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 .
JACQUELINE
O ’ NEILL Serving and Protecting Photography By Shoocha Photography
PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT STX HOME INSPECTIONS On Your Team RISING STAR MYLIN ANANDULA Whatever Needs to Be Done, She Will Get It Done LEGENDARY LEADER ALISSA SPEARS Living Above The Line
NOVEMBER 2021
2 • November 2021
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#HeilClosingTeam Established in 2018 The Law Office of Jacyr Heil, PLLC is a full service title insurance agency located in Corpus Christi. Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of Title, Escrow and Closing services available in the real estate industry. We are experienced, professional, friendly, and accessible. Utilizing the latest systems and technology, be assured that we are equipped to handle your transactions.
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 3
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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ATTORNEY The Law Office of Jacyr Heil, PLLC (361) 986-1509 HeilTexasLaw.com
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6 • November 2021
INSURANCE Farmer’s Insurance Adriana Vasquez (361) 993-8412 agents.farmers.com/ tx/corpus-christi/ adriana-vasquez Insure Solutions (361) 239-2464 InsureSolutionsGroup.com State Farm - Jennie Dibala (361) 993-3553 JennieDibala.com Steve Chafin Agency (830) 620-5889 LANDSCAPING & LAWN South Texas Curb Appeal LLC (361) 541-3652 SouthTexasCurbAppeal.com
First Community Bank (361) 888-9310 fcbot.com Home Source Mortgage (361) 334-8370 Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Leanna Gonzales (361) 214-5105 Willow Bend Mortgage Jamie Hartley (361) 834-7233 wbm.com MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL LENDING Sell & Leaseback (361) 371-2239 sellandleasebackyour home.com PHOTOGRAPHY Becky Mays Photography (361) 205-5131 Brianna Cortez Photography (361) 742-0333
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 Solar Power Integrator (361) 360-1800 SolarPowerIntegrator.com TITLE COMPANY Concierge Title of Texas (512) 806-9832 CTOTX.com VIDEOGRAPHER Alpha Film Creative (361) 232-2772 AlphaFilmCreative.com WATER TREATMENT Ameritek Industries Puronics (361) 742-4770
Tres Piña Photography (361) 728-1968 TresPinaPhotography.com
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MEET THE
CORPUS CHRISTI REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
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If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for stories, please email us at amanda.carmichael@realproducersmag.com
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 7
By Amanda Carmichael
publisher’s note
GG RRAT A T I T ITUDE Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow
The key is keeping gratitude at the forefront of our lives. It’s not just thinking about how thankful we are to have all that we have. It’s about living out that gratitude through the simple things we do every day. Gratitude is the manifestation of love, devotion, and commitment towards those who mean the most to you.
It’s easy for us to look around the Thanksgiving dinner table and say that we are thankful. Some are surrounded by family, friends, and food, and in that moment in time, we’re currently experiencing that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with a holiday gathering; we’re thankful. We may feel thankful for their presence in our lives, and happy that everyone is well since the last gathering. However, gratitude goes much deeper than this. It is a state of being, where you feel a sense of appreciation that comes from deep within. You are at peace with the world and appreciate that peace from deep within.
As we head into that special time in November, find a Gratitude Journal, and open your mind up to just how helpful this simple practice may be on the path toward embracing your thankfulness. A Gratitude Journal is the practice of jotting down, each day, things that we are grateful for and allow us to become more present and aware. When you wake, read your journal and you will be amazed at how life-changing it can be.
8 • November 2021
The Real Producers family wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and loved ones. Amanda Carmichael Corpus Christi Real Producers Publisher
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 9
10 • November 2021
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ELLISON HELMSMAN INC Strategic Growth Plans - Personal, Professional & Business
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 11
JACQUELINE
O ’ NEILL
My focus in life is to “serve and protect” others, whether it is in real estate or simply in life. I dreamed of being a world-changer. I wanted to be someone who would help the underprivileged, the environment, and wildlife. I knew I had to do something to make a difference in this world. My husband Orlando is an Army veteran, and I had pursued modeling and acting, as well as competitive beach doubles volleyball, but I set those things aside after marrying young.
