Professional Michele Playdon: Sparking Success Carla and Joe Atwal: Just Let it Flow Chris Hall: Calm in the Chaos Inspect360: Only Connect SEPTEMBER 2022 CONNECTING. ELEVATING. INSPIRING. NORTH FORT WORTH
RACHEL MOUSSA CALCULATED FUN
Photo by: Brent Tinsley, Headshot
4 • September 2022 @realproducers 14 SparkingPlaydon:MicheleSuccess 48 ScholarshipSpotlight:CharityRyanSiddiqueFund 52 Carla & Joe Just Let it 26 ConnectInspect360:Only 40 Chris Hall: Calm in Chaosthe 20 tionMagazineRecap:EventCelebraEvent 32 CalculatedMoussa:RachelFun 06 Index PartnersTrustedof CONTENTS TABLE OF 08 Publisher’sNote:RealProducers:ACommunityofHonor
Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner Julie Altemus Executive Director Landon Robinson Director of Client Relations Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner Mark Fadden Writer
If you are interested in or REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at lance.dunahoe@realproducersmag.com.
Landon Day Photographer
Missy Kremer Editor Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist
contributing
Rick Davis Videographer
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 North Fort Worth 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. If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, Roberts Photographer Brent Tinsley Photographer Samantha Farris Photographer
Desiree
MEET THE NORTH FT. WORTH REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Kareen Delos Reyes Administrative Assistant Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator Dave DanielsonRenee Hart
nominating
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 5
MOVING SERVICES Firehouse Movers Inc (972) theperfectmove.net(682)DonThestonebriarmoving.com(469)Stonebriarfirehousemovers.com412-6033MovingServices734-9000PerfectMoveHall206-9132
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT American Real PM (469) americanrealpm.com620-0114
PHOTOGRAPHY Desiree Roberts Photography (972) (817)She’sprofessional.comwww.headshot(817)BrentHeadshotDesireeRoberts.com998-3133ProfessionalTinsley715-2015MySkyPhotography313-4091
Cardinal mikeprotono.com(817)NeighborhoodLoanOfficerMark.com(469)MovementGMMG-MTG.com(972)MortgageGracieAnginetteHomeLoans.com(817)MortgageFairwayPadronLoans.com(817)CrossNunisLending.com(817)CherryTeam.comTheBryanConnatser(972)Company,FinancialLP777-5626(LOAN)CreekMortgage709-4683CountryMortgage754-1498IndependentCorp812-2276MorrowGroup757-2132Mortgage202-4195Loans501-4255
PARTNERSPREFERRED
FOUNDATION REPAIR DW Foundation Repair (817) 706-3430 HEALTH Restore Hyperwellness & Restore.com(817)Cryotherapy912-1550 HEATING & CONDITIONINGAIR AGES Services Company (817) agesservicescompany.com851-8155Thissection
BUSINESS COACHING Rialto Academy (512) RialtoAcademy.com743-4330
ROOFING & SOLAR Rankin Roofing & Solar LLC (469) rankinroofingandsolar.com952-9151
RESIDENTIAL ROOFING procoroof.com(817)PROCO975-5948
PEST CONTROL procoroof.com(817)PROCO975-5948
ROOFING K&M Services, Roofing & TarrantRoofing.com(817)Tarrantkmservicepro.com(817)Construction918-3940Roofing571-7809
BUILDER Shaddock Homes (972) ShaddockHomes.com526-7700
CLIENT REFERRALANDGIFTS Indulgent Treats (469) GabbysIndulgentTreats.com992-1911 CLIENT ENGAGEMENT LEADS by Mandi Jackson (801) LEADSbyMandi.com598-5767
HOME INSPECTION Endeavor Real Estate Inspections Chris Carathers (817) Inspections.comSemperFiHome(682)Inspections,Semperinspect360.com(817)Inspect360HomeTeam-DFW.com(972)InspectionHomeTeamendeavorinspect.com726-5333Service400-7034754-0360FiHomeInc.351-2267
INSURANCE Duren Jenkins Agency (817) insurinwithduren.com445-0120 JUNK REMOVAL Junkluggers of Grapevine, Irving & junkluggersofgid.com(630)RajagopalDentonRamanujam470-8307 MORTGAGE LENDING Ameridream Mortgage Group, AmeriDreamMtg.comLLC
CLOSING REPAIRS Porch Repair Estimate (817) www.repairestimate.net754-0360 COMMERCIAL ROOFING procoroof.com(817)PROCO975-5948
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!
6 • September 2022 @realproducers
HOME WARRANTY Achosa Home Warranty (817) tarranthws.com(817)Tarrantwww.achosahw.com933-8707HomeWarranty554-2196
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 7realproducersmag.com Lifetime Workmanship Warranty! REALTORS: We o er same-day reports, so you can close faster! We work extended o ce hours, including weekends Scan to learn morewhataboutweoffer! Ask us about our 18-Month Home Warranty Upgrade for extended protection for your clients. 682.351.2267 • SemperFiHomeInspections.com We’ve Got Your Six! a veteran-owned company you can trust! Texas Excel Title LLC (817) www.TXPrem.com(817)TexasTexasExcelTitle.com980-1018PremierTitle577-5111 UTILITY CONCIERGE 1 Percent Lists Lonestar (468) 210-7795 VIDEOGRAPHER Flux Media Productions (469) fluxmediaproductions.com955-5833 WINDOWS & SIDING Tarrant Windows & Siding (817) TarrantWindows.com987-1210 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING/ MANAGEMENT Content Compounding (405) contentcompounding.io888-9119 STAGE & DESIGN Evergreen Staging & Design Sherwood Wilson (817) 513-3141 evergreenstaging.comx1 TITLE COMPANY Alamo Title Company - Southlake (817) BostonAlamoDFW.com896-8686National Title of Texas (972) junipertitle.com(817)JuliaJuniperbnttexas.com584-9660Title,Inc.Mitchell358-9500
8 • September 2022 @realproducers
A Community of Honor
One of my mentors, and an incredible coach, is a former Navy Seal, and if there is any group of individuals that understand and live with honor … it would be the Seals.
publisher’s note
One of the DFW Real Producers’ core values, and a core value of mine person ally, is honor. Over the past couple of years, I have come to have a new under standing and appreciation for honor.
