Tonya Newberry

AN ALL-AROUND REAL ESTATE CHAMPION

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Toll Brothers at Montcaret in Northville

Tonya Newberry’s passion points are client service, building lasting relationships and giving back to those in need. Her unwavering commitment to her clients is a hallmark in her everyday work, and her ability to foster relationships with other real estate agents is unparalleled. Tonya’s approach to business is met with a fierce determination — an attribute she gained from years as an elite and collegiate gymnast — and an advocacy for helping others.

Tonya’s tenacity to tackle challenges began at a young age, where she was disciplined in both her academic and gymnastic careers. At the age of 14, she was The Ohio State University all-around champion and competed on the elite level for the Junior Olympics. After a back injury left her partially paralyzed, she was told she could never do gymnastics again. However, it was Tonya’s willpower that pushed her adversity aside and found strength to not only recover but also thrive. “I pushed through therapy and decided I was not going to give up,” she recalled. “I had a desire to be better and stronger.” Tonya’s dreams were realized when she received a full-ride athletic scholarship to The University of New Mexico, where she graduated with honors and a double major in marketing and international management.

After college, Tonya’s ambitious personality landed her a coveted position at Electronic Data Systems Corporation, working as a computer programmer and system engineer. “I went through an intense training program and then went on to work 50+ hours a week as well as coaching gymnastics in the evenings and weekends,” Tonya said. “For 10 years, I gave 110% — it’s made me who I am today.”

Tonya started her real estate career when her husband Christian, who is a lender, was getting his real estate license. “Since we were renovating and building homes at the time, I decided to get my real estate license as well,” Tonya said. “With my enthusiasm for building and renovating, along with my craving for more person-to-person interaction, my decision to make a career in real estate was a natural transition for me.”

Since becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2000, Tonya has twice been named REALTOR® of the Year, noted in the top 1% of REALTORS® in the U.S., honored as an Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star, earned a Real Estate One President’s Circle of Excellence and placed in the top 10 for Max Broock’s Birmingham office of 250 agents.

Tonya has been with Max Broock in Birmingham since 2007 and a top-producing agent for over 20 years. To date, she has sold more than 600 units and has a personal career volume of over $125 million — $20 million of which was generated last year.

In addition to Tonya’s top-producing status, she has embraced her passion to give back to the community and organizations that need support. “I feel it’s important to serve others whenever and however it’s needed,” Tonya said. “The happiness in my life and success in my career are found in my ability to help others.” Organizations that Tonya supports include Special Olympics Michigan, Soldiers’ Angels, The Rainbow Connection, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Heart Association, Pies for Charity, Judson Center and Front Line Appreciation Group Metro Detroit.

Tonya, Christian and their four children — Justin, Arya, Paris and Skye — are all “foodies” and enjoy trying new restaurants and new recipes at home. They are travel enthusiasts and find happiness with a trip “up north” or down to the Florida Keys. Additionally, they have a Yorkie named Buster, who is 12 years old and has the biggest personality in the family.

Real estate has given Tonya the opportunity to set her own goals and grow her own business. “My growth — along with helping others buy, sell, build or renovate — is the most rewarding aspect of what I do,” she shared.

Tonya’s years of competitive gymnastics easily translate to her work as a real estate professional: She’s a great teammate, ensuring her fellow agents are in lockstep throughout the transaction, and a driven sales agent who works hard to score the perfect house for her clients. “I’m a dealmaker and a peacemaker,” Tonya said. “Having integrity and being honest goes a long way. I can maintain a good rapport with other agents while still keeping my client’s best interest top of mind.”

With the ability to be her own coach, Tonya is always looking for ways to grow. She creates and exceeds her own goals and finds solutions to overcome challenges. Her sheer will of determination and strong mindset makes her an all-around champion in life and real estate.

Agent Spotlight: Tonya Newberry