North Fort Worth Real Producers - June 2026 by DFW Real Producers

Brad Cook

PHOTO BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY

Clay Jenkins & Veritas Roofing

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

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

BUSINESS COACHING

Igniteyou90.com

Business Coaching

MIchelle Ozymy (214) 534-8758 igniteyou90.com

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Partners in Building (214) 235-6814 partnersinbuilding.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

Structured Foundation Repairs (972) 484-1200 structuredfoundation.com

GARAGE DOORS

Meadows Garage Doors (817) 909-3560 meadowsgaragedoors.com

HOME INSPECTION

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

Viking Inspections (469) 209-8130 vikinginspections.com

HOME RENOVATION & REPAIR

Prep To Close

Taylor McKinney (469) 771-6613 preptoclose.com

HOME STAGING

Dream Haus Staging (214) 997-4664 dreamhausstaging.com

HOME WARRANTY

Achosa Home Warranty (817) 933-8707 www.achosahw.com

American Home Shield

Heather Waddle (214) 897-5293 PRO.AHS.com

HVAC

GC Legacy (214) 954-7851 gclegacyconstruction.com

INSURANCE

Farmers Insurance - Allen Insurance Agency (817) 345-0155 youragentonthego.com

Goosehead Insurance -

Ben Jones Agency (972) 889-9112 goosehead.com/agents/tx/ flower-mound/ben-jones/

Jason Ridley Agency (817) 281-4500 jasonridleyagency.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

Cherry Creek Mortgage (817) 709-4683

NunisLending.com

Dream Home Lending24 dreamhomelending.com

Edge Home Finance (972) 333-7360

NicktheBroker.com

VIP Mortgage

Brian Shatto (817) 479-2808 vipmtg.com/brian

MOVING SERVICES

Black Tie Moving

Tyler Coleman (822) 920-2966 blacktiemoving.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Desiree Roberts Photography (972) 998-3133 DesireeRoberts.com

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

HomeSmiles, Northeast Tarrant County (817) 395-9795 netc.homesmiles.com

REAL ESTATE

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

Signature Real Estate Media (972) 972-9346 signaturerealestatemedia.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

PROCO (817) 975-1403 procoroof.com

T-Rock Roofing & Contracting (469) 931-9867 dallasroofer.com

Veritas Roofing (817) 455-4552

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

Meet Team

Have an Idea?

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.

Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner

Reece Gentry Partner Liaison

Rick Davis Videographer

Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison

Desiree Roberts Photographer

Beth Graeme Photographer

Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner

Katherine Fondren Editor

Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist

Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director

WHY CHOOSE OUR PRE-LISTING & CLOSING PACKAGES DESIGNED FOR YOUR SUCCESS?

• Cleaner Inspections

• Pre-Sale Prep

• One-Stop Shop for Home Maintenance Services

• Making Listings Marketable & Manageable

EVERYONE YOU ADMIRE IS STILL FIGURING IT OUT

One of the most surprising things about being around top producers year after year is realizing how many of them still feel like they’re figuring things out.

Seriously.

You sit down with someone doing $15 million, $30 million, or a team leader doing $100 million a year in production and think, “Okay, this person has to have it all dialed in by now.” But the truth is,

a lot of them are still asking themselves the same questions everyone else is.

Can I sustain this? Am I building this the right way? Am I falling behind? Should I be using more AI? Hiring differently? Structuring my team better? Working less? Working more?

Some are coming off the best year of their career and quietly wondering if they can replicate it. Others have been

doing this at a high level for 15 years and still battle insecurity, comparison, pressure, or imposter syndrome from time to time.

The longer I’m around high performers, the more I realize confidence and certainty are not the same thing. And honestly, I think that’s important to remember in an industry like real estate where there can be a lot of pressure to always look like you have it all together.

But the truth is, we all succeed in some areas and struggle in others. None of us have every part of life perfectly dialed in. And that’s okay. In fact, I think growth happens a lot faster when we stop pretending otherwise. When we can be honest, humble, authentic, ask questions, learn from each other, and admit we’re still growing too.

One of my favorite things about Real Producers is seeing what happens when people let their guard down a little. Some of the best conversations at our events have nothing to do with production numbers. They’re about family, burnout, leadership, lessons learned, mistakes made, and the realities behind building a business and a life.

That’s where real connection happens.

So yes, be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You should be. What many of you have built is incredibly impressive.

Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers

Real Producers FAQ Real Producers FAQ

Real Producers Magazine is a national franchise that started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 130 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. DFW has four Real Producers Communities: North Dallas, Dallas, North Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Real Producers.

Q: What is the goal of Real Producers?

A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate. We take the highest producing real estate agents, and RP-vetted businesses in every market, and build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, upcoming events, and educate – really anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.

