSPIRATIONAL AGENT Greg Cunningham PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS Scott Peek Photography ACHOSA Home Warranty

Photography By: Scott Peek Photography

2

nd

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

AUGUST 2020

MEET THE ATTORNEYS OF LAWYERS TITLE

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2 • August 2020 16479

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@realproducers

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Lendersccs.com | info@lendersccs.com | (866) 611-6560

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North DFW Real Producers • 3

TA BLE OF

CONTENTS 06

12

Index of Trusted Partners

Publisher’s Meet The Team Note

Publisher’s Note

18

25 10

26

Rising Star: Sharon Cummings

Tips Real From Producers the Top in DFW

Partner Spotlight: ACHOSA Home Warranty

34 24

38 16

46 16

Coach’s FAQ Corner About This Magazine

Inspirational Sponsor Spotlight Agent: Photography Greg Cunningham

By Spross

CCAR: Sponsor In Spotlight The KnowPhotography

By Spross

50 24

58

69

Partner FAQ Spotlight: About Scott This Peek Photography Magazine

4 • August 2020

09 11

Cover Story: Justin Phillips

FAQ Page

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North DFW Real Producers • 5

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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!

BUILDER Taylor Morrison (469) 252-2272 taylormorrison.com

GARAGE DOORS Pro Lift Doors (469) 251-7027 proliftdoors.com/garland

BUSINESS COACHING Hero Nation Coaching Wayne Salmans (469) 500-3642 theheronation.com

HOME INSPECTION Amerispec Home Inspections (817) 329-5200 amerispectx.com

CREDIT REPAIR Lenders Choice Credit Solutions (214) 307-4946 lendersccs.com

Elite Inspection Group (469) 818-5500 eigdallas.com

DEVELOPER Huffines Communites (972) 860-3133 huffinescommunities.com DIGITAL MARKETING & DIGITAL ADVERTISING Star Mobile Systems (469) 733-7270 ENGRAVED CLOSING GIFTS VinoSay Engraving Ray Southwell (469) 396-6529 vinosay.com FLOORING The Design Quad (214) 647-1779 thedesignquad.com FOUNDATION REPAIR Digg Foundation Repair Scott Winn (214) 307-4060 diggfoundationrepair.com

6 • August 2020

Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com HOME RENOVATION Curbio (978) 888-3958 Curbio.com HOME REPAIR fixdrepair (972) 742-3850 fixdrepair.com HOME WARRANTY Achosa Home Warranty (972) 965-7611 www.achosahw.com Home Warranty of America hwahomewarranty.com Nations Home Warranty (972) 965-1885 home-warranty.com Super Julie Altemus (214) 210-1106 HelloSuper.com

INSURANCE Brandon Cooley Insurance Agency (940) 365-6174 agents.farmers.com/ tx/aubrey/brandon-cooley DFW Insurance Services Adrienne Baker (972) 781-1115 insurewithdfw.com Rhyne Insurance Agency Kristian Rhyne (972) 400-1089 agents.farmers.com/krhyne The Pulaski Sukenik Insurance Agency (214) 673-7888 thepulaskisukenikagency.com Winemiller Insurance Agency Josiah Winemiller (817) 618-6514 gooseheadinsurance. com/agents/josiah-winemiller/ INSURANCE AUTO-HOME-BUSINESS Paine Insurance Group (972) 387-9217 whosyourinsuranceguy.com INTERIOR DESIGN & HOME STAGING Decor Directions (469) 969-8819 decordirectionsUSA.com MEDIA PRODUCTIONS #TheDifference Radio,Livestream and Podcast (214) 883-1294 www.hashtag-thedifference.com

MORTGAGE BANKER Bank of England (469) 737-5733 boetexas.com MORTGAGE LENDER American Financial Network, Inc. Daniel Munoz (214) 473-5984 afncorp.com/danielmunoz First Rate Financial (214) 872-4442 iamfirstrate.com Legacy Group - Service First Mortgage (214) 649-4908 petemontesino.servi cefirstmtg.com The Mortgage Nerd (972) 447-6373 YourMortgageNerd.com The Tuttle Group Mid America Mortgage (469) 319-0660 thetuttlegroup.com Willow Bend Mortgage (214) 449-2334 wbm.com MOVING SERVICES All My Sons Moving & Storage (561) 578-3800 allmysons.com Element Moving and Storage (972) 805-0988 elementmoving.com

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Firehouse Movers Inc (972) 412-6033 firehousemovers.com Stonebriar Moving Services (469) 734-9000 stonebriarmoving.com NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN Handy Hogan (469) 307-4690 PAINTING Splash Painting and Remodeling (214) 980-2669 splashpaintingandre modeling.com PHOTOGRAPHY Blackall Photography (972) 978-9958 blackallphotography.com Ilona Jade Photography (253) 632-5155 ilonajade.com Scott Peek Photography (468) 587-2300 ScottPeekPhotography.com

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com Real Property Management Focus (469) 820-0088 realpmfocus.com REAL ESTATE VIRTUAL ASSISTANT Virtual Business Solutions Real Estate (469) 999-1559 vbsrealestate.com ROOFING Blue Ribbon Roofing (972) 464-1858 blueribbondfw.com Helsley Roofing Company (972) 578-8982 helsleyroofing.com New View Roofing (469) 232-7220 newviewroofing.com Results Roofing (214) 301-5533 results-roofing.com

ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION High Performance Restoration Texas (214) 396-7772 hprtexas.com Red Dirt Roofing & Construction (817) 454-0608 reddirtroofing.net Roofing Reformation (469) 321-5201 roofingreformation.com ROOFING & ROOF WARRANTY Total Roof Protection (817) 210-6338 totalroofprotection.com ROOFING / STORM RESTORATION 100% Construction (469) 999-6091 100percentconstructiontx.com TITLE COMPANY Boston National Title of Texas (972) 584-9660 bostonnationaltitle.com

Fair Texas Title (602) 421-6417 fairtexastitle.com Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com TRAINING Need to Know (469) 396-6529 needtoknowtraining.com UTILITY CONCIERGE Utility Concierge (800) 587-3160 utilityconcierge.com VIDEO PRODUCTION/ MARKETING/PHOTOGRAPHY Flux Media Productions (469) 955-5833 fluxmediaproductions.com VIDEOGRAPHER Immersion Media Company (214) 929-6326 immersionmediacompany.com WEALTH MANAGEMENT Linder Legacy Group (214) 843-3835 linderlegacygroup.com

North DFW Real Producers • 7

For a custom priced proposal and to book now call 469-587-2300

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F U L L- S E R V I C E R E M O D E L I N G C O M PA N Y PA I N T I N G � K I TC H E N S � B AT H R O O M S PAT I O C O V E R S A N D M O R E N O P R OJ E C T TO O B I G O R TO O S M A L L

Call for a FREE estimate!

