MANUEL CHAVEZ Everything is Possible HAI HOANG Honoring their Sacrifice LISA JOHNSON JUDEN Mastering the Circus FINESSE MOVERS Moves to Remember PACESETTER HOMES Our Goal. Our Passion. Your Home.
PHOTO BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
PROVEN EXPERIENCE. DEDICATED SERVICE. L ASTING REL ATIONSHIPS.
erving our headquartered right here at home.
Preferred Partner Index
Publisher’s Note
Event Recap
By the Numbers
Rising Star: Manuel Chavez
Preferred Partner: Pacesetter Homes
MetroTex: In the Know
Preferred Partner: Finesse Movers
Cover Story: Pam Matlock
Inspirational Agent: Hai Hoang
Agent Spotlight: Lisa Johnson Juden
Hai Hoang
Finesse Movers
Pacesetter Homes
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.
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-Owner
Reece Gentry Partner Liaison
Vanessa Corral Photographer
Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison
Katherine Fondren Editor
Rick Davis Videographer
Scott Peek Photographer
Christopher St. Germain Photographer
Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner
Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist
Beth Graeme Photographer
Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director
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
Pacesetter Homes (972) 743-2432 pacesetterhomestexas.com
Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700
ShaddockHomes.com
CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS
Gifts of Graze
Eileen Torres (214) 814-1216 giftsofgraze.com
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Partners in Building (214) 235-6814 partnersinbuilding.com
Structured Foundation Repairs (972) 484-1200 structuredfoundation.com
TITLE COMPANY
Chicago Title DFW (972) 931-1552 ChicagoTitleDFW.com
Independence Title (682) 478-0005 independencetitle.com
Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com
Republic Title
Ken Callahan (214) 793-5979 RepublicTitle.com
UTILITY/HOME SERVICE CONNECTION
Move In Ready (737) 727-7070 yourmoveinready.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY
studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
WINDOWS
Town & Country Windows (972) 377-8188 townandcountrywindows.com
WHAT MATTERS
MOST
teaches you what really matters, God, family, and the people who walk through life with you. My wife, Jess, is the most incredible partner and mom I could ever hope for, and I’m beyond grateful for her. And Ember… she’s pure joy. Watching her grow has reminded me daily of how good God is and how fast time moves when your heart is full.
That sense of gratitude and connection extends far beyond our home. It’s what makes this community so special. Real Producers has never been just about real estate; it’s about relationships. It’s about the people who show up for one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and lean in when life gets hard. It’s about the conversations, the collaboration, and the genuine friendships that form when great people come together.
To our RP Partners, thank you. Your belief in what we’re building and your commitment to excellence make this platform possible. To our agents, thank you for continuing to inspire us with your stories, your drive, and the way you impact this market.
As we close out the year, my hope is that we each take a moment to slow down, look around, and really appreciate what we have, not just in our work, but in our lives. Because in the end, it’s not about the numbers or the titles; it’s about the connections we make and the lives
As we step into this season of gratitude, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply than ever on how much there is to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving will be my first as a dad, our daughter Ember’s first Thanksgiving, and that alone fills my heart in ways I never could’ve imagined.
Becoming a parent changes everything. It slows you down and sharpens your focus at the same time. It
Wishing you all a season filled with gratitude, connection, and joy!
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner DFW Real Producers
2025 DFW Real Producers SUPER SOCIAL
On September 30th, we hosted our Super Social event and, holy moly, was it sure an amazing evening! The room was PACKED with top agents and the best businesses from across the Metroplex, the venue was beautiful, connections were being formed left and right, and the night was perfect.
The inaugural two-day national Real Producers conference, RP Elevate, was so special to have in our backyard and was filled with incredible speakers and powerful content.
To have our DFW Real Producers Super Social as the after party was the perfect way to cap off this one-of-a-kind event.
I must thank every one of our RP Preferred Business Partners and a special shout out to Perry Homes for being the Host Sponsor of this event! We couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you to our event photographers: Scott Peek Photography, Jin Kim Studios and Christopher St. Germain with Headshot Executive as well as our videographer team, studioUSA.
Thank you to the entire N2 Company team who stepped up in a huge way to ensure this event was a smashing success. We are so grateful for you all!
And of course, congrats again to every single agent who earned their 2025 RP Top Agent Award and for your support of Real Producers!
Enjoy the photos from this event.
SCAN HERE FOR RECAP VIDEO AND ENTIRE PHOTO GALLERY!
