CORPUS CHRISTI
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: PHILLIPS ROOFING Rising Above RISING STAR: MELISSA HLADYNIUK Paying It Forward REALTOR® TEAM SPOTLIGHT: DREAM TEAM REALTORS® Creating A Dream Team INFORM: PORTLAND, TX The Land of Possibilities
Norma LANG Real Estate’s Most Eligible Bachelorette
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 3
TAB LE OF
CONTENTS 11
14
20
Copy Editor’s Note: Why We Love REALTORS®
Rising Star: Melissa Hladyniuk
Real Producer: Norma Lang
26
30
34
REALTOR® Team Spotlight: Dream Team REALTORS®
Inform: Portland, TX
Preferred Partner Spotlight: Phillips Roofing
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at amanda.carmichael@realproducersmag.com. 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 Corpus Christi 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.
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6 • February 2022
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MEET THE
CORPUS CHRISTI REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Amanda Carmichael Owner / Publisher
Copy Editor / Writer
Ruth Gnirk
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If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for stories, please submit nominations at ccrealproducers.com
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 7
PREFERRED PARTNERS
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!
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PLUMBING Unique Service Plumbing Robert Cantu (361) 429-8000 uniqueserviceplumbing.com PORTABLE STORAGE & MOVING Premier Portable Buildings (361) 944-7269 PremierBuildings.us ROOFING & RESTORATION Phillips Roofing & Restoration (361) 815-3866 PhillipsRoofingAnd Restoration.com SOLAR SPECIALIST/SOLAR & MORE Powur (361) 945-2748 ova.me/getoutandlive Solar Power Integrator (361) 360-1800 SolarPowerIntegrator.com TITLE COMPANY Concierge Title of Texas (512) 806-9832 CTOTX.com The Law Office of Jacyr Heil, PLLC (361) 986-1509 HeilTexasLaw.com VIDEOGRAPHER Alpha Film Creative (361) 232-2772 AlphaFilmCreative.com WATER TREATMENT Ameritek Industries - Puronics (361) 742-4770
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 9
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copy editor’s note By Ruth Gnirk, staff writer and copy editor
Why We Love REALTORS® (and our Preferred Partners!) Corpus Christi Real Producers loves REALTORS® and preferred partners. We are grateful that they are helping build our Coastal Bend communities, and that they build each other up. We are impressed that they are a wealth of information and are connected to such great resources, but we are even more amazed at how they are ready and willing to personally connect with their clients. We admire their entrepreneurial spirits, and the courage it takes to be their own brand.
If you know someone of character who is a REALTOR®, real estate broker, or a business owner serving people who are moving to or from the Coastal Bend, please share them with us! We welcome your recommendations. Please email Amanda.carmichael@ realproducersmag.com and include the person’s name, email, phone number, and a brief description of why you admire and appreciate who they are and what they do. You are welcome to send a link to their website as well.
Anyone and everyone who is a part of Corpus Christi Real Producers is here first and foremost because they were recommended for their character and their service. Every REALTOR® or broker ever featured, every preferred partner on the two-page vetted business list, every advertiser, and every team member was invited to become a part of this amazing Real Producers family because they live their lives and conduct their business with integrity. They consider themselves successful when they help others succeed.
Connecting, elevating, and inspiring, Ruth Gnirk Staff Writer and Copy Editor Corpus Christi Real Producers ruth.gnirk@realproducersmag.com
I was a real estate “blank slate” when I was invited to be a part of the Corpus Christi Real Producers team. I had never been a homeowner, and the only conversations I’d had with REALTORS® were about life and family, not about a home-buying experience. I love the American dream of homeownership, but in order for my husband and I to serve as the resident support team at an apartment community, we have to live in one! In this season of life, we believe that we are called to serve families living in apartments by caring, connecting, and providing community. As I began interviewing REALTORS® and preferred partners, and proof-reading articles written by others, I realized that I felt connected to these people that I had thought were so different from I was. Each time a new person shared their why, my own goals were elevated. As I heard about each person’s unique journey in life, I was inspired to show more grace and kindness, reach out to others, serve more selflessly, strive for excellence, and boldly take the next step. I have also been moved to action with the informative community impact pieces in each publication. It is such an honor to be a part of this life-changing movement! realproducersmag.com
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 11
Today's perfect story. Tomorrow's eternal treasure.