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North DFW Real Producers • 9

LENDING THAT HAS YOU COVERED.

Your HERITAGE is looking back at the past…

Your LEGACY is looking to the future!

Our dedicated team of mortgage experts

The Legacy Group is here to help you write YOUR Legacy when it comes to Real Estate!

has the ability to originate, underwrite and fund loans in-house to create a hassle-free lending experience from start to finish.

Apply today from your phone, just visit: Servicefirstmtg.com/legacy Pete Montesino Branch Manager NMLS: #233775 Phone: 972.608.7501

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Marcus Rush Sr. Mortgage Professional NMLS: #133711 Phone: 972.333.0292

Service First Mortgage | NMLS #166487 | 6800 Weiskopf Avenue, Suite 200 | McKinney, TX 75070 10 • August 2020

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MEET THE

NORTH DFW REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Jordan Espeseth Publisher

Missy Kremer Editor

Amanda Thornburg Ad Strategist

Dave Danielson Writer

Rick Davis Videographer

Jeremy Patton Videographer

Scott Peek Photographer

Kelly Blackall Photographer

Ilona Gorokhovskiy Photographer

If you are interested in contributing or nominating realtors for certain stories, please email us at northdfw@realproducersmag.com DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The publication contains paid advertisements by local companies. These companies are not endorsed or specifically recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing 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.

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North DFW Real Producers • 11

publisher’s note

2

nd Happy Anniversary to North DFW Real Producers!

It is hard for me to believe that this is the 24th issue of North DFW Real Producers. I can’t decide if that feels like a lifetime ago or if it feels like it was just yesterday when we launched back in August 2018 with Denton Aguam as our inaugural cover story.

I remember when I moved to Frisco from northern Minnesota on my 28th birthday, February 6, 2018, that I had a dream in my head for what I wanted my future in Real Producers to look like. My goal was big, hairy, and audacious.

I’d like to think that Jim Collins would have been proud.

And just like any big goal, it almost never happened! I came across roadblock after roadblock, and there was a point where I really didn’t think I was going to pull it off.

However, failing at this meant going back to Minnesota with my tail under my legs and probably having to find a 9-to-5 job that would have most likely taken the wind out of my sails. Many of you know that the idea of 9-to-5 jobs makes me cringe. No, thanks. Not my style. I really wanted…no…needed this Real Producers thing to work!

Yes, I certainly put in a ton of work but North DFW Real Producers would have never launched if it wasn’t for all

12 • August 2020

of you amazing real estate agents and businesses who bought into the vision and idea of Real Producers.

In the past two and a half years that I have been in Texas, I have met some of the most incredible people. People who have bent over backward to help me, people who have shared intimate details of their lives with me and now feel like family, people who have challenged me to grow, people who doubted me (big motivators), and people who helped me feel like I belong here.

To all of you, I am forever grateful. I am so excited to see what happens in the next two years, and I cannot wait to continue to find ways to add value…and connect the most impressive agents and businesses in our market!

This issue, the 23 that have come before it, and the endless issues that are yet to come, are because of you.

Cheers, Jordan Espeseth Owner/Publisher of North DFW Real Producers jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com

@realproducers

Andy and The Tuttle Group are top notch at what they do for me and my clients. He is the best in the business and his ability to follow up and keep everyone informed is priceless.

The way Andy pumps up me and my team to our clients reinforces they made the right decision in choosing me. He sets the client up for a great experience, sets up the team for success and helps the client feel like a VIP.

• TOMMY PISTANA • Realtor | Team Lead The Pistana Group @ Compass

Let us help with your mortgage There's no bigger financial decision in life than how you will finance your home. The Tuttle Group understands that it can be overwhelming and intimidating. That's why we've created our convenient and hassle-free process... to provide you with an excellent financing experience. You'll also have peace of mind knowing you're being guided through the process by experts.

Whether you’re a first time home buyer, self-employed, military veteran, or public servant- The Tuttle Group is here to help. We will help you find the loan program best for you.

The Tuttle Group 14900 Landmark Blvd., Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75254 TheTuttleGroup.com realproducersmag.com

MEET OUR LOAN EXPERT

ANDY TUTTLE BRANCH MANAGER NMLS# 184325 469.319.0660 Andy.Tuttle@MidAmericaMortgage.com

Apply in as little as 15 minutes!

Visit www.TheTuttleGroup.com/Get-Started Mid America Mortgage, INC.| NMLS 150009 North DFW Real Producers • 13

Honest, Professional Roofers.

At 100% Construction & Storm Restoration, we work closely with real estate professionals to ensure closings are straight forward and on schedule.

Unmatched Customer Service Free Expedited Inspections CE & training to improve agents efficiency Fully insured & bonded

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@realproducers

VACANT HOME? Insurance coverage is extremely important for a vacant home. If your client is debating whether or not they need a vacant policy, have them give us a call today to discuss their options!

®

Putting the power of choice back into the customer’s hands.

JOSIAH WINEMILLER OWNER/AGENT (817) 618-6514 josiah.winemiller@goosehead.com

A weekly show created for Realtors, real estate support professionals, small business owners, independent contractors, self-employed market leaders and industry influencers, to come together, share and discuss basic fundamentals & strategies on how to turn the “Acceptable into the Exceptional” that can provide direction and make

#TheDifference

in our careers, businesses, industries, lives, and communities!

972-866-4596 • info@hashtag-thedifference.com • www.hashtag-thedifference.com

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North DFW Real Producers • 15

With a combined 30+ years of lending experience in Dallas/Fort Worth, Daniel & Jacob have mastered the closing process. With an average closing time frame of 12 days, they have proven to be

“THE BEST OF THE BEST”!