12 • November 2021
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real producer By Jacqueline O’Neill Photography By Shoocha Photography
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 13
I have a beautiful blended, multicultural family, which includes two adopted sons, two amazing daughters, a precious stepson, and two wonderful stepdaughters. We are passionate about faith, family, and freedom. I hope to be an example of what “family” can be. Family is not just about biological relationships; it is about who God puts into our lives. I grew up in Ross, CA, a very small town near San Francisco. After my freshman year in college, I tore my ACL and could not play volleyball for a while. At 19 I moved to Oahu, Hawaii to live with my mom and learn a “trade.” I ended up becoming a cosmetologist, providing hair services part-time as I completed college. I met Mike and Donna Stott around 1995. They were both real estate brokers. I cut their hair, along with the hair of their five children, for several years. In early 2001, they called me and asked me if I would work for them. I thought they wanted me to be a secretary. Instead, they invited me to meet with them and with Mike’s parents, George and Mary Lou, who were also brokers. They said that I was great with people, and my degree in psychology made me a perfect fit to be their buyer’s agent. They offered to pay for all my training, all my dues, and weekly coaching with Mike Ferry. They also offered me profit sharing, an escrow assistant, and minimum wage for a 40-hour workweek. The best part was that all leads would be given to me, which meant no prospecting, and they offered me commission! Honestly, I didn’t want to do real estate, but I knew I would be a fool to refuse the offer.
14 • November 2021
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Having four brokers available to help me at any moment was truly priceless. It was such a blessing to close countless deals in a short time, and this allowed me to acquire my broker’s license in three years. I then started my family and worked part-time for several years. When new military orders came for my first husband in August 2009, we moved to Corpus Christi. In 2012 after a two-week fast seeking God’s direction, a friend called me out of the blue with a job offer in real estate. I knew it was time to get “back to work” and I accepted the offer. Things did not go as planned and I did not have the “leads” that had been promised, so I signed up for Trulia after receiving a cold call. This was exactly what I needed at the time because I do not like to solicit business. Within a year, I had sold approximately 6 million in inventory! I prayed that God would give me favor so I would do exceptionally well to the point that it would perplex others. And He did! This “jump-start” enabled me to build relationships, and as a result my online and community presence also grew. Over the years I have met so many wonderful people, clients, agents, and brokers. I have aimed to build a reputation as a person who is pleasant to work with, and a “team player.” I am not money-focused, I am relationship-focused. I am not motivated by what I may gain financially, but by a deep desire to help others. Buying real estate can be very costly if one doesn’t have the necessary information or representation. I do not view real estate as my “job.” It is the “mission field” and ministry that God has called me to, in order to reveal His love and goodness. As a result, I do not approach things like a “salesperson” or “businessperson.” My focus is to be a blessing to everyone I interact with, not just my clients or favored connections. I am always looking for ways to improve as a person, and as an agent. I am sometimes asked if I have any “wisdom” to share, and my mind swirls with so many things! If you want to get into real estate, get a good mentor. Focus on people rather than on “closing the deal.” Do not use “scripts,” unless you’re using them to become familiar with what you need to know.
My husband Orlando is an Army veteran, and I had pursued modeling and acting, as well as competitive beach doubles volleyball, but I set those things aside after marrying young.
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 15
Serving you with passion and professionalism –
WE GOT YOU!
Also, be genuine. If you aren’t experienced, be honest; if you are experienced, be humble. Take as many classes as possible so you are up-to-date and have a greater knowledge base. Do not try to close a deal if it is not the best thing for your clients. At this point in my life, I am focused on family, writing books, and building a small team I can encourage, train, and share my experiences with. I have always been a “mother hen” and would like to raise up real estate agents who will be known for their character, professionalism, and kindness. My husband Orlando was my first (and favorite) team member for the Jaci-O Group, and I am in the process of adding more. Our motto is “Serving you with passion and professionalism – we got you!”
