Leslie Doran

Seizing Every Opportunity to Thrive and Shine

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Photos by Stylish Detroit

Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes — The Heights in Rochester

When Leslie Doran first received the news that she was going to be featured in Real Producers in March of 2019, she initially assumed that she’d be on the cover of the magazine. Shortly after, Leslie learned that she would not be making her debut as a cover feature, but rather than being disappointed, she was determined to hit that $20-million mark and earn a coveted spot on the cover as a Top Producer.

“I was instantly motivated and intrigued,” Leslie said. “I would get my monthly issue of Real Producers and read the stories of how other people succeeded to break that barrier that I had been trying to break since I started in resale in 2009.”

With each issue, Leslie garnered more insight and tips of the trade. “I just focused on utilizing the best practices of successful people,” she said. “I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. I just needed to fine-tune my goals and stick to them — each monthly issue fueled and motivated me.”

Leslie moved forward with two major goals: increasing her social media presence — a goal inspired by Gogo Bethke’s Real Producers feature — and staying closely connected with the movers and shakers of the real estate community. During the quarantine when she had more time on her hands, Leslie got back to basics, focusing on “all the things you forget about when you’re busy.” She continued to forge connections with top-producing agents and industry leaders at Real Producers’ virtual and in-person events, and these connections opened new doors for her.

“I got the name of my closing coordinator from Craig Joeright at the Real Producers Casino Night, where I really wanted to win the awesome ice cooler,” Leslie shared. “I didn’t walk away with the cooler, but I did walk away with a tip that changed the way I did business. Without that event, I wouldn’t have known about Maria Pratt: Having her handle everything from contract to closing has allowed me to focus on buying and selling.”

The best practices and relationships that Leslie has developed as a result of her affiliation with Real Producers have not only fostered her professional growth; they have also played a crucial role in accelerating her success. “Because of Real Producers, I hit my goal, selling over $22 million in 2020, and I am on my way to surpassing that in 2021,” Leslie said. “The magazine, staff, and all opportunities for networking and growth have truly helped me become a Top Producer, and I hope my photos reflect the excitement I had in posing for the cover!”

Aside from Leslie’s humility, propensity for relationship building and goal setting, and all the inspiration and support she’s received from her colleagues, the final key ingredient to her longstanding success is undoubtedly her work ethic. Born and raised in Southfield, Leslie got her first job at an ice cream parlor when she was 13, and at 15, she began working in retail at Saks Fifth Avenue where she grew accustomed to “crazy work hours” and developed a passion for customer service. “Even though my parents could afford to give me whatever I wanted, they taught me the value of working hard and getting rewarded for my hard work,” Leslie said. “Today, my husband, Dave, and I teach those same values to our children, and we are pretty proud of who they are turning out to be.”

After graduating with a degree in merchandising and marketing from Eastern Michigan University, Leslie went on to build a 17-year career in new construction sales and training at Pulte Homes before getting licensed and starting her journey as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in 2009. Since then, she has sold over $150 million, which has earned her the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award in 2011 as well as the title of Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star each year since 2012.

“The most rewarding part of my business is my clients sending me pictures of their views from their homes a year after closing — my clients are the reason I love what I do,” Leslie said. “I love establishing a game plan, executing that plan and turning a house into a home. I love what I do, so the end results will always be positive. I don’t think I will ever officially retire!”

Given her recent rise to Top Producer, Leslie is intent on keeping her momentum going with regard to marketing and selling her listings, but she’s also focused on what matters the most to her: her family. “After my mom’s passing in 2011, I realized how every day is a gift to be shared with the people you love. Take nothing for granted, and live each day to the best you can be,” she shared.

Leslie and her husband, Dave, have been married for 25 years and have two children: Adam, a recent Michigan State University graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Oakland University and applying to dental school, and Elizabeth, a senior at Rochester Adams High School and two-time varsity cheer state champion. The Dorans love traveling together, enjoying Dave’s delicious cooking and spending time with their puppy, Samson, who has his own Instagram — @samson_the_golden_ retriever. Leslie has a soft spot for animals and donates a portion of her commission to two local animal rescue organizations.

“Following the pandemic, home really means so much more to me than ever before,” Leslie said. “It is my sanctuary — being surrounded by my family brings me so much peace and happiness.” Leslie also finds her “happy place” when she pops in her earbuds and exercises at the gym. “Music is my thing,” she said. “I also love trying new restaurants and traveling. I’m hoping to take a trip back to Hawaii very soon.”

Leslie’s approach to business mirrors her approach to life: She’s a hardworking, caring person who focuses on doing right by others rather than on her own personal profit. “I learned early on in my career to never burn a bridge,” she shared. “When you have to do something, do it right and always be respectful to everyone.”

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF MY BUSINESS IS MY CLIENTS SENDING ME PICTURES OF THEIR VIEWS FROM THEIR HOMES A YEAR AFTER CLOSING — MY CLIENTS ARE THE REASON I LOVE WHAT I DO.

As Leslie has taken her business to the next level over the last few years, she has embraced the power of consistency and positive thinking. More importantly, by surrounding herself with a supportive community of real estate leaders and innovators — recognizing their accomplishments and gleaning wisdom from their stories — Leslie now humbly stands among them with her own Top Producer story to share and celebrate.

Photo provided by Leslie Doran

Leslie Doran - Top Producer