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February 2024 ~ Jacksonville Real Producers - Cover Feature, Meshell Perry and Elaine Samaan of Dogwood Realty
Jacksonville Real Producers - February Cover Feature, Meshell Perry and Elaine Samaan of Dogwood Realty
By Zachary Cohen
Photos by Renee Parenteau
Great Things Come From Small Beginnings
In 2022, Meshell Perry and Elaine Samaan partnered to found Dogwood Realty, an independent, Jacksonville-based brokerage. Meshell and Elaine lead Dogwood with a collective vision centered around ethics, education, and a deep commitment to their clients. And while the early results have been impressive, Meshell and Elaine are aiming higher. Their goal is to make Dogwood Realty one of Jacksonville’s most recognized brands.
PARALLEL PATHS
Meshell and Elaine first met in 2018, in the early stages of their real estate careers. As they focused on building their businesses, they each sought out the top producer in their office, hoping to learn from him.
“We saw this one guy winning all the sales awards every month,” Meshell recalls. “I said, ‘Here’s a guy who knows what’s going on.’ He’s continually the number one salesperson. So I started holding some open houses for him, and he appreciated my professionalism and wanted to do more business with me.”
Meanwhile, Elaine took a similar path. She, too, sought out this agent, starting as his assistant and later becoming his lead buyer’s agent. The trio formed a team, with Meshell becoming the lead listing agent.
While that team didn’t stand the test of time, it formed the foundation for what would eventually become Dogwood Realty. Meshell and Elaine went their separate ways, but it didn’t take long for that to change.
“Elaine called me one day to ask about my experience starting a team. Without support, it was harder than expected. Turns out, she wanted to start her own team, too, and said, ‘What do you think of partnering to open our own brokerage?’ Of course, I said, ‘Yes, let’s do this!’ She’s amazing,” Meshell reflects.
YIN AND YANG
Dogwood Realty was officially founded in February 2022. With Meshell’s prowess as a listing agent and Elaine’s love for serving buyers, the pair set out to grow a sustainable brokerage.
“Elaine is a former educator, and I’ve been in sales,” Meshell explains. “We’re a great yin and yang. I’m good with listings and sellers; Elaine is great with buyers. We’re very similar but also different, which is what makes it work.” While Meshell and Elaine have differing strengths within the business, they share common values. Education is paramount at Dogwood Realty, as is their commitment to their clients and agents. The culture is warm, welcoming, and collaborative.
“We realized there was a lack of knowledge and education, even among professionals in the industry, and we wanted to make a contribution to our professional cohort,” Elaine shares. “Dogwood is our baby. Everyone who joins us has the same core values. We are ethical, honest, and knowledgeable. We focus on training and culture, and we give it our all. It’s been such a blessing to us, and we have loved every step of the journey.”
GREAT THINGS COME FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS
Outside work, you’ll find Meshell and Elaine with their families or giving back to the community. Meshell has been with her husband, Brent, a licensed agent with Dogwood Realty, since they were 15. Their daughter, Savannah, is a licensed REALTOR® with Dogwood Realty, and their son-in-law, Josh, is a home inspector. Savannah and Josh have two daughters, CJ (4) and Logan (2). Elaine and her husband, John, a pharmacist and licensed REALTOR®, have a new baby, John Saber, and two rescue dogs, Dolly and Ellie.
“We’re a family of REALTORS®,” Meshell laughs.
Meshell and Elaine also enjoy giving back. Their primary means of supporting the community is through the local schools and City Year, a nonprofit that supports students and schools.
As Meshell and Elaine look ahead, their primary goal is to continue growing Dogwood Realty. Ultimately, they’d like to create a business that lasts for generations to come. As their tagline states, Great things come from small beginnings.
“I would love for it to grow into something that can change the real estate industry, lift it up, and make agents feel cared for,” Elaine says.
“And I would love it if my granddaughters and John took this over. That would be, oh my gosh, so super cool,” Meshell closes.
WE’RE A GREAT &YIN YANG.
Fun Fact: The name Dogwood has a personal meaning for Meshell. “A tree is stable, sturdy, has roots, starts small, grows big, is beautiful, and has a bloom. I had a white dogwood in my yard growing up, and I loved it. It’s my mom’s favorite tree; whenever we’d go anywhere, she’d point out the dogwoods. So it felt perfect.”