16 • November 2021
We have a home in Houston, where Orlando works, and one in Corpus Christi. We also have five dogs. Orlando and I are focused on publishing our books in the next couple of years, with more to be published in years to come. We are writing children’s books, a novel, and several other inspirational books. We aim to have financial freedom so we can spend more time working in ministry and public service. My desire is to help transform Corpus Christi into a “City United.” I will focus on helping our youth find greater purpose and stability, as well as resources to read and succeed. I will also focus on building “community” with all people from all walks of life. I will serve and I will protect while I help change the world.
@realproducers
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 17
rising star By Dr. Kasia Suarez Photography By TresPiña Photography HMUA By Hair & Make-Up By LuLu
Mylin
Anandula 20 • November 2021
@realproducers
Mylin Anandula, a Philippine native, knows what it takes to be a hard worker. She has built her life and business around a willingness to be diligent.
Mylin’s parents came to the U.S. in search of work when Mylin was 6. She and her three sisters lived with their uncle and aunt in the Philippines. The reward for diligence was ingrained in her at a young age. In 1992, when Mylin was 17, she and her sisters made the move to the US with the rest of their family. Mylin said being in a new country, in college, and having no friends was tough. She and her family lived in Tarpon Springs, FL. In 1992, Mylin began pursuing a career in physical therapy. She completed her prerequisites and was planning on attending the University of Florida. However, Mylin was blessed with her first child, and at age 20, she delayed her university goals. Mylin’s family moved to Houston, Texas for work, and Mylin finished earning her degree as a physical therapy assistant (PTA). In 1999 she relocated to Corpus Christi to complete her internship. While working as a PTA, her second son was born. Mylin realized she wanted more for herself and her family than she could accomplish with her associate degree. She enrolled in the University of Incarnate Word. She kept her job and took night school courses for two years to earn her degree.
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“I had a family and two kids and I worked full time. But I finished my training. I made it work! I always emphasize to my kids that there are no excuses in life,” said Mylin. “If you really want to do it, you will do it.” Mylin experienced some life challenges and became a single mother. She continued to work in the field of physical therapy. In 2013, Mylin remarried and had her last child. She made the tough decision to continue working part-time so that she could support her family. “I love my family and they are important to me,” Mylin shared. “I can shape them to be good people.” Mylin worked diligently in the physical therapy field for the next eight years. Then she experienced more family challenges. During that time, Mylin knew deep down that she wanted something else in life, but she could not figure out what it was. For six months she provided physical therapy for a patient who was
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 21
injured in a skiing accident. The patient was a real estate broker. One day the patient suggested that Mylin get a real estate license. Initially, Mylin brushed it off. Then she decided it wouldn’t hurt anything to get the training. After thoughtful contemplating, Mylin decided she was all in. She registered for an online program and took classes at night while the children were asleep. Mylin passed all her exams and obtained her license in March 2019. She interviewed multiple brokerages, looking for one she could stick with. She felt that Coldwell Banker was the best fit for her. Mylin heard that many newly licensed REALTORS® fail in their first year, but she was determined to be diligent so she could become successful in real estate. Mylin completed her first transaction in May of 2019. By that December, she had closed 11 transactions.
My success comes from immersing myself in real estate.
Not afraid of hard work, Mylin continued to work part-time in physical therapy. Then when Covid hit in 2020, she made the tough decision to give up physical therapy and to focus solely on real estate. In her first year as a full-time REALTOR®, Mylin closed 45 transactions and did $8.6 million. She was number six in the brokerage and received the 2020 International President’s Circle Award. “My success comes from immersing myself in real estate,” shared Mylin. “I was a therapy professional, and I wanted to be known as a real estate professional. I know many professionals in town, and felt that in order for them to trust me, I needed to be known as a professional in my new field.” When Mylin attended her first Kevin Ward conference in Los Angeles, she initially felt intimidated. She saw REALTORS® that were making $200,000 or more a year. She knew she had to shift her mindset and reminded herself that if they could do it, so could she. “I thought, ‘how can I be different?’ I decided to be ‘all in’ and immersed myself in real estate. I read a ton of books about real estate and business. I listened to podcasts every day and learned what I could,” said Mylin. In the beginning, Mylin obtained her leads through Zillow and by holding open houses. She also attended other agents’ open houses, to learn from them. Mylin worked diligently to build a reputation as a REALTOR® instead of a physical therapist. She also enrolled in the Leadership Corpus Christi program so she could become a better REALTOR® and leader. She graduated from class number 49.