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 13
rising star Written by Dr. Kasia Suarez Photography By TresPiña Photography
Melissa Hladyniuk
14 • February 2022
@realproducers
MELISSA HLADYNIUK is a Mustang Island REALTOR® marked by leadership, motivation, and commitment. When she was in some tough places in life, people helped her pursue her dreams and create success. Now it is her turn to help others pursue their dreams. She pays it forward in many ways, but her favorite way is by providing her clients with the best real estate experience they can have.
Originally from London, Ontario, Canada, Melissa launched out into life on her own when she was 17. If there was an opportunity, she was there. She worked in the restaurant industry and delved into e-commerce. She learned about sales, marketing, and social media marketing. Melissa was very focused and disciplined because she was determined to succeed. Her close friends saw her struggles and her victories and gave her unfailing support and encouragement. She also experienced the tangible goodness and kindness of people when the gentleman who owned her building provided seller financing. A close family friend also gave Melissa her personal credit card so Melissa could get her business started. The single mother and business owner had experienced a greater good helping her pursue her dreams, and she was determined to pay it forward. She learned that just because a person came from a certain way of life does not mean they are doomed to stay there. Melissa stepped outside of her past experiences and continued her journey, this time as an entrepreneur. Owning and operating a spa out of the lower half of her Canadian home allowed Melissa to care for her young daughters while running her successful business. Each day she reaped the rewards of her solid work ethic.
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When Melissa met Ryan, the man who is now her husband, they took several family vacations to Florida. She loved being by the water and dreamed of living on a barrier island and heading to work over a causeway, much like her many vacations to St. Pete Beach. In 2015, her husband accepted a position at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas and the couple embarked on their journey to the United States. Melissa is still in awe that her dream of living by the water came true! Since her husband was the only one granted a work visa, Melissa could not work for her first three years in the U.S. She still had a strong drive to help others succeed, so she started exploring options for her future. When her family moved to Corpus Christi, she realized that her experience in sales, marketing, e-commerce, and social media would be a good fit for the real estate industry. She reached out to Becky Corder at Port Aransas Realty and expressed her interest in volunteering to help with marketing and social media while she learned about real estate. In 2018, Melissa obtained her permanent residency and followed through to become a REALTOR®. She is grateful for the mentorship of Keith McMullin, Suzette Freeman, and Becky
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 15
At the end of the day, being able to complete a transaction with RESPECT and INTEGRITY is the most important thing for me. It is also important to Melissa to stay in communication with past clients. She says that client loyalty is important to her, and she follows through with aftercare. She always gives a welcoming gift and congratulates them on their new home. She also hosts client appreciation parties, and goes above and beyond, even installing cable boxes! She wants her clients to have a holistic experience. She pays it forward by doing more than is expected. “Yes, there is money is at the end of every transaction. But having the ability to pull away from a deal is something my clients respect. At the end of the day, being able to complete a transaction with respect and integrity is the most important thing for me,” stated Melissa. Corder brokers of Port Aransas Realty and Mustang Island Realty. Her real estate journey has not always been easy, but she says it is worth it. She says whenever she is thrown a curveball, she finds a solution and develops a plan so she can avoid it in the future. Melissa has been working with Mustang Island Realty and Port Aransas Realty throughout her tenure. She says her broker’s loyalty and faith have allowed her to become the REALTOR® she is today, and she will never forget what he and the team did to help her dream become a reality. 16 • February 2022
Although others have tried to recruit her, she loves that Keith is available and that the team operates by the same ethical values she holds at her core. Melissa takes customer service very seriously. She provides all the information to her clients as if they were buying their first home, even if they are not. She walks clients through the financial process, and all the important dates, in detail. She goes above and beyond when listing the home as well, utilizing social media, drone videos, and professional photography. She is constantly pushing herself to learn more and has huge plans to perfect that in 2022.