PHOTOS BY URSPECIAL, SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC & HEADSHOT EXECUTIVE LLC
38.8
AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT
$11,296,294,330
19,403 SALES VOLUME TOTAL TRANSACTIONS
AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT $22,592,589
Manuel
Everything is Possible
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
When Manuel Chavez looks back on his life’s journey, it reads like a story of perseverance, faith, and belief in possibility. Born and raised in San Miguel, El Salvador, Manuel spent his childhood balancing school, soccer, and small jobs. “I started working when I was 13 years old to earn money for movies and soccer stadium tickets. I made $1.50 per week,” he recalls.
Those early lessons—balancing fun with responsibility, working hard, and learning business from his family—were seeds that would later bloom into the life he has today.
In 1999, Manuel, his wife and their three-year-old daughter made the
Chavez
He also found creative ways to build income. When his wife made pupusas for lunch one day, the aroma caught the attention of coworkers. “Someone asked if she sold them, and I said YES. The very next weekend we started selling pupusas at work—up to 400 every Saturday!” Alongside prepaid phone cards they sold door to door, the couple saved $18,000 in just 11 months—the down payment on their first home.
Manuel’s next chapter unfolded at Nordstrom, where he began as a stocker and climbed the ranks to become one of the top salespeople nationwide. “I sold women’s shoes for 12 years and was in the top 3 every year. I became a milliondollar top seller and part of the top 1% in the company,” he says with gratitude. His success was built not just on numbers, but on mindset. “Slowly, you get there faster,” a mentor once told him. That lesson shaped his approach— consistent effort, fueled by faith, creates lasting results.
Real estate was always in the back of Manuel’s mind, but it wasn’t until the pandemic closed stores that he finally pursued it. He poured himself into learning, showing up at the office daily, even when there was nothing on his calendar. “There was no space for fear, it was all about faith. If I was able to start over my life from zero, I was sure this was just another opportunity to glorify the name of God in my life.”
Today, Manuel is part of the Living Dallas Team with Coldwell Banker APEX, a business he co-founded with
his mentor-turnedpartner, Jamie Marancenbaum. Together, they’ve built one of the top-producing teams in North Dallas, with Manuel personally surpassing $35 million in career volume. The awards and recognition are numerous—Rookie of the Year, Top 1% with Coldwell Banker APEX, Top 250 NAHREP nationwide, and multiple features in D Magazine and Real Producers. But for Manuel, the real reward is impact. “I don’t sell homes, I provide opportunities for a much better future, creating a positive impact on my clients’ lives.”
I want to be remembered as a fair man, dedicated to helping others and guiding them to reach their dreams. Everything is possible with God’s help.”
One story, in particular, stays with him. A family from Puerto Rico with a special-needs child had been tricked into signing an eviction notice by an apartment manager. Manuel refused to let them fall through the cracks. “I spoke with the builder and explained the whole situation. We were able to get a super discounted price, down payment assistance, and all the appliances for the house. That moment was amazing!”
For Manuel, faith and mindset are the foundation of everything. He often describes life and career through a vivid metaphor: “Life and your profession are like a huge table filled with all the best dishes you can imagine. On one side are plates and many spoons of various sizes. You decide which one you use!” The table is abundant, but success depends on the choices you make, the tools you use, and the faith you carry.
His motivation remains rooted in God and family. “My main motivation is God, His mercy, and His love for me. My family is my biggest motivation, and I enjoy traveling with my wife and spending time with them.” Yet, the driving force that keeps him striving is service. “To know that every day I have the
beautiful opportunity to be the answer for somebody’s prayers is awesome.”
When asked to define success, Manuel doesn’t hesitate: “Satisfaction, to be blessed by blessing someone else. To find the joy of giving first—that is success to me.”
over numbers,” he emphasizes. “Real estate is a people-related business.”
Looking ahead, his goals are both ambitious and grounded. He hopes the Living Dallas Team will reach $100 million in sales, but just as importantly, he wants quality time with his family and the opportunity to guide more families into homeownership. “Relationships
From selling pupusas in a break room to leading one of the top real estate teams in Dallas, Manuel Chavez’s journey is a testament to faith, mindset, and resilience. More than a rising star, he is a man who believes every challenge is an invitation to grow and every closing an opportunity to bless.
“I want to be remembered as a fair man, dedicated to helping others and guiding them to reach their dreams. Everything is possible with God’s help.”
Megan Tierney
Rashelle Gallegos
Tatum Vanderpool Christine McLean
Keith Williams President / Attorney
Broussard
Phoebe Toombs
Kelsey Berry
Kelly Berry
Tracey McCann
Jason Ramsey
Tamera Gaede
Trey Mccann
Pacesetter Homes Pacesetter Homes
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY VANESSA CORRAL PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCATION: PACESETTER LA TERRA IN UPTOWN CELINA MODEL HOME IN CELINA
Pacesetter Homes, an awardwinning homebuilder in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is backed by a 74-year tradition of craftsmanship through the Qualico family of companies. Their executive team—Blake Friesenhahn, Taylor Humphrey, Eric Zimmermann, and Rick Ellis— combined has over 90 years of experience in the home building industry. Pacesetter brings more than just houses to the market—they bring a commitment to quality, innovation, and trust. Since expanding into the DFW area in 2017, the company has focused on creating neighborhoods that enrich lives and serve as a foundation for families to thrive.
