



Preferred Partner Index Meet the Team
Publisher’s Note By the Numbers
Rising Star: Chalamaine Armstrong
Preferred Partner Spotlight: Structured Foundation Repairs & Roofing Systems
Cover Story: Ryan Enos
Preferred Partner Spotlight: HomeTown Lending
Power Couple: Kim and Kris Drees
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!
ATTORNEY
Silvas Law, PC (817) 264-7447 silvaslaw.com
BUILDER
Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
BUSINESS COACHING
Igniteyou90.com
Business Coaching
MIchelle Ozymy (214) 534-8758 igniteyou90.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR
Structured Foundation Repairs (972) 484-1200 structuredfoundation.com
HOME INSPECTION
Endeavor Real Estate Inspections
Chris Carathers (817) 726-5333 endeavorinspect.com
Greenworks Inspections and Engineering (832) 209-7199 greenworksinspections.com
HomeTeam Inspection Service (972) 400-7034 HomeTeam-DFW.com
Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com
Semper Fi Home Inspections, Inc. (682) 351-2267
SemperFiHomeInspections.com
HOME STAGING
Dream Haus Staging (214) 997-4664 dreamhausstaging.com
HOME WARRANTY
Achosa Home Warranty (817) 933-8707 www.achosahw.com
HVAC
GC Legacy (214) 954-7851 gclegacyconstruction.com
INSURANCE
Century Insurance Agency (972) 539-4300 ciaauto.com
Jason Ridley Agency (817) 281-4500 jasonridleyagency.com
MORTGAGE LENDING
All Western Mortgage
Lori Kolbye (817) 980-2228 apply.awmtoday.com/#? signup?referrerId=lkolbye %40allwestern.com
Cherry Creek Mortgage (817) 709-4683 NunisLending.com
Edge Home Finance (972) 333-7360 NicktheBroker.com
MPA Home Loans -
Drew Ramsey (817) 269-4030 ramseyhomeloans.com
NEXA Mortgage (817) 201-1147 Nouri-mortgage.com
VIP Mortgage
Brian Shatto (817) 479-2808 vipmtg.com/brian
MOVING SERVICES
Black Tie Moving Tyler Coleman (512) 605-7328 blacktiemoving.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Desiree Roberts Photography (972) 998-3133 DesireeRoberts.com
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
HomeSmiles, Northeast Tarrant County (817) 395-9795 netc.homesmiles.com
RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL LENDER Hometown Lending (972) 322-4472 hometownlend.com
ROOFING
CLC Roofing Inc. (817) 416-7663 clcroofing.com
Deluxe Roofing & Construction (817) 247-8628 deluxeroofingdfw.com
K&M Services, Roofing & Construction (817) 918-3940 kmservicepro.com
PROCO Roofing
Megan Valentine (817) 975-1403 procoroof.com
ROOFING & SOLAR
Rankin Roofing & Solar LLC (469) 952-9151 rankinroofingandsolar.com
Structured Foundation Repairs (972) 484-1200 structuredfoundation.com
TITLE COMPANY
Independence TitleSchultz & Kellar
Matt Schultz (817) 308-3606 IndependenceDFW.com
McKnight Title (817) 500-4146 www.mcknighttitle.com
Texas Secure Title (817) 519-8800 texassecuretitle.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
WINDOWS
Glass Guru Southlake (817) 424-3500 theglassguru.com/southlake
Want to pitch, nominate or share a really cool story with our readers? Scan the QR code to share with our Publisher.
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.
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Hey Friends,
Last year, AI was the hot topic—something everyone talked about but few fully understood. Fast forward to mid-2025, and let me be clear: the game has changed.
The agents who took AI seriously last year? They’re the ones pulling ahead today.
They’re not glued to their screens 14 hours a day. They’re not buried in emails or scrambling for content ideas. Instead, they’re closing deals, booking referrals, and actually enjoying their weekends—because AI is handling the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
It’s writing listing descriptions, generating marketing campaigns, editing videos, managing social media, analyzing market data, and even teeing up client follow-ups. And it’s doing it faster, cleaner, and more consistently than most teams can do manually.
