Real Producer: Sheila Rollins

YOU CAN TAKE THE TEACHER OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE THE CLASSROOM OUT OF THE TEACHER

Written By Ruth Gnirk • Photography By TresPiña Photography

SHEILA R O L L I N S

SHEILA ROLLINS SPENT THE FIRST TWO DECADES OF HER LIFE AS A STUDENT. SHE ENJOYED SCHOOL SO MUCH THAT SHE DEDICATED MOST OF HER NEXT THREE DECADES TO BEING A TEACHER. SHEILA ENJOYED LIVENING UP THE CLASSROOM WITH CREATIVE AND INTERACTIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES, AND TOOK THE TIME TO EARN THE TRUST OF HER STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. AS A REALTOR®, SHE NOTICES HER TEACHER’S HEART AND SKILL ARE QUITE USEFUL.

Rollins retired after teaching for 27 years. In her first year of ease, Sheila worked as a consultant. She wanted to make the most of her time and ability to experience life, while still impacting others. “I had a plan for what to do after retirement, but decided that wasn’t what I really wanted to do,” Rollins recalled. “Then my friend Becca Spenst said, ‘Sheila, you should be a REALTOR®.’”

For a short time, Rollins had worked as a marketing rep at First American Title. The idea of getting involved in real estate intrigued her. Sheila enrolled in the required real estate courses, aced the test, and was a licensed agent just two and a half months later.

Sheila has been a REALTOR® for six years, and said her inner teacher still comes out often. “As a teacher, I didn’t expect the students to know

everything I know. I may have been teaching the same lesson for the fifth time that day, but it was the first time for those students in that fifth period class to hear the material. It’s the same with my clients. I take the time to connect with them and educate them. There are so many variables involved in purchasing a home!”

In the school setting, Sheila explained, it’s not about the teacher. Class time is about the students preparing for their future success and achieving their goals. In real estate, Sheila focuses on helping her clients prepare for their future success and achieve their goals. As a teacher, Rollins facilitated effective communication between all parties, and preemptive problem-solving on a daily basis. It is no different as she serves as a REALTOR®.

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AS A TEACHER, I DIDN’TEXPECT THE STUDENTS TOKNOW EVERYTHING I KNOW.

I MAY HAVE BEEN TEACHING THE SAME LESSON FOR THE FIFTH TIME THAT DAY, BUT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME FOR THOSE STUDENTS IN THAT FIFTH PERIOD CLASS TO HEAR THE MATERIAL. IT’S THE SAME WITH MY CLIENTS. I TAKE THE TIME TO CONNECT WITH THEM AND EDUCATE THEM. THERE ARE SO MANY VARIABLES INVOLVED IN PURCHASING A HOME!

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Rollins is very protective of inexperienced buyers. For her, it is not about commission or selling, it is about what is best for that client. Many of her clients were former students, or students’ families, or clients that chose to work with her based on recommendations from former students or their families. “They trust me,” she said with a warm smile.

Sheila continues with her practice of setting realistic expectations, and communicating them in an up-front, but approachable, way. As a teacher, Rollins had valued collaboration with others who understood the issues, and had similar goals and ethics. She may value it even more in real estate.

Her high school Algebra 2 and calculus teacher, Mary Stewart, had a huge impact on who she has become. “She was strict, but I loved math. She taught me that you could have an enjoyable learning environment and follow the rules.”

Sheila still likes to lighten the mood, and encourages herself and other REALTORS® not to let hurt get in the way. “You can’t take it personally,” said Rollins. “And you will never get in trouble for doing the right thing.”

who needed them.” Rollins and her teammates also volunteered to help with cleanup.

Sheila has a growth mindset. Her team, Coastal Connection Realty Group, has received top production and top listing awards. Rollins has been invited to be on the Agent Leadership Counsel as well.

She is always trying to help more people, which grows her business. Although numbers don’t define Sheila’s sense of value, she was very encouraged when she realized she had almost doubled her income from 2019 to 2020.

Sheila is very analytical and self-sufficient. Yet she enjoys networking, and follows successful people here in the Coastal Bend as well as in other cities. Rollins is not afraid to try new things, like marketing differently to younger generations.

It is important to Sheila to give back, so she volunteers in the community. She values relationships with others. “I don’t have a large family, so my friends are very important. Loyalty is very important to me,” she said. Sheila would like to be remembered as a good communicator, a ready helper, a good friend, and a dog rescuer.

Sheila has a special place in her heart for dogs who need help. She volunteers with two different dog rescue organizations, most often as a transporter. One of the rescue organizations is dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of Weimaraners (www.weimrescuetexas. org), and the other focuses on the rescue of Rhodesian Ridgebacks (www. ridgebackrescue.org).

“My dad’s business was transporting horses,” explained Sheila, “so I’m used to taking animals on trips. Even long ones.” She encourages others to do what they can to help local rescue organizations, including donating and volunteering.

The education, compensation plan, and culture at Keller Williams Realty are all a great fit for Sheila. She recalls when hurricane Harvey hit in 2016. “I had just been a REALTOR® for a few months. A KW office from McAllen sent a semi truck full of supplies, and Keller Williams provided generators for those

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“There are rescues for practically every breed of dog,” explained Sheila. Rather than getting a dog from a breeder, she encourages people who want to own a certain breed of dog to Google the breed name with the word “rescue” to see what rescue dogs are available for adoption. Sheila knows from experience that many rescues will also help organize transportation for the dog, if necessary.

Sheila attributes her success to several factors. “I pray a lot,” she stated. “I have a big sphere of influence. And I follow through. I am thankful to all of my past clients for trusting me with their real estate transactions.”

The lessons Sheila Rollins has learned, both as a student and as a teacher, have helped her become a confident, capable REALTOR® who is making a difference in her community. The former teacher is still learning and still teaching, too.

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