For Director Sales & Marketing Manager Taylor Humphrey, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, the mission is clear: “At Pacesetter, we believe in doing the right thing, taking care of our customers, and creating an experience that people can truly feel good about. A lot of people spend time on excel spreadsheets and things no one will ever see. We get to spend our careers building homes and communities that impact generations—communities that we will one day drive our grandkids through to show them how we’ve left our mark on the world.”
Their tagline—Our Goal. Our Passion. Your Home. —is more than words. It’s the heartbeat of the company. Pacesetter operates by what they call the Pacesetter Way, a set of three guiding pillars. “Operational excellence means we will achieve ‘model home’ workmanship in every home we build. Second Mile Service means we will provide heartfelt service with a +1 attitude. And Emotional Connections means we will strive to create lasting trust between ourselves and our customers,” Taylor explained.
One of the biggest differentiators for Pacesetter is choice. In a market where many builders are cutting details to save costs, Pacesetter leans into architectural character and customization. “Two people can buy the same floor plan and
choose features completely different and unique to them,” Taylor said. “No home is cookie cutter. Buyers are given choices within our standards—floor plans, plan options, interior and exterior features, even preferred lenders and incentives. We want every home to reflect the people who live in it.”
That level of care extends to the company’s most important partners: real estate agents. “We love our REALTORS® and have always had their back,” Taylor emphasized. “Markets go up and down, and we realize that our REALTOR® partners are just that—partners. In the good times and in the bad.” It’s more than lip service. Nearly 90% of Pacesetter’s contracts involve agents, a number that underscores the trust and collaboration they’ve cultivated in the community.
“Our success is tied to the strong relationships we’ve built with our REALTOR® partners,” Taylor continued. “Their trust in our homes and our process speaks volumes. We see them not just as partners, but as an extension of our team. Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in our growth and success here in DFW.”
That perspective is why Pacesetter is steadily becoming the builder real estate agents recommend when helping clients find a home. For
top producers, partnering with Pacesetter means more than just selling a property. It’s about working with a builder who values a shared commitment to serving their clients.
The heart of that collaboration lies in the customer experience. Division Vice President Blake Friesenhahn explained, “A home is such an important part of someone’s life, and knowing that what we do impacts families in a positive way is what drives me. I want every homeowner to feel proud to say, ‘I live in a Pacesetter home,’ because of the quality, the reputation, and the care we put into every step of the process.”
A LOT OF PEOPLE SPEND TIME ON EXCEL SPREADSHEETS AND THINGS NO ONE WILL EVER SEE. WE GET TO SPEND OUR CAREERS BUILDING HOMES AND COMMUNITIES THAT IMPACT GENERATIONS— COMMUNITIES THAT WE WILL ONE DAY DRIVE OUR GRANDKIDS THROUGH TO SHOW THEM HOW WE’VE LEFT OUR MARK ON THE WORLD.”
our team the opportunity to connect with top-producing REALTORS® who share the same level of dedication and commitment to their clients,” Blake said. “It’s a powerful way to build genuine connections and partnerships that truly make a difference.”
Looking ahead, Pacesetter’s goals remain rooted in the same values that built their reputation. “We’re focused on becoming the builder REALTORS® turn to first when helping their clients find a home,” Taylor said. “We want to be recognized not only for the quality of our homes, but also for the trust, support, and consistency we provide to both our REALTOR® partners and our homebuyers.”
It’s a vision that extends beyond the here and now. Just as Taylor imagines driving his grandkids through communities Pacesetter has built, he knows the
That care doesn’t go unnoticed. Real estate agents, buyers, and even industry peers recognize Pacesetter Homes for their dedication to excellence, from design innovation to heartfelt customer service. Their communities reflect a balance of timeless architecture and modern functionality—neighborhoods that don’t just look good but feel right for families at every stage of life.
For Blake, it always comes back to relationships. They believe the homebuilding industry is built on them, whether it’s with a homebuyer making the biggest purchase of their life or an agent trusted to guide clients through the process. That’s why being part of Real Producers a natural fit. “Being a vetted business partner with Real Producers
Blake Friesenhahn
Taylor Humphrey
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NAVIGATING THE
REGULATORY MAZE
How REALTORS® Champion the Most Regulated Transaction in Your Life
SUBMITTED BY BILL HEAD, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, METROTEX
Buying or selling a home is not just one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make, it’s also one of the most heavily regulated. With contracts sometimes spanning hundreds of pages and compliance layered from the local level to Washington, D.C., the real estate transaction is uniquely burdened with legal complexity. For REALTORS®, this reality shapes how they serve their clients. For consumers, it affects access, affordability, and fairness. And for local REALTOR® associations, like the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® (MetroTex), it’s the reason advocacy is a mission.