But here’s what it’s not doing: replacing great agents.
Because what AI can’t do—and probably never will—is replace your instincts, your hustle, and your human connection. The
best agents are the ones who know how to use AI to enhance their edge, not dull it.
The message here? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start using AI. You just need to be curious and willing to explore the tools that are already out there. Play around. Take messy action. Ask other agents what’s working for them. You don’t need to master everything—just start somewhere. Because the agents who continue to ignore AI will slowly lose time, traction, and relevance. And the ones who lean in? They’ll look back a year from now and wonder how they ever worked without it.
This industry is moving fast. The tools are smarter. The competition is sharper. But so are you—if you’re willing to evolve.
So here’s your nudge: Don’t wait until you’re playing catch-up. AI isn’t the future of real estate. It’s the now.
Let’s keep growing, keep adapting, and keep leading the way—together.
Jordan Espeseth Founder | DFW Real Producers
Congrats on being one of the top 500 and top 1000 real estate agents in North Fort Worth!
Congrats on earning your North Forth Worth Real Producers Top Agent Badge!
Because of your 2024 MLS production, you earned your spot as a 2025 North Dallas Real Producers Top Agent and can represent your badge proudly! Depending on your production will determine if you received the Top 500 or Top 1000. Regardless, that is the top 6% in North Fort Worth!
Missing your badge? Email team@dfwrealproducers.com.
Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge, and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web listings, marketing material... nothing’s off limits!
Our preferred partners have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by your peers and are some of North Dallas’ most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!
Angela Kreig Senior Director of Business Development
Here’s What North Fort Worth’s Top 500 Agents Sold...
AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT $19,431,137 34.1
AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT
$9,715,568,331 17,054 SALES VOLUME TOTAL TRANSACTIONS
When you meet Chalamaine Renee Armstrong, you quickly realize she’s not just selling homes—she’s sowing seeds of legacy. With a big-hearted smile and an energy that fills the room, Chalamaine is the kind of real estate professional who leaves a lasting impression. But beneath her warm demeanor is a relentless work ethic and a deep passion for serving the community—qualities that have already earned her top recognition in the North Fort Worth area after just two years in the business.
“I’ve always been in sales,” she shares. “From working at JCPenney to Nordstrom, and even as a makeup artist—I’ve always loved working with people.” Born in the Midwest and raised between Washington and California, Chalamaine’s early life was immersed in public-facing roles. That love for connection is what ultimately guided her toward real estate, a career she describes as a “natural transition” from her work as a loan officer.
It’s clear that helping people is not just a bullet point on her resume—it’s her calling. “I love serving the community and helping people see their dreams,” she says. Now a proud agent with BK Real Estate and a part of the KissWealthNow team, Chalamaine is leveraging her dual experience as a loan officer and real estate agent to create a unique and empowering client experience.
One of her biggest passions? Helping families qualify for down payment assistance. “Homeownership should be affordable for everyone,” she says firmly. “It’s not just about closing deals— it’s about helping families build wealth and create something lasting.”
That mission to help others has already brought powerful results. In her very first full year as an agent, Chalamaine was the second top producer at her brokerage and was named to the Top 500 for RPR. “That recognition meant so
much,” she says, “because it proved that consistency, faith, and hard work really do pay off.”
But success hasn’t come without its challenges. “Being directionally challenged and living by my GPS,” she jokes, “That’s real!” On a more serious note, she adds, “The biggest challenge is understanding that when you’re selfemployed, you work harder—and the results aren’t always instant. You have to stay faithful and keep pressing. Because of my faith, I’ve never given up on me.”
Faith is a cornerstone of Chalamaine’s life and business. It’s what fuels her perseverance and helps her overcome the long days and late nights that often come with the territory. “Success,” she reflects, “is realizing that you are able to help families with the largest purchase of their life. To serve them—and then have them tip you with a referral. That’s the real win.”