22 • November 2021
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“I love Corpus!” said Mylin. “I learned so much from that program, and I gained more friendships. I was able to connect with a lot of people through Leadership Corpus Christi.” Mylin is a board member of the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni. She supports the mission of the program with new members. Mylin is also a member of Paws & Claws, a local non-profit organization that supports animals. Mylin encourages fellow REALTORS® to answer their phones, and be approachable and friendly. She also challenges them to become problem-solvers. “I’m a very positive person. I find solutions to problems, Mylin said. “I’m very calm and tackle problems with an open mind. I’ve had numerous colleagues and agents come up to me, freaking out about a problem. I have helped them stay calm and figure out how to solve the problem.” Mylin loves that there are no limits for REALTORS®. As a physical therapist, Mylin enjoyed helping people, but there was a limit to how much she could earn. She went into physical therapy so she could help others, but her diligence didn’t always lead to reward. In real estate, Mylin is able to help people, and there is no limit to what she can achieve. “I never thought I would be successful,” Mylin reflected, “and I never thought I would be where I am today. But I had goals, and I believed I could succeed no matter what. I was persistent.” “Real estate is the one job where, if you really focus and put everything into it, there is no limitation. Real estate is my life,” said Mylin. “I can do this forever, and I’m so happy here!”
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 23
I am thankful for... “I am thankful for my personal relationship with God and the friends and family with who I choose to surround myself. These are the people who have supported me throughout the hills and valleys of this thing we call life. I am extremely grateful for opportunities 2021 granted me and brought to develop new personal and business friendships in the Corpus Christi Coastal Bend community.” - MELINA GOSA, CONCIERGE TITLE
“The opportunity to be part of the Real Producers family. I have connected with SO many amazing REALTORS®, real estate brokers, and preferred partners who have inspired me to continue to improve myself and my service to others. They are all building up the members of our community, in different ways, and it’s amazing to see all the collaboration! Their teamwork is building a culture while improving the economy.”
“I am thankful for my customers! I appreciate the loyalty of my referral partners even in the tough times, and for allowing me the opportunity to serve their clients. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family (for whom I am also very thankful, of course). Since this is a publication for REALTORS®, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank REALTORS® for their business and the trust that goes with it. I appreciate you!” - BETHANY MARIN, FIDELITY NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY
“I’m so grateful for a life full of blessings. My family and friends are all so supportive and loving. My dogs are my world! They both bring me so much joy and make me smile every day.” - GENEVA EILERTSON, REAL PRODUCERS REPRINTS MANAGER
- RUTH GNIRK, REAL PRODUCERS COPY EDITOR
24 • November 2021
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“I am thankful for my family. They are my ‘why’ and drive me every day. They remind me of the small things in life that really matter and to enjoy each and every day!”
“I’m thankful for my faith and my family. I’m thankful for having the gift of making people feel beautiful.” - BECKY MAYS, BECKY MAYS PHOTOGRAPHY
- DR. KASIA SUAREZ, REAL PRODUCERS WRITER
“Family. There are so many changes in this world but family is the one constant thing you can count on.” - LEANNA GONZALES, PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, INC.