There is an immense scope of regulation that touches every corner of the real estate industry. From federal environmental rules to statelevel licensing requirements, from zoning ordinances to the tax code, the journey to the closing table is governed by an overwhelming volume of law. And behind each of these rules is a policymaker, a regulator, or a legislative body that REALTOR® associations are either working with or working to influence.
The Invisible Hand of Regulation
What many consumers don’t see behind the signatures and initials on their closing documents is that every form, disclosure, affidavit, and agreement is a product of government regulation. These rules exist, ostensibly, to protect the buyer, the seller, the lender, and the market at large. But not all regulations strike the right balance. Some slow transactions create burdens for small business practitioners or ultimately raise the cost of housing—at a time when affordability is already a crisis.
Just this year alone, over 87,000 bills were introduced around the country affecting property rights and the real estate industry, more than quadruple the output of Congress. Then factor in the estimated 25% of home construction costs attributed to regulatory compliance, and it becomes clear: Regulation isn’t just a background factor. It’s a price tag.
Advocacy in Action
A huge network of policy analysts, advocates, and subject matter experts, including a robust state and local network, work diligently to protect consumer access to housing. These professionals are in constant communication with legislators, regulators, and government agencies to ensure REALTOR® voices are heard.
One recent example is the VA loan agent compensation rule, which would have effectively prevented veterans from hiring a real estate agent unless they paid out-of-pocket—despite rules barring them from doing so. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) moved swiftly to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with support from Congress, won a reversal that ensured veterans could still benefit from professional representation. It’s the kind of regulation-change victory that doesn’t make headlines but makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Another pressing area of focus has been independent contractor status. With over 90% of REALTORS® operating as independent contractors, efforts at the federal and state levels to restrict this status pose a threat not only to agents’ livelihoods but to consumer choice and service quality.
NAR’s advocacy has helped stall or soften such proposals, reinforcing the industry’s flexible work model.
From Federal Mandates to Local Zoning
Regulation doesn’t just reside in dense federal codes, it lives in local zoning meetings, and statehouse hearings.
Through initiatives like the Housing Supply Accelerator, NAR is also pushing for policy reforms to address the root causes of inventory shortages. Recently, the Playbook, helped shape amendments to the City of Dallas’ International Residential Code, an important step toward expanding both housing supply and diversity.
Environmental regulations, energy efficiency codes, and even flood insurance policies are also in the advocacy crosshairs, not because REALTORS® are anti-regulation, but because good regulation must be both effective and practical. Overregulation can block development, drive up costs, and slow progress. Smart policy does the opposite.
The Road Ahead: Regulation With Representation
Regulation isn’t fixed. It’s always evolving. In North Texas, just like across the country, these changes can come from state legislation, local zoning updates, agency rules, or even executive orders. And now, with recent federal decisions, there’s a renewed push for lawmakers to write more precise legislation. That shift opens the door for greater input from stakeholders, including MetroTex REALTORS® at the national level.
This is where the REALTOR® voice carries weight. Through the work of the National Association of REALTORS® and MetroTex, real estate professionals ensure our industry remains at the center of conversations that shape housing policy. That advocacy takes many forms, from submitting public comments on proposed regulations to engaging directly with lawmakers. Locally, that influence is growing. With the recent elections of REALTOR® champions Bill Roth and Bill Cox to key city positions, MetroTex members now have trusted voices in government helping to
represent the interests of homeowners, property rights, and responsible growth across the DFW region.
As zoning, taxation, and housing supply issues continue to unfold in our communities, MetroTex’s presence in the policymaking process is not just helpful, it’s essential to protecting the future of real estate and the North Texans that MetroTex members proudly serve.
Final Word: Regulation is Inevitable— Bad Policy Isn’t
In a profession where even a routine transaction can span hundreds of pages
and involve dozens of regulated steps, there is no avoiding the reach of government. But REALTORS® are not at the mercy of it. Thanks to NAR’s relentless advocacy, backed by its nationwide member network, the real estate industry has a strong and seasoned voice in every room where rules are made.
Buying or selling a home will likely remain one of the most regulated transactions in a person’s life. But with smart, proactive, and principled advocacy, it doesn’t have to be the most difficult one.
Founded in 1917, the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® is the largest REALTOR® association in North Texas and one of the largest in the United States, representing nearly 40,000 real estate professionals across the region. MetroTex is an advocate for the real estate industry and private property rights. For more information, visit us online at MetroTex.com.
