PHOTO BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
IN TRUST.
Nouri Iskander of Nouri
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McKnight Title (817) 500-4146 www.mcknighttitle.com
Texas Secure Title (817) 519-8800 texassecuretitle.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
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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
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
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· Reverse Mortgages
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A Time of Boldness
As I write this Publisher’s Note, the weight of this time of year is not lost on me. September 11th already carries a heaviness in our nation’s history, and this year feels especially heavy as we are reminded everyday just how fragile life is.
What I’m reminded of in moments like these is that we are in more than a cultural struggle. Just as there is light in the world, there can also be darkness. And whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we share in this struggle, and no one is immune in times such as these.
The encouraging part is this: God can turn things around for good. History shows us that some of the darkest times become the very moments that awaken courage, conviction, and faith in people
who may have otherwise stayed quiet. I believe, in the future, we will see people, more than ever, stand up for their beliefs and their families with eternal purpose…and let their lives point to something greater than themselves.
My hope is that, out of this season, light will shine through the darkness and bring peace to the world for our generation, and hope for the generations to come. This is the time we will see people lead with courage, love, and truth.
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner DFW Real Producers
YOUR NORTH FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS BADGES
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HERE’S WHAT NORTH FORT WORTH’S TOP 500 AGENTS SOLD...
17,054 TOTAL TRANSACTIONS $9,715,568,331 TOTAL VOLUME
$19,431,137 AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT
34.1 AVERAGE TRANSACTIONS PER AGENT
ELIZABETH
Garza
Keeping it Real
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY KATHARINE
GANN, DAYDREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
In a business where image can often overshadow authenticity, Elizabeth Garza stands out—not because she’s loud or flashy, but because she’s real.
“I’m a real real,” she says with a warm laugh. “Down-to-earth, honest, and focused on helping people. That’s just who I am.”
That simple, grounded approach has become the foundation of Elizabeth’s success as a full-time real estate agent serving the North Fort Worth area. With nearly five years in the industry, Elizabeth has built a thriving business exclusively through referrals—no paid advertising, no social media campaigns, no gimmicks. “Everything I’ve built has been through word-of-mouth,” she shares. “It’s been my clients, friends, and family who believed in me and passed my name along. I’m so grateful for that.”
A Foundation Built on Strength
Elizabeth’s journey started far from the world of contracts and closings. Born in Plano, Texas, she moved to Monterrey, Mexico, at the age of four. “I loved growing up in Mexico. Life felt so free, and there was always something to celebrate,” she recalls. But when her parents divorced during her 8th-grade year, everything changed. Elizabeth, her siblings, and their mother returned to the U.S. “We came back with nothing,” she says. “I watched my mom become a single parent and start over from scratch. That experience taught me
about resilience and responsibility in ways school never could.”
Those early lessons would later guide her through her own challenges—like pursuing real estate after being told for years it was “too hard” or that she was “too young” to be taken seriously. “I almost gave up on my dream,” she admits. “But my husband, Oscar, encouraged me to go for it. He’d heard me talk about it for so long—he finally just said, ‘Do it.’”
So, she did. In 2020, Elizabeth earned her license. She officially began her real estate career in 2021, and she’s never looked back.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
For Elizabeth, real estate isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “Helping people buy their first home, sell a home to start their next chapter, or simply believe that homeownership is possible… that’s what fuels me,” she says. “Especially first-time buyers. They hold a special place in my heart.”
Despite the demands of the business— and raising three children, including a spirited toddler she lovingly calls her “little sidekick”—Elizabeth shows up for every client like they’re her only one. “Whether it’s a $150,000 home or a $1 million one, everyone gets the same care and respect from me,” she explains. “Every client is never just a transaction or number.”
“I want people to say, ‘She helped me believe in myself. She gave me that extra push I needed.’”
Her approach clearly resonates. Elizabeth has been named Top Producer at White Rock Realty in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and has consistently earned monthly Top Performer recognition. But she doesn’t define success by titles or income.