In her first year, Melissa received the Rising Star Award from her brokerage. She has been nominated for the Female Top Producer of the Year and Real Estate Influencer of the Year. Melissa closed out 2021 with $12 million in real estate transactions. She attributes much of her success to Keith’s mentorship in writing contracts, representing clients, and learning best practices. She is paying it forward by mentoring others. Melissa is incredibly thankful for her family and knows she wouldn’t be successful without them. She is especially grateful for her husband who is her biggest supporter and picks up the slack by managing much of their household. She practices time blocking and plans to hire her first assistant soon. Melissa has big plans for paying it forward in 2022! @realproducers
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MAXIMIZING MONDAYS WHAT HAVE I BEEN PUTTING OFF THAT I SHOULD GET DONE THIS WEEK?
WHAT ARE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO GET THOSE THINGS DONE?
18 • February 2022
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WHAT CHALLENGES SHOULD I SEEK SOLUTIONS FOR?
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 19
real producer Written by Ruth Gnirk Photography by TresPiña Photography HMUA By Hair and Makeup by LuLu
Norma LANG 20 • February 2022
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Norma Lang has loved real estate for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather was a REALTOR® for most of his adult life and they spent many weekends together when she was growing up. She had an eye for design and loved thinking about how a house could be decorated. She also had good business sense, even from a young age. As a REALTOR®, Norma uses her skills and creativity to help others live by design. Norma was born in Kingsville and attended Catholic school from kindergarten through fifth grade. She believed from a young age that there was a purpose for her life. She wanted to help others experience the same happiness that she got from simple things that were important to her. Like her grandfather, Norma had an entrepreneurial mindset. At six years old she combined those two things together and went door to door selling “pretty rocks” that she had found in her childhood realproducersmag.com
courtyard. By “sharing” things she enjoyed, she earned enough money to buy candy from the neighborhood five and dime store. Young Norma started praying that God would guide her in the direction He wanted her to go. After earning her business degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Norma took an IT job in Austin. She worked as an account manager for a year, providing personalized customer service. Through the experience, shy Norma realized she had greater talent and desire to connect with clients one-on-one than she did for the technical aspect of her job. Norma accepted a position with a custom furniture company. She loved connecting with people and families and developing her passion for design. After a few years, she transferred to another customized furniture company but kept praying for more direction.
When her youngest daughter was 10, Norma knew it was the right time to pursue a career in real estate. She earned her license and became a REALTOR® in 2003. She transitioned from helping people design furniture that would fill their homes and began helping people buy homes that they could fill with furniture. Initially, it was hard to adjust to working on weekends and holidays. She and her daughters were used to her schedule at her nine-to-five job. Although she didn’t have more time off than when she had an hourly position, she had much more flexibility.
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 21
with transferred to Keller Williams. They loved the training and support they got from their new brokerage, as well as the company’s focus on serving the community.
I am where I need to be, and so is my career. I have been blessed with wonderful clients, and I honestly have to say I am content.
Norma is on The All Starrs team, which is named in honor of one of their beloved teammates who passed away. Everyone helps each other out, and Norma said she never feels she has to compare herself to anyone to find her value. She enjoys helping her teammates, from staging homes to working on contracts. Since every deal is different, Norma’s day is never dull. After a difficult change in marital status and circumstance in 2020, it was hard to start all over again. However, Norma believed it was part of God’s grand design for her life. With the encouragement of her family and friends, she dusted herself off, sold her home in the country, and bought a new house in Calallen. The small community is similar to the one in which she grew up.