~ FI X & FLI P
~ Re n o v a t i o n
Br i d g e Lo a n
PI GGY BACK
Hi g h Ba l a n c e
~ Ma n u f a c t u re d
~ HARD MONEY
~ CONFORMI NG
Do c t o rs Lo a n s
4 0 Ye a r Te r m s
REVERSE MORTGAGE
~ FOREI GN NATI ONAL
~ I n v e s t m e n t Pro p e r t i e s
~ FHA ( DOW N TO 5 0 0 FI CO)
NO FI CO SCORE ( FHA & VA)
NON-W ARRANTABLE CONDO
ONE YEAR TAX RETURN / 10 9 9
~ I NCOME NO DOCS FOR PRI MARY
~ ONE TI ME CLOSE CONSTRUCTI ON
FINESSE MOVERS
Moves to Remember
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN • PHOTOS BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
When most people think about moving day, the word stressful usually comes to mind. Boxes piled high, the clock ticks quickly, and valuable belongings are carried out the door with a mix of relief and anxiety. But for Colby Long, owner and president of Finesse Movers, the goal is something entirely different. “Moving day can either be a really bad day or a really great day,” Colby says. “Our aim is to make it the best day ever.”
That promise—to transform a typically exhausting milestone into a joyful experience—sits at the very heart of Finesse Movers. Colby and his team provide white glove packing and moving services across the DFW area, with their central focus being one thing: quality. “Our quality is what sets us apart. The smallest details matter when moving, and we take the time to get those details right.”
A Family Touch
At its core, Finesse Movers isn’t just another moving company. It’s a family business, one with deep roots and strong values. Colby’s mother, TerryAnn, serves as vice president,
handling marketing, customer relations, and sales. Armando, their operations manager, keeps daily logistics running smoothly. And then there’s the crew—loyal, hardworking movers who Colby describes as an extension of his own family. “We know all of our guys and team like family, and they’ve worked for us for years. Our customers feel that warmth the moment we step through the door.”
That family-first approach carries over to how they treat every client. “Every client, regardless of the size of their home, receives the same finesse experience. We treat our customers like royalty,” Colby says.
And when those same customers watch their belongings carefully padded, wrapped, and handled with precision, the reaction is always the same: “They’re wow’d every time.”
A Passion for People
Colby’s enthusiasm for the business comes down to more than just boxes and furniture. For him, moving is about people. “I’m most passionate about helping families during one of the most important times of their lives,” he shares. “Seeing the smiles and joy on their faces when they get into their new home, once everything is set up and feels like home, that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
That passion comes from Colby’s own life experience. Having moved often as a child due to his mother’s career, he understands the emotions tied to relocating. After being introduced to the industry during college, he discovered how naturally it came to him—and how rewarding it felt to deliver a seamless move. “Once I experienced the customer satisfaction at the end of a job, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he recalls.
Guided by Faith and Family Colby doesn’t measure success by profit margins or the number of moves completed. His perspective is much broader. “Success isn’t measured by money. Success is measured by the number of lives you touch. How many people can you help? How many people can you make smile? And most of all, how many people can you bring to Jesus?”
It’s a philosophy shaped in large part by his mother, who instilled confidence and faith in him from an early age. “She always told me I could accomplish anything I put my mind to,” Colby remembers. “She lifted me up, taught me how to dress, shake hands, look someone in the eyes, and speak with respect.” Those lessons, paired with his favorite scripture, 2 Corinthians 5:17, guide the way he leads his team and serves his clients.
Family remains the center of his world, both in business and beyond. He and his wife love spending time outdoors with their son, Camilo, and their Bernedoodle, Lucci. From hiking and biking to church on Sundays and cheering at baseball practice, their days are full of connection and activity. And now, with another baby on the way, Colby says his biggest goal is simple: “To be the best dad in the world.”
Doing the Next Right Thing
The principles behind Finesse Movers can be summed up in the mottos Colby and his team live by: “Quality and care over price,” “Don’t stress, just call Finesse,” and “Always do
the next right thing.” These aren’t just slogans—they’re standards that guide every decision, big or small.
It’s also why real estate agents trust Finesse Movers with their clients. Colby knows how critical it is to deliver excellence in an industry where referrals and reputations matter. “We go over and above for every client. Agents who connect with us know their clients will feel cared for every step of the way,” he explains.
Looking Ahead
As Colby looks to the future, his focus is twofold: growth and impact. He’s aiming for the strongest fourth quarter in company history while also investing time in his family and faith. Beyond
moving, he also runs a handyman service, All Around The House Repairs and Construction, expanding the ways he can serve the community.
