Legendary Leader: ALISSA SPEARS

By Ruth Gnirk Photography By TresPiña Photography

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 co ee 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 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 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 o ce manager. They created a list of the teammates, clients, and

MY TEAM AND I WANT TO ADD VALUE TO OTHERS, AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

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 o the Spears & Co. o ce, 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 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 e ectively 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. 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 o er advice to attendees. Clients and agents were able to visit, dream, and celebrate again.

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.

Always Make Room For a Little Beautyin Your Life.

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!”

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