“I’m thankful for having such a loving and forgiving God, I’m thankful for the helper God has blessed me with my beautiful wife. I’m also thankful for my children. And finally, I’m thankful for my business. Truly.” - JASON FLORES, EXPLOSIVE ADVERTISING
“I am grateful for my family; it’s because of my family that we created this business that has become much more than a business to us.” - MARTA SMITH, SOUTH TEXAS CURB APPEAL
“I am thankful for my family and friends who love me unconditionally and never waver! And this year I am especially grateful for new beginnings in life and in friendships! Beyond blessed” - MICHELLE HERERRA, PORTABLES GALORE
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 25
Jamie Hartley
Residential Mortgage Loan Origination NMLS # 2085645
361-834-7233 jhartley@wbm.com jhartley.wbm.com APPLY ONLINE TODAY
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 27
ALISSA SPEARS 28 • November 2021
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legendary leader At her core, Alissa Spears is focused on doing the right thing, taking care of people, and being kind. That is how she lives life, serves her community, and runs Spears & Co. Real Estate. Alissa set a high baseline for character and behavior, and intentionally surrounds herself with people who want to live above that line. Alissa was raised in Australia by her American father and Australian mother. Her mother owned a coffee shop and her father owned several restaurants. From an early age, the restaurant industry taught Alissa good customer service, diligence, and grit. Alissa and her three siblings were used to helping out early mornings
By Ruth Gnirk Photography By TresPiña Photography
and late nights to make their family’s dreams come true. Alissa was passion-driven. After earning her degree in communications, she wanted to travel. One of her destinations was Rockport, TX, where she met her American grandmother. While there in 2000, she also met Sam. They knew their relationship was going to be special. Sam and Alissa share the same core values and life goals. They have now been married for 16 years and are extremely harmonious life partners. Alissa can be her best because Sam allows her that luxury. He is a servant-leader with no hidden agenda. Their marriage isn’t half-and-half, it’s “whatever it takes.” “Sam loves in the way everyone should be loved, and when you love abundantly, you live abundantly,” Alissa explained. “But you have to get what you consider ‘abundance’ straight. If someone takes away
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something tangible, it doesn’t rob Sam and I of what we truly value. Living abundantly means leading with an open heart, and always doing what is right, to our best ability.” Continuing to feel spontaneous in 2000, Alissa attended a Coldwell Banker recruiting conference in Corpus Christi. She was completely intrigued by the idea of selling homes, meeting people, and having fun. Alissa soon graduated from Corpus Christi Real Estate Institute and started her career as a REALTOR® with a family brokerage in Rockport. DO THE RIGHT THING
After 16 years, the brokerage went through a transition. Alissa wanted to impact her community but didn’t relish the idea of branching out on her own. Because her son Lochlan has a seizure disorder and sometimes needed care at unconventional times, Alissa was hesitant about giving up more of her family time. Spears sat down with Alina Sykes-Grover, who now serves as the office manager. They created a list of the teammates, clients, and
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 29
MY TEAM AND I WANT TO ADD VALUE TO OTHERS, AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
30 • November 2021
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Two months after Harvey hit, Rockport was slowly creating a new normal. Alissa’s community members weren’t looking forward to the holidays, so she decided to bring the holidays to them. She invited clients to attend a Home for the Holidays event. Spears also invited two designers to offer advice to attendees. Clients and agents were able to visit, dream, and celebrate again.
partners Alissa wanted: people who are kind, courteous, diligent, professional, and appreciative. They would only endorse people and businesses who served with character and kindness. “When I started Spears & Co. Real Estate, my goal was to create a team of quality agents who share the same vision and heart,” shared Alissa. “I want to stay connected to everyone on my team and be there for our clients. Integrity is integral, so we want to grow in a way that our culture is integrated into every agent.” TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE
During Spears & Co.’s first summer, Alissa strengthened relationships by hosting a catered Client Appreciation Party. There was great food, wine, and music, and agents were invited to speak. Everyone enjoyed it! When Hurricane Harvey devastated Rockport in August 2017, the roof blew off the Spears & Co. office, and rain caused the walls to mold. Deep down, Spears knew that it was going to be ok; maybe not today, but someday. Alissa knew her community
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was not forsaken, and that they would get through the experience together, one step at a time. “I saw people hurting,” Spears shared, “and I wanted to effectively impact my community. Many lost hope and talked about selling. I wanted to be a calming light. As the mother of a child with frequent seizures, I knew what it was like to be in a panic and not be able to think clearly. I knew it was important to walk them through steps so they could act wisely, even if they couldn’t process through things.” She continued, “I had to figure out how to benefit the community I loved and cherished. If I wasn’t part of the solution, I was part of the problem. I needed to be in action, or step out of the way. I helped my community create a haven after Harvey. We wanted to thrive, not just survive!” Spears created a list of contact information for people and businesses who were available for specific tasks, such as debris hauling. Her list was so comprehensive and current that it went viral.