When it comes to Real Producers, we are about honoring those agents and businesses that are the best at what they do and creating a community where we can honor each other.
As top 500 agents, y’all receive the RP Badge of Honor based on your MLS sales production for the year. If you produce high enough, you make the cut! You get the logo, the magazine, access to the private events, and an opportu nity to be featured at no cost to you. If you are an RP Vetted Business, it means that you have been recommended by top 500 agents (they are honoring you and your work), and our team is taking the time to make sure you operate a business that is honorable.
One of my favorite things about what we do at Real Producers is that not only do we honor those that are the best at what they do, but when we share your stories, the focus is on honoring you and your life … the good, the bad, the ugly. There are so many trials and tribulations that occur in life and on the journey to success, and at RP, we honor that journey. Real Producers is not a brag book. It’s a book of honor.
Honor, at its core, is not only having a high level of respect but showing that level of respect with your actions.
What I hear all the time from agents and businesses is that once they get to know other people’s jour neys, they have a whole new level of respect and adoration for them. Their level of honor towards those individuals significantly increases. And that is what this is all about--giving honor where honor is due. Whether you are a Top 500 Agent or RP Vetted Business, next time you run into one of your peers, I hope you recognize their hard work and are able to honor them in some way, big or small. Each of you has earned the RP Badge, and I want you to remember that it’s a symbol of the journey you have been on. It is a badge of honor. Be sure to display it proudly.We honor you! Jordan Espeseth
@realproducersmag.comjordan.espesethOwner
PRODUCERS:REAL
10 • September 2022 @realproducers gabbysindulgenttreats.com @indulgent__treats Scan to easily order today! Chocolate Strawberries Custom Sugar Cookies | Hot Chocolate Bombs Baskets | Cake Hearts & More! Locally Owned and Operated by Real PreferredProducer'sPartner,GabbyCastillo Strengthen Your Client & Partner Relationships with ought l, Custom ed Treat Options! DONATED THIS YEAR TO HELP END MODERN- DAY SLAVERY. A GIVING PROGRAM BY Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our Area Directors, and readers like you, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality. Did you know there are more victims held against their will today than ever before? That’s why The N2 Company –the company behind this publication and 850+ others like it – is financially committed to end human trafficking. FOR EVERY AD WE SELL, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE 2 SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY. Visit n2gives.com to learn more about our giving program.
12 • September 2022 @realproducers
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 13realproducersmag.com
I always told myself that I would never do sales or work for myself. I am introverted, so it didn’t seem like the job for me.”
STEPPING IN Michele decided to move ahead and test the waters. So, she got her license in late 2019 and thought she would work as an assistant to make sure she would like the business.
Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
GOING BEYOND As a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, Michele makes a difference for people each day … sparking their success in the process.
FIRST STEPS Michele grew up in San Diego and graduated from college in 2015 with a pre-physical therapy degree. “I’ve always been into health and fitness. After getting some clinical hours on the physical therapy track, I didn’t think that was the career for me,” she remembers.
“I genuinely really enjoy everything about this job. Every day I wake up excited,” Michele says.
“I worked with a local flat fee brokerage. I was an assistant for a month or two, and then they needed me to start taking deals,” she says. “Before I knew it, I was working 30 deals at a time and working a lot of hours. I did that for a year.” After that, Michele moved to Coldwell Banker.
14 • September 2022 @realproducers rising star PLAYDON Sparking Success
“It was a big transition going from a flat fee broker age to learning about how to run my own business,” she remembers. “My first year at Coldwell Banker was a big learning curve to figure out my systems and routines and how to get my own business.” Her success continues to build through time. In fact, since beginning her adventure in real estate,
You know when you see someone who has an unde niable drive for what they do every day. It comes through in the way they interact with oth ers. And you see signs of it in the success that they create for those that they serve. That’s the feeling you get when you talk with Michele Playdon.
“I moved to Texas on a whim and ended up in the service industry for a few years, not sure what to do next. That’s where I met my now husband, and he told me from day one that I should do real estate.
“I just enjoy helping people. I enjoy taking care of problems and the excitement of how every day is totally different.”
Michele
WONDERFUL LIFE Away from work, Michele’s life is made richer by her family, including her hus band, “JustinJustin.isthe reason why I got started in this busi ness,” she smiles. “He is also very entrepreneur ial and loves sales. My dream is to have us do this together one day. I know he’d be great at it, too.” In their free time, Michele and Justin enjoy time spent at home together with their two dogs. When it comes to giving back, Michele has always enjoyed working with kids with special needs.