Being a REALTOR® allowed her to be a successful single mom and not have to stress about finances. Austin had one of the highest price points per square foot in the nation, but Norma worked hard to help each client find ways to make their homes look more beautiful in cost-effective ways. Her hard work paid off. Norma started finding fulfillment as she helped connect the right people with the right homes. 22 • February 2022
When Norma relocated to the Coastal Bend in 2012, she started working with a small “mom and pop” brokerage. She connected with her mentor, Cathy Geary, who became her dear friend as well. Norma likes to help those who are new to the industry because that used to be her. She said that Cathy has played an instrumental part of her success in the Coastal Bend. Norma loved the family atmosphere, so when they closed, she and most of the team that she worked
“Sure, I have had some tough times in my life and my family,” smiled Norma, “but I wouldn’t change anything. I am where I need to be, and so is my career. I have been blessed with wonderful clients, and I honestly have to say I am content. I’ve had a good year, and am grateful to be able to give back. Giving is at the core of who I am, so the more money I’m making means the more people I have helped, and the more people I can afford to help!” Norma gives back to the community through participation in food and toy drives. She is always ready to support Toys for Tots, Walk With Pride, and The Ark. She feels most humbled when she can give to a particular individual or family in need. “You would be surprised by how many people out there need a little extra help,” Norma shared @realproducers
passionately. “Giving during the holiday is a beautiful gesture, but people are in need year-round. It fills my heart to know I can make a big difference in someone’s life by providing groceries, clothing, or cash to pay a utility bill! I will be finding ways to give back even more of myself in 2022.” Norma loves to eat, and she loves to support the community by going to mom-and-pop restaurants. Norma’s favorites are tacos, fresh seafood, and sushi. She says 2020 has taught her to live life to its fullest, love her family and friends, travel to new places, and never say no to tacos. She learned to take TONS of pictures to enjoy the memories for years to come. She is glad to share the fruit of her success with others and is thankful for all of God’s blessings. Norma has an amazing family including three beautiful and talented daughters and four adorable grandchildren. Her biggest supporters and cheerleaders, and favorite people ever, are her parents! She is thankful that she lives close enough to see each other
Nothing is Perfect...
every week. Norma thanks God for blessing her with the family He did. When not working on real estate, Norma enjoys live bands, sight-seeing, exploring the Hill Country, shooting guns, and riding ATVs. She also loves photography and cooking with, or cooking for, her family and friends. Her biggest passion in her free time is making jewelry. In the past, she sold her designs to boutiques, but now her time is limited so she designs and creates custom, commissioned pieces on request, or for gifts for her loved ones. “I use my creativity and compassion to stage homes for sellers and to work with buyers,” said the multi-million-dollar producer. “I enjoy the thrill of dressing up a home so buyers can see the potential, and the joy of helping buyers imagine themselves in their new home. It is my goal to use my creativity to better their lives. I don’t need trophies or recognition; I know I am living by design.”
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 25
REALTOR® team spotlight Written by Dr. Kasia Suarez Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography
26 • February 2022
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Dream Team
REALTORS® Lisa Barker lives by the motto Just Do It. She lives like there is nothing to fear, even when something is out of her comfort zone. Although many of the leaps she has taken have been scary, she says they were all worth it. Lisa has lived and worked in Aransas Pass all of her life and can’t imagine life anywhere else. She loved serving her community as a REALTOR®, and for the past four years, she has also been serving Aransas Pass as a broker with her Dream Team.
When her daughter was in first grade, Lisa was working a nine-to-five job that made it almost impossible to attend school functions, field trips, and other important events. One of her friends who was a real estate assistant suggested that Lisa look into becoming a REALTOR®. It seemed like a good fit, except that she was used to living on a steady income. “I became a REALTOR® in January 2002 and started working for Sue Martin and Raymond Gallagher at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher,” explained Lisa. “I was nervous about my transition into real estate and leaving my salaried job, but they also had another position open at the same time. They offered me the opportunity to work as an agent and fill their property management position. I knew I would have a salary coming in while learning how to be the best REALTOR®, so I accepted the position.” Lisa obtained her broker license at the end of 2016 and anticipated one day having her own real estate company. In 2017 Hurricane Harvey hit, and the Coldwell Bankers Myers-Gallagher building was severely damaged. The owners approached Lisa, knowing she had her broker’s license. “They asked me if I was ready to start my own business,” Lisa reminisced. “I didn’t think I was, but doors opened and I had an opportunity to purchase a building downtown. That is the building we operate out of now! I already
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had a team in place because the agents I worked with at Coldwell Banker wanted to come on board with me.” She started Dream Team REALTORS® in 2018. It was a new company with a new name, but all of the stability and knowledge of a well-established team who knew and loved the area and worked well together. Martin and Gallagher, her mentor-broker, also offered her the opportunity to purchase Aransas Property Management. They have been essential in guiding her to her success. Although Lisa had envisioned being her own boss one day, she had never imagined that she would be leading an entire team. Initially, it was a challenge to be a boutique brokerage and not work under a franchise. She has no regrets and believes her freedom is a benefit. “People recognize and know The Dream Team as hometown REALTORS®,” smiled Lisa. “We have an extensive history together, and 97 years of combined experience! We all collaborate and work very well together to serve our clients as well as our entire community.” As a REALTOR®, and now a broker in Aransas Pass, Barker has always been very active in the community. She and her team work
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 27
selling their furniture, or staging their home for photos, she will get it done! Liz also serves on the planning and zoning committee for Aransas Pass and the MDD board.
