Photo by: Katharine Gann, DayDream Photography WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
Mandy Reul: Triumph Over Adversity
Gena Dowell: Inspired
Sue Smith: The Heart of Independence
Title – Arlington
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!
ACCOUNTING/ TAX SERVICES
DASG, LLC
Joel Gilhang (214) 945-2488 dasgdfw.com
BUILDER
Perry Homes, LLC (972) 629-3900 perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com
Fidelity National Title - The Baker Firm (817) 377-4100 fidelity-usa.com
Independence Title
Sue Smith (682) 478-0005 independencetitle.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY
studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
WEBSITE DESIGN & SEO
Digilatics (814) 954-6088 digilatics.com
MEET THE
FT. WORTH REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Katharine Gann Photographer
Rick Davis Videographer Editor
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner
Julie Altemus Executive Director
Lance Dunahoe Co-owner
Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director
Landon Day Photographer
Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist
Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator
Mortg ag e brokers work with a v ariety of lenders, including banks, priv ate lenders, credit unions, g iv ing realtors access to a wide rang e of mortg ag e products and rates for clients.
W E SAV E YO U TIM E
B y partnering with a mortg ag e broker, realtors can sav e time by outsourcing the mortg ag e shopping process to a professional; allowing you time to focus on other aspects of the transac tion. Mortg ag e B rokers are specialist in their field and can prov ide realtors with up-to-date information and g uidance on mortg ag e products and financing options helping realtors better serv e clients.
publisher’s note
SHOUTOUT
TO REAL PRODUCERS PHOTOGRAPHERS!
It is true that our Real Producers monthly magazines would not be possible without our incredible photographers. It is such an honor and blessing to work with each one of the photographers on our RP Team. Some of our photographers have been working with us literally from day one, way back in 2018!
Each of our photographers has their own business and has come highly recommended. They are busy business owners who have partnered up with Real Producers to make sure we have beautiful photos each month. Because of our strategic partnership with our photographers, we can ensure that Real Producers get notch photos for our feature stories in our
magazine at no cost to them. Many of you who are featured want the photos for more than the use of just the magazine and often end up purchasing those photos for yourself to use however you desire. Nevertheless, our photographers put in a lot of time and hard work into the photos, and they deserve a huge round of applause for all that they do.
I want to personally thank each one of our photographers: Scott Peek with Scott Peek Photography, Jin Kim with Jin Kim Studio, Rick Davis and Cruz Acevedo with studioUSA, Landon Day and Katharine Gann with DayDream Photography, Katie Wallace with Katie
Wallace Studios, Desiree Roberts with Desiree Roberts Photography, Vanessa Corral with Vanessa Corral Photography, and John Walsh with Premier Property Media.
If you have been featured, you have experienced first-hand the great work these photographers do! And if you haven’t been featured yet, just know that with our team of photographers, you will be in great hands!
Cheers to our photographers,
Jordan Espeseth
DFW Real Producers Founder/Co-owner jordan.espeseth@n2co.com
Les McGehee has presented thousands of events across the U.S. and 15 other countries. He is the President and founder of Rialto Academy, which provides education services to 360,000+ REALTOR®, and produces nearly 3000 real estate business courses per year. Les is the author of the best-selling book Plays Well With Others, and has written for, performed for, or consulted, many of the Fortune 500 and most of the major real estate companies in America.
Wednesday, October 16th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Cherry Creek Mortgage Building | 8074 Precinct Line, Colleyville
TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY
Written by: Katherine H. Fondren • Photos by: Katharine Gann, DayDream Photography
Sometimes good things can come from adversity, and in the vast landscape of Fort Worth real estate, MANDY REUL is no exception. With a career that began amidst the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandy’s story is one of resilience and heartfelt dedication. She stands out among her peers not just for her impressive sales record, but for her remarkable journey of perseverance and kindness.
Mandy’s path to real estate wasn’t straightforward. Originally from Sacramento, California, she moved to Yuma, Arizona, as a teenager. She attended Arizona Western College, and it was there that she met her husband, Alex, who was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Mandy spent 14 years in banking and finance, followed by five years in property management, before obtaining her real estate license in December 2020. “I first started my career in real estate in February 2020, right before COVID hit,” she recalls. “I obtained my license in December 2020, but the journey was just beginning.”
Her entry into real estate came with an unexpected challenge. In October 2022, shortly before earning her license, Mandy was diagnosed with HER2-positive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. “The biggest challenge in my life as a REALTOR® was obtaining my license while I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she shares. “Knowing that I had to keep my license inactive while formulating my cancer team and next steps to both fighting my battle and winning my battle with cancer.”