At Real Producers, we believe we are one person, one conversation, or one idea away from everything in our business and life changing. With this powerhouse community, it happens all the time.

Q: How do you become a Real Producers Top Agent?

A: In all of DFW, there are roughly 60,000 licensed agents, meaning there are ~15,000 agents in each of our four communities. We rank all those agents based off their yearly MLS sales volume. In years past, we congratulated the Top 500 Agents, and we still are, but in

2026, we are adding a other groups to our community… all in the RP Top 1000! These agents are in the top 6%.

Q: Who receives Real Producers Magazine?

A: The Top 1000 agents in each community will receive the digital magazine for the year. The Top 500 agents will also receive the magazine physically to their mailbox. Our RP Vetted Businesses also receive the magazine physically and digitally.

Q: Can I be featured?

A: If you are in the Top 1000, you have the opportunity to be featured! We love nominations and take them seriously. If you’d like to be considered for a feature, or if you would like to nominate someone, you can email team@ dfwrealproducers.com.

Q: What does it cost to be featured as an RP Top Agent?

A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. How, you ask? Because of the businesses that your peers have recommended, who partner with Real Producers, and invest in this community to support you. These companies have all been recommended by top agents and have been vetted by us to ensure they are of the highest quality. So instead of you paying $5k - $10k for this feature…they cover all those costs for you! Pretty incredible, right?

Q: Does Real Producers host events?

A: Yes, we host many different events throughout the year! Some large 400-800 people, some 75-250 people, and other

more intimate events that are 30-50 people. We do Social Events, Magazine Celebration Events, an Awards Gala, and Masterclass Events. You can see quick recaps of some of our events under the “Events” tab on our website.

For our events, we invite the top 1000 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. The Top 1000 agents are allowed to invite agents on their team, as well. These events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connection made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!

Q: Who are the RP Vetted Businesses?

A: They are some of the best businesses in DFW in their category! You can find them listed in our index and their ad in the magazine. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Each business has come recommended by your peers, the top producing real estate agents in the market. Our team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: Can I nominate an agent or recommend a business?

A: Absolutely! Email your nominations and recommendations to team@ dfwrealproducers.com.

YOUR NORTH FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS BADGES

Congrats on being one of the top 500 real estate agents in North Fort Worth!

It is January - and the real estate sales of 2025 are in the books! That means the new North Fort Worth Real Producers Top 500 and 1000 agents’ 2026 is being released! The new list is based on 2025 sales according to the MLS, and as part of this exclusive community of the top 5% real estate agents in North Fort Worth, the top 500 agents will receive the magazine in the mail each month and the top 1000 will receive it digitally. All top 1000 agents will be able to attend our exclusive events for agents and RP preferred partners in the city.

As part of the top agents in North Fort Worth, you will also have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of the Real Producers community.

How did you finish out 2025? Will you make the 2026 list? Check your inbox in January to find out!

We can’t wait to celebrate your success in 2026!

WIN A $250 GIFT CARD!

Scan the QR code to enter now!

Answering a few questions could be worth $250! Take our quick survey (it’s just 1 minute) and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card. Don’t wait. Every month, one lucky winner will be chosen. Will it be you?

Here’s What North Fort Worth’s Top 500 Agents Sold...

AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT $21,180,237 31.56

AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT

$10,568,938,487 15,747 SALES VOLUME TOTAL TRANSACTIONS

Raney

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN

Leading with Heart Angelia

PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

On any given day in Robson Ranch - Denton, you might find Angelia Raney walking through a home with clients, laughing on a pickleball court, or driving across North Texas to meet someone new. No matter where she is, one thing remains consistent: her energy, her authenticity, and her love for people.

For Angelia, real estate is about relationships, trust, and showing up for others in meaningful ways. “My favorite part of real estate is people–100%,” she says. “I’m a people person through and through. I naturally look for connection… I truly love getting to know people.”

That perspective has helped shape her rapid rise in the industry. In just four years, Angelia has built a thriving business as an individual agent with 24Fifteen Realty ERA powered, earning recognition including Hustler of the Year in her first year, Agent of the Year in her office for two consecutive years, and a spot among the Top 500 Agents in North Dallas-Fort Worth. Last year, she closed just shy of $20 million in volume, an achievement she views not as a finish line, but a beginning.

But to understand Angelia’s approach to real estate, you have to look back to her childhood in Oregon.

“I grew up just south of Portland, surrounded by nature: camping, hiking, and breathing in that fresh pine air,”

she recalls. Raised on a small farm, Angelia spent her early years collecting eggs, feeding calves, and learning the value of hard work. Her father, a farmer with a tireless work ethic, became her greatest influence.