•
“Neurological disorders and special needs are the areas that I had wanted to go into with physical therapy,” she says. She also has a big place in her heart for orga nizations such as The Special Olympics of Texas and Rays of Light (an after-school program for kids with autism). She has recently joined the MetroTex Community Outreach Committee as another way to give back. With a strong sense of pas sion for what she does and a genuine desire to make life better for those around her, Michele dedicates herself to sparking success each and every day.
16 September 2022 Michele has closed over 130 transactions.
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 17realproducersmag.com ARE YOUR OFFERS BEING BEATEN OUT HOME AFTER HOME? Call Bryan to see how we can give you a competitive edge. • We can close your loan in 21 days or less • All loan operations are locally based MADEMortgageEASY! APPLY NOW! AVAILABLE MONDAYTHEBRYANCONNATSERTEAM.COMSATURDAYBRYAN CONNATSER | DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT 972-777-LOAN (5626) | 5055 W Park Blvd, Suite 300, Plano, TX 75093 NMLS #148901 • DON'T MISS OUT! Fixed Rates are still near 50-year lows. • Lending team with more than 26 years of experience TheLovellTeam.com • Clear communicationresponsive to all parties in transaction • Solution-oriented • Seamless and smooth process HADIE LOVELL LOAN OFFICER DARREN LOVELL SENIOR LOAN OFFICER FOR LICENSING INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.NMLSCONSUMERACCESS.ORG. CARDINAL FINANCIAL COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (NMLS ID 66247). COPYRIGHT © 2021 CARDINAL FINANCIAL COMPANY CARDINAL FINANCIAL COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. ALL TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES ARE THE PROPERTY OF CARDINAL FINANCIAL. 817-487-7110 5055NMLS972-623-7658(C)(O)#378056,959808WParkBlvd,Suite300, Plano, TX 75093 THE LOVELL TEAM APPLY NOW!
18 • September 2022 @realproducers Help Your Clients Connect Their Utilities & Earn Residual Income! Healthcare That Works Better & Feels Better! Scan for your NO-OBLIGATION FREE quote or Call Stephanie at 682.463.4292 to learn more! UTILITY CONCIERGE AFFORDABLE RatesCOVERAGEHEALTHCAREstartat $65/month for individuals and $400/month for families Low Deductibles | All Telehealth is Free 99.9% of doctors are considered in-network Electric | Internet | TV Security | Satellite & More Scan to schedule an appointment or call Stephanie at 817.778.0225! Help your clients, sign up, and receive a BONUS when they are connected and MONTHLY payouts! ONLYIMPRESSIONSFIRSTHAPPENONCE PARTNER WITH PROFESSIONALHEADSHOTTOELEVATEYOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS! BRENT TINSLEY 817.715.2015 HEADSHOTPROFESSIONAL.COM
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 19realproducersmag.com INSTANTLY SET YOURSELF APART FROM YOUR COMPETITION and create consistent revenue-generating opportunities for your business month after month. Multiple packages available to suit your needs COACH KYLE DRAPER (405) contentcompounding.io888-9119kyle@kyledraper.com REALTORS®Easily Stay At Top Of Mind! Scan to take your business to the next level! Let us handle content creation for you
20 • September 2022 @realproducers EVENTCELEBRATIONMAGAZINEMAGAZINECELEBRATIONEVENT June, July, and August 2022
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 21realproducersmag.com
Starting in 2021, Real Producers started doing mini-magazine release parties! In attendance for these events, we will have those real estate agents and businesses that were featured in that issue, along with a few non-featured adver tising partners. Last month’s party, like all of our parties, was an absolute blast! At this event, we show cased the June, July, and August 2022 issues. These events are such a fun way to debut the magazine and connect with a smaller group of incredible monthscelebrationscontinuingWewithstorieschancegratefulOurandVarkey,KaytheMortgageStorey,MicahLee,Title,AliBalcar,toCongratulationspeople.againKrisWise,LoriShanaMartin,Merchant,JuniperAaronKinn,AlexShellyAdams,YoungandJamieGracieMorrow&Beyond,REStartAgency,Lopez,SonuBrianSeets,BrianWhite.teamfeelsverytohavehadthetoshareyourandcelebrateyou.lookforwardtothesesmallerintheandyearsahead!
22 • September 2022 @realproducers
realproducersmag.com EXCELLENCE IN EVERY PROJECT! KMSERVICEPRO.COMTIMEFORSOLAR?RCATLICENSE#01-0510FULLYINSURED Real Producer's Preferred Partner, Kyle Karker 214.801.6555 | AmericanRealPM.com/REALTORS 13747 Montfort Dr, Suite 280 | Dallas, Texas 75240 PARTNER WITH A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP THAT PUTS OWNING INVESTMENT PROPERTIES Protecting Owners Growing ManagementProfessionalPortfoliosAsset Scan To Learn Why RealtorEveryNeedsAGreatPM!