Mandy’s determination to succeed in real estate, despite her diagnosis, is a testament to her resilience. After a year of treatment and recovery, she became an active agent in December 2021. Since then, she has flourished, earning accolades such as Rookie of the Year 2022 and the All-Star Award 2023 from her brokerage, The Property Shop.
Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and real estate agent has been no small feat. “The biggest challenge as a REALTOR® has been learning how to balance
being a wife, mother, and real estate agent while maintaining my health,” Mandy explains. Her husband, Alex, who retired from the Marines in 2017 after 20 years of service, now works at Bell Helicopter, and their children, Mia and William, are thriving in their respective endeavors.
Mandy’s passion for helping others is evident in her work. “I am passionate about helping people, especially first-time home buyers and veterans,” she says. This dedication is reflected in the most rewarding part of her business: assisting families in transitioning from renting to homeownership. “Being able to help families transition from renting to being able to own their own home when they never imagined it would be a possibility for them is incredibly rewarding.”
Kindness is at the core of Mandy’s approach to real estate. She goes above and beyond for her clients, often helping with tasks like packing and moving. “If they are needing to pack up boxes and I can see that my clients are in need of extra help, I make sure they know that we are a team and I offer to help them,” she says. Mandy’s clients are not just customers; they become part of her extended family.
Mandy’s faith and commitment to her community further illustrate her character. She is an active member of her church and participates in community service. This year, she aims to host a breast cancer walk to support the Bridge Breast Network, raising funds for mammograms and biopsy services for uninsured or underinsured North Texans.
Success, for Mandy, is not just about sales volume— though her $8,658,889 career volume and $4,395,890
volume in 2023 are impressive. It’s about relationships and making a difference. “The definition of success for me is obtaining my real estate license, staying current with industry trends, being aware of the local real estate market, and economic factors,” she says. “Success is enjoying what I do by being able to help others by building relationships with potential clients, community members as well as staying connected with past clients.”
Her advice to new real estate agents is simple yet profound: “To be authentic, kind, caring, and above all, place the client first.” This advice, given to her by Season Stults Ware, has been a guiding principle in her career.
Outside of work, Mandy enjoys a variety of hobbies, including camping, traveling, crocheting, singing, reading, and serving her community. She loves horseback riding and collecting old coins and money, which add unique facets to her personality.
Mandy’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance through adversity and a commitment to kindness can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment. In the ever-evolving landscape of Fort Worth real estate, Mandy Reul’s dedication to her clients and her community ensures she will be remembered not just as a successful agent, but as a beacon of compassion and resilience.
“Mandy Reul is the heart of The Property Shop, infusing every day with joy and relentless tenacity. Her unwavering positivity and dedication inspire everyone around her, making her indispensable to our team.”
–Season Ware, Broker/Owner, The Property Shop
BE AUTHENTIC, KIND, CARING, & ABOVE ALL, PLACE THE CLIENT FIRST.
Sue Smith, Liz Zabojnik, and Shelly Taylor
THE HEART OF INDEPENDENCE TITLE – ARLINGTON rp vetted business spotlight
Written
There is one name that stands out in the title insurance industry—and that name is Sue Smith. As the branch manager and business development lead at Independence Title, Sue has devoted 38 years to refining her craft and leading her team with a passion that shines through every transaction. “Helping real estate agents achieve their goals is what I’m most passionate about,” Sue declares, her enthusiasm evident in every word.
BUILDING A LEGACY OF TRUST
Independence Title is not just any title insurance company. Sue and her team have cultivated a reputation for exceptional customer service, innovative technology, and robust training programs. “What sets us apart is our strong relationships with our real estate partners and our years of service,” Sue explains. These relationships are not merely professional; they are deeply personal, built on trust and mutual respect over decades of collaboration.
“Our team spirit is unmatched,” Sue emphasizes. “We’ve worked together for over 15 years, some of us over 30.” This sense of camaraderie and unity is palpable when you step into their office. The names on her team roster—Lin Zabojnik, Shelly Taylor, Linda Sanders, Pam Henderson, Brenda Hobbs, Joyce Hall, Becky Garvers, Erin Shoemaker, and the big boss, Luke Pierson—read like a roll call of family members rather than colleagues.