“To me, success means being able to provide for my family, attend church with them, and be present for the moments that matter,” she says. “God comes first, then family, then work. That’s the order of my life—and my business.”
Juggling Joyfully
the reason I push myself, the reason I show up every day,” she says.
This year, Elizabeth is working toward buying another rental property and prioritizing her health so she can keep up with her little superhero-in-training. “Every year, I compete against the me I was last year,” she explains. “I just want to keep growing—personally, professionally, spiritually.”
advice from mentor Lucy Knox: “Don’t drown yourself in a cup of water.” In other words, don’t let small challenges overwhelm you. That perspective has helped Elizabeth remain calm during stressful negotiations and stay centered in what truly matters.
Keeping It Real
What sets Elizabeth apart isn’t branding or marketing—it’s heart. “You won’t see me flaunting designer bags or chasing trends,” she says. “I believe in being genuine. My clients get the same advice I’d give my own family.”
And that authenticity shows. Her clients become friends, and many become repeat customers or referrals. “People work with people they trust,” she says. “That’s the secret. Be yourself, work hard, and treat people right.”
Grounded in Faith, Driven by Purpose
Balancing real estate and motherhood is no easy feat, but Elizabeth handles it with grace—and humor. “Most days, I’m emailing clients or negotiating contracts with my toddler climbing on my lap pretending to be Spider-Man,” she says, smiling. “But that’s what makes this career so beautiful. It allows me to be present —at home and in business.”
Her 15-year-old daughter, Alexa, is a top student taking college courses. Her 12-year-old son, Diego, runs his own YouTube animation channel—and even helps Elizabeth edit her real estate videos. “My family is my ‘why.’ They’re
Faith plays a central role in Elizabeth’s life. “I pray for God to send me the right people,” she says.
“People who think they can’t buy a home, who’ve been told ‘no’—I want to be the one who shows them they can. And I believe God gives me the strength and words to help them.”
She also credits a simple yet powerful piece of
More Than a Real Estate Agent Elizabeth hopes to be remembered not just as a great agent, but as someone who truly cared. “I want people to say, ‘She helped me believe in myself. She gave me that extra push I needed,’” she shares. “Whether it’s a client or someone in my community, I just want to help people rise.”
Her story is one of grace and belief— in her faith, her family, and herself. Elizabeth Garza isn’t just selling homes. She’s building legacies.
And she’s doing it the real way—the only way she knows how.
Photo by Rachel Melissa Photography
NOURI ISKANDER
of Nouri Mortgage, empowered by GoRascal
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
SERVICE BUILT ON FAITH
“ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14
When Nouri Iskander arrived in the United States from Egypt in 2019, she brought with her a background in economics and finance, years of banking experience, and faith that her next chapter would be purposeful. She quickly discovered this was more than a job—it was a calling to serve families,
empower agents, and live out her faith through her work.
“I don’t see this as just a job,” Nouri shares. “For me, this is a lifestyle and a service to the Lord. Every family I help, every deal that gets done—it’s all a blessing.”
As the branch manager and owner of Nouri Mortgage, empowered by GoRascal, Nouri has built a reputation for being more than a broker. She sees
herself as a guide, available to clients and agents alike at any hour of the day. “I’m one phone call away—weekends, day or night, whenever it’s convenient,” she says. That accessibility has become a cornerstone of her business, and her accolades prove it, such as being named to the Scotsman Guide Top Originator list and Top Women Originators list in 2024 and 2025, as well as their Emerging Stars list this year, awarded Mortgage Broker of the Year in 2024 by NAMB (National Association of Mortgage Brokers), featured in Mortgage Women Magazine in 2024, and awarded Leading LO distinctions in 2024 and 2025 by National Mortgage Professional.
Unlike banks that operate within limited options, Nouri Mortgage works with more than 160 lenders. This flexibility allows her to shop the best products for her clients, from conventional and commercial loans to creative lending solutions. “We can close in as little as seven days. The goal is always to make it as fast and seamless as possible.”