“He worked long days, 14 hours a day, six days a week, and still came home with a smile,” she says. “My dad worked hard for every single penny, and he saved every one of them. His frugality was simply who he was. He instilled in me that hard work pays off, and that you earn the right to play once the work is done. He loved people, and his passion was his tractors and the art of the deal: buying and selling equipment. He took so much pride in every transaction, and that passion is something he passed down to all of us.”

Those lessons carried into adulthood, and eventually, into real estate. But first, Angelia spent 25 years in education, primarily teaching kindergarten. The experience shaped her in ways she still relies on today.

“I absolutely fell in love with working with kids…their happiness, energy, and excitement for learning is contagious,” she says. “At the same time, teaching required strong structure, organization, and attention to detail, skills that have transitioned seamlessly into my real estate career.”

Her move to Texas marked a turning point. She arrived without knowing a single person in this state, left

behind a decades-long career, built a new home, and launched her real estate business all at once.

“It was a big life shift,” she says. “But I chose to see it as part of the adventure and growth in this new chapter.”

The mindset of embracing opportunity and saying yes helped Angelia quickly build relationships in her community

at Robson Ranch and across North Texas, including Denison, Lavon, Prosper, Melissa, Weatherford, Plano, Westlake, Trophy Club, Denton, Argyle... and all areas surrounding DFW.

“This career has brought the most incredible humans into my life,” she says. “These aren’t just clients to me; they become relationships and people I truly care about.” Her first transaction

set the tone for everything that followed. After hosting an open house, two firsttime buyers stayed behind to interview her. When they asked how many homes she had sold, she answered honestly: none, except her own. Instead of walking away, they trusted her anyway.

“We all came to the census that we will learn together,” she recalls. “That meant everything to me.”

Together, they toured dozens of homes, navigating Texas heat and mosquitofilled evenings before finding the perfect fit. That experience solidified her confidence and her philosophy.

“It taught me that honesty, hard work, and strong communication matter more than having all the answers,” she says. “I learned that it’s okay to say, ‘Let me find out,’ and truly walk alongside your clients.”

That approach continues to define her business today. Angelia meets clients where they are, whether they need guidance, reassurance, or simply someone to share the journey.

“From first-time homebuyers to those downsizing/upsizing, or moving into their forever home, I want every client to feel supported, confident, and genuinely taken care of,” she says.

One of the most meaningful moments in her career came from a simple act of kindness. After receiving a late-night text from someone she barely met at an open house, Angelia spent an hour gathering property tax information for him late on a Friday night, expecting nothing in return. That relationship led to a significant land transaction in Denison. This was life-changing for her and her career.

“But what made this so meaningful wasn’t the deal, it was Mr. Don Jones,” she says. “He believed in me… and that changed everything. He wanted to sell his land, but did not want it on the market nor list it in the MLS. The hustle in me came out hard as this was a challenge I would conquer. I worked for three years to find a buyer for this unique piece of

From first-time homebuyers to those downsizing/ upsizing, or moving into their forever home, I want every client to feel supported, confident, and genuinely taken care of.”

land that had so much potential. Mr. Jones was not going to use another agent; he put his faith in me to scout the DFW metroplex to find him that one buyer who would see a vision for the property.”

The experience reinforced what Angelia already believed: success isn’t measured only in transactions and dollars; it’s about serving people.

“Today, Success is about alignment,” she explains. “It’s knowing I’m in the right place at the right time, helping the right people.”

Outside of real estate, Angelia’s personality continues to shine. She loves pickleball, concerts, travel, sporting events, and spending time outdoors. Her daughters, Faith and Scout, remain her greatest motivation.

“My girls are my world,” she says. “They inspire me every single day. Faith has joined my team and her dedication and perseverance is paying off. Scout has her Master’s degree in Education and has been recognized as a top 5% producer in her department at her company. My mommy heart is full! I am so incredibly proud of the beautiful women they have become.”

Looking ahead, Angelia plans to expand her business, continuing to grow her commercial real estate prospects, and continue building relationships, all while maintaining the energy and enthusiasm that define her.

At the heart of it all is a simple truth.

“At the end of the day, I love people, I love this business, and I pour that into every single client experience, and I am here to serve others,” she says.

And for Angelia Raney, that’s exactly what makes her an agent on the rise… not just because of her success, but because of the heart behind it.

Clay Jenkins

& Veritas Roofing

Truth Above All

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Clay Jenkins has never followed a conventional path. Living in multiple states and overseas, not to mention decades of professional experience, have shaped not only his leadership style but also his philosophy on business and life. Today, as General Manager of Veritas Roofing, Jenkins leads with a principle he believes is often overlooked: authenticity grounded in truth.