Ultimately, though, Colby wants to be remembered for more than his businesses. “I want to be remembered for the people I’ve helped, the smiles I’ve created, and the faith I’ve shared,” he says with conviction.
For most people, moving often means stress, but Finesse Movers is rewriting the story. For Colby Long, quality isn’t just about how well boxes are packed or furniture is wrapped—it’s about how deeply people are cared for during life’s transitions. And that’s a move worth remembering.
Pam
Matlock
Creating a Legacy
For Pam Matlock, real estate has always been about more than houses—it’s about creating a life that makes her family proud. “I feel grateful for where I am,” she reflects. “For the business I have created and for the people I’ve met along the way.”
Pam’s story begins in Rockwall, where she grew up as the third of four sisters. Her parents, now married for 56 years, still live in the same community and attend the church where Pam’s faith and values were shaped. After graduating from Rockwall High School, she pursued a degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, a choice that hinted at her lifelong commitment to service and care for others.
Before stepping into real estate, Pam served as an adoption counselor, walking alongside birth mothers through the tender process of pregnancy, adoption, and life beyond
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
placement. “I worked with birth mothers throughout their pregnancies, helped match them with adoptive families, and counseled them after the
babies were born,” she recalls. That experience gave her an invaluable perspective—one she would soon discover translated naturally into her next chapter.
• PHOTOS BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
Get involved. Be present in your community. Know what is happening in your area. Learn the neighborhoods, the school boundary lines, the builders, the city improvement plans… so you can be an asset for your clients.
Pam’s real estate journey began in 2004 when she and her husband purchased land in Lucas. Their agent, Doyle Bailey, casually mentioned that Pam’s husband should get his license. At the time, they were still newlyweds, and Pam didn’t want to miss weekends together while he attended real estate classes. So, she signed up as well. “I very quickly made the comparison between social work and real estate,” she says. “Both involve guiding people through emotional, life-changing decisions.”
Though both earned licenses, it was Pam who pursued real estate full time. She started with buyers, drawn to the excitement of helping people find their first homes. “I loved the process of buying a home and was excited to work with buyers finding their first homes too,” she says. Her first listing was personal—the sale of her own home. “It was good to walk through the process and figure out what I wanted and expected the seller’s side to feel like.”
Two decades later, Pam has built a career marked by consistency, focus, and hard work. Her $500 million career volume and $64 million sales year in 2023 speak to her success, but for her, numbers only tell part of the story. “Success for me is simply living a life that I can be proud of… that my family can be proud of,” she explains. “Getting up each morning ready to tackle the day in a way that will make a difference for those around me in some capacity.”
That philosophy carries over to her approach with clients. Pam emphasizes valuing people over transactions, saying, “When you place value on the client more than their property, your approach to them is such that they want to work
with you each time. I market their home and give advice and opinions as if it were my own home that I was selling.” This mindset has helped her cultivate lasting relationships— ones that often extend far beyond the closing table.
One of her favorite parts of real estate is when clients become friends. “I love when I walk into the perfect house for my buyers and they lose their poker face and start imagining themselves there,” she says with a smile. And few memories stand out more than the clients who first trusted her when she launched her own brokerage. “When clients took a chance on me as I started on my own, it was such an incredible opportunity,” she remembers. “I still have lunch with the first client to say yes to me.”
Starting her own company, Matlock Real Estate Group, was both thrilling and intimidating. “I hadn’t planned on going out on my own, so when my husband and I made the decision, it was nerve-racking,” she admits. But soon, she found joy in creating an environment where agents felt supported and inspired.
“Growing the company by creating an environment with opportunities that agents are excited about and want to be a part of has been one of my favorite parts of the journey.”
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. Pam has earned recognition as REALTOR® of the Year by Local Profile, received the McSam Award, and has been featured in D Magazine and Real Producers. Yet, even with such accolades, she remains grounded in her purpose.
“Family motivates me,” she says. “Working enough to maintain a life that can be enjoyed while still being present and available to family and friends.”
Outside of real estate, Pam treasures simple moments—organizing a space (she believes everything needs a home), sitting on the patio with loved ones, watching movies, going to games, or traveling. No matter the activity, it’s the togetherness that matters most.
Her advice for new agents reflects her belief in connection and community: “Get involved. Be present in your community. Know what is happening in your area.
Learn the neighborhoods, the school boundary lines, the builders, the city improvement plans… so you can be an asset for your clients.” She also stresses building trusted networks of professionals—from lenders and inspectors to vendors— who will care for clients as much as she does. And above all? “You can never over-communicate with your clients,” she repeats often.
Looking ahead, Pam is focused on finishing each year stronger
than the last, growing not only her business but also her personal capacity to serve. She hopes to be remembered for living a life of service, one that brought comfort and joy to those around her.