A Champion for the American Dream Much of Nouri’s passion is rooted in helping those who are new to this country. “I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers, especially immigrants,” she explains. “For them, buying a home is such a huge dream. It’s the American Dream. Being part of that journey is incredibly special to me.” Last year alone, her team helped over 100 families close on their dream homes, many of them navigating the U.S. lending system for the first time.
But her vision doesn’t stop with firsttime homeowners. Nouri has also carved out a niche working with young investors, guiding them through fix-and-flip projects and teaching them how to build wealth through real estate. Her team offers programs with no income documentation for investment properties, as well as creative solutions for commercial loans—helping entrepreneurs purchase offices, gas stations, grocery stores, or even secure construction loans.
“ I just want to be the person people know they can rely on,” Nouri says with a smile.
Programs for Top Producers
For agents, especially top producers, having Nouri in their corner means access to solutions that can make or break a deal. “I love the challenge of finding creative ways to make the deal go through,” she shares. Whether it’s rescuing a transaction that seemed impossible or offering unique lending programs, she thrives on giving agents the tools they need to succeed.
Her business is designed to support producers who demand speed, creativity, and reliability. “All of my support staff is on payroll, so nothing is passed along to the borrower. That’s a huge advantage,” she says. And because of her strong referral network—built from the more than 350 families she has helped in just four years—agents know they can count on her experience and dedication.
Family at the Center
While her work often stretches into nights and weekends, Nouri credits her husband and family for helping her maintain balance. “It’s very hard when you take your work so personally, but I have the support of my husband and family, and everyone is understanding,” she explains. Her husband, who became a real estate agent in 2020, encouraged her to pursue mortgages after moving to the U.S. Together, they’ve even invested in their own fix-and-flip projects, deepening their knowledge of the industry.
Their three-year-old daughter is Nouri’s greatest motivation. “She is my why,” Nouri says warmly. “Everything I do is for her.” Family time is sacred, whether it’s traveling together, enjoying time with their golden retrievers, or gathering with extended relatives who have also moved to the U.S.
Faith as the Guiding Principle
Throughout her journey, Nouri has leaned on her faith as her compass. She often draws inspiration from Bible verses such as Psalm 139:14 and Zechariah 2:5. Her approach to business is deeply rooted in service. “This isn’t just about mortgages,” she reflected. “It’s about living a life of servant leadership, seeing my work as service to the Lord.”
“IT’S VERY HARD WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR WORK SO PERSONALLY, BUT I HAVE THE SUPPORT OF MY HUSBAND AND FAMILY, AND EVERYONE IS UNDERSTANDING.”
Even within the real estate community, she gravitates toward those who share this perspective. “The Real Producers events I’ve attended, everyone has been so down to earth. Everyone sees their jobs as service to the Lord. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
Looking Ahead
Nouri’s goals are ambitious and forward-thinking, but grounded in the same values that have guided her from the beginning. Through helping more immigrant families, expanding into commercial lending, and using tech/AI to streamline business practices, she hopes to help 1,500 families achieve
homeownership or expand their investments in the next five years. With her unique blend of experience, creativity, and faith, there’s little doubt she will reach—and surpass— that milestone.
As she puts it, “I take every call personally. These are life-determining moments. I’m not just doing this for the business. I’m doing this to serve.”
For Nouri Iskander, mortgage lending isn’t about transactions—it’s about transformation. It’s about faith, family, and finding a way to make dreams a reality.
Tom Ferry’s Success Summit
Celebrated Its 23rd Year in Dallas
Bringing Together Thousands of Real Estate Professionals
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY FERRY INTERNATIONAL
Ferry International, the leading real estate coaching and training company, recently hosted the 23rd annual Success Summit in Dallas. The three-day event, held August 26–28, drew thousands of real estate professionals from around the world, both inperson and virtually, all united by a shared mission: to elevate their businesses, their mindsets, and their impact.