Her family is a big part of her “why.” She speaks with gratitude about their love and support, and she’s honored that they trust her with their own real estate needs. “My family is big, and they
support my business,” she says. “It’s a true honor that they believe in me.”
While many agents focus solely on luxury clients or high-volume deals, Chalamaine makes it a point to serve those often overlooked. “I help the underdog,” she says proudly. “People that most agents won’t help—I’m there for them. I want to be remembered for that.”
She’s also a firm believer in the power of authenticity. “Market you,” she advises up-and-coming agents. “Be your authentic self and watch your business grow.” Her branding and marketing skills, especially on social media, are key to her growing success—and a differentiator that keeps her top of mind with clients and peers alike.
Real estate has changed my life. It’s helped me reach my personal goals—buying investment properties, paying off debt—but more than that, it’s given me the chance to be present with people.”
Outside of real estate, Chalamaine brings that same vibrance and curiosity to life. “I love to sing and dance,” she says with a laugh. “And I’m a total adventurer—I’ve gone skydiving, river rafting… I love the outdoors. Just don’t ask me to swim. I still need to learn!” she adds, grinning.
Looking ahead, her goals are as bold as her personality: “I want to close 75 transactions this year.” With her drive, it’s not hard to imagine that milestone within reach. But more than the numbers, it’s the impact she’s after. “Helping families create a legacy—that’s what matters most.”
She sees a bright future for Dallas-Fort Worth as well. “I love how diverse it is,”
she says. “With so many Fortune 500 companies and Universal coming to our area, the growth here is only going to continue. It’s an exciting place to be.”
And for Chalamaine, that means more opportunities to serve, to lead, and to leave her mark on the community she cares so deeply about.
“Real estate has changed my life,” she reflects. “It’s helped me reach my
personal goals—buying investment properties, paying off debt—but more than that, it’s given me the chance to be present with people. To look them in the eyes, to listen, and to help them move forward.”
In a fast-paced industry that often feels transactional, Chalamaine Armstrong brings heart, hustle, and humanity to every interaction. And that’s exactly how she’s building a legacy of her own.
Lori partners with experienced REALTORS to create clear solu�ons for homebuyers, even in challenging market condi�ons.
Her vast lending por�olio of products offers unparalleled flexibility to buyers that other lenders must decline.
· Maximizing Buyers op�ons so they can pivot in today’s market
· High touch communica�on from Contract to Close
· Trusted, referral-worthy experience your clients will remember
· Residen�al
· Commercial
· Reverse Mortgages
· Hard Money
In an industry where trust can often be hard to come by, Structured Foundation Repairs & Roofing Systems stands out for one simple reason: integrity. That word comes up often when talking with incoming CEO Rich Bartel—and it’s not just a buzzword. It’s the beating heart of the company’s culture, its operations, and its future.
“We exist to serve others by engaging problems with integrity, equipping and empowering with clear solutions, and earning lasting trust,” Rich explains. That mission isn’t just posted on a wall; it’s something lived out every day by a team that has helped more than 35,000 clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Founded by Tom Kidd in 2003, Structured was born from a desire to be a trustworthy, ethical presence in a field that often lacked both. “Tom realized quickly that the industry was not well respected,” Rich shares. “He believed the residents of DFW deserved an honest option when it came to foundation
repair.” With his engineering degree from Texas A&M and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Tom created something rare—an organization built to last. “Do the Right Thing” became the company’s north star, a motto faithfully followed from day one.
Today, Tom is passing the torch to Rich, a former professional athlete and communications graduate from Tarleton State, who’s taking on the mantle of CEO with humility and vision. “My goal this year is to make the transition from Tom to myself as seamless as possible,” Rich says. “Following in the footsteps of such an incredible legacy is a challenge, but it’s also an honor.”
That legacy is deeply rooted in service. Structured doesn’t just repair foundations and replace roofs—it gives clients peace of mind. “We’re most passionate about solving people’s problems and stewarding their resources in a way that ensures they’ll never regret choosing us,” Rich says.