“This career can be rewarding,” she says, “but it is not without consistency, focus, and hard work.”
It’s a lesson she’s lived out over 21 years in real estate, shaping a legacy built on trust, perseverance, and most importantly—relationships.
Hai Hoang Hai Hoang
HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN • PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
When Hai Hoang talks about her life, her words carry the weight of sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude. Born in Vietnam during a time of war, her earliest story is not one she remembers, but one her parents often told: “Bombs were going off even as they ate dinner,” she recalls. “My mom once sold her wedding ring just to be able to buy me formula.”
“What I want to be remembered for isn’t in a trophy case or on a top-producer list. My true legacy is about the love I have for my family. Everything I do is fueled by my desire to build a beautiful life for them.”
Those humble beginnings shaped everything that followed. Her family fled Vietnam, evacuated to the Philippines, and eventually made their way to America after a volcanic eruption displaced them again. Arriving in a foreign country in their early twenties, her parents spoke no English, had no financial safety net, yet carried with them a fierce determination. “We lived in government housing, and there were days when all we had to eat was vegetable soup, but I never knew any different. To me, I was a princess. My parents made sure my sister and I felt completely loved and protected.”
That foundation of unconditional love and community became the compass for Hai’s own life. “Every memory from that time has shaped the way I see the world and how I carry myself. My parents’ sacrifices and the hardships I’ve seen are a constant reminder to be grateful and to treat every person with empathy and respect.”
A Path of Reinvention
At just 20 years old, Hai and her husband launched their own financial brokerage. It was a bold leap, and she still remembers the defining moment: “I managed to secure a meeting with a millionaire at a Starbucks. Within 30 minutes, I convinced him to believe in me and my dreams, and we became partners.”
For six years, she built a thriving company before following another passion: beauty. Enrolling in cosmetology school, she graduated valedictorian, all while running her brokerage. “I remember my husband painting the mirrors red for me and my parents showing up to help install the fixtures. It was just a dream at the time, but their belief in me made it a reality.” Her salon quickly grew to a bustling 3,000-squarefoot space with a team of stylists and a community cheering her on.
Around that same time, her mother’s intuition pushed her toward real estate. “She told me she had a feeling I would
be a great real estate agent. As we all know, moms are never wrong.”
Finding Her Place in Real Estate
Nine years ago, Hai stepped into the real estate world. It wasn’t seamless at first—she struggled to find the right training and mentorship— but persistence paid off. With the guidance of her mentor, Mel Bustos, she found her footing. “She was instrumental in helping me get in the right mindset and teaching me how to be the best agent I can be.”
Her perseverance has led to incredible results. In the past year alone, Hai closed 40 deals, launched her own team—Red Letter Realty Group— and co-founded Modish Custom Homes with her husband. She’s also received prestigious recognitions, including Top Producer awards, the Real Producers Award for being a Top 500 Agent, and D Magazine’s Best Real Estate Agent. Yet for Hai, the awards are not the story—they’re the reflection of something deeper.
“My first annual awards ceremony at Monument Realty is something I’ll never forget,” she says. “It wasn’t just about my personal achievements; it was about the power of a supportive community celebrating each other’s success.”
Redefining Success
Through every chapter, Hai’s definition of success has evolved. “It used to be about external achievements: the number of deals closed, the money I made, or the accolades I received. But my perspective has shifted. Now, success is deeply personal. It’s about being happy in everything I do and doing it with the people I love.”
Family is the heartbeat of her story. “My husband has been and will always be my biggest supporter. When the dreams get bigger, so does his cheers for me. My sweet daughter is growing up quickly, and I want to be there for every chapter of her life.”
This balance of professional ambition and personal fulfillment is what drives her daily. “The true measure of my success is not the size of my portfolio, but the quality of the time I can spend with the people I love.”
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Looking ahead, Hai is focused on building her team and mentoring new agents. “Mentorship is a huge passion of mine, and I want to help other agents navigate the market, build their businesses, and achieve their own success.” For her, leadership is not about titles—it’s about lifting others up and leading by example.
She carries with her the lessons from her parents every day. “They didn’t have the opportunities we have today, but they had a dream bigger than themselves: to give my sister and me a chance at a different life. My success is not just my own; it’s a living tribute to the two people who gave up so much so I could have a chance.”
When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, her answer is immediate and heartfelt: “What I want to be remembered for isn’t in a trophy
case or on a top-producer list. My true legacy is about the love I have for my family. Everything I do is fueled by my desire to build a beautiful life for them.”
Hai Hoang’s journey is one of courage, gratitude, and faith in the power of dreams. From humble beginnings to
building businesses, guiding families into homes, and mentoring others, she embodies a spirit of resilience and instills pride in those who matter most—her family. Hai’s story is not just about real estate—it’s about building something greater: a life of purpose and legacy.