24 • September 2022 @realproducers Offering Our Agent Partners Innovative Marketing Tools & Resources to Better Serve Clients! madeNumberseasy. Experience real estate's #1 closing cost TPTAgentapp,ONE. Ask us about our remote online notarization feature! Nikki Gossett Raj: 630.470.8307 Raj@Junkluggers.com Megan: 903.436.5102 Megan.Dutton@Junkluggers.com Junkluggers.com Scan for help getting top dollar for your client’s home! WHYWITHPARTNERUS? Eco Friendly Junk Remo Same Day & Next Day S Quick, Dependable, On Satisfaction Guaranteed We Donate & Recycle to K Items Out of Landfills LET US HELP YOU SELL MORE... Fullylicensed andInsured Fullylicensed andInsured Locally Owned & Operated
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 25realproducersmag.com SmarterNegotiateWithTheRepairEstimateReport! Using the details from your client’s inspection report to create cost estimates you can use during the negotiation process. RepairEstimate.net Scan To Get Started Today! REPORTS GENERATED WITHIN 24 HOURS! A House Is Not A Home Until We've Inspected It! TRUSTED • EXPERIENCED • RELIABLE FULLY INSURED • AFFORDABLE • RE-INSPECTIONS SCAN TO EASILY BOOK YOUR CLIENT'S INSPECTION! 817.726.5333 • EndeavorInspect.com ChrisOwnerCarathers&Inspector
26 • September 2022 @realproducers rp vetted business spotlight Written by: Les McGehee, Rialto Academy
Photos by: Jin Kim
, URSPECIAL
My favorite thing is conversationsimmersedbeinginwithpeopleIcareabout,hearingtheirstoriesoflifeandbusinessambition.Tospendmydaysbuildingrelationshipsandtrustsothatpeopleinourindustryandcommunitycansharetheirstoriesinthisbigconversation. “ “
Maybe it was no mistake that morning the mylar balloon drifted into Lance Dunahoe’s yard. Sent aloft with notes for a daddy taken too soon from a small grieving family, the balloon didn’t quite make it to its heavenly destination, but instead, gently came to rest on the grass, catching the eye of Dunahoe as he left for work. What happened next is a perfect example of Dunahoe’s defining gift. He was compelled to connect with the family who had launched the balloon — to let them know their messages were received (by him at least). He located them and learned they had some pressing needs. So, he quickly connected them with people in the community who wanted to help. Money was donated, services were located, and the family got a little bit of the support they deserved. Dunahoe is often the binding force in situations.
It’s a natural position that he slips into with great ease and confidence. He knows a lot of us — knows us well — and when he connects us, good things happen. Lucky for us, he dwells with the top busi ness achievers of our community, so he has a lot of beneficial opportunities to practice his craft. He might have brought together many of you, in fact, as you connected neighbors with homes. Sure, Dunahoe likes to give referrals, yet his defining gift is his ability to unite us. The fabric of our community is stronger because people like Dunahoe increase our thread count, through powerful connections. If he sounds like a minister, it’s because he’s the son of one.
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 27realproducersmag.com ONLY CONNECT
There are many ways to bind a community and Dunahoe uses them all. He loves to refer busi ness, introduce people for like-minded or strategic reasons, and of course, he throws great parties. He stays attentive for things he can be of service about for your success. He knows what you do well and will use that information when he bumps into
To view the balloon article and video, go to ABCnews.go.com and search for Lance Dunahoe
28 • September 2022 someone who needs you. He’s like an ambas sador-at-large, working for the values we share and the success of the businesses that fuel this Dunahoe’scommunity.powerofcohesion has helped him succeed as the Real Producers co-publisher, and as founder of the highly trusted INSPECT360 home-inspection business. He doesn’t operate alone, of course; he needs us to make this work. He relies on us, his partner Jordan Espeseth, and his INSPECT360 “dream team.” Most importantly, he needs his amazing wife Danielle and their two strong boys, Gavin and Landon — young, watchful men growing up exposed to the power of parents and a community that cares. Young men that are diverse and full of heart and curiosity, like their parents.
The Dunahoes met as flight attendants travel ing the world, connecting while on connecting flights. They loved not just travel but the sto ries of the travelers they encountered. They even learned Japanese together so that they could enjoy weekly overseas flights to Japan. They were also drawn together by their love of music and still catch as many concerts as they can. And they enjoy their rich friend ships, weekends with friends, and staying in the conversation with their boys. “One of my favorite books is ‘Fierce Conversations’ by Susan Scott,” says Dunahoe. “It has taught me that the conversa tion IS the relationship. My favorite thing is being immersed in conversations with people I care about — hearing their stories of life and business ambition. To spend my days build ing relationships and trust so that people in our industry and community can share their stories in this big conversation, well, it’s quite an honor and a privilege.” Connection and gratitude are interesting things and sometimes they pull a big switch eroo on us. For instance, there was a tough time when the Dunahoe family needed help, and connections showed up. “I broke my ankle pretty badly… had to have surgeries and rehab, and it was hard for me to get around and do things,” Dunahoe says. “I was getting frustrated with my health.” His community learned that he needed help, and, more importantly, he learned that he had to accept their help. “Being forced to slow down and lean on others proved to be a reckoning for me. I realized that I get to work in a community that I love and with people every day that I truly admire. From that moment, it was natural for me to co-found Real Producers and grow these relationships — relationships that helped me heal physically and mentally. They’re everything.” As Dunahoe says, “I believe we all have the opportunity, every day, to be the answer to somebody’s prayer.”