“About half of our five-star reviews come from what we call ‘no problems.’ We aren’t afraid to tell people they don’t have an issue. That’s how we earn longterm trust.”
Structured specializes in commercial and residential foundation repair and roof replacement, along with drainage correction and concrete services, including lifting, repair, and replacement. And yet, what makes them truly unique isn’t just what they do—it’s how they do it. “Our three differentiators are our people, process, and partnership,” Rich explains. “The quality of individuals here, the world-class processes we’ve built, and the way we partner with our clients—it all adds up to a service experience that’s second to none.”
And there’s one other major distinction: Structured is 100% employee-owned. “That means everyone you encounter here has a stake in the outcome,” Rich says. “There’s a higher level of care because we’re all in this together.”
“We reinforce those values by defining reality, setting expectations, and solving problems responsibly. When done right, we believe we’re the most logical choice in an unregulated industry.”
That spirit of unity extends to their education efforts as well. Structured offers free 1-hour and 3-hour CE classes for real estate agents, teaching them how to get to the closing table while navigating foundation challenges. It’s just one more way they live out their belief in serving others with the highest intent.
“We define success as people feeling cared for because they’ve experienced our desire to serve them at the highest level,” Rich says. “Top producers value
customer service and satisfaction. We reinforce those values by defining reality, setting expectations, and solving problems responsibly. When done right, we believe we’re the most logical choice in an unregulated industry.”
Tom agrees, and his influence continues to shape the company’s direction. A Navy brat who settled in DFW in 1974, Tom brought a meticulous, engineeringminded approach to Structured’s services. His passion still shines through,
especially when he talks about his family. “My wife, Tina, and I have two daughters attending Auburn University,” he shares. “We love golfing together and traveling as a family.”
Family is a shared priority for Rich as well. “My wife and I have six children, and we’re a tight-knit bunch,” he says. “We love being together, staying active, and doing life with others.” When he’s not leading Structured, Rich enjoys moments of silence and solitude, quality time with his wife, and maintaining a healthy perspective. “I believe life is highly integrated. There’s no such thing as work-life balance—it’s about seasons and cycles. When I’m a healthy husband, I’m a better leader and father. I surround myself with a close community to help me see blind spots and stay grounded.”
That authenticity—acknowledging both the challenges and rewards of leadership—makes Rich a CEO to watch. He’s not trying to simply fill shoes; he’s building upon a foundation of trust, character, and service to create something even more impactful.
“I love this quote: ‘We have the best problems’—said by a grateful person,” Rich says with a smile. It speaks to the mindset he brings to Structured: Challenges are opportunities when approached with purpose.
Being part of the Real Producers community only reinforces that mindset. “Winners love being surrounded by winners,” Rich notes. “Being with like-minded individuals who set the standard and dictate the tempo of an industry is what fosters transformative growth—both personally and professionally.”
With leadership like Rich’s and a legacy like Tom’s, it’s clear that Structured Foundation Repairs & Roofing Systems isn’t just fixing cracks in walls—it’s helping people feel secure in their homes and confident in their choices.
And they’re doing it the right way. Always.
SOME PEOPLE STUMBLE INTO REAL ESTATE. OTHERS ARE CALLED. FOR RYAN ENOS, ASSOCIATED BROKER AT COMPASS REAL ESTATE AND LEADER OF THE ENOS GROUP, THE JOURNEY WASN’T PLANNED, BUT IT’S BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF PROVIDENTIAL.
“I got licensed in 2013 because a friend and great agent, JT Hardcastle, approached me at a holiday event,” Ryan recalls. “I was working full time and pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling. My plan was to sell a few homes to pay off student loans. I didn’t realize it would become a fulfilling career. God had plans for me that I did not know!”
That quiet invitation sparked a fire. And what started as a side hustle soon became a life’s calling.