Founded by world-renowned real estate coach Tom Ferry, the Success Summit has grown into one of the industry’s most influential conferences. Over the years, it has become known for delivering high-impact strategies, powerful networking opportunities, and direct access to some of the most successful voices in real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
This year’s lineup featured an elite roster of thought leaders and high performers, including Tom Ferry, the #1 ranked real estate coach and bestselling author; Josh Altman, star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles; Tim Grover, legendary performance coach to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant; Matthew Ferry, mindset coach and spiritual strategist; Jason Pantana, marketing and tech authority for modern agents; and Jimmy Mackin, CEO of Listing Leads and real estate marketing expert.
“Each year, our goal is to equip agents with the tools, systems, and mindset they need to grow—both personally and professionally,” Tom Ferry said during the event. “The industry is changing faster than ever before, and Success Summit is where serious agents come to future-proof their business.”
With a strong focus on innovation, marketing, AI-powered systems, and mindset, this year’s theme challenged agents to rethink how they scale and succeed in today’s fast-paced real estate market.
Since its inception, the Success Summit has not only been a gathering place for real estate professionals but also a catalyst for growth and transformation within the industry.
PICKARD
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
DEFYING LABELS
When you first meet Erin Pickard, you immediately sense her warmth. She has a way of leaning in, listening fully, and making you feel like the most important person in the room. That gift of connection, she admits, was hard-won. Her journey into real estate was not a straight path—it was shaped by challenges, setbacks, and a belief that God had a greater plan for her life.
“I was painfully shy and struggled in school,” Erin recalled. “I was identified as having a learning disability, which labeled me and made me self-conscious, yet forced me to develop the discipline and drive that has made me who I am today.”
Born in California at Travis Air Force Base, Erin grew up in a military family that moved frequently. From Alabama to Kansas to Iceland, she learned early how to adapt to new places. When her family settled in Texas during her high school years, Erin continued to push forward despite the weight of being misunderstood.
“Being where I am today, overcoming the difficulties of my childhood has shown me that challenges are sometimes meant to be embraced—they shape who you truly are,” she said.
That determination carried her through college at Stephen F. Austin University, where she earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies with dreams of becoming a
teacher. “After graduating college, I taught for three years after taking some initial time off to travel.
I loved it so much that I left the classroom to become a flight attendant with American Airlines,” she shared. But her first scheduled flight was set for September 12, 2001. The tragedy of 9/11 changed the airline industry overnight, and just three weeks later, Erin was laid off.
She remembers the prayer she whispered then: What’s next, God?
The answer came unexpectedly. A friend invited her to join her in real estate school. “She never sold a house,” Erin laughed, “and I ended up making it my career.”
What started as a leap of faith grew into a calling. Over 24 years, Erin built
her business on service, connection, and trust. Today, she is the owner and lead agent of the Pickard Real Estate Group at Compass, with more than $400 million in career sales and recognition that includes D Magazine’s Best Real Estate Agent and Keller Business Woman of the Year.
Yet awards are not what drives her. “Helping people, being with people, listening
to people, caring and loving people, problem solving with people—sharing life with people,” she said with a smile. “It is a true privilege and honor to have the dream job of people trusting me with their future.”
For Erin, real estate has a deep meaning; it is about
IT IS A TRUE PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO HAVE THE DREAM JOB OF PEOPLE TRUSTING ME WITH THEIR FUTURE.”
in their fifties. “Sharing the excitement with them makes
Her faith is the foundation
the ups and downs. “Success
nation.” Erin said, “It allowed me to recognize I had moved on from that label.”
her sister-in-law Amy, who has been with her from the
walking with people through life transitions: the young family buying their first home, the couple downsizing after raising children, the newly single client finding stability after loss. She remembers recently helping clients from another country, members of her church, buy their very first home
real estate is not only about building a career—it’s about
Today, she lives a life that beautifully balances career and joy. Erin loves spending time with her nieces and nephews, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and sharing life with her boyfriend, Rusty. “The beach is my happy place and a special place I feel God’s presence,” she said. Even in her downtime, she is recharging for the work she loves.
tionships, she admits, can be it is in business or personal,
someone in business, a client -
absolute best for every single person God puts in my life.”