closely with the schools for food drives, organizing events to promote teacher appreciation, and raising money for student scholarships. The team also hosts an annual turkey giveaway in the community.
Laurie Lewis is extremely
detail-oriented and tenacious. She covers a larger area than most do and enjoys working with first-time home buyers. Laurie has served on the Board of REALTORS® for San Patricio County and is active in her children’s schools in Ingleside.
Lisa shared, “When we helped out with the food drive at a school recently, one of the kids said, ‘We see your team everywhere, all the time.’ Even the kids recognize us! That makes it all worth it. Our community involvement has always been most important to me. My team and I are always here to help.” Lisa is involved in numerous organizations around town. She is a very active member of the Board of Directors for the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce. For nine years she has been on the Aransas Pass Planning and Zoning Board and has also served on the board of adjustments. Lisa was also a member of the Women’s Club. She prides herself in being an agent of change and being knowledgeable about the local market. Lisa has received awards and recognition for her commitment to her clients, her team, and her community. Some of her favorites from her early real estate days are The San Patricio County Association of REALTORS® Top Sales Agent award in 2006, and the REALTOR® of the year award in 2007. She was given the San Patricio EDC County Community Engagement award in 2014, and the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award in 2018. She has also been given the North Bay Area Readers Choice Best REALTOR® Award numerous times. 28 • February 2022
Good time management is crucial for Lisa as she runs two businesses and continues to serve as a REALTOR®. She tries to maintain a healthy worklife balance. She sets time aside for health, fitness, and family, schedules the things she enjoys doing, and then treats them like appointments. Lisa is grateful for her family’s support along the way. MEET THE DREAM TEAM Shirley Gallagher and her daughter Sandy Riggs work as a team so they
can balance their business and personal schedules. Shirley comes from a medical background and has a business degree. She has extensive knowledge about successfully running a business and owned a real estate office herself in the past. Sandy is a self-starter who was instrumental in creating the robotics program at the Corpus Christi school in which she teaches. Elizabeth “Liz” Dorris prides herself
in knowing everyone in her neighborhood, Pelican Cove. Liz goes above and beyond her duties as a REALTOR® for her clients. Whether it’s cleaning,
Lillie Kindell is fluent in Spanish, and she enjoys working with the Spanish-speaking community. Lillie is eager to learn and not afraid to ask questions. Lillie has served on the Board of REALTORS® for Rockport and on the housing authority for Aransas Pass. Dee Jae Sullinger. “She has a
heart of gold and she finds joy in working with buyers. Her endurance is unbelievable and she sticks with buyers until they find a property they love,” Lisa expressed. Dee Jae is also Lisa’s administrative assistant who is the backbone of Dream Team REALTORS® and makes sure things run seamlessly for everyone. Lisa said she is truly blessed with the team that she has. All six of her agents are kind, diligent, and ethical. They all have different strengths and are a close-knit team that stays aligned with Lisa’s goals and expectations. The team has been improving their service each year.