Growing up in Highland Village and later attending Marcus High School, Ryan went on to play college baseball at Dallas Baptist University. That athletic drive would serve him well in his next chapter—playing professionally in the Detroit Tigers organization for two seasons. However, it wasn’t until he transitioned from the ballfield to the world of academics—working as a recruiter and academic advisor at DBU—that his skill set for guiding others began to take deeper root.
Today, Ryan brings that same intentionality and care to every client he serves.
“I absolutely love solving problems for people,” he says. “My job allows me to be part of people’s lives during some of their most important moments—some joyful, some painful. I consider that a sacred calling.”
Whether a family is celebrating a new baby, grieving the loss of a loved one, or navigating the complexities of a divorce, Ryan approaches every situation with a steady hand and a servant’s heart. His measure of success? “I am successful to the degree that I am a blessing to those that the Lord has put into my life.”
That heart for others isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the foundation of his business
philosophy. “Take care of people first. Grow your business in the service of others. Always be asking how you can help. Let others talk about you; don’t talk about yourself.”
It’s no surprise, then, that the Enos Group is known for raising the bar in client service. Ryan and his business partner, Collin Roberts, are constantly rethinking the client experience—before, during, and after the transaction.
“We are trying to add excellence to our customer journey at every step, creating more value for our clients at each stage.”
Their pursuit of excellence goes beyond real estate deals. This year, Ryan and Collin launched a podcast called Principal(ed) —a platform where they interview top-producing agents from across the nation to glean wisdom from those building ethical, client-first businesses. “It’s been a fun
passion project that’s helped us identify ways we can do more for our clients by learning from the best.”
When asked what sets him apart from other agents, Ryan doesn’t boast about volume or accolades— though there are plenty. He’s been named a Top Producer by D Magazine, 360 West, and Fort Worth Magazine among others. He was also honored as a MetroTex 40 Under 40 and a RealTrends Top Producer. But none of those awards drive his purpose.
“I want to be remembered for putting my clients first, even when it’s inconvenient for me.”
That humility carries over to how he speaks of his
team. His respect for Collin is palpable. “He’s one of the best agents around and a man of tremendous work ethic and integrity. We sharpen one another, and he’s made me better at my job. He’s a true partner in this business.”
And then there’s Rylee McMaster, his chief of staffturned-agent. “Watching her launch into her own career has been an honor. I absolutely expect her to outproduce me one day.”
The strength of his team is echoed at home. Ryan and his wife, Taylor, have been married for nearly 15 years. Their journey began with less than $1,000 in their bank account and $80,000 in student loans. Ryan
THIS BUSINESS HAS GIVEN ME A WAY TO SERVE OTHERS MEANINGFULLY, PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY, AND INVEST MY TIME INTO THE PEOPLE I CARE MOST ABOUT.”
was making less than $900 a month playing baseball at the time. “It was challenging, but it was beautiful,” he reflects. “She and I are an incredible team. I tried to quit real estate in my second year, and she’s the reason I stuck with it. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her.”
Together, they’re raising two boys—Ransom (8) and Hawkins (4). When he’s not serving clients, you’ll likely find Ryan coaching his sons’ baseball teams, tackling a
CrossFit workout, or deep in a good book.
Despite all that he’s accomplished, Ryan remains grounded. “I’m just so blessed to do what I do,” he says. “This business has given me a way to serve others meaningfully, provide for my family, and invest my time into the people I care most about.”
Ryan Enos is a welcome reminder that success built on service is the most lasting kind of all.
There is one factor in the real estate business that remains constant: trust. For Aryan Jafarzadeh, founder and owner of Hometown Lending, trust isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of his business. Over the last five years, Aryan has built a lending company that prioritizes integrity, problem-solving, and customer service—qualities that set Hometown Lending apart from the competition. As he puts it, “At the end of the day, REALTORS® want to send business to people they can trust. We are here and ready to help.”
Aryan’s journey into mortgage lending wasn’t a traditional one. Born and raised in Dallas, he grew up in Plano and later attended the University of North Texas, where his love for numbers developed. With a master’s degree in taxation, he was well-versed in the financial world but yearned for a more personal impact. His desire to help people achieve their dream of homeownership led him to mortgage lending, a field where his skills and passion converged.