A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND DEDICATION
Sue’s journey in the title industry began humbly. “For most of us, we started as the receptionist and moved our way up,” she recalls. This journey from the front desk to the branch manager’s office is a testament to her dedication and love for helping people. “I love helping people and am very goal-oriented,” she adds, reflecting on the key factors that influenced her career path.
Her approach to business is deeply rooted in her belief in enabling others. “The biggest reason for our
success has been listening and helping others achieve their goals,” Sue says. Her definition of success is simple yet profound: “Helping an agent or lender get to the closing table.”
SUPPORT AND PROBLEM-SOLVING, EXPERTISE AND RELIABILITY,
AND CLIENT SATISFACTION ENHANCED BY MARKETING—THESE
ARE THE REASONS AGENTS SHOULD GIVE US A SHOT,
EXPERTISE AND RELIABILITY: THE CORNERSTONES OF SUCCESS
At Independence Title, the closing process is more than just a final step; it’s a carefully orchestrated event that ensures every detail is perfect. “Our ideal client is an agent or lender looking for a smooth closing process and cutting-edge training and technology,” Sue states. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence is why top producers should have Independence Title in their network.
“Support and problem-solving, expertise and reliability, and client satisfaction enhanced by marketing—these are the reasons agents should give us a shot,” Sue advises. The combination of years of experience and a well-rounded team makes Independence Title a formidable player in the market.
A FAMILY BEYOND BLOOD
Sue often refers to her team as a family. “Our team at ITC is like one big family,” she says with a smile. This
familial bond is evident in their teamwork and mutual support. When asked about her favorite quote, Sue lights up and recites, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do!” It’s clear that she and her team love what they do, and this passion translates into exceptional service for their clients.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with friends. “Prioritize, work smarter, not harder, and ask for help,” she advises on maintaining a work-life balance. These principles are not only personal mantras but also guide how she leads her team.
As Sue sums it up, “Our team loves celebrating their success.” And it’s this spirit of celebration, collaboration, and commitment that makes Independence Title a standout choice for anyone in the real estate industry. For Sue and her team, the journey is just as important as the destination, and they are dedicated to making every step of that journey as smooth and successful as possible.
Greg Esquilino and his wife wanted to bring DFW a roofing company that would push communication and high values over all else. He noticed that lack in the industry since he first started in roofing
Brendan Thomas, a lifelong friend of Greg's, shared this vision and ultimately joined Greg. He and Greg are expanding their services across DFW and East Texas, creating long lasting relationships.
YOUR FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS BADGES
You now have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of this exclusive community of the top 1-2% in real estate!
Missing your badge? Email jordan.espeseth@n2co.com.
Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge, and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web listings, marketing material ... nothing’s off limits!
Our RP-vetted businesses have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by your peers in the top 500 and are some of Fort Worth’s most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
• Photos by: Katharine Gann, DayDream Photography
Written by: Katherine H. Fondren
Elizabeth Deane has built a great reputation in the Arlington-Fort Worth real estate industry for her expertise and extensive experience. Her unique ability to balance a thriving career with a fulfilling personal life has propelled her to great success in her business and as a trusted resource for buyers and sellers alike. As the Broker/Owner of TDT Realtors and a pivotal figure on The Deane Team, Elizabeth has crafted a career that spans over three decades, marked by significant milestones and a deep passion for helping others.
ROOTS IN ARLINGTON: A FOUNDATION OF HARD WORK
Elizabeth’s journey into real estate began in Arlington, Texas, where she grew up and attended Arlington High School and eventually the University of Texas at Arlington. “My first job was as a cashier at Minyard’s in high school,” Elizabeth recalls, laughing. “But my entry into the world of real estate was in 1991 when I started as an assistant for Sue Hill at Van Zandt Realtors.”
Working under Sue Hill’s mentorship for ten years, Elizabeth developed a robust foundation in the industry. “Sue taught me how to work hard and play hard,” she says. “We’d pack up ‘the box’ and work on the boat during summers—those were good times.” Elizabeth became licensed in 1997, and from there, her career trajectory soared. She worked at Associates - CitiFinancial Mortgage in the REO department, then moved to Fannie Mae as an outsourcing manager and sales rep before returning to real estate full-time in 2008.
THE DEANE TEAM: A FAMILY AFFAIR
In the midst of her flourishing career, Elizabeth found her perfect business partner in her husband, Stuart. Together, they form The Deane Team, a dynamic duo committed to providing exceptional service to their clients. “Stuart handles most of the buyer interactions,” Elizabeth
notes, “while I focus on guiding new agents and managing foreclosures.”