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 29
inform
Portland, TX
Written By Ruth Gnirk
Portland, Texas appeals to family members from every generation. With a focus on “Building a Community and Raising Families,” Portland places an emphasis on quality of place and quality of life for families. The city has intentionally created ten neighborhood parks, two splash pads, an outdoor swimming pool and a heated competition pool, a skate park, and several dog parks so families can make memories together throughout the year. Portland also has a program that includes activities specifically designed for those enjoying their senior years, and even offers free microchipping for the family pet. By providing family-focused amenities and numerous yearround community events, Portland is an attractive place to live. Portland is currently in the process of constructing its reimagined 30 • February 2022
Cathy Skurow, Mayor
Indian Point Park. This project, set to be completed in late spring 2022, features a beautiful pavilion along the existing fishing pier and additional parking for those who want to fish on the pier or simply enjoy the gorgeous views of Corpus Christi Bay. The
Randy Wright, City Manager
renovated park also includes multiple picnic tables and barbeque pits, and even spaces designed for food trucks. The city oversees a farmers’ market eight months out of the year. Portland is also expanding its hiking and biking trail near @realproducers
the beautiful Indian Point Park and Sunset Lake. The connected routes will cover approximately 2.3 miles. There are also plans in place for the creation of a family-friendly leisure entertainment district with mixed-use lots for residents to live, walk, work, and shop. Two state-of-the-art sports complexes were carefully designed and completed in 2017 to serve residents. They have had the added impact of increasing sports tourism, which has generated additional income for local businesses. The sales tax, in turn, helps to reduce property taxes. The city also has an amazing community center, which is available for use by residents and visitors. In 2020, Portland expanded its community center to include spacious meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, as well as a fitness center. Mayor Cathy Skurow shared, “We are a town for the whole family. We are the place for people who want the closeness of families, and who want
to raise their children in a family-centered environment.” “People live here for a reason,” added City Manager Randy Wright. “Portland is clean and safe, and we have systems in place to keep it that way. There is no other place in the Coastal Bend that focuses on amenities for families more than Portland, and our numbers show that. Building rooftops brings commerce. We are committed to not only maintaining but staying ahead of infrastructure.” In the last decade, the city of Portland grew by 35%. During that same time, Corpus Christi grew 4%, Rockport saw 15% growth, and another town of similar size actually decreased by 12%. The City is intentionally annexing to provide for future growth, and Portland’s west side is their growth corridor. In July 2021, there were several plats of land, or subdivisions, approved for new residential homes.
Portland is home to over 21,000 people. They are a community defined by their family focus. They are also a community with many conscientious, civic-minded residents. The city invites families to consider Portland as a “Land of Possibilities.”
Five Things REALTORS® should know about Portland, TX: 1. Statistically the safest place in the Coastal Bend 2. Highest livability score, according to the global livability index 3. Over 1600 new residential lots; Plan 2040 is available on the city website 4. Known for family focus and concierge government 5. One of the only cities in Texas with an ordinance limiting sex offenders Ready, set, grow with Portland, TX at portlandtx.gov and facebook. com/CityofPortlandTexas
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preferred partner spotlight
PHILLIPS roofing Written by Ruth Gnirk | Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography
Both Jeremy and his wife Lacey Phillips have risen above their past, and above many challenges in business and life. Together they have built a company that adds value to their clients, crew, and community. By providing high-quality residential and commercial roofing services, they are creating a legacy for their seven children and protecting the dwellings of other families who are creating their own legacies. Phillips Roofing has been a trusted name in the industry for 12 years, but more importantly, it has provided a platform through which Jeremy and Lacey can bless others. 34 • February 2022
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recognizing his skill and passion. He was thrilled that God allowed him to help other families while providing for his, especially since his new wife had three young children of her own. “Lacey is one of the hardest-working people I know,” Jeremy shared admiringly, “and she is priceless to me. I may be the face of the business, but she’s behind the scenes keeping the wheels turning. I would not be where I am in life or in business if it wasn’t for her. I could hire people to do what she does, but Phillips Roofing wouldn’t be as great as it is without everything that she is. I am thankful that we are a team, and are both committed to living and operating with excellence before God.” “My team and I are committed to uncompromising quality and service for every client, every time,” shared owner Jeremy Phillips. “We are known for being trustworthy and reliable, and having character and integrity. I take the time to learn about clients’ needs and then teach them about the different options they have so they can make an informed decision about what is best for them. We are in business for families, ours and others’. What we do protects and enhances people’s biggest asset, and beautifies our community.” Jeremy grew up in a dysfunctional family. He relished the opportunities he had to spend time with his great-grandfather, a handyman who served the real estate community. When he was 10, Jeremy built himself a clubhouse to hide from the chaos. By the time he was in ninth grade, things got so rough that he left home. He tried unsuccessfully to escape the brokenness through drugs and alcohol. He became a father at the age of 16 and his life continued to spiral out of control. In his late twenties, Jeremy was so hopeless and desperate that he went to an AA meeting. There he encountered God and his life was transformed. His outward circumstances didn’t suddenly change, but he finally had a way to rise above! As a single dad trying to hold down a job when the kids were too sick for daycare, Jeremy started mowing lawns and doing handiwork around town.