“I’ve always been a numbers guy,” Aryan shares. “But what drives me now is seeing homeowners who didn’t qualify before finally getting into their dream home.” He describes the mortgage lending process as both a challenge and a reward, highlighting that every loan presents its own set of unique circumstances. Hometown Lending doesn’t shy away from tough cases,
often working with clients whose credit scores are as low as 500. “We are a lender for every type of client. We’re an ‘all-in-one lender,’” he says.
The Heart of Hometown Lending
Hometown Lending isn’t just another mortgage company; it’s a brand built on integrity and hard work. Aryan has assembled a team of 18 loan officers and four operations professionals who share his vision of transparency, customer service, and problem-solving. The team works with a wide variety of clients, from residential to commercial and investors and selfemployed individuals to veterans and those seeking FHA and jumbo loans.
“Our brand is an honest brand,” Aryan explains. “We have passionate individuals here, and we’re ready to serve the top-producing agents in DFW. REALTORS® and clients alike want to know they can trust the people they work with, and that’s what we’re here to provide.”
This dedication to honesty and problem-solving makes Hometown Lending an essential part of any REALTOR’®s network. Aryan and his team go above and beyond to ensure their clients not only understand the lending process but are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. “Having a lender who can problem-solve any situation to get them qualified is key. We make sure to put our best foot forward for them every time,” he says.
and achieving $1 billion in production. “We’re always looking ahead,” he says. “We’re excited about what the future holds.”
In addition to his business goals, Aryan is also working on launching a podcast specifically for REALTORS®, providing insights and strategies for navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape. This is just another way Aryan and his team are positioning themselves as problem-solvers and trusted partners in the industry.
What makes Hometown Lending stand out is the team’s commitment to being available, transparent, and solutionsoriented. “Our availability and problem-solving skills, combined with great rates and our variety of products, set us apart,” Aryan explains. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Hometown Lending ensures each client receives the same level of dedication and service.
In a competitive industry, where top-producing agents need reliable partners, Hometown Lending continues to prove itself as a lender agents can depend on. With a focus on integrity, hard work, and passion, Aryan Jafarzadeh and his team are building more than just a business—they’re building relationships that last.
While Aryan has built a thriving business, he remains grounded by his family. Married in 2021, Aryan and his wife are parents to two young children—a 2.5-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. Outside of work, he is a dedicated family man who spends most of his free time with his wife and kids.
“When I’m not working, I’m with my family,” Aryan shares. “It’s all about finding balance between work and home life.” Balancing the demands of a growing business with family life is a challenge, but Aryan’s strong sense of purpose helps him stay focused on his goals.
In addition to family, Aryan’s love for soccer—a passion passed down from his father and uncle, both professional players— remains a key part of his life. Growing up playing for FC Dallas, Aryan learned the value of teamwork and dedication, lessons that have carried over into his business endeavors. He also is able to enjoy the occasional golf game when time allows.
Looking ahead, Aryan has ambitious goals for Hometown Lending. Professionally, he aims to grow his branch to $300 million in production this year and personally, he’s setting his sights on reaching $100 million. Over the next five years, Aryan envisions expanding Hometown Lending to five different states
Kim and Kris Drees are no strangers to the ups and downs. But long before they were known as The Drees Team —a dynamic duo helping families achieve their homeownership dreams in North Fort Worth—their journey was one rooted in faith, grit, and the kind of partnership forged through life’s hardest seasons.
“We met online before it was even popular,” Kim recalls with a laugh. She was 25, working on her associate’s degree, and Kris was 23, finishing his bachelor’s. What began as a friendship quickly turned into something more. “Once we figured out we were meant to be, we dated for two weeks, got engaged, and were married six months later.”
This September, the couple will celebrate 23 years of marriage—a milestone not just of time but of shared trials and victories. Along the way, they’ve raised five children, moved across multiple states, endured sudden career shifts, and leaned hard into their faith to keep going.