Alissa had unknowingly created two cherished traditions that Spears & Co. clients and REALTORS® look forward to attending each year. The summer Client Appreciation and winter Holiday events are like a family reunion for the community. If Alissa had to choose between integrity and production, she said she would choose integrity, but she never has to choose! Spears & Co. is a top-performing real estate company, despite the hurricane and the pandemic. Alissa knows the hearts of the REALTORS® on her team. They choose to join Spears & Co. because of Alissa’s culture of integrity. “I wouldn’t give up time with my loved ones to be in real estate for 22 years if I didn’t think it was best for you and for me, in that order,” said Spears. “It can’t be all about money. Some days you learn, and some days you earn. Some days are profitable, and some days are invaluable.” BE KIND
Alissa recharges herself through the structure and discipline of her daily 5:00 am CrossFit workouts. The family enjoys moments recharging in nature.
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 31
Alissa and Sam enjoy cooking together and spending time laughing and having meaningful conversations with family and friends. Alissa’s parents and siblings moved to the United States. Her brother Curt has been working for Spears & Co. for two years. Alissa said it is a treasure to be able to work harmoniously with her sibling. Alissa and Sam bring their leadership and love to the community, and also help with Epilepsy Foundation fundraisers. Their son Lochlan enjoys Camp Aranzazu, which is designed for people with specialized needs or medical conditions. The ropes courses, kayaks, and sailboats are all specially equipped. (camparanzazu.org) Spears wants her family to have memories of her being present, not always distracted. She wants the community to remember her for creating a company that allows people to be the best they can be, within the framework of integrity and kindness. “My team and I want to add value to others, and build relationships,” said Spears. “People want to find their corner of the world and know they get to keep it. When they move, their home becomes an investment that allows them to transition to the next adventure. REALTORS® get to be a part of setting generations up for success!”
Always Make Room For a Little in Your Life.
Beauty
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 35
preferred partner By Ruth Gnirk | Photography By Brianna Cortez Photography
BUTLER
STX HOME INSPECTIONS Josh Butler is the owner and chief inspector at STX Home Inspections. He has decades of experience, has inspected thousands of homes, and is passionate about customer service. Josh loves spending time with his family and strengthening relationships with others, especially if that can happen on a boat. He is energized by restoring and improving vehicles. Josh inspects homes because he cares about the families who live in them, and he wants to be part of your team.
36 • November 2021
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When he was in his late teens, Josh wanted to see the world so he worked construction. He traveled around the US for over 20 years, working on industrial and commercial construction projects as well as remodels and renovations. Josh admits he was quite wild in the day and made some choices and mistakes he is not proud of, but he never lost hope that things could improve. After Josh met his wife Jennifer, he started settling down. Although he had grown up with a colorful and complex childhood, he was determined to be a devoted husband and a loving father. He said he will not allow himself to fail in life, or in his relationship with Jennifer. Although Josh learned a lot through his experiences in the construction industry, he was missing out on experiencing milestones in his young daughter’s life. Josh knew first-hand the importance of fatherly involvement, so he decided to make some changes. Josh earned his inspector’s license and then started STX Home Inspections. Initially, Josh was completing inspections during the day and working local construction jobs in the evening. During his first year, Josh inspected around 200 homes, and his numbers have increased yearly. When Josh was growing up, his dad was in the construction industry and traveled a lot. Josh grew up a little wild, but he grew up quickly. He learned the value of being diligent, and how to do a lot with limited resources. He also learned to love things with motors. Josh said he’s always liked dirt bikes, three-wheelers, or anything with an engine, and he idolized his uncle who had a good life and amazing cars. “I only know how to work,” Josh smiled. “If I wanted a vehicle as a teenager, I had to fix or rebuild it in my grandpa’s shop. When I was on my own and started making my own money, I always wanted the toys I had to do without while I was growing up. Usually, I couldn’t afford what I wanted, so I improvised. I would buy what I could afford, fix it up, and then sell it for profit or trade up to something better until I could finally get what I wanted.”