Overcoming the labels of her youth has been one of her greatest victories. She still remembers the words of her manager, Tiffany Costello, who once told her: “You are not the little girl with the learning disability. I don’t want you to ever feel like you are seen that way—never use that as an excuse again. You are the #1 agent on our team and we are the #2 team in the
As she looks to the future, Erin remains committed to growth despite market uncertainty. “After the craziness of the COVID years, the last two have been challenging with misleading information about interest rates, inflation, and the unknowns. I have maintained my volumes through the challenges and now look forward to growth as the economy shifts,” she explained.
Ask her what she wants to be remembered for, and her answer is simple: “I want to be remembered for how I made you feel.”
Erin Pickard’s story is one of belief in oneself and relentless determination. She has proven that labels don’t define us—discipline, hard work, and God’s guidance do. And in the process, she has built not just a thriving business but a life of purpose, joy, and connection.
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
William “Billy” Reynolds
Legacy of Service Legacy of Service
When William “Billy” Reynolds talks about his life, you quickly realize it’s not a story about houses—it’s a story about the legacy you leave behind.
Billy grew up in the countryside near Canton, Texas, where childhoodd meant freedom and responsibility in equal measure. “We had the freedom to roam, ride dirt bikes, fish, and hunt,” he recalls. “But we also had the responsibility of caring for animals, the land, and the equipment.” That mix of adventure and accountability shaped him in ways that would echo throughout his career.
After graduating from Canton High School, Billy attended the University of Texas at Arlington. Meanwhile, his high school sweetheart, Stacey—who lived nearly 70 miles away—remained at the center of his world. They endured two years of long-distance dating before he moved to Arlington to attend college and be closer to her, eventually tying the knot in 1994.
“We’ve been on this journey together for 31 years now,” he says with a smile. “She’s still my best friend.”
Billy’s professional path began far from real estate. For nearly 20 years, he worked in the medical field, first as a surgical technologist and later in medical device sales. The common thread was service. “My main responsibility was to be a technical expert for the surgeon and to support the surgical team to deliver the best outcomes for patients,” he explains. “It was about helping people in their most vulnerable moments.”
In 2016, after years of investing in properties on the side, Billy stepped into real estate full time. It wasn’t a leap—it was a natural evolution. “Real estate doesn’t just fit into our dreams and goals; it’s essential to them,” he says. “It fuels our ability to invest, to have cash flow in retirement, and to donate time and resources to causes that matter most to us.”
One cause in particular drives Billy and Stacey’s work: their Mission: Giveback program. They’re in the process of growing it into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on global mission work, with a special emphasis on medical missions and orphan care. “Our biggest passion is growing that program,” Billy says. “It’s how we create a legacy of service that will outlast us.”
This vision is shared not just between Billy and Stacey, but also with their two sons. Their oldest, now in college studying video editing, is working toward his real estate license. Their youngest, a high school junior and leader in his school’s theatre department, has plans to pursue both real estate and youth ministry. “Working together as a family has been one of the most rewarding parts of the business,” Billy reflects. “It’s about passing down values, not just a career.”
Of course, building a business hasn’t been without challenges. For Billy, one of the biggest hurdles has been rising above the noise—bad information, social media chatter, and negative past experiences clients may have had elsewhere. “We have to demonstrate the difference a great real estate team can make as a trusted resource,” he says. That difference, he explains, comes down to three things: a teambased, conciergelevel approach; creative, collaborative solutions; and data-driven marketing tailored to each client’s specific needs.
For Billy, success is about the client experience—
though his closed revenue and transactions speak volumes. “I want each client to feel heard, to know they’re important, and to feel like they’ve become part of the family,” he says. “Ultimately, the most important thing is that each client sees Christ in us.”