Contact the Plano Branch of American Financial Network, Inc. Daniel Muñoz Jacob Emmel and watch your business grow with the piece of mind that Branch Manager Branch Manager YOU WILL CLOSE ON TIME EVERY TIME! D: 469.952.4343 D: 817.680.7521 F: 866-531-0402 F: 866-991-5844 dmunoz@afncorp.com | NMLS 216101 jemmel@afncorp.com | NMLS 716383 CORP NMLS #237341 | Branch NMLS# 1470568 | 2400 Dallas Parkway, #200, Plano, TX 75093 American Financial Network, Inc. is licensed by the Texas - SML Mortgage Banker Branch Registration under Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), unique identifier of 1470568. Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer Branch License (MLDB5623). Oklahoma Mortgage Lender Branch License (MLB11145). South Carolina- BFI Branch Mortgage Lender/Servicer (MLB—1470568). Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org and input NMLS #237341 to see where American Financial Network, Inc. is a licensed lender. In all states, the principal licensed office of American Financial Network, Inc. is 10 Pointe Drive, Suite 330, Brea, CA 92821; Phone: (714) 831-4000 (NMLS ID#237341).

This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(2). This information is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.

16 • August 2020

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WHICH REAL REAL PRODUCERS WHICH PRODUCERS TERRITORY YOUAPART A PART OF? TERRITORYARE ARE YOU OF? REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producer Markets A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producer Markets

5051 New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 T. 910.202.0917 E. info@n2pub.com featured at no cost to you! www.realproducersmag.com

August 28, 2011

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rising star Written By: Missy Kremer Photography By: Ilona Jade Photography

Sharon Cummings ACTS OF KINDNESS

AoK (Acts of Kindness), with the shape of a house, was the first logo for Sharon Cummings of Keller Williams – Allen. This mother, wife, entrepreneur, and rising star has leaned on kindness and serving others.

It is a legacy she has cultivated and lives by.

18 • August 2020

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North DFW Real Producers • 19

I was in the dressing room just bawling, because it was so cute and her reaction was priceless.”

Sharon with her daughter, Sarah Kate

Another memorable Act of Kindness was her very first one. She gave a server, who turned out to also be a teacher, a $100 tip. “She was a single mom and working two jobs at the time to support her and her daughter. I had no idea what impact $100 would make, but she found me and told me, which melted my heart. We are friends to this day, and I’ve even helped them look for a home since then,” says Cummings.

Ensuring Kindness is Contagious “People are really surprised by kindness. And I want to change that. I want them to expect kindness everywhere and to give it freely,” smiles Sharon.

This Texas native, born in Denton, is the oldest of four children. Growing up, her family moved around a bit, mainly between Texas and Kentucky, but Texas always had her heart.

“I’m here to stay until I move to the beach or a boat to retire,” laughs Sharon. “I always knew I wanted to be in Dallas,” Cummings said about the city and its suburbs.

Following high school, Sharon started moving toward a career in real estate right away…a path that was encouraged by her dear 90-year-old grandmother, Millie.

“I’m so grateful to still have her in my life.” Whether it was taking drafting classes from middle school forward, or drawing pictures of houses, “GrandMillie” saw a future for Sharon working with homes and encouraged her to do it along the way. She was also a huge inspiration on how to live life.

Sharon got married while in college, and life quickly progressed. “I found out I was having our son the week I got my real estate license,” said Sharon.

Needless to say, she stepped back from real estate for a bit until her first-born began walking. Then, she segued back into real estate working in a Century 21 office as an Office Manager. She followed that by working for years supporting others in their real estate businesses.

In 2017, Cummings decided to leave her role as an Administrative Assistant and start her own real estate business…and hasn’t looked back. “You’re

20 • August 2020

never too old to do what you want to do. Just go for it and do it!”

Bringing Acts of Kindness to Life When she shared the mantra, “Money is only good for the good it can do,” with her daughter, Sarah Kate, she helped her mom bring an idea to life by suggesting they do Acts of Kindness to help other people and their community. For every closing that Sharon completes, she is sure to do a random act of kindness to give back. With that idea, a whole initiative was born.

“My favorite kindness memory is when I was in a store shopping, and I heard this sweet little elderly lady and her husband. She was looking for this dress she had seen on sale the week before, and she couldn’t find it. She finally did find it, and it was $20. She told the store employee she shouldn’t buy it because they’re on a limited income. So, I just went up to the counter and paid for a gift card and asked them to give it to her to buy the dress. I didn’t want them to see me and was the only other customer in the store, so I hid in the dressing room. The cashier told her ‘Secret Santa’ dropped it off for her, and she was just so excited she started crying.

In its beginning stages is the Allen Kindness Project. “My eventual goal is to have a non-profit organization. Our goal is to raise money through Acts of Kindness somehow and purchase a home for a family once a year,” states Cummings. “Next year’s goal is to gift someone their down payment.”

In the meantime, Sharon and her family have set up a Facebook group, which is named Allen Kindness Project. There, they encourage others to share the kind work they’ve been doing or that someone did for them.

“A lot of people don’t want to tell others they did an Act of Kindness,” says Sharon. So, she created a way for others to submit people’s random Acts of Kindness anonymously. “That way everyone will be encouraged to share the good they are doing for their communities.”

Relationships First Being licensed for three years, Sharon is already more than halfway past her 2020 goal of 10 million dollars in volume sold. She is currently Top 10 in her Keller Williams office, and she plans to finish the year that way.

@realproducers

“

RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY FOR ME. THEY ARE THE MOST REWARDING PART OF MY BUSINESS.

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North DFW Real Producers • 21

Sharon also attests to her great support system both at home and in her office. “My husband, Richard, is my hero! He’s always there for me to remind me when I’m having a rough day as to why I started, what I’ve accomplished, and how many people I’ve helped. He’s always willing to drive on the weekends while I type contracts in the passenger seat, just so we can spend time together while I’m working!” Sharon also has a fantastic Executive Assistant who has been with her since the beginning. “I know I couldn’t manage without Mahala being behind the scenes helping make things happen daily!”

She attributes this success to keeping it simple. “I started by calls, notes, and pop-bys to people.” Put simply, “I just let them know I’m there for them… whenever they’re ready. I don’t push people.” She has built her clientele base by referrals and shares that, “Relationships are key for me. They are the most rewarding part of my business.”