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Josh likes to hold himself to a higher standard. For example, Josh guarantees that STX Home Inspections will submit a final report within 24 hours of an inspection, even though the State requires reports within 48 hours. He typically delivers inspection reports to clients earlier than his 24-hour deadline. Earlier this year Josh’s younger brother Steven joined STX Home Inspections. Steven had been working as a mechanical engineer before he earned his inspector’s license. With a two-man crew, STX Home Inspections can perform five inspections a day, and they average 16 per week. Together Josh and Steven have completed almost 600 inspections in just the past seven months. Josh not only delivers facts to his clients, but he personalizes and educates each one so that STX Home Inspections clients feel informed and empowered. He believes that when clients know what can be improved, they will know how to take their next step. “Despite what people may think, I don’t get paid more for finding more deficiencies,” Josh chuckled. “Another thing that surprises people is that brand new homes can have many pages of
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 37
‘deficiencies,’ while an older home that is properly maintained may have only one page. My job is not just to find imperfections, but to help each client understand the things on the list that are easily resolvable, sometimes even by the clients themselves. We can accommodate any inspection need.” STX Home Inspections offers discounts to teachers, active military, veterans, and first responders to thank them for their service. They also have discount rates for first-time buyers. Another way Josh gives back to the community is by providing monthly continuing education sessions for REALTORS®. He also cooks for community fundraisers and grand openings for small businesses. Josh has been going to car shows since the early ‘80s, and he and his uncle show the ‘57 Chevy whenever they can. Josh enjoys collecting and restoring classic cars, modifying trucks, and riding his motorcycle. He has modified, improved, repowered, or restored more than 50 vehicles, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. He has a very mechanical mind and can fix, weld, or build almost anything if he has enough time. He jokes that if he can’t fix something, it’s not really broken!
Josh loves CrossFit workouts. He has been consistently doing them for four years and has been a CrossFit coach for three years. He became a coach to stay accountable. It also didn’t hurt that coaches got a free membership. As a small business owner, every dollar counts! “I got into CrossFit because I saw a picture of a dad doing pull-ups with his daughter riding piggyback. I always wanted that picture, but my daughter grew faster than my strength. I also want to be fit so my wife and daughter can be proud of me,” smiled Josh. Josh and Jennifer have been married 13 years, and his family stays a top priority. Their daughter is her daddy’s number one fan and does everything with Josh. The family has three dogs, which their daughter loves as if they were her siblings. The Butlers love to boat, fish, hunt, and cook together. They usually invite friends, colleagues, and clients to join in the fun. Josh is passionate about collaborating with clients and their REALTORS® face-to-face. He is passionate about providing customer service that is personable, professional, accurate, and timely. Josh believes it is essential to take time to help each client understand the results
I ONLY KNOW HOW TO WORK.
38 • November 2021
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and possible remedies for anything he has found during inspections. STX Home Inspections is in the process of expansion. They are constructing an office and shop on their new property that will be able to accommodate the continuing growth of STX Home Inspections. They will continue finding new ways to provide even better, and more extensive, service to their customers. STX Home Inspections is ready to schedule any specialty residential or commercial inspections that clients desire, including termite, pool, water well, and general inspections. They are licensed through TREC and the Texas Department of Agriculture. They are also in the process of receiving a mold inspection license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
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“I am extremely grateful for the open arms of the real estate community. I am thankful for all the referrals I have received and the feedback that REALTORS® have shared,” said Josh. “I am glad to be part of the Coastal Bend real estate team.”
Corpus Christi Real Producers • 39
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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 41
We Were Built To Work with YOU The Juan Garcia Team 361-492-9353 • juang@goalterra.com
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“THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS GREAT! Juan and the whole team were so fast and on point. The communication was great and they made the process of closing so smooth! We couldn't have went to anyone better.” - Gus M