That emphasis on truth is more than a personal belief. It’s embedded in the foundation of Veritas Roofing itself. The name “Veritas,” derived from Latin, means truth. The inspiration for the name originated from founder Johnny Koepp’s high school alma mater, Dallas Bishop Lynch, where the guiding mantra was to seek truth while striving for excellence. Today, that philosophy is not just a name; it’s the standard that guides every decision, every interaction, and every project.

For homeowners, this means clarity instead of confusion, transparency instead of guesswork, and the confidence of knowing the job is being done right the first time.

“‘Veritas’ sets the tone for the type of people we hire, our leadership, our system and processes, and our culture,” Jenkins explains. “It is lived out through what the team calls ‘service with a cause.’ That means taking the time to truly understand each homeowner’s situation, asking the right questions, and delivering solutions with clarity, urgency, and care.”

Based in Fort Worth, Veritas Roofing is a full-service residential and commercial roofing contractor specializing in repairs, replacements, and storm restoration. The company offers free roof inspections for real estate agents, home inspectors, property managers, investors, and homeowners, along with insurance claims assistance through every phase of the restoration process. Their flexible payment structure even allows clients to wait until after a real estate transaction closes before payment is required, an approach designed to reduce stress during already demanding situations.

Yet, for Jenkins and the Veritas team, services alone don’t define the company. Purpose does.

“It’s about solving problems that matter and leaving a situation better than how you found it,” Jenkins says. “Every roof tells a story–storm damage, hidden leaks, aging materials–and I take pride in identifying those issues and delivering real, lasting solutions.”

This commitment to doing things the right way is what drew Jenkins to Veritas in the first place. Before entering the roofing industry 6 years ago, he spent more than 25 years in corporate leadership roles, where discipline, strategic thinking, and operational excellence were essential to success. While serving as Director of Business Development for a financial investment boutique, Jenkins began exploring opportunities within construction. Through conversations with business owners and extensive research, he discovered a gap in the roofing industry: Homeowners were often underserved by inconsistent communication and lack of professionalism.

“They explained to me how much freedom they found outside of a company setting without the politics,” Jenkins recalls. “I had the opportunity to learn about the types of restoration work and it resonated with me.”

As Jenkins studied the industry further, he found that the most successful companies shared a common foundation: strong systems, accountability, and leadership. When he connected with Johnny Koepp, the alignment was immediate. Both believed homeowners deserved more than a transactional contractor experience. They deserved clarity, honesty, and a team fully invested in solving problems the right way.

Together, Johnny and Clay combined their experiences to build a company rooted in both principle and performance. Johnny’s foundation of values and culture, paired with Clay’s structured, process-driven approach, created an organization focused on reliability, communication, and consistency, qualities not always expected in the roofing industry but immediately recognized by clients.

That commitment to transparency begins from the very first conversation. “It is how we treat people from the very beginning, not just as a client, but a human being,” Jenkins explains. “We are designed to tell you the truth about your roof. If your roof is fine, then we will tell you so you have that peace of mind. If you need a repair, we will tell you. If you need a replacement, we will tell you.”

This consultative approach has made Veritas Roofing an ideal partner for top-producing real estate agents, particularly those navigating timesensitive transactions.

“Top real estate agents are looking for partners who make them look good, protect their deals, and remove friction,” Jenkins says. “I am reliable

and deliver inspection reports, estimates, and conclusions in less than 24 hours. If they have questions about services or repairs, I am there to answer them, even on the weekends.”

as it allows me to decompress, gives me time to think in quiet, and reflect on life in general,” he says.

The only thing ever achieved in life without effort is failure.

At the heart of Jenkins’ success is persistence and purpose.

“My biggest reason for my success is my raw persistence, natural joy and enthusiasm, and my purpose of wanting to help people,” he shares. “It is about being aware of where you are and where other people are for a reason. It is about purpose.”

That purpose extends beyond business and into his personal life. For Jenkins, success is measured by the impact he has on those closest to him.

“Success is how well life works for the people that matter most to me, which is my family first,” he says. “It is the ability to consistently provide for them without sacrificing integrity, relationships, and health.”

Outside of work, Jenkins enjoys spending time with his family, often traveling together for football games, reunions, weddings, and overseas trips to Europe every other year. He also finds balance in the outdoors.

“I enjoy archery, golf, and being in the outdoors

Those quiet moments often sharpen his thinking and influence his professional approach. The discipline and focus required in archery mirror the way he approaches challenges–calm, strategic, and intentional.

Despite long workdays, Jenkins prioritizes being present at home. “When I am home in the evenings, I am present for my family and feel the same way about Sundays.”