As a blended family, Sharon and Richard have four amazing children: daughter, Sarah Kate (15), son Jason (21), daughter Natalie (25), and son Nicholas (28). “My family members are my biggest cheerleaders, and I’m so grateful for them,” says Sharon.

Jason is now working with Sharon to help levitate her marketing and graphic design needs, and Natalie has also followed in her footsteps, joining the real estate industry working for a title company.

Sailing into The Future Outside of real estate, Sharon lives for spending time with her family and friends and sailing. So much so, she became an ASA Certified Sailor in 2019. “I don’t cuss like a sailor but may have rum from time-to-time,” Sharon jokes.

Sharon and Richard even got married on a sailboat in 2012!

Sharon is happy anytime she’s surrounded by friends, family, or water.

Whether it’s on sea, land, or sky, Cummings advises: “If you want to change the world, you can. Anyone can.

Constantly look for ways to be kind to others. Then, kindness can become a habit. It’s a habit that can change the world for the better.”

And for those thinking of getting into real estate, Sharon says: “If you have a dream inside of you, go for it! God wouldn’t put it in your heart if you weren’t capable of doing it.”

Sharon with her son, Jason Swan (left), and Executive Assistant, Mahala Ahearn (right).

22 • August 2020

@realproducers

"First Rate Financial was a great asset to us during the home-buying process. They found us the lowest interest rates and walked us through how various factors could affect our rate (down payments, PMI, etc.). Our real estate agent was thrilled to have someone working with us helping dispute the low appraisal. We were kept timely informed throughout the process and they were always available to answer any questions that we had. I definitely recommend this company for anyone looking to buy a new home!" - Allison C.

First Rate has a PERFECT reputation with no online review less than 5 stars!

Chad Lemons Owner

FIRST RATE FINANCIAL OFFERS YOU THE SAME SERVICE AS THE LARGER BANKS, BUT WITH LESS CHARGE. REFER US & GIVE YOUR CLIENT THE "HOOK UP". THEY'LL REMEMBER THAT YOU DID!

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NMLS #658200

North DFW Real Producers • 23

24 • August 2020

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M E E T T H E CO M M UN I T Y Check Out Some of North DFW's Top 500 Producing REALTORS®!

Nominate a top REALTOR® you’d like to see featured by emailing jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com. realproducersmag.com

North DFW Real Producers • 25

partner spotlight Written By: Dave Danielson Photography By: Lauren Junker Photography

26 • August 2020

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ACHOSA HOME WARRANTY

Delivering the Power to Choose

The relationships you build each day with your clients are platformed on a sense of trust and service. They know you have their best interests at heart and that you do whatever it takes to get the job done for them.

Similarly, ACHOSA Home Warranty is a rapidly growing organization that is building a rock-solid reputation for results based on that same kind of trust and service.

Lea Fray Khreish is a Partner/Senior Sales Executive with ACHOSA Home Warranty.

“The difference we bring starts with our name,” Lea explains. “ACHOSA means ‘The Power to Choose.’

That’s what we bring to our clients each day.”

Driving Home the Difference As you’ve no doubt seen in your experience with your clients, home warranties provide a valuable measure of comfort for buyers in the real estate process.

ACHOSA takes that strength and makes it even better.

“ACHOSA is a unique home warranty company. We provide peace of mind to homeowners by protecting the systems and appliances in their homes when they fail due to normal wear and tear,” Lea points out. “One of the things that really sets us apart is that, with our warranty, homeowners get to use their choice of service providers, which allows them to control the entire claim’s process.”

Traditional home warranty coverage normally requires homeowners to use repair professionals, aligned with home warranty companies, which Lea says can carry some drawbacks.

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North DFW Real Producers • 27

“Long gone are the days of people calling for warranty work and then waiting on the contractor to come to the property.

Then the contractor says parts must be ordered, or there are non-covered charges that the homeowner must pay unexpectedly,” she explains. “In these current times, homeowners prefer not waiting on repair and replacement for a non-functioning HVAC system for more than a day, as well as their hot water heater and other systems and appliances.”

A Clear Difference As Lea says, statistics prove the value of choice.

“Better Business Bureau shows that the number one home warranty complaint was that people did not have the opportunity to choose their own contractor,” Lea says. “They felt like they were handcuffed to their policy. So, we took all those complaints and figured out what we could do to make this industry better and more efficient.”

Lea’s passion for what she does is easy to see.

“It’s powerful that homeowners choose their vendors who come to their home.

We then pay their vendors directly when the service on a covered claim is completed. This is a model that really creates an awesome claim’s experience for the homeowner,” she says. “I absolutely love getting to take something really stressful in someone’s life, like the failure of an air conditioner or hot water heater, and turn it into a positive experience.”

As Lea points out, communication is a key part of the difference.

“We focus on clear, transparent communication of expectations. That makes all of the difference in claims,” Lea explains.

“When a homeowner has a client we immediately and clearly share with them what’s covered, what’s not covered, and the limits of what we pay.”

Lea with her six-year-old son, Jake.

28 • August 2020

@realproducers

“ ”

One of the things that really sets us apart is that, with our warranty, homeowners get to use their choice of service providers, which allows them to control the entire claim’s process.

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North DFW Real Producers • 29

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Lea moved to Dallas in 1999 to sell real estate.

In time, she moved to Las Vegas where she joined RE/MAX Associates and managed more than 1,000 agents.

In the midst of a successful career with RE/MAX, Lea was recruited into the home warranty industry, where she continued to thrive. In fact, she served as the Regional Manager for a large home warranty company’s business in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

Life’s Passions Away from work, Lea cherishes time spent with her six-year-old son, Jake, who will be entering first grade this fall. She also enjoys playing tennis, doing makeup for pageants and weddings, as well as travel. Her favorite spots contain oceans and beaches. Her number one beach?

“Hands down, it’s South Miami Beach. The water is warm and clear. You can go way far out and still look down and see your feet,” she smiles. “It’s such a beautiful beach, and I always enjoy staying at the historic Fontainebleau Hotel, which has ties to the Rat Pack.”

Lea leads a full and rewarding life.