E V E R Y H O M E . E V E R Y D E T A I L . E V E R G R E E N ! E V E R G R E E N S T A G I N G . C O M | 2 14 . 9 8 4 . 4 2 3 3
30 • September 2022 @realproducers 425 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 200 • Southlake, TX 76092 817-993-1500 • www.alamotitle.com Meet Your Southlake Team Amy Mayes VP, Branch Manager Jessica Bays Escrow Officer Ashley Gingras Sales Executive
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 31realproducersmag.com “ “ I specialize in architectural and real estate photography and portraiture, including lifestyle branding sessions and more. - Desireé Roberts, Photographer Contact Desiree today to set up your session! 972.998.3133 www.desireeroberts.com 469.734.9000 | stonebriarmoving.com SCAN FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE! We Take The Stress Out Of Your Client’s Move! North Fort Worth Real Producer’s Trusted Resource for MovingPacking,&Storage!Tyler EdwardsAshleyand COACHINGBUSINESS REALCOACHINGESTATE CERTIFICATIONSTRAINING COACHING We have proven success helping Real Producers GET WAY REALER Les McGehee Head Coach Alan Rice Head Coach coaching@rialtoacademy.com Jonathan Moerbe Coach Bonnie Geuvin Coach Jayson Stone Coach SCAN PRODUCERSREALFORSPECIALOFFERS!
cover story
CALCULATED FUN RACHEL
While she was often outnumbered 30-to-1 representing these families during depositions against major corporations, she wouldn’t have had it any other way. “I loved representing the underdog, and I loved being their fiduciary,” Moussa said. But the work required a lot of travel – and when she and her husband, Charlie, had their first baby in 2016, Moussa knew it was time for a change. She practiced employment law for a couple of years to be closer to home but
Written by: Mark Fadden
Photos by: Brent Tinsley, Headshot Professional Rachel Moussa approaches life by calculat ing potential risks. But that doesn’t mean she shies away from them. Risk. For many people, it’s one of those four-letter words. It’s something to be avoided, flirting with potential danger. Others, however, would agree with Kayt Sukel, author of The Art of Risk: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance, who wrote that “all of us have the power within us to use risk to our advantage. It’s not just the stuff of superheroes. Risk is the key to learning and growth for all of us.” For Rachel Moussa, risk isn’t a negative thing. She actually seeks out and embraces risks — so long as they are calculated ones. Why else would she leave a blossoming career as a lawyer after graduating cum laude from Notre Dame Law School in 2009 to pursue a career that has a sky-high failure rate? “I did the research and found out that real estate agents have an 87 percent failure rate,” Moussa said.
While that was a daunting statistic, Moussa was undeterred. “I knew how hard I would work and felt that my personality was similar to those that had been very successful in the field. So, it was a risk I was willing to take,” said CalculatingMoussa.risks
MOUSSA
is all about analyzing numbers, something that Moussa has built her life around. After graduating magna cum laude with a B.S. in political science and a minor in business from Texas A&M in 2006, she decided to go to law school after scoring well on the LSAT. “For seven years, I represented families that had lost, or were in the midst of los ing, someone to asbestos cancer.”
Being a wife, a mom to her three kids (5-year-old Alayna, 4-year-old Jacob, and 2-year-old Samantha), and a real estate professional, Moussa rarely has downtime. But if she gets a free
34 • September 2022 @realproducers quickly realized she wanted to try something else. “I still wanted to represent people and be a fiduciary, but I wanted to talk to more people every day!”
Just recently, she made a move to Monument Realty, and is carving out a path for the future.
Photo courtesy of: Lauren Bethany
“One day, after months of seeing my coach, I casually mentioned that I’ve always liked looking at houses online. She almost fell out of her chair screaming, ‘Bingo! That’s it! Real estate!’” The risk paid off – Moussa sold 43 homes in her first year while juggling a two-year-old, a newborn, and still working part-time at the law firm.
After that first year, she realized the move had been the right one. She doubled down, forming a small team of top-producing agents: The Blushwood Realty Group with Fathom Realty. In 2021, with only four agents, they sold 101 homes totaling $45 million.
Moussa incorporates embracing risk as she trains her team. “Our team is obsessed with apprais als and being able to give accurate opin ions of market value. Because of this, we can take calculated risks to earn more business. One of the ways we’ve won listings is by offering net listings to for sale by owners. We are so sure that we could get them more than what they were asking on their own, we are will ing to risk getting paid nothing for our time and efforts – and it has paid off every time!”
She also considers the risks for buyers when it comes to what offers to submit, especially in multiple offer situations. “I don’t like words like ‘usually’ or ‘a good chance,’” said Moussa. “When we advise our buyers on what offer to submit, we might say something like ‘At XX price with XX terms, in our opinion, you have a 30% chance of winning.’ I think that is the kind of solid information that a buyer needs to make an educated decision.”
At her husband’s urging, in 2017, Moussa went to see a career coach and spent almost a year evalu ating her next steps professionally. Her coach had her read the book What Color Is Your Parachute? and take several career-oriented tests, including the StrengthsFinder test and DISC analysis. “That was a big ‘ah-ha!’ for me. I am such a strong ‘I’ personality type; it was almost off the charts! I like ‘influencing’ – meeting new people, wooing them, solving their problems, and then starting the process all over again with more new people,” Moussa said.
Photo courtesy of: Sabrina Gebhardt
36 • September 2022 @realproducers evening, her favorite place to head is to a poker room.
“I love to play poker. I like being underestimated at the table,” she said. Not only has she been to Las Vegas more than 20 times and held her own at the poker tables on the strip, but she’s also won three poker tournaments, including one in Vegas. “I feel a surge of joy when I look at my first two pocket cards, and the endorphins start to flow,” said Moussa. “Then there’s everything else connected to the experience…getting to know the other players, trying to master the math, and making the right calculated decision.” In poker and in real estate, Moussa loves being “all-in.”
I LOVE TO PLAY POKER. I like underestimatedbeingatthetable.