That same dedication extends to his team at Veritas Roofing, where he works alongside Founder and CEO Johnny Koepp, Production Manager Ed Cohen, Office Manager Kimberlie Alberty, Communications Manager and Estimator Brady McCool, and Director of Commercial Roofing Bobby Donham. Together, they foster a collaborative leadership environment focused on growth and development.

“My biggest goal is to bring new people aboard Veritas Roofing and develop them and lead them,” Jenkins says. “The other goal is to help our team members progress so they can lead others and help them grow.”

Looking ahead, Jenkins hopes to leave a lasting impact, both professionally and personally, by easing stress in real estate transactions and delivering dependable solutions.

“We understand the two biggest stresses of a transaction revolve around time and money,” he says. “This is why we provide same-day roof inspections complete with photos and our findings.”

For Clay Jenkins and the Veritas Roofing team, truth isn’t just part of the brand; it’s the foundation for everything they build. And as Jenkins often reminds himself, guided by his favorite quote: “The only thing ever achieved in life without effort is failure.”

Through authenticity, experience, and purpose, Veritas Roofing continues to raise the standard, proving to be a valuable partner for DFW’s top agents.

REAL LEADERSHIP, REAL OPPORTUNITY

HOW REAL PRODUCERS ARE USING ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP SYSTEMS TO BUILD INFLUENCE, NOT JUST PRODUCTION

There’s a moment in most successful real estate careers when production alone stops being the whole story. Professionals want to teach, advocate, and eventually, a select few will LEAD.

For them, another layer comes into focus—one that is hungry for influence and responsibility. Not just how much you can earn this year, but how durable your business becomes, how far your relationships extend, and whether your impact in the market outlasts any single cycle.

That’s when two different questions start to show up:

What kind of leadership influence can I have in my market? Where do I get the opportunity?

Across Texas, some of the most forwardmoving associations and MLSs are leaning into that exact moment. They are not simply offering education. They are building leadership systems— intentionally designed to develop the people who will help shape their markets next. And educators are frequently the biggest benefactors.

Through innovative products like Rialto Academy’s Board Excellence Series, top-producing real estate leaders are

learning how to gain expertise as board leaders, opening up entirely new levels of leadership opportunity. Learning experiences like this are crucial to leadership success. These leaders gain knowledge on everything from “Robert’s Rules of Order” to “What is the 3-way agreement?” Real skills that a professional board member is expected to know.

They are not waiting for leaders to emerge. They are building them. You are invited, and there is training to help you succeed.

Where Leadership Actually Begins In organizations such as MetroTex Association of REALTORS®, Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®, and Austin Board of REALTORS®, education has become more than support. It is infrastructure—and often the entry point into leadership.

MetroTex CEO Justin Landon, who just led a successful board merger and is renowned for strong board members, puts the role of the association in clear terms:

“At the end of the day, the association is trying to bring organization to what would otherwise be a very chaotic ecosystem. Through leadership

create a path for leaders.”

When education is utilized in this manner, and production leaders are nurtured to become educators and organizational leaders, it doesn’t just transfer knowledge. It creates alignment, sharper professionals, and a group of members who are engaged enough to care about what happens next. These individuals are leaders of the local industry.

The Pipeline Most Agents Don’t See Many board members didn’t begin in leadership roles. They began as engaged educators—teaching classes, contributing to programming, caring

LES MCGEHEE, CHIEF EDUCATION STRATEGIST, RIALTO ACADEMY

about advocacy, and showing up consistently. In many cases, they never stopped. There are board members today who are still active educators, still contributing, still sharpening their perspective.

Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® CEO Suzanne Westrum, following a major and successful merger in Fort Worth that is combining and growing two great communities, underscores this point:

“When you meet a REALTOR®, you meet someone who cares deeply for their community,” Suzanne Westrum said. “REALTORS® are committed to making the Fort Worth area a desirable place to live, whether that’s through advancing the profession or advocating for personal property rights.”

These professionals care to shape cooperation, rules, investment, and the long-term direction of the market itself. And they enjoy gaining leadership skills along the way.

Agents who engage deeply in education—particularly leadershiporiented education—don’t just gain insight. They gain proximity to decisions that matter.

They contribute to conversations around board and MLS structure, policy,

professional standards, investment, and member experience. Over time, they become known not just for production, but for perspective.

More Than Volunteering

It is worth saying plainly: this is not just volunteering.

It includes volunteering. It requires giving time. But if you think this is only about donating hours, you are missing the point—and potentially missing the opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership in your market.

The professionals who step into these roles consistently come out of the experience more connected, more informed, and more effective in their own businesses.

They see the market differently. They understand its mechanics more deeply. They build relationships that don’t exist anywhere else.