After tying the knot, the Dreeses moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where Kris pursued his Master of Divinity. Six years, three kids, and one degree later, they moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where Kris took on his first pastoral role. Their family grew to include two more daughters before a new calling brought them to Haltom City, Texas, in 2015.
Kim stayed home with the kids—“Five kids in daycare would be crazy expensive,” she jokes—while Kris supported the family through ministry. But in 2017, with the cost of raising a large family climbing, Kim looked for part-time work. She “stumbled into real estate” and started slow, closing just one deal her first year. Yet something about the business stuck. It felt like another way to serve, to connect, to guide.
Then, in 2019, everything changed.
“Kris’s ministry abruptly ended,” Kim shares. “We lost our church, our church family, and even the home we lived in.”
With five kids and nowhere to go, the situation could’ve broken them. But Kim, ever resourceful, found a rental home nearby. They squeezed their family of seven into a three-bedroom house in North Richland Hills.
Kris jumped into the restaurant industry, working grueling 80-hour weeks just to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Kim’s real estate business was picking up speed—too much for her to manage alone. “He was killing himself, and I couldn’t keep up,” Kim remembers. That’s when they made a bold decision: Kris would get his real estate license.
He passed the test in March of 2020—right before the pandemic shut everything down.
With all five kids suddenly home and homeschooling underway, the Dreeses pivoted yet again. “Real estate was considered essential,” Kim says. “So I worked out showing homes, and Kris stayed home, homeschooled the kids, and handled the backend of our transactions.”
Since then, the two have built a thriving business, fueled by resilience and a genuine love for helping others. “We’ve always had hearts to serve,” Kris says. “Real estate has become a way to do just that.”
Their shared faith continues to guide them. Where Kris once served from the pulpit, today he officiates weddings—and even funerals—for clients who’ve become like family. It’s one more way they’ve blended ministry with real estate, staying true to their roots while adapting to a new mission field.
“We’ve always had hearts to serve. Real estate has become a way to do just that.”
They don’t shy away from the challenges. “I hate the highs and lows of living on 100% commission,” Kim admits. “It definitely makes budgeting a challenge!” Still, the rewards outweigh the risks. “When Kris was a pastor, there were times we could barely afford food. Now, we don’t have to worry about providing.”
Their passion shines through in the way they work with firsttime buyers, helping renters transition into homeownership. “That’s one of my greatest joys,” Kim says. “I started in leasing, so seeing people make that leap is deeply personal.”
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The Drees Team has been recognized among the top agents with Real Producers three years running, and they were invited to partner with American Dream TV. Kris also serves as the president of the Birdville School Board—a role that underscores their ongoing commitment to community.
With a career volume topping $64 million and $15.7 million in sales last year alone, their success speaks for itself. But they’re not content to coast. This year, they aim to help 75 more families reach their real estate goals. And personally? “I want to finally achieve my health goals,” says Kim. Kris, always the learner, wants to master SEO.
They don’t have much downtime—“We work 24/7!”—but when the rare opportunity arises, they love to travel. And despite the demands of their business, their greatest source of pride will always be their kids: Hannah, Sam, Lily, Bella, and Lydia—each chasing dreams of their own, shaped by the example of parents who never gave up.
Asked what advice they’d give to up-and-coming agents, Kim is quick to respond: “Keep going! It will take a lot of grit and determination, but things will eventually turn around.”
At the end of the day, what sets them apart isn’t just experience—it’s heart. “I’m like a bulldog,” Kim laughs. “I will do what it takes to get what my clients need.” But it’s not about transactions. It’s about legacy. “We want to be remembered for our heart for our clients and our tenacity. We don’t take no for an answer.”
From Springfield to Fort Worth, through calling and crisis, ministry and market shifts, Kim and Kris Drees have proven one thing time and again: resilience, when paired with purpose, can weather any storm.
And for the families who cross their path, that’s more than real estate—it’s real life.
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