Their partnership is a testament to their shared dedication and complementary skills. “Real estate gives me the flexibility to be there for my family,” Elizabeth emphasizes. This balance is a crucial aspect of her life and career, allowing her to maintain a high level of service without compromising on family time.
PASSION FOR FORECLOSURES: A UNIQUE NICHE
One of the distinctive features of Elizabeth’s career is her specialization in selling bank foreclosures. “I love it,” she says enthusiastically. “Each property is unique, some are super gross, but the process from eviction to repairs and eventually selling is incredibly rewarding.”
Elizabeth’s experience in foreclosures began during the 2008 financial crisis when she could receive up to 20 new assignments a month. “Those were crazy times,” she recalls. “Gradually, the market recovered, and things slowed down, but now they’re picking up again.” Handling foreclosures involves countless hours, weekly inspections, and extensive repair processes, but for Elizabeth, it’s all worth it. “I would never add up hours on each house because I know I lose money. But once they sell, it’s very satisfying.”
BALANCING WORK AND LIFE: A HARD-EARNED SKILL
One of the most significant challenges Elizabeth has faced is achieving a work-life balance. “After leaving Fannie Mae, I struggled with finding my balance,” she admits. “It was 2008, and there were a million foreclosures. I could have worked all day and night to keep up.” The turning point came when she hired two great assistants and realized the importance of prioritizing her family. “Now, I work hard and play hard. The work will always be there, but my family comes first.”
Elizabeth’s dedication to balance is evident in her daily life. She enjoys trips to Georgia to see her daughter, Lilly, who is studying at the University of Georgia, spending quality time with her son, Sam, and enjoying good wine. “Mostly, I walk around watching my 10-year-old play golf,” she says with a smile. Her ability to carve out time for her family while maintaining a successful career is a testament to her discipline and commitment.
A BOUTIQUE BROKERAGE WITH BIG ASPIRATIONS
In 2017, a pivotal moment came when Elizabeth decided to open her own brokerage. “I was with RE/MAX initially and probably would have stayed there forever,” she says. “But my husband suggested reconsidering private school for our kids, and that forced me to look at how much commission I was giving up.” Realizing she was paying the cost of private school to RE/MAX, Elizabeth moved to JPAR for 18 months while she earned her broker’s license.
Today, TDT Realtors is a small but mighty boutique brokerage. “99% of the time, I love it. 1% of the time, being the boss sucks, but that’s true of any job,” she laughs. Her goal is to grow the brokerage by adding a few more agents and continuing to build a reputation for excellence.
ADVICE AND ASPIRATIONS
For aspiring real estate agents, Elizabeth’s advice is straightforward: “So many people get into real estate thinking it’s easy money. It’s not. To be successful, you have to work hard and make work a priority.” She emphasizes the importance of being always available, even if it means late-night emails and constant marketing efforts.
Looking to the future, Elizabeth has ambitious goals, saying “We’ve recently started buying rental properties as part of our retirement plan and is focusing on growing TDT Realtors.” She also envisions the continuous growth of DFW. “The new construction up north and west is crazy. The growth is still amazing to me.”
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Elizabeth Deane’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her clients and family. “I want to be remembered for answering my phone,” she says simply. It’s this dedication to being present, whether for a client or her family, that truly sets her apart in the world of real estate.
As Elizabeth continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the Arlington-Fort Worth real estate market, her legacy of excellence and balance will undoubtedly inspire many for years to come.
I LOVE TO DRIVE UBER WHEN I GET A CHANCE!
our grandchildren’s games, and going to TCU games are some of my favorite pastimes,” she shares, offering a glimpse into her life outside of real estate.
Her career volume as a REALTOR® is impressive, and she has ambitious goals for the future, including reaching Elite status.
Gena’s advice for up-and-coming REALTORS® is simple but profound: “Work hard, be kind, and do your very best to represent your clients and you will be a Real Producer!” This mantra has guided her throughout her career, and it is a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Gena’s approach to real estate is distinct. “I am very passionate naturally, I believe in finding
solutions and educating clients,” she says. Her commitment to continuous learning and attending real estate conferences ensures she remains at the forefront of the industry.
In a fun twist, Gena reveals a surprising fact about herself: “I love to drive Uber when I get a chance!” It’s a testament to her love for connecting with people and her relentless drive.
Gena Dowell’s story is one of hope and inspiration. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving professional success, she exemplifies what it means to turn adversity into opportunity. Her passion for helping others and her determination to never give up make her a true standout in the world of real estate.