And they carry that back into their companies and teams.

Bringing It Back to the Individual At its core, all of this still connects back to the individual professional transacting homes in our markets.

Emily Girard, CEO of the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Unlock MLS, framed that responsibility in practical terms:

“My job is to help them sell one more house—so they can stay in the business and grow their trajectory over time.”

Austin’s board has helped that trajectory span from beginner to amazing board leader, many times, helping members grow through business, engagement, education, advocacy, and developing trained board leadership volunteerism. And offering Rialto’s Board Excellence Series to emerging leaders.

The

Opportunity

Most agents will continue to focus on production, and many will do very well.

But a smaller group will decide to build something more.

They will step into education not only as participants, but as contributors.

They will engage in leadership development early, not later.

They will take seriously the idea that influence carries both opportunity and responsibility.

And over time, they will help shape the direction of their markets— while continuing to grow their own businesses.

The opportunity is there.

A Simple Next Step

If you are ambitious about your growth—not just in production, but in leadership—this is where the path begins.

Start showing up where leadership is being developed. Engage. Contribute. And if you are serious about building that path intentionally, reach out to us for more information.

Les McGehee is Chief Education Strategist at Rialto Academy, the number one provider of localized real estate education, where he works with leading associations and MLSs across North America to develop education and leadership systems that drive member success, engagement, and long-term growth. les@rialtoacademy.com

CookNEVER QUIT

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN

PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY

“I’ve always been a behind-the-scenes guy. I don’t look for recognition. I just try to provide for my family.”

For Brad Cook, success in real estate was never meant to be accidental.

It wasn’t about being in the right place at the right time. It wasn’t about luck, timing, or riding a hot market. From the very beginning, Brad set out to build something intentional. Something calculated. Today, as a

real estate agent with REAL Broker and an agent on the Hershenberg Group in North Fort Worth, his approach reflects exactly that.

“I want people to clearly see that my business is built on strategy, not luck,” Brad explains. “I specialize in repositioning high-end properties that didn’t sell the first time, and that requires a very intentional approach: pricing psychology, narrative, and targeted exposure.”

That level of precision didn’t appear overnight. It was shaped by a lifetime of resilience, especially in his youth.

A Childhood That Built Resilience Brad’s story begins in Fort Worth, though he spent most of his childhood in Southern California. At just 14 months old, his family relocated to San Diego, where he would spend his formative years navigating constant change.

“I went to many schools because my family moved around a lot,” Brad recalls. “I even went to three different high schools and two different tech colleges.”

It wasn’t until later in life that he understood why.

“I found out, as an adult, that we moved around a lot because my parents were not good with paying bills and would get evicted quite a bit. We moved 31 times.”

That instability shaped him early. As a teenager, Brad became independent, balancing school, work, and the freedom he found along the California coastline. But he would have to look from within for encouragement.

“When I wasn’t doing work or school, I would hang out at the beach with my friends a lot and either surf or body board,” he says. “But I was told at an early age that I wouldn’t amount to anything. I was told that I shouldn’t try to better myself because I wouldn’t succeed. Those comments hurt and still affect me today. But instead of making those comments my reality, I chose to be positive and always try to be a little better each day.”

From Corporate Stability to Uncertainty

In 1998, Brad, his wife Sandee, and their three sons (today they have 8!) relocated to Texas. He joined AirTouch Paging alongside his best friend, Dan, and built what would become a long and stable corporate career. When AirTouch became Verizon Wireless in 2000, Brad transitioned into engineering and operations, remaining there for nearly two decades.

“Since then, I have achieved incredible growth each year,” he says.

His business quickly evolved into something more strategic and focused on repositioning high-end listings that had previously failed to sell.

“I structure deals like investments, not just transactions,” Brad explains. “It’s about understanding both the market and human behavior at a high level.”

That stability ended in December 2018 when Verizon offered voluntary separation packages. “I wasn’t going to take it unless I had another place to work,” Brad says.

He left Verizon and transitioned into commercial construction as a project manager, but in March 2020 when COVID hit, Brad found himself unemployed for the first time. That moment became the turning point.

“I decided to pursue my almost life-long dream of real estate,” he explains. “My father-in-law in San Diego sold real estate for many years and always told me that I would be a great REALTOR®. Essentially, it was all timing and God’s way of making a path for me.”

No Plan B

Brad entered real estate in August 2020, and from the start, he treated it differently.

He didn’t ease into the business. He didn’t test the waters. He went all in.

“When I started with Keller Williams in Southlake, I remember Dustin Wright taking me through the luxury division,” Brad recalls. “I remember telling him that I was going to make it into the luxury division.”

That declaration wasn’t just ambition; it was intention.