Health challenges have also shaped Billy’s perspective. He vividly remembers interviewing for—and landing—his last medical sales job from a hospital bed. “Our health is something we often take for granted,” he says. “Mine, and that of friends, has reminded me it’s the one thing we should never take for granted.”
When asked what advice he’d offer to an up-and-coming agent, Billy quotes Zig Ziglar: “You can have everything you want
in life if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” For him, that’s not just a motivational line—it’s the foundation of how he lives and works.
Outside of work, Billy and his family embrace adventure. They serve in their church and community, scuba dive, snow and water ski, fish, boat, shoot, read, and explore real estate wherever they travel. One of his more unforgettable moments? Being surrounded by roughly 100 giant manta rays while diving in Hawaii.
Looking ahead, Billy’s goals are as purposeful as they are ambitious— becoming debt-free by year’s end, adding a licensed agent to his team, and launching a private agent portal to help
others better serve their clients. “This is a contact sport,” he says, recalling advice from Gary Keller. “You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
It’s that willingness to stretch, to lead with service, and to think beyond oneself that defines Billy’s approach. Whether he’s helping a client buy their dream home, mentoring his sons, or expanding his give-back efforts, everything points toward the same horizon: leaving a lasting legacy.
And in the ever-growing, ever-changing landscape of DFW—one Billy believes will outpace Los Angeles in the next decade—it’s a vision rooted not in market trends, but in the steady, enduring work of serving people well.
STRONGER TOGETHER
How
REALTOR® Leadership in North Texas
BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
When the members of the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® (MetroTex) and the Collin County Area REALTORS® (CCAR) voted to merge, they weren’t just approving a plan of merger. They were choosing to shape the future of real estate in North Texas.
This merger is the product of years of conversation about where the industry is headed and what REALTORS® need from their association to thrive.
The result is a new MetroTex, nearly 37,000 members strong, that is positioned not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it.
Doing More
The North Texas market is one of the most dynamic in the nation. Urban infill, suburban growth, rising costs, and fast-moving regulations demand an association capable of meeting challenges head-on.
PHOTOS
By joining forces, MetroTex has the scale to do just that— investing strategically in what matters most:
• Advocacy that carries weight at every level of government.
• Smarter technology that makes business simpler and more efficient.
• Professional development that prepares the REALTORS® to serve their clients and in the industry as a whole.
“We now have the scale and agility to invest where it matters most, through advocacy, education, and member success,” said Justin Landon, CEO of MetroTex.
A Model for the Nation
Across the country, REALTOR® associations are asking how to stay relevant in an era of disruption. The MetroTex–CCAR merger provides a clear answer: unify, streamline, and focus on delivering meaningful results for members.
It also reflects a deeper belief that through fostering opportunity, protecting property rights, and raising
professional standards, MetroTex isn’t just serving today’s REALTORS®. It’s safeguarding the future of the profession.
What Comes Next
This is not the end of a process, but the beginning of a transformation. Staff will integrate, committees will align, and new tools will roll out over time. But the trajectory is clear: a stronger, smarter, more connected MetroTex.
“Our goal is not only to serve REALTORS® better but to elevate the profession,” said Johnny Mowad, President of MetroTex. “This merger is a movement toward something better: smarter service, stronger advocacy, and a truly member-driven future.”
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 37,000 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.
2025 MetroTex & Collin County Executive Teams
McCurley
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Melissa
Paying it Forward
Some people measure success by the number of homes sold, awards won, or income earned. But for Melissa McCurley, a real estate agent with eXp Realty in North Fort Worth, success is about something far more personal: building a life that fits you.
“Designing the life YOU want,” Melissa says without hesitation. “Not everyone wants the same thing and that’s the beauty of life. Know what you want, go after that, and tune everything else out.”