“Success to me is having amazing relationships and people in your life. By this definition, I’m very successful,” she says. “Success in a career to me is finding something you love to do and getting to do it every day.”

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30 • August 2020

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coach’s corner Written By: Wayne Salmans, Hero Nation Coaching

POST-PANDEMIC GOALS A PROCESS FOR REGAINING YOUR FOOTING For 2020, there are two prevalent mindsets in play: “This year is a bust,” or, “It’s time to shine.”

the process, we lost pieces and some got banged up—time to create your new picture.

January 1, December 31, and every date in between are just ink on paper… not mandatory parameters for all your plans. You can set up goals any way you choose. Your 12-month goals could start today or on the first of the month.

Step One:

And we are dealing with a pandemic, so this may not be the year to get overly attached to annual goals.

Don’t throw the baby (the year 2020) out with the bathwater (lockdown days). This year hasn’t gone according to plan for anyone, but your goals are about living a life that you are proud of. Just because a few months have been brutal doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in the next several.

This is your moment right now! Let the fog lift and decisively choose the direction you will go.

Your Business Rebirth

Most of us had a beautiful puzzle picture put together for this year, and it got knocked off the table. In 34 • August 2020

Regroup – Take inventory of where you are.

• What are your numbers year-to-date?

• What do your year-over-year numbers look like?

• Are your lead sources working, or do you need to find new ones?

• Do you still have the right people around you, or do you need to bring people in?

• Is what worked last year to produce going to work again this year?

Step Two: Recraft – Create your new vision for the rest of this year.

• What will our lead sources be?

• What does our org chart need to look like?

• What will be our new weekly schedule?

• What do we need to take off the calendar and put on it?

• What are our new budgets and projected profits?

• What new actions do we need to lean into?

Step Three: Rewrite – Take the time to sit down and rewrite down the pieces of your new vision.

•

• • • • • • •

The new business plan for the rest of this year.

The new budget.

The new weekly schedule.

The new things you need to learn.

The goal boards.

The weekly and monthly must.

The wins you’re looking forward to.

How proud you will be that you leaned in and what you got from doing that.

Step Four: Reengage – Take action on the decisions you made.

As you go through the weeks, there are three steps: 1. Evaluate weekly: what is working and what is not working?

2. Make adjustments.

3. Take action. Repeat.

Lack of action kills more dreams than failure.

Get clear, take action, reflect, repeat.

The choice is yours! Will you become bitter or better?

By reading this article, you are already choosing better, and that should make you very proud of yourself. @realproducers

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WAYNE SALMANS is an author, speaker, and business coach. In the past decade, he has coached and trained over 5,000 entrepreneurs, awarded 30 Under 30 by REALTOR® Magazine, and ranked one of the top coaches in the world. His passion is to help real estate business owners build, grow, and scale their business, faster and with fewer bruises. www.TheHeroNation.com

North DFW Real Producers • 35

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GREG CUNNINGHAM inspirational agent

Written By: Missy Kremer Photography By: Scott Peek Photography

Failing Your Way to Success

38 • August 2020

@realproducers

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North DFW Real Producers • 39

“Never let success get to your head.

Never let failure get to your heart,” says Greg Cunningham with JP & Associates REALTORS. This driven combat-veteranturned-real-estate guru knows this advice all too well. He’s lived it, he’s breathed it, and he’s defeated it time-and-time again.

Born and raised in Dallas, life started out in the small town of Rowlett, TX. Graduating from high school, Greg took flight of his dream in joining the military. He served in three tours with various combat arms units and lived in various countries like Germany, Amsterdam, and Baghdad. “I’ve made the closest friends you could ever imagine,” states Cunningham.

Fifteen years ago, Greg met Kate, who he’s now been married to for ten years.

Born in Latvia, but attending college in Germany at the time, Kate stuck with Greg until he was Honorably Discharged from the military. They lived in Amsterdam for a short period of time until 2010 when they moved back to America. “We got married in Dallas, and I started my life as a civilian,” Cunningham reflects. Greg and Kate now swoon over their 21-month-old daughter, Emelia.

Failing Forward

After eight years serving in the military, Greg Cunningham was ready for his next challenge.

In the midst of determining his path ahead, Greg was encouraged by a friend of his, Brian McCauley, to try his hand at real estate.

40 • August 2020

@realproducers

Greg with his wife, Kate, and daughter, Emilia.

Though he was initially skeptical, he soon made the leap and earned his license in 2014. In the years since, Greg has earned his share of accolades and learned his share of lessons.

“I believe in mentors. I believe in coaches. I believe in always having that figure there. Because we can always be better in life,” Greg states. Whether it is helping people to find their calling, improving relationships, or any facet of life, Cunningham believes in the power of strong role models. “It’s really been a game-changer for me.”

“We only see what our mind wants us to see,” Greg reflects about the times he’s failed in this business. “There were times when I was ready to throw in the towel and quit. I kept asking myself, ‘Whenever is this going to fall into the grooves and work?’”

After reflecting back on something his coaches taught him, Cunningham had high hopes: “Wisdom will come to you in the unlikeliest of sources. Many times, in failure. When you hit rock bottom, remember this: ‘When you struggle, rock bottom can also be a great foundation on which to build and on which to grow.’” realproducersmag.com

Back in 2016, he injected new life into his business by enrolling in The CORE Training Program. Greg has built a reputation defined by sincerity, superlative service, personal touch, and has since gone on to become a major player in the Dallas marketplace.

Giving a lot of credit to his coaches and people he has surrounded himself with, Greg was proudly named JPAR’s 2019 Agent of The Year, among many other accolades. “It’s quite simple: I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t give up.” And it is that mentality that has kept Greg Cunningham in the game for seven years.

Making an Impact

“When I was overseas in Baghdad, one of my commanders looked me in the eye and told me, ‘Whatever you end up doing in life, you are going to make an impact on others,’” Greg reflects. Having seen his coaches help him through the hard times in real estate, Greg thought, “I’ve got to do that for other agents.” And, he’s mentally made that one of his missions. “The military taught me to lead by example. You must find your way to make an impact on others.”

North DFW Real Producers • 41

his agents and staff, who all specialize in particular aspects of the business. Having a team affords Greg the luxury to provide incomparable service and to focus on spending time in-person with clients. “I’m still very hands-on,” he says.