Photo by Rebecca Sanabria Photographs
Lisa
MASTERING THE CIRCUS
When you sit down with Lisa Johnson Juden, you can tell almost immediately that she’s someone who loves people, thrives on connection, and finds joy in the unexpected turns of life. For 25 years, she’s been helping families across North Dallas find their place to call home, but real estate is only part of her story. Behind her warm smile and boundless energy lies a journey filled with an unmistakable drive to keep reinventing herself.
JOHNSON JUDEN
Born and raised in Irving, Lisa grew up in the Dallas area and has deep roots here. “I even attended college at UNT,” she recalls, where her days were filled with leadership and community. From dancing in The Nutcracker for eight years with the Irving Ballet to being class president and homecoming queen her senior year, Lisa seemed destined to step into roles where people naturally gravitate toward her.
Her path into real estate wasn’t immediate, though. In college, she worked at Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound as a beverage cart girl, a job she remembers fondly. “Funny story—in 2000, I was nominated as the best beverage cart girl of the year and was featured on the cover of Avid Golf Magazine,” she says with a laugh. That same year, her time at Bridlewood took a dramatic turn when a stray golf ball shattered her windshield and left her with 13 stitches. “After that, I knew it was time to retire,” she admits.
But even in that chapter, fate was steering her toward her future. A regular at the golf club, Tim Spurgeon, pointed her toward an interview with Huntington Homes. “I had just graduated from UNT and was asking everyone on the course for job referrals. Tim was a sales counselor at Huntington, and that’s how I landed my first role in real estate.”
From her very first closing, Lisa knew she had found her place. “I remember when I first got paid after a big closing. I had never had that much come to me at one time. I took my whole family out to eat, then went and bought a Coach purse.” That
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY HEADSHOT EXECUTIVE LLC
memory—equal parts celebration and gratitude—still reminds her of why she fell in love with the business.
Of course, real estate isn’t always easy. Lisa admits that 2008 tested her strength. “The market was terrible, and I had to go back to cocktailing because nobody was buying or selling a home. I felt like I was going backwards.” Still, her perseverance carried her through. Within a year or two, she was back on track, ready to take on the next season.
Now, after two and a half decades in the business, Lisa has not only built a thriving career but also found new ways to give back. One of her proudest achievements is writing her book, Mastering Your Circus. “I loved creating it. My mom is a beautiful writer and has written six novels, and I always wanted to write a book. I never thought I would, and then it just happened,” she says. From start to finish, the project took about nine months. “It was a blast to put together, and I am so thankful that I got a chance to write it.”
Her passion for sharing knowledge didn’t stop with the book. Lisa recently created a one-hour CE class for agents, also called Mastering Your Circus, which was approved by both Texas REALTORS® and CCAR. “I never thought I would be an instructor. Who knew teaching would be so fun!” she beams. Standing in front of a room of peers, guiding them through the ups and downs of real estate, has become one of her most unexpected joys.
Through it all, Lisa’s definition of success has shifted. “I used to think success was all about making money, but now it’s
“I USED TO THINK SUCCESS WAS ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY, BUT NOW IT’S HOW HAPPY I AM.”
how happy I am,” she reflects. Marrying her husband Edward at 42, instantly becoming a step-mom to his three beautiful daughters, Lauren, Brooke and Taylor, and then becoming a grandma to Baby Blair last year, and building a career rooted in relationships have changed her perspective. “I am proud of who I have become today and all the hard work I have put into my business over the last couple decades.”
Lisa’s career is decorated with recognition—Best Real Estate Agent in D Magazine, Top Producer honors, Triple Star Producer, and even a feature on House Hunters in 2019. Within her Ebby Halliday office, she is often awarded the Spirit Award and the Go-Giver Award, testaments to her generosity and team spirit. Yet for her, the truest rewards aren’t trophies. “My clients always turn into my friends forever,” she says.
Outside of real estate, Lisa’s life is as full as ever. She loves golf, tennis, traveling, and throwing parties, but above all, she treasures her time with family and friends. “I have about 50
close friends, so trying to keep up with them is crazy,” she laughs. Becoming “Grandma LeLe” has added a new chapter of joy. “I went from doing IVF to becoming a grandma in five years. God knew what He was doing.”
Looking ahead, Lisa continues to set goals that keep her motivated—staying in the top 10 of her office, making the
company’s Honor Roll, and of course, selling, selling, selling. But beyond the numbers, her mission is simple: “Always helping people and going above and beyond for my clients.”
It’s a fitting legacy for someone who has mastered not just the circus of real estate, but the beautiful, unpredictable circus of life itself.