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 37realproducersmag.com I look forward to building relationshipa with you. Give me a call TODAY! Anginette Cells Jorrey, Loan O cer | NMLS # 216856 / 2289 O ce 817-812-2276 | Direct 214-908-2828 anginettej@fairwaymc.com | AnginetteHomeLoans.com 1201 Hall Johnson Rd, Suites 100 & 101 • Colleyville, TX 76034 Copyright©2018 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved. This is not an o er to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Fairway is not a liated with any government agencies. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. “It’s wethechangetheitloansaboutnotthewedo;isaboutheartsweandpeoplehelp.”
38 • September 2022 @realproducers
rise and grind
Photos by: Samantha Farris
Written by: Mark Fadden
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 41realproducersmag.com
CHRISHALL
Calm in the Chaos
“Keep calm and carry on.” Anticipating dark days ahead at the outset of World War II, the British government coined that slogan in 1939 as part of an effort to boost morale in areas targeted by German bombers. In the past decade, the “Keep Calm” slogan has been used to advertise many different things. Keep calm and eat chocolate. Keep calm and drink beer. Keep calm and study for exams. For Chris Hall, his picture could be on any one of these posters or coffee mugs that promote calmness. But he wasn’t always this way. It took years of com bat sports training and constant self-reflection to become the chill man he is today. Born in Presque Island, Maine, Hall was 5 years old when the family moved to Euless, Texas. His mother was in real estate before Hall was born and got back into it after he started high school. His grandmother was also a broker/owner of an ERA brokerage, so you could say that real estate is in his blood. Also in his blood was a fierce sense of com petition that began to emerge during his time on the high school wrestling team. It was at this time that other things started changing for Hall, as well.
Chris Hall had an interesting youth that could have led him to a completely different life full of pain and sadness. Thanks to techniques he learned in combat sports, he now leads a life of peace and serenity.
Each agent wants to get the most they can for their client, and I’m not there to lose.
Even though he was picked on as a young boy, Hall wasn’t the type of person to simply walk away from a fight. “I didn’t seek them out, but I sure wasn’t going to shy away from one either,” he said. While wrestling gave him an outlet for this fight ing spirit, his coaches taught him a valuable lesson about how to really be successful in the sport. “People think that in sports like wrestling, you fuel yourself with your anger. On the contrary, my wrestling coach taught me that when you get upset, you can’t think clearly. And it was so true. When I stayed cool on the mat, it was like I was in this state of flow. Time seemed to slow down. I could hear my coach’s instructions crystal clear, like he was standing right next to me,” Hall said. “Being in those situations and staying calm helped me realize that anger is not your friend in any situation. Among other negative things, it leads to making mistakes. I mean, can you ever think of a situa tion in which you were thankful that you lost your temper?” Halfway through high school, Hall got interested in MMA (mixed martial arts), where competitors use a range of fighting techniques and skills to compete. Shortly after graduating, he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai and began fighting in the DFW area. He also began flipping houses. While he liked being in real estate, he realized flipping houses wasn’t for him. That’s when his mother suggested that he get his real estate license. He did and brought into his new career the techniques he learned in wrestling and MMA. “When going through a transaction, I look at it like a bout,” he said. “So, I stay calm if anything comes up during a transac tion. In fact, I stay so calm that it can be frustrating to other agents because they can never get a read on me. They never know what I’m thinking.” It’s not that Hall doesn’t like the other agent or has any animosity towards them. At the end of the day, he views a real estate transaction as a compe tition. “Each agent wants to get the most they can for their client, and I’m not there to lose,” he said. While Hall credits coaches, friends, and family to help guide him in his troubled younger life, these days hav ing a strong family is his foundation. “I get to work with my best friend and wife, Angela. She manages our back-office tasks and keeps the family going strong. My kids, Camryn and Cooper, are a blast. Having children
42 • September 2022
44 • September 2022 @realproducers has workingloving,knownIawantandtimethatandaperson.completelyrememberinitstaymakesviolencecontrolsive,bilitythatHallgardenerinbetter“Iyouaaninging,growingwardseitherthatHalllovingaonchangedcompletelymyoutlooklifebymakingmemorepatientandman,”hesaid.understandsinlife,you’removingfororbackward,orshrinkbutneverstandstill.Everydayisopportunitytobebetterpersonthanwereyesterday.likethequote,‘It’stobeawarrioragardenthanainawar,’”said.“IknowIhavethecapatobeaggresbutIcanalsoit.Seeinginmypastmewanttoasfarawayfromaspossible.PeoplemyformerlifemeasadifferentNowI’mhusband,father,businessownerlovesspendingwithmyfamilyfriends.Idon’ttobeknownasfighteranymore.justwanttobeasanhonest,andhardman.”
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 45realproducersmag.com NMLS: 39179 NEED A RESCUE? Text RESCUE to 469.694.3195 469-202-4195 • loanofficermark.comMark@LoanOfficerMark.com • NMLS #1254891 2011 Lakeside Parkway • Flower Mound, TX • 75028 LOANOFFICERMARKTOTHERESCUE
46 • September 2022 @realproducers 817.313.4091 Photography By Samantha Farris Finally, a home warranty that provides a better claims experience by allowing the homeowner to use their own service provider! Marianewww.achosahw.comKing Senior Sales marianek@achosah817.933.8707Executivew.com “The Power to Choose Home Warranty Company” MAKE US PART OF YOUR HOME TEAM! Schedule your complimentary on-site estimate today! FULLY LICENSED & INSURED | USDOT: 3610404 (817) 500-4425 · ThePerfectMove.Net 120 Wanda Way Ste 201A, Hurst, TX 76053 Locally Owned & Operated by Real Producer's Preferred Partner, DJ Hall FULL-SERVICE MOVING Local & Assembly/DisassemblyPacking/UnpackingOfficeResidentialLong-Distance&Commercial REALTORS - We Are The Moving Company You Can Keep In Your Back Pocket!