“I like having real contact with people.”

2019 JPAR Agent of the Year

From the marketing standpoint of every listing to the meticulous details of every transaction, he collaborates with the other professionals on his team to create visions and plans. Each team member, he says, is dedicated to supporting each other in order to make every client’s experience as extraordinary as possible.

Whether it is wakeboarding or traveling, Greg is always seeking ways to find his zen. Moving forward, “We want to take our daughter with us wherever we go,” states Cunningham. In the end, there is nothing sweeter than life at home with his girls. “I love nothing more than going home to

In real estate, agents are inundated with ways to make their presence known against their competition. But, humbly, Cunningham does not let these accolades get in the way. “Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity, and pride is the burden of a foolish person,” says Greg.

Keeping intact his servant’s heart, Greg has been a contributor to several organizations in the DFW area, like the Better Future Foundation, or, especially close to Cunningham’s heart: Folds of Honor – North Texas. This organization aims to help military families.

Whether it is the children and widows of fallen veterans or those who have been wounded on duty, Folds of Honor gives back to these families in multiple ways. For children, it is generally in the form of scholarships for college or other educational endeavors. And, for wounded or disabled veterans, it may be helping to pay for the cost of replacing limbs, adequate medical care, or equipment like motorized chairs.

Remaining Upright

With a history of trudging through, giving back, and crushing goals, Greg Cunningham looks ahead to the future.

42 • August 2020

In describing his working style, Greg cites an authentic commitment to his clients’ interests as the hallmark of his business. “We want to provide massive value to those we work with and do so with zero expectations on the back end. Our primary focus is on people and relationships,” he says.

“We are busier than ever before.

However, I am deeply involved with every client from start to finish. The one thing we always strive not to happen is for anyone to think we are too busy for them.” To be prepared for each unique request, he relies on

Kate and Emelia at the end of the day and spending more time with them,” Greg smiles.

And his advice for those fresh to real estate or struggling with the game? “I wake up every day and always give nothing less than 100%.

Good is not good enough if you can be better, and better isn’t good enough if it can be best. I am not worried you won’t be successful; I am worried that you won’t fail from time-to-time.

I have found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks…nothing! Nelson Mandela said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small and settling for a life that’s less than the one you’re capable of living.’ Fail forward, take chances, fail your way to success.” @realproducers

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CCAR: in the know Written By: Bri Westbury, Collin County Association of REALTORS® Content Specialist

Property Management During a

PANDEMIC

“It was clear from the beginning that access to shelter would be an imperative part of the shelter-in-place orders,” said CCAR president, David Long. “A reality that was quickly complicated by falling unemployment and a mandate to social distance.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic set in, the heightened importance of shelter, paired with the

46 • August 2020

dropping ability to pay for it, created an alarming problem that was quickly identified by many. National, state, and local REALTOR® associations saw the unique challenges facing property managers and created forms and guidance that would prove vital.

Locally, the Collin County Association of REALTORS’® Property Management Committee implemented a series of panels, in which attendees can learn how to safely and effectively function as a property manager and still keep up with all guidelines and regulations.

@realproducers

During the first panel on June 10th, property management panelists highlighted new processes they have implemented in an effort to ensure renter safety while protecting the owner’s investment. Some of their new processes include: • Utilizing relevant forms released by Texas REALTORS® and reviewing Errors and Omissions insurance policies to ensure proper coverage.

• Regularly training vendors on best practices to use when entering a property for a repair or maintenance request.

• Performing additional cleaning between tenants.

• Providing contactless payment methods via online payment or mailed payments.

• Stopping the showing of tenant-occupied properties and opting for self-access showings for potential tenants.

J.C. Posey of Posey Property Management told participants, “June is the worst month yet.

After seeing little late rent, I have started to

hear ‘I’ve been paying you out of my savings, and it’s gone.’”

As a response to current events, Posey has a list of resources on hand for both owners and renters. “We have begun requesting information on the type of mortgage held on a property when onboarding, in order to provide the owner with all of the programs and resources available to them. For tenants, we have information about rent assistance programs.”

Assistance Programs Available Collin County’s Economic Recovery Task Force seeks to aid residents in their ability to maintain shelter at a time when it is so vital, yet suddenly unaffordable. Through the task force’s creation of the Collin County CARES: Emergency Housing and Living Assistance Program, all Collin County residents can apply for rent, mortgage,

and/or utility assistance. The program criteria and application can be found at www.collincountytx.gov/cares.

Lasting Effects While the future remains unknown, panel participants agree that the relationship between owner and property manager has never been stronger. “I have never gotten as many ‘I appreciate yous’ from our owners as I have in the past few months. There has been constant communication and updates, and we have shown we are worth every penny,” said Danny Hardeman of Blue Crown Properties.

Worth every penny is right. Managing properties during a pandemic has been challenging, but CCAR’s Property Management Committee is ready to make it a bit easier. Check for upcoming property management panels at www.ccar.net.

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48 • August 2020

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North DFW Real Producers • 49

partner spotlight Written By: Dave Danielson Photography By: Scott Peek Photography

scott peek p h o t o g r a p h y Your Image. Your Brand.

Through time, you’ve seen the masterful work of Scott Peek Photography — capturing the images of our leading local industry icons in the pages of Real Producers magazine.

50 • August 2020

@realproducers

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North DFW Real Producers • 51

As you see those striking, vibrant images, you also are seeing something else that, understandably, you may not consciously recognize.

With each image, you’re also seeing a glimpse into each person’s brand.

“A lot of people may think what we’re doing is just a magazine photography session…although when I’m working with clients, I help them to envision how these images portray their look and their brand,” Scott explains.

Big-Picture View

In today’s world, we are taking our own pictures on a daily basis more 52 • August 2020

than ever before. We all have easy access to a camera on our smartphones and have thousands more snapshots than previous generations, but there’s way more than what meets the eye with those impromptu selfies.

“We want the real estate agents, and the partners who are featured, to understand that it’s not just about taking a few images for the magazine,” Scott points out. “The images in these pages should represent their overall brand and messaging…It’s the first impression that readers will get prior to reading the article.”

Scott focuses his business — and his lens — on three primary business segments: Corporate and Non-Profit Organizations, Private Schools, and Family Portraiture.