Brad sold 12 homes in his first year as a solo agent. Soon after, he aligned with Michael Hershenberg and the Hershenberg Group, accelerating his growth even further.

That mindset has delivered measurable results. His career volume now sits at approximately $97.3 million, with $52 million closed in 2025 alone.

Driven by Responsibility

Behind Brad’s drive is something deeply personal: family.

“My family, especially my wife, Sandee, is what motivates me,” he shares.

“Having someone that encourages you and understands the ups and downs really helps me stay positive.” And with eight sons and ten grandchildren, that motivation runs deep.

“Knowing that I am their example helps me keep going and keeping a NO QUIT attitude.”

That sense of responsibility also shaped some of his biggest challenges.

“Growing up with instability… leaving a long, high paying corporate career… carrying the responsibility of raising a large family… overcoming the fear of commission-only income… breaking into the luxury market,” he lists. “Those have all been defining challenges.”

A Moment That Changed Everything

One of Brad’s most memorable career moments came when he sold Glenn Beck’s home in Westlake, representing both sides of the transaction.

“As I sat across from Glenn and his wife, Tania, at the closing table, he looked me dead in the eyes and told me, ‘You have been absolutely incredible through this whole process,’” Brad recalls.

The recognition didn’t stop there.

“He went on the air live for about three weeks and touted my name, comparing me to a surgeon when it came to selling his home. It was incredible.”

The moment reinforced everything Brad had built: precision, professionalism, and results.

Built on Authenticity

Despite recent recognition, including being named the number one agent for REAL Broker in the United States during the last quarter of 2025, Brad remains grounded.

“I’ve always been a behind-thescenes guy,” he says. “I don’t look for recognition. I just try to provide for my family.”

His advice to others reflects that authenticity.

“Don’t be fake. Be authentic and establish long-lasting relationships. Those relationships will provide a lifetime of business.”

Always Moving Forward

Outside of real estate, Brad enjoys flying drones, capturing aerial perspectives, and attending car events, sometimes even bringing luxury vehicles to open houses to enhance the experience.

Looking ahead, his goals remain ambitious: $100 million in sales this year, more time with family through travel, and perhaps an Aston Martin Vantage.

But beyond that, Brad’s vision runs deeper.

“I built a life that changed my family forever, operated at an elite level in everything I touched, and showed others what’s possible when you go all in.”

It’s a philosophy he lives daily, one built not on luck, but on strategy and a commitment to never quitting.

And for Brad Cook, that’s exactly the point.

Faith & Service Above All

Vastine Vastine

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN

PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

For Kim Vastine, real estate was never just about houses. It was always about people–their stories, their transitions, and the moments that shape their lives. Long before she ever stepped into the world of real estate, Kim’s life had already been marked by service, leadership, and a deep desire to help others navigate meaningful change.

Today, as a real estate consultant with JPAR Real Estate and founder of Anchor Home Team, Kim’s work reflects something much deeper than transactions. It’s rooted in faith, guided by purpose, and centered on people.

“At the center of everything I do, both personally and professionally, is my faith,” Kim shares. “The goodness of God and my relationship with Jesus Christ have truly changed everything in my life. It shapes how I see people, how I lead, and how I serve.”

That perspective has shaped not only Kim’s career, but her entire journey. Growing up in the Bay Area of California before moving to Idaho during high school, Kim eventually made her way to Texas to attend Bible college, now known as Logos University. Those early experiences helped cultivate a heart for ministry and service that would continue to guide her life’s direction.

Her professional path before real estate reflects that same calling. Early in her career, Kim worked for a state representative, helping constituents navigate complex systems and resolve difficult situations.

“That experience developed in me a strong sense of responsibility to guide people with clarity, care, and persistence,” she explains.

Later, Kim transitioned into the defense industry, serving as a contract manager for L3Harris Technologies. There, she negotiated and managed multimilliondollar military aircraft contracts, a role that sharpened her strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

“That season sharpened my ability to think strategically, operate with precision, and represent others with strength,” Kim says. “Those skills now directly benefit my real

estate clients, especially when helping sellers protect and maximize one of their most significant assets.”

Yet even while building a successful professional career, Kim’s heart for service continued to grow. She served as a worship pastor, led teams, and founded a nonprofit focused on empowering vulnerable women and children across Africa, India, South America, and the United States. Today, she continues that mission through her work on the Board of Directors for World Embrace (WorldEmbrace.org) in Gulu, Uganda, and Uplift Hope (UpliftHope.org) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“It’s important to me that my real estate business also serves as a platform to bring awareness and support to these organizations,” she says.

That passion for giving back became even more evident in one unforgettable moment in her career. Kim recalls raising funds to host an extravagant birthday celebration for 150 orphans in a village outside Nairobi, Kenya, for children who had never celebrated their birthdays.

