Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Dukes.
Hi Shay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my Real Estate journey when I was 16 years old doing open house sales for a local Realtor. My mom had met him at work and he asked her if she knew anyone looking for a weekend job to sit at his property and show them. She told him I have a daughter who can help you with that and that was my introduction into real estate. He showed me how to become the deal closer I am. He showed me how to conduct a showing and convert a customer into a client. Fast forward to present day. I have professionally been in real estate almost six years, four of those licensed. Prior to me obtaining a Real Estate License, I was working two jobs at the time one of which was as restaurant waitress the other as an Assistant Manager at a clothing store. I remember calling my mom one day crying as I pulled up to the restaurant and telling her I was exhausted and could not continue working where I’m unhappy anymore. She questioned me about what I was interested in and one of the career paths being Real Estate. She said if that’s what you want to do let me make a few calls. She called me back and said I have an interview set up for you on Friday with a prestigious team in the Killeen Area. They hired me as an executive listing assistant that Friday and I was to start that Monday. I could no longer work my retail management job because of the conflicting hours so I quit knowing my assistant job was barely paying minimum wage. In my head, I knew I had to sacrifice to get where I wanted to be. So I decided to work at the restaurant at night and work at the real estate company during the day. Sunday the day before I started my executive position, the restaurant I worked for permanently closed. So all I had was this minimum wage-paying job.
See, I learned very early to be careful what you profess from your mouth. Just a few days prior I said, “I can’t do this anymore” and what did God do? He permanently closed the establishment so all I had was Option A. Discouraged on how I would be able to take care of my bills and myself God showed me why more than ever I was sent the parents I have. My parents supported me and allowed me to stay home with them until I got to a position where I was ready to move out. I worked in that executive assistant position for two years while getting my real estate license after the first year. I remember talking to my boss at the time saying once I get my license, I want to be an agent. I took my test a few times before I passed it and when I told him I had passed, he said well Shay you’re doing just fine in your position. I don’t have a slot for you on my team as an agent. Frustrated and upset, I vented to a friend who was in the commercial spectrum of real estate at dinner one night and she asked what would it take for you to leave? I told her an opportunity. She said send me your resume, so I did. I received a call to interview the next day. My interview was 2 hours and they offered me a position as the Office Manager of their company. I took the position but during my final two weeks at my then current job, I questioned my boss about being an agent again. He told me no yet again. So I had a conversation with him about leaving and he said you are a small fish in a big pond you’ll never be able to swim in this area without us. Motivated and determined I created a name for myself in the Killeen area that my previous employers could not ignore. My position from Office Manager quickly turned into Commercial Leasing and Property Manager extraordinaire relatively quickly. Over the course of four years, I leased and managed over 2+million square feet of retail, warehouse and office space to include national franchises such as– Back Porch Draft House, Marcos Pizza, the UPS store, NAPA Auto Parts, Johnstone Supply, Metro T- Mobile, General Dynamics and countless local businesses that have now as of recent opened up second abs third locations. For all of my efforts, I was nominated as Top Realtor in Central Texas in 2021 by the Black Chamber of Commerce and started my journey towards my Brokers License. Today I have learned that when one door closes there are so many more that will open. I have switched gears and created a new independent lane for myself after going through separation with the Commercial company I loved like it was my own and where I established #LeasedbyShay.
Initially, it was hard but now in the place I am today, I realize it was again nothing but God. I currently work for Somerset Association Management as a Luxury High Rise Condominium Community Manager, managing five residential condos and one commercial center in Downtown Austin as well as an independent agent alongside Ron Cooks and the All City Real Estate Team. I have joined two amazing companies that have offered me mentorship, education, and support. Somewhere that I am appreciated and celebrated. My journey hasn’t been easy and it’s still unfolding however with God, my #MotivationMonday post I post on my Instagram @shaysmyrealtor and most importantly my village, I wouldn’t be here. I am so thankful to my family and best friends but my parents especially. My mom really has been my rock through all of this. She’s sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today as well as my dad. Both of them instilled in me that pretty will only get you so far. That no one owes you anything and that in life things will come but as long as you have a genuine heart and you have given the best of you, hold your head high and keep going. I believe that my genuineness and will to serve is why my clients have coined the name ShayisMyRealtor on behalf of me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I was told no or I was too young and inexperienced a few times. Being a minority woman in a male dominated field it can be not only tough but sometimes discouraging. But again that lit the fire in me to obtain and continue to download the knowledge and become an expert in my field and dress well while doing it. Commercial Real Estate is seen as just business. It’s not traditionally a lane where you get to show your personality like residential and because I was raised to always be true to myself- I have created a space to be me while conducting business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Realtor that specializes in Commercial Leasing as well as Residential Leasing and Sales. I also manage Luxury High and Mid-Rise Condominiums. I am most proud of the fact that a little small-town girl is growing into the Business Woman I knew I would be. I believe that my integrity and willingness to serve my clients has set me apart. I judge no one from the things in their past and I am huge on giving people a second chance. I have loved watching & creating opportunities for convicted felonies when no one else would. I have giving them the chance to start a new life and open and own restaurants and tattoo shops that are doing amazing in the Central Texas Area. I love to see the underdog win because I know how it feels to be counted out and have no one there to just give you an opportunity. They served their time and deserve to create a lane that will give them something to be proud of.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID -19 has shown me that life is short so create a work-life balance so you can be the best in all areas of your life. Find a Lane, educate yourself, perfect it and coin it. My Lane has become Luxury. Luxury in Commercial and Residential Real Estate.
Contact Info:
- Email: ShaysMyRealtor@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/shays_myrealtor
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Realtor.ShayDukes