“The first one falls into the corporate/commercial/non-profit sector, focusing on branding, marketing, executive and professional headshots, and events. In fact, every year we photograph quite a few events for organizations, including sales/client meetings, keynote speakers, charity fundraisers, galas, award ceremonies, a few conventions, along with big and small corporate holiday parties… anything to do with a company or non-profit organization.”

The second segment Scott works the most with is premier private schools.

@realproducers

“We work with a few higher-end private schools to capture their school photography, which entails school portraits, senior portraits, team and individual sports portraits, and much of their commencement ceremonies,” he says. “And because private schools really consider themselves as high-end brands, we also photograph a lot of their events and a lot of images for marketing for their websites, newsletters, and annual reports.”

Scott’s third primary business segment includes family portraiture.

“It used to be that you could be a wedding photographer, family photographer, and a high school senior photographer and easily have a profitable business. A lot of those marketplaces have been diminished in quality, based on the sheer number of people who grab a camera and call themselves a photographer,” Scott explains. “I am trying to elevate a portion of that business segment. I’m redefining the family portrait experience. Everybody knows how to use their camera and iPhone and line up a group of four or five people and take a snapshot for a

realproducersmag.com

family Christmas card. We are elevating that experience to help the families tell their unique, individual family stories through portraits.”

…and that is just the start…

“From that point, we go half a step deeper. Before family and I work together to capture their portraits, we invoke a series of conversations with mom and dad, and the adult children, and have them tell us stories about what love and family connections looks like for them,” Scott says. “I’ll have mom describe the favorite thing that dad and their son(s) or daughter(s) do together. We then reach out and do the same thing in reverse by talking to dad about mom and her connections with the kids, which most people never do. From there, we will gather quite a few individual and personal stories. Throughout the photography session, we will concentrate our efforts in creating beautiful portraits by bringing a few of those stories to life and capture some of those connection-based moments. We want them to share those stories with others with the creation of custom, highend artwork that is displayed throughout their home.”

North DFW Real Producers • 53

“

“THE IMAGES IN THESE PAGES

SHOULD REPRESENT

THEIR OVERALL BRAND AND MESSAGING…IT’S

THE FIRST IMPRESSION THAT READERS

WILL GET PRIOR TO READING THE ARTICLE.”

Capturing Timeless Moments

Through the process, Scott helps each family really bring a series of their most cherished moments and emotions for each other, home in a literal sense.

“It’s more than just a single portrait. A family could have several wall art installations in their home for them to view differently than just a normal snapshot. They will remember the stories they shared…the emotions and love they have within their family. That’s how we’re helping them redefine their space,” he emphasizes.

Scott’s journey in photography started long ago.

“I had a camera in my hand since my high school graduation. That was my graduation present,” Scott smiles. “It was all manual at the time…all film, with no digital screen. You couldn’t see what the picture looks like. You had to know all the settings on your camera, and you had to know what that picture was going to look like before you took it, because there was no way to check until you developed the film and saw it. That technique is similar to how I work today. Know54 • August 2020

ing the technology of the camera is so second-nature, that, instead, I am sculpting the image I see in my head with location and lighting, before the shutter even clicks.”

Today, Scott uses a blend of art, strategy, and technical skill to help tell his clients’ stories each day.

“I enjoy helping everyone create portraits that are unique and of a higher quality, whether it is a single professional, a large company, a small business owner, or a family… people need help to understand the gifts that they have within themselves and within their families and capturing that to produce heirloom wall art portraits,” Scott emphasizes. “That’s really where my business is going to continue to grow for the long haul, because each family deserves the opportunity to see and remember how they fell in love with each other, and to continue to connect and fulfill the dreams they have for their future generations. I believe we need more of that in today’s society.”

For more information about Scott Peek Photography: Web: www.scottpeekphotography.com Phone: 469-587-2300 @realproducers

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cover story Written By: Missy Kremer Photography By: Scott Peek Photography

PHILLIPS REAL ESTATE AS MINISTRY

58 • August 2020

@realproducers

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North DFW Real Producers • 59

And this wasn’t something this Texas boy had on his radar in his younger years—it’s where his life’s path has led him.

Ministry isn’t just housed in a physical church building; it can be woven into any setting where a person is fueling the mission of God. That’s how Justin Phillips, founder of Phillips Realty Group, has grown his business to where it is today...through real estate as ministry.

60 • August 2020

What Was Found in The Quiet “I’ve always been in Texas...mainly in the DFW area,” states Phillips. His younger years were spent in Arlington until his parents decided to divorce. His mom moved into a little town where Justin attended a small country school. It was there Phillips’ mom married a preacher.

And while Justin had reservations about moving out of the city at first, “I moved closer to God in those moments of quietness.”

“My step-dad taught me how to be a man,” Justin reflects. “He taught me to respect everybody.”

@realproducers

And, it was with those lessons that Phillips landed his first job in the restaurant industry, where he truly learned what it meant to serve others.

age, the more successful he thinks they’ll be. “I used to think I only wanted to focus on my own lead generation, but it’s blossomed into this!”

“You had to perform in order to get tips,” Justin says about being a server at restaurants. This directly translated into his work ethic and ability to build relationships.

As for growth and those just getting started, “It’s funny what you learn from new agents. If you aren’t open to them, you may just wither out. We’re not at a position that we’re trying to grow too big, but we’ll take them on as we see fit,” says Justin.

After high school, Phillips met his wife, Tammy, at Glorieta Church Camp. Through junior college at TCJC, Justin delivered pizzas, and soon after, landed himself with Jason’s Deli.

There, he quickly moved up into a managerial position, one that sent him from location to location, managing new and bigger restaurants. “I kept moving. I had my real estate license but was still working at the deli. I had to make a decision.”

And with his faith in God, his vision on ministry turned a corner. Justin was going to use his faith and take a fulltime leap into real estate. With a bachelor’s degree from UNT in business entrepreneurship in tow, Justin made the transition.

Making a Ministry “I feel humbled,” Phillips says about the opportunities real estate had provided him. “It’s a ministry,” he says. Justin uses the lessons he’s learned from God to directly serve his customers and help his team. “It’s an organization.

And, God’s continued to bless me.”