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 47realproducersmag.com
Ryan got back on his feet again after the surgery and was living his life to
48 • September 2022 @realproducers charity spotlight RYAN SCHOLARSHIPSIDDIQUEFUND A Legacy of Hope
Article and photos submitted by: Julia Barth and Brooke Dalbey, Juniper Title
Ryan was also passionate about fast cars. He was an avid Corvette enthusiast and belonged to a local Corvette club. He took pride in work ing on and showing his award-winning Corvette, even calling it to all who knew him his “wife.”
brain tumor. Hopeful that removing the tumor would stop the seizures, Ryan underwent major brain surgery to remove the tumor. His doctors were amazed at Ryan’s resilience and capacity for healing. It is unknown whether the tumor was the cause of Ryan’s epilepsy, but they are a known cause of epilepsy in some people.
When Ryan was 4 years old, he began to experience what was then called petite mal seizures. He would suffer from them throughout his lifetime and had to find ways to live his life to the fullest while living with his seizures. Ryan visited many differ ent doctors and took a variety of seizure-controlling medications. In his early 20s, the medication was no longer controlling Ryan’s seizures, and he was then diagnosed with a Ryan Siddique was born in Bedford, Texas, on June 27, 1985. Ryan graduated from Grapevine High School in 2004 and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from the University of Texas at Dallas in December of 2008. Ryan was an amazing and aspiring professional golfer. As a mentally and physically tough and dedi cated player, he played on the University of Texas at Dallas golf team and still holds the record for the lowest round ever shot in the university’s team history, a 67, while playing in the NCAA John Bohmann Memorial Tournament. He won medalist honors. Ryan finished tied for the final alternate spot in the Texas State Open prior to suffering a career-changing back injury. He would practice for 12 and 14 hours a day in the grueling Texas sun to achieve success as an athlete and lover of golf.
Help epileptic students by attending the First Annual Ryan Siddique Scholarship Gala and Concert! it could do more. So, in addition to continuing to raise money for direct scholarships, the board determined to launch a second annual fundraiser with the goal of netting enough money annually to provide an annual endow ment to a university benefitting an epileptic student. The goal is 10 endow ments in 10 years. The first endow ment was granted to the University of Texas at Dallas at the end of 2021. That endowment will perpetually provide an annual $5000 college scholarship in the Ryan Siddique Scholarship Fund’s name. Your participation in this gala will not only be fun but will help achieve an infinite benefit to society.
realproducersmag.com
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 49 the fullest. Unfortunately, on Aug. 31, 2013, at only 28 years old, Ryan suffered a massive debilitating stroke and was again diagnosed with another brain tumor. He fought a good fight for nearly eight months, suffering from the severe effects of the stroke, seizures, additional brain surgeries, chemo therapy, radiation, and the tumor itself, before passing away on Apr. 10, Ryan2014.will be fiercely missed and never forgotten. In 2015, The Ryan Siddique Scholarship Fund was formed by Ryan’s best friend and fellow col legiate golfer Richard Eisemann and Ryan’s remaining siblings. It is a not-for-profit organization that raises money to help people who lived like Ryan lived, with epilepsy, to go to college. The cost, in time and money, of achieving a “normal” life while living with epi lepsy is considerably higher than those living without epilepsy. This is why the Ryan Siddique Scholarship Fund was created. It is a way to remember Ryan while helping those that have a higher cost of living due to epilepsy achieve their dreams. This fund has created a legacy for Ryan over the past years and has given over $165,000 directly to students with epilepsy. And in addition, it has given Ryan’s alma mater, the University of Texas at Dallas, a $100,000 endowment that yields a UTD student with epilepsy one $5000 scholarship for ever. There are no paid employees at the Ryan Siddique Scholarship Fund. All of those who have helped this charity be successful have given their time generously. Thank you to all the past sponsors and partic ipants for helping to create this beautiful legacy! Eighth Annual Golf Tournament Apr. 21, 2023, 8 a.m. Shotgun Start Cowboys Golf Club Breakfast and lunch included More details coming later Since its inception, the Ryan Siddique Scholarship Fund’s annual goal was to net at least $30,000 annually to provide direct scholarships to students in fulltime undergraduate college or advanced degree schools. The fund has hosted an annual golf tournament to accomplish this (check out our website and our social media pages to sign up for the next one)! This fund is the first one in the country to give students with epilepsy aid for tuition and books—and is still only one of a few. This is astounding when you consider that nearly 2% of the population in the United States suffers from epilepsy. Once we found continued success in the golf tourna ment fundraising event, the board realized Now selling sponsorships Ryan Siddique Fund Texas Gala and Concert Nov. 12, 2022 – Doors Open at 6 p.m. Featuring the Kevin Fowler Band Dinner, Concert, Auctions, and Dancing!
Log in to become a sponsor and Ryansiddiquescholarshipfund.rallyup.com/galaattend:
GOLFERS: SAVE THE DATE
50 • September 2022 @realproducers Partner With The Best Roofing & Solar Services In Town! Why Partner With Us? Earn Commissions With Our Referral Program Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Expert Team Of Roofing & Solar Professionals Scan To Start Earning On Referrals Today!FreeRankinRoofingAndSolar.com817.675.0905Inspections!* * Detailed Photo Reports Included! "They are professional and super clean keeping ever yone at a distance allowing my client to relax about keeping their kids safe. I highly recommend them to all of my clients." Mark Bradford, Coldwell Banker Realty ww972.412.6033w .firehousemovers.com Franchise Opportunities Available WITH REVIEWS LIKE THIS, REFER US WITH CONFIDENCE! P a cking | U n p a ckin g | M o ving | St or a g e | Po r t a bl e S to r a g e
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 51realproducersmag.com
Photos by: Brent Tinsley, Headshot Professional
When Joe and Carla Atwal gave their first answer to my interview questions for this month’s “Power Couple” feature, I knew I was going to like them.