“They didn’t know their date of birth nor had ever been celebrated as a child of God whose arrival on planet Earth made them potential world-changers of God’s goodness,” Kim remembers.

Moments like these continue to shape her vision, not just for real estate, but for the impact she hopes to make.

Kim officially launched her real estate career in 2017, influenced by a dear friend and long-time real estate agent, Lisa Creed.

“She had a lot of patience and kindness in helping me to see how it could be a good path forward in practically helping others,” Kim recalls.

Like many agents, Kim remembers her early days vividly, including one of her first transactions with a young couple purchasing their first home.

“Finishing our first home inspection… the seller chose to be present and got angry with the conversation of things that needed repair,” she says with a laugh. “I was at a loss… I can chuckle when I think of it now.”

Over the past nine years, Kim has grown into a trusted advisor, bringing both professional expertise and personal compassion to every client relationship. Her background as a trained life coach and chaplain allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level.

“You get to know your clients pretty intimately in these big life changes,” she explains. “I often get to those ‘heart-core’ issues that arise.”

That connection is intentional. Kim doesn’t view real estate as simply buying or selling homes; she sees it as stewardship.

“I WANT MY LIFE TO REFLECT THE LOVE AND GOODNESS OF GOD. THAT I LOVED WELL, LIVED GENEROUSLY, AND POINTED OTHERS TO HIM.”

“I don’t approach real estate as a transaction. I approach it as a responsibility,” she says. “Every home represents something significant, and I’m committed to navigating that process with clarity, integrity, and purpose.”

Her philosophy is captured in her brand message: “Navigating You Home, where strategy meets stewardship,” inspired by Hebrews 6:19, which speaks of being anchored in hope, firm and secure.

That anchor runs deep in Kim’s life. Having experienced a difficult childhood marked by trauma and abuse, she found healing and transformation through faith, something that continues to motivate her work today.

“In God’s kindness and goodness, He rescued me and has used that pain to shape me into a woman who wants to help others heal and live transformed lives,” she shares.

Today, Kim defines success differently than many in the industry.

“Success in real estate is helping people navigate one of life’s most important transitions with confidence, protecting what they’ve built, stewarding their resources wisely, and creating a heart and home that reflects peace, purpose, and belonging,” she says.

Her motivation remains simple and deeply personal.

“What motivates me today… is the goodness of God and the transforming power of knowing Jesus Christ,” she says. “It’s what compels me to help people navigate important decisions with clarity and care.”

Looking ahead, Kim’s goals reflect her heart for giving back. This year, she hopes to double her production so she can fund educational resources for children in Gulu, Uganda.

Outside of real estate, Kim finds joy in time with family, meaningful gatherings with friends, cycling, travel, and being near the water. With grandchildren living overseas, she’s learned to be intentional in staying connected, something she cherishes deeply.

Ultimately, Kim hopes her legacy will be defined by love, generosity, and faith.

“I want my life to reflect the love and goodness of God. That I loved well, lived generously, and pointed others to Him,” she says.

And through every conversation, every home, and every life she touches, Kim Vastine continues to do exactly that: serving others with compassion, guiding them with purpose, and helping them find a place to call home.

Kim supporting one of her international ministries in Africa. Photo provided by Kim Vastine

Kim receiving an award for being an International Goodwill Ambassador.

Photo provided by Kim Vastine

REALTOR TESTIMONIAL

"I met Mariane as my home warranty rep when I first got into real estate in 2002. She's been a dear friend and trusted home warranty partner ever since. I love that she's available for questions. You can't go wrong with Mariane!"

Kris Wise Broker Associate Wise Advantage Group powered by PLACE at Keller Williams

North Fort Worth & Fort Worth Masterclass

Our first Masterclass of 2026 on April 15th was something special.

This one felt different from the start. Not your typical sit-and-listen event. The room was full of energy, laughter, real connection, and yes… even a little dancing. It was one of those events where you could feel people growing in real time.

Huge shoutout to Les McGehee and his “Plays Well With Realtors” interactive masterclass. The FOMO on this one was very real.

Attendees walked away with a simple but powerful shift: how to create more momentum and alignment in their conversations by using “Yes, and…” instead of unintentionally shutting people down. They left with practical tools to build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and ultimately get more yeses in their business.

This is exactly what happens when you get the right people in the room.

Thank you to ALL our RP Preferred Partners and especially our event sponsors:

• Nick Drescher, Nick the TX Broker

• Black Tie Moving

• Goosehead Insurance, Ben Jones

• Proco Roofing

• Partners In Building

• CLC Roofing

• American Home Shield

Grateful for everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.