“If you look at the world today, every opportunity you put yourself in, every person that you’re a part of, that’s where the ministry is,” Justin smiles. “We’re able to use real estate in that capacity. I use real estate as an opportunity to share faith; that’s my ministry.”

One of Justin’s proudest achievements is his team at Phillips Realty Group. Currently housing 22 agents, “I’m really proud of the people we’ve mentored and how we’ve matured in our company. Most brokers don’t compete at the capacity I do. We have 21 agents...22 if you count me.”

This year, the group is at about 150 million dollars in volume between all agents in the brokerage. “I used to be the lead on that and produced a large amount of the closings, but as the agents have developed, and our teams grew, we have collectively accomplished quite a bit more.”

Attending to The Brokerage and Life The more time and attention Justin can give his broker-

realproducersmag.com

He also states it’s about networking and building relationships, as he reflects on his staff: “I would bet half of my agents on board right now have been past clients.”

Phillips is also proud of the successes of agents, like Stephanie Funk, and others. “They are real income producers for their families.”

This success, all-around, is built off of faith. “I believe if you’re faithful, God’s going to continue to give you more responsibility. Sometimes this responsibility will test where you stand. If we continue to do the right thing, whether we are being treated fairly or not, we will grow a reputation in our industry. I truly believe that God will reward faithfulness. But not all blessings are materially related. I believe most blessings that we receive are relational driven. And the more I understand this, I’ve continued to watch him bless our business,” Justin confidently states.

“Make sure you put your clients’ needs above yourself.

That’s an act of ministry. It pays dividends in the future,” says Justin about Phillips Realty Group’s trajectory. “Put your agents and your customers first. That’s where a lot of success and referral business comes from.”

But, Justin’s aspirations to use the word of God to help others doesn’t just stop here with real estate. “I have a step-out plan,” Phillips alludes to.

“I want to continue to grow the firm. In the last five years, we’ve gone from eight agents up to 22 now. My next goal would be up to 30 agents and kind of hover there. I’d like to step out in full capacity when all of my children are graduated from high school, and that’s in about nine years.”

And where would his ministry lead him? “Another journey in our lives has been adoption. So, we have three adopted kiddos. What I’d like to do is take my free time at that point and try to devote something towards some sort of cause that would spark others’ interest in adoption.” And, “I’d love to hand down the brokerage to those who are successful and have helped me grow,” Justin states.

North DFW Real Producers • 61

Outside of real estate, Phillips is a busy man with his wife, Tammy, and their five children: Taylor, Caden, James, Robert, and Bailey.

“Put your agents and your customers first. That’s where a lot of success and referral business comes from.”

“We love to travel. You can imagine what it’s like to travel with five kids,” laughs Phillips. “We have to be picky with what we do and where we go.” Whether it’s the girls hanging out at the beach, the boys fishing, or the little ones being busy, the family enjoys their time together.

And mostly, “We love to stay home. I really shut down about 5:30 in the evenings. Just turn off that phone and spend time with my family.”

62 • August 2020

As for how Justin continues to grow his ministry and advises new agents, he says: “The best way to grow your sphere is to reach out to those you know. They already trust ya!”

“Make sure you tell them about what you are doing.

People expect the phone to ring; you can’t do that.

You got to let them know what you’re doing and with some old-school tricks.

Face-to-face time is more important than any form of social media. And, another old school tip is handwritten notes or give them a call. You can’t replace the connection of hearing someone’s voice.”

@realproducers

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WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: Mastermind DFW is an exclusive event for the Top 1% of Producers in the DFW area. When you attend a Mastermind DFW event, you are in the company of a prestigious group of local, high-performing DFW real estate professionals. This is the place to cultivate your network with the most notable names in DFW real estate.

“Todd and I love to be a part of the Mastermind DFW group. It is an honor to be in the presence of other top producing agents and to get great tips and tricks on how to leverage our business. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this exclusive group.”

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Want a copy of your article or full magazines that you were featured in?

REPRINTS!

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

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66 • August 2020

WHY DO I NEED THOSE?

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

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The REALTOR® that was featured, the Broker, our Partner, or family. Anyone that wants to promote you.

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68 • August 2020

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FAQ ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 100 markets across the nation and spreading rapidly.

North DFW Real Producers launched August 2018. Name a large city and we are there or will be soon!

In every market, we take the Top 500 agents, based off of the MLS production, and we build an exclusive magazine around those agents. We share their stories, successes, market trends, upcoming events — really, anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in the monthly publication.

We strive to inform and inspire the top producing real estate agents in the local market and connect them socially. The secondary focus is to provide an avenue for our affiliate partners to create relationships with these top performers on a level that they might not be able to achieve on their own.

Q: WHO RECEIVES NORTH DFW REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINE? A: The top 500 agents in North Dallas/Fort Worth. We pull the MLS numbers (by volume) from in the North DFW area: Collin County, Denton County and a few other locations in Dallas County that are North of I-635. Approximately 20,000 agents are licensed in this territory. We cut the list off at #500, and the distribution was born. The Top 500 cutoff is $8 million for 2019 numbers. The list will reset at the end of every year and will continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE DALLAS AND FORT WORTH TERRITORIES? A: Dallas Real Producers (Dallas County South of 635 — including Rockwall County) and Tarrant County Real Producers are both in circulation!

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE? A: It’s really simple — every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate other REALTORS®, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate RErealproducersmag.com

ALTORS®. 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.

A nomination currently looks like this: You email us at jordan. espeseth@realproducersmag.com with the subject line, “Nomination: (Name of Nominee).” Please explain why you are nominating them to be featured. It could be they have an amazing story that needs to be told — perhaps they overcame extreme obstacles, they are an exceptional leader, have the best customer service, or they give back to the community in a big way, etc. The next step is an interview with us to ensure it’s a good fit. If it all works out, then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview to write the article and for our photographers to schedule a photoshoot.

Q: WHAT DOES IT COST A REALTOR®/ 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 PREFERRED PARTNERS? A: Anyone listed as a “preferred partner” in the front of the magazine is a part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One of many top agents have recommended every single preferred partner 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 goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A PREFERRED PARTNER? A: If you know and want to recommend a local business that works with top REALTORS®, please email us to let us know at Jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com.

North DFW Real Producers • 69

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