52 • September 2022 @realproducers power couple
Written by: Mark Fadden
“What’s your favorite thing that Carla does for you?” I asked Joe. There was no hesitation in his response.
A seemingly natural salesman, it’s hard to believe that Joe didn’t know any English when he arrived here from India when he was ten years old. “I grew up in a village in Punjab, India. My dad left when I was five to go to the U.S. to pursue a better life for us,” Joe said. “He earned an engineering degree, got a job, and then the rest of the family joined him in Plano.”
“No matter how busy she is, she makes me breakfast – oatmeal with fresh fruit – every morning.” “Carla, would you agree?” I asked her. Again, no hesitation before she gave her answer. “I would have said putting up with his cryptocurrency obsession.” And so it is with a couple who really enjoys each other’s company. As we all chuckled at that playful teasing – Joe even breaking out into his Ahhhnold Terminator accent – I could immediately understand why these two have been such a successful team, both in real estate and in life, for so long. They first met at a party at Texas Tech University. The next night they went out for Indian food and to watch the Batman movie. “I never met any one with such a colorful past,” Carla said about meeting Joe. “He was so witty and sincere and so comfortable to talk to. We just fit together so well. We spent most of the last six months of college inseparable, and 30 years later, he’s still my favor ite person to hang out with.”
ATWAL
What started with Indian food and Batman has blossomed into a sincere love of real estate, their family, and each other for nearly 30 years.
Just Let it Flow
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 53
54 • September 2022 OUR PERSONALITIES ALLOW US TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS ADVICE FROM THEMSELVESSTAGINGFROMCOMESPERSPECTIVESVARIOUSWHENITTOEVERYTHINGFINANCINGTOTOPICTURINGINANEWHOME.
Joe’s father also began buying rental properties and teaching him about that business. After graduating from Texas Tech with a degree in financial plan ning, Joe started out selling insurance and became a stockbroker selling securities, but real estate remained top of mind. “I had a few REALTORS® as investment clients, so I would ask them about sell ing real estate. Being an agent would free me from the daily 8-5 office grind; I would be helping people with their biggest purchase, and no two days would be alike,” said Joe. So, he took the plunge and became an agent in 1997. He earned his firm’s Rookie of the Year award his first year and never looked back. He also carries with him the words that his first real estate mentor, Junita Ham, taught him when he was a rookie agent. “To say that real estate can be stressful at times can be an understatement,” said Joe. “When it does, I always remember Junita saying to me, ‘Just let it flow, Joe.’” Carla, who began her professional career at Temerlin McClain advertising agency, began taking real estate classes together with Joe at night after work. When the two had their first child, her real estate education allowed her to work in the back office for Joe, working on client follow-up, reten tion, and marketing. “Dividing up the responsibil ities of the business made us realize that being in real estate really is a two-person job,” Carla said. As owners of a boutique real estate firm, the Atwals have the flexibility to serve their clients in many ways. While they often represent buyers separately and sellers together, they can also give their clients the male and female perspectives, which can be quite different in a real estate transaction. “While Joe is more of a big-picture thinker, I’m more detail-oriented,” said Carla. “Our personalities allow us to offer our clients advice from various
At first, Joe’s family lived in a couple of different apartments in rougher neighborhoods, but his father was undeterred in working hard and sav ing up for a house, a goal that represented their American Dream. “My dad kept saying that we would own a house one day. When we finally did, it was surreal. It was like we were finally living our dream. As a real estate agent, I get to relive the satisfaction of finding my clients their American Dream homes. It’s hugely satisfying.”
The same can be said when they switch gears into their personal lives. “Joe would take our son motorcycle rid ing, and I love to travel with our daughter,” Carla said. They also like to stay active, and both have made fitness a daily priority. “Pickleball is Joe’s favorite sport, and for me, it’s CrossFit,” said Carla. “We both love Lifetime Fitness too and are there most days — working out and working out our jaws chatting! We’ve met so many people at Lifetime Fitness; it’s really a huge part of our lives. We socialize and go on trips with the people we’ve met there and have been members there for over 15 years.”
56 • September 2022 perspectives when it comes to everything from financing to staging to picturing them selves in a new home.”
For Carla and Joe, real estate is the focal point of the American Dream. From Joe’s first taste of America when he was a boy to their life in the same Grapevine neighborhood where they’ve lived for more than 20 years, the Atwals understand that a person’s home is so much more than just a house. “We get to meet people from all over the country who have so many different perspectives,” said Carla. “To be able to be a part of the process of one of the biggest investments in their lives, and be a part of their next chapter with their new home, is wonderfully fulfilling to us.”
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 57realproducersmag.com *Must mention ad when scheduling. O er valid for a limited time. HVACResidentialYouragesservicescompany.com817.851.8155TrustedSourceFor&Commercial&ElectricalServices!EXCLUSIVESpecialForRealProducers!$79HVACInspection* ($150 Regular Price)
NORTH FORT WORTH We Solve Problems For Agents!