Jeremy is a registered contractor with the City of Corpus Christi, and Phillips Roofing has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau for over a decade. He and his team have served hundreds of businesses and over a thousand families. Their work rises above the competition with a 4.9 out of five Google rating and over 60 positive reviews. They also have the best labor and manufacturer warranties. Like every company, they have made mistakes over the years; what sets Phillips Roofing apart is that they always make it right. One of Jeremy’s favorite aspects of his job is personalizing client education, while Lacey is energized by managing the office to help the business fulfill its potential. Greg Morrison is the Phillips Roofing supervisor, expeditor, and salesman. The crew members have been with the company for years and work under the direction of a foreman. The crew consists of a dozen professional, quality roofers with many years of experience in all types of residential and commercial
Jeremy realized that, like his great-grandfather, he was good at fixing things and genuinely enjoyed helping others. He’d had drive for as long as he could remember, and it was humbling and gratifying when people started realproducersmag.com
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 35
roofing. They follow the codes, clean up after themselves, and get the job done in a timely manner, and Jeremy said Phillips Roofing would not be what it is without our crews. Phillips has given back by donating to local charities and participating in Habitat for Humanity builds. He has been serving at church ever since he started his relationship with God. PostHarvey he was glad to serve his community, even though the work was hard and the days were long. Phillips also used to sponsor Troubleshooters on KZTV and has provided services to families who shared their needs on the program. He loves to be spontaneous in his serving but plans to do more structured serving as well. Jeremy and Lacey have had to rise above many difficult circumstances in business and in life, but it just deepened their commitment to each other, to God, and to Phillips Roofing. Five years ago,
business got so slow that well-meaning friends told Jeremy to give up and get a real job. After a lot of prayers and encouragement from mentor Mondo Perez, they stayed in operation, believing that God had a continued purpose for Phillips Roofing. Last year Jeremy struggled with some issues in his joints in the middle of a big roofing job. The team pulled together and finished the roofing project on time and with excellence, securing the warranties and the windstorm certification and permitting that their client needed. There is never a dull moment in the Phillips household. Their blended family of seven children and two grandchildren interact daily with Jeremy’s grandparents. Jeremy and Lacey are proud of their children’s character and diligence and are proud of the people they have grown up to become. One of the highlights of their week is watching their sons play team sports. “We have a passion for people,” explained Jeremy. “For us, the biggest perk of owning our own business is being available for people who need help. My dream is to
For us, the biggest perk of owning our own business is being available for people who need help. have a ministry like my grandfather, who did roofing and repair work and preached in a church building that he built. Lacey and I pray together every day that God would use our words and lives and business to make an eternal impact on others, and since we have started praying like that, He has been increasing our ministry and Phillips Roofing.” This year marks 12 years in business and 14 years of Jeremy living in victory and sobriety, and he wants to give all the honor and glory to God. Jeremy and Lacey Phillips have truly been able to rise above, and now Philips Roofing is their platform for ministry. They didn’t let their past keep them from creating a great present and a promising future, for their family and the families in their community. Romans 8:28 is Jeremy’s favorite promise because it reminds him that God will meet people where they are and take them to places they never dreamed of. God has brought them from rock bottom to the rooftop. Key things for REALTORS® to know (and share) about Phillips Roofing:
1. Permits are always pulled and codes are always honored 2. All work is warrantied 3. Windstorm Certified 4. Licensed, certified, insured 5. A+ rating with BBB 6. No payment upfront 7. Insurance claims are welcomed 8. Service residential and commercial roofing Phillips Roofing will take clients from a hole in the roof to a whole new roof!
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