That clarity didn’t come easily. Her path has taken many turns, including a powerful pivot she never saw coming— one that changed her career, her pace, and most significantly, her perspective.
Melissa grew up in the Dallas area and can trace her roots back seven generations of Texans. “We even own a family cemetery in Lewisville,” she shares with a laugh. From childhood, her life was full of ambition. She attended The Greenhill School, earned a degree from Vanderbilt University, and later
completed studies in interior design at The Art Institute. Her early career as “the remodel girl” at a design firm sparked a curiosity about house flipping. “It seemed like a great fit for my design background, need for flexibility, and natural entrepreneurial spirit,” she says.
She entered real estate in 2003—long before the days of HGTV hype and bidding wars over fixer-uppers. In those early years, she dabbled in flips, built a rental portfolio, and juggled life as an actress and designer. Her passion for homes never wavered. “I still love touring homes—it just never gets old. Whether it’s a beautifully staged home or one that’s rough around the edges, I’m always imagining the transformation.”
But nothing could have prepared her for the transformation she’d undergo herself.
Melissa’s world shifted dramatically when chronic illness forced her to slow down. The woman who once juggled movie sets and back-to-back
open houses suddenly found herself bedridden. “I went from being a Type A, hot yoga practicing, Tony Robbins event junkie to not being able to get out of bed for days on end,” she recalls. “It was an incredible recalibration that shifted not only my goals, but my entire identity.”
Those years—2020 through 2023—were what she calls the “full-time illness years.” There were no deals closed, no properties walked. Just doctor appointments, pain, and hard-won glimpses of progress. “My mom had to drive me to appointments. I wasn’t even strong enough to stand on my own. That’s not something you expect when you’ve built your life around hustle.”
But Melissa didn’t give up. She fought to get her life back—physically, emotionally, and professionally. And in that process, something new was born: a deeper sense of purpose and advocacy. “Now, I’m moving into advocacy after my chronic illness journey. That’s what lights me up—helping others who are going through it.”
One outlet for that passion is her podcast, Bouncing Back: Professionals Thriving with Chronic Illness. “It’s my absolute passion project,” she says. “There’s so much stigma around illness and ability. I want to create space where people feel seen, understood, and empowered.”
In the midst of it all, Melissa has found peace in doing real estate her way. After over two decades in the business, her volume today might not match her busiest years—but her work is more meaningful than ever. “I have clarity on what kind of business and life I’m creating. I know my sweet spot, so tuning out the things that don’t serve my goals is pretty easy. There’s a lot of peace with clarity of focus.”
She closed $4.65 million in volume last year and is on track to repeat that again. “It’s not about the number—it’s about the life it allows me to build.”
And it’s a life filled with love and deep gratitude. “My family is why I made it through the last five years,” Melissa says. “Roy, my other half, defines the phrase ‘in sickness and in health.’ My parents, my sister, my niece—they were my reason to keep going through the darkest days.”
Now, she’s committed to paying it forward. “Not everybody makes it through what I’ve been through. I was carried on the backs of prayers, love, and an unwavering insistence on making meaning out of everything in life. I’m going to spend the rest of my life paying that forward.”
For new agents entering the business, Melissa has two pieces of advice. First: “Pick a focus and go deep. Really master the area of real estate that’s your interest.” And second—something she learned the hard way: “Take care of yourself. Hustle is necessary at times, but don’t build a life around it. There’s no glory in being burned out.”
When asked how she wants to be remembered, her answer is simple: “Creating things and experiences that help other people.”
That spirit—of resilience, of clarity, and of redefined success—is exactly what makes Melissa McCurley’s story one worth telling.
Because in the end, as she’s proven time and time again, success isn’t one-sizefits-all. It’s a deeply personal journey— sometimes rough, sometimes beautiful— but always worth walking, especially if you never give up.
Not everybody makes it through what I’ve been through. I was carried on the backs of prayers, love, and an unwavering insistence on making meaning out of everything in life. I’m going to spend the rest of my life paying that forward.”
