Today, we’d like to introduce you to Linda McKissack and Dana Gentry.
Hi Linda and Dana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Linda: In the late 1980’s my husband Jim and I found ourselves $600,000 in debt almost overnight during the savings and loan crisis in Texas. Never working more than minimum wage, I took a big bet on myself and got into real estate sales.
In my first year, I made about $3,000 in gross income. Jim said that was “real gross” as we needed to climb out of a mound of debt. I began investing in myself and attended a real estate seminar that taught me how to succeed in real estate. At the same time, Jim and I began investing in single-family real estate to create passive income.
A few short years later, I would become the #1 real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty to then go on and own multiple Keller Williams franchises, become the #1 KW profit share earner, and purchase a KW region in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Jim and I now own over 65 single-family rental properties around Dallas, Texas, seven commercial buildings and 32 nightly rental cabins in Branson, Missouri, four local real estate franchises, and two regional real estate franchises.
Dana: I started in real estate from college 18 years ago, in Lexington, Kentucky, and had a quickly successful career selling homes for buyers and sellers, mixed with new construction builders. I sold directly in the real estate market for about ten years and then built my own real estate team – and had the opportunity to step into a leadership and growth role with Keller Williams. I was the top recruiter for the entire Ohio Valley Region for two consecutive years in 2017/2018, which then led to more opportunities to launch and purchase Keller Williams franchises.
Fast forward to today, I own 3 Keller Williams Franchises with over 700 Realtors and ten physical offices in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. My real estate team sells in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, along with referrals across the country. I relocated as a transplant to Mt Pleasant, SC, three years ago with my husband and our family.
I commute between both states now, leading my offices in KY, OH, and IN – while operating virtually in SC. I am a coach to real estate and business owners. I enjoy our podcast, Everything Life and Real Estate, which I co-host with my partner, Linda. I am always looking for ways to grow and learn.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Linda: In my 35 years as a real estate entrepreneur, I’ve dealt with several challenges. Some of these challenges have been finding the right people, knowing how much time on task is required to be successful, and facing fears and limiting beliefs.
Dana: Definitely not a smooth road, more like a roller coaster. I believe anything you do is going to be hard work, with failures and mistakes along the way, leading you to lessons and growth. Some of the struggles for me personally have been leading through people instead of around them – hiring the right people for the right seats on the bus – pushing through obstacles like down markets, changes in the industry, and navigating the crazy world of real estate.
We’ve been impressed with Keller Williams Realty Franchises, Everything Life and Real Estate Podcast, and Profit Share Mastery Podcast. However, for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
Linda: I work with successful real estate agents and entrepreneurs to help them understand, plan, and create six and 7-figure passive income streams while building thriving businesses. It’s all about creating a legacy for your family while having freedom and margin for what matters most.
Dana: I am a serial real estate entrepreneur, and that ranges from having a real estate team still helping sellers, buyers, and investors around the country…. To operate Keller Williams Realty franchises and lead/guide/grow my brokerages and agents. My network elevates other agents and brokerages to achieve their goals – while I coach, speak, and teach to businesses and organizations looking for extreme growth.
Our podcast, Everything Life and Real Estate, has surpassed 500k downloads and is a valuable resource for any entrepreneur or business owner looking to grow!
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Linda: Relationships, such as relationships with mentors, are vital because they’re the gateway to everything you want in life. My relationships with my mentors have been invaluable. I’ve found it’s important to have mentors who have achieved what you want to achieve and can show you the path to get there. You might be able to interact with these people personally, or they might be public figures who have books, podcasts, or training that you can consume.
Dana: I am very passionate about mentors. They have changed my life! When you are looking to find a mentor, the first piece of advice I would give to someone is that you do not have to “know” every mentor… You can have a mentor who you listen to on podcasts, read their books, watch their YouTube videos, etc. I have many mentors that I have never met. Then on the flip side, I have mentors that I have personal relationships with that have helped shape my life and where I am today.
When looking for a mentor like that, look to the people who have the life that you want. Look for the people that have achieved what you are looking to achieve. Start by asking them for 15 minutes of their time. Be prepared. Ask questions. Have a list of questions to ask. Earn the opportunity to have more time with them. Then, value the relationship by acting on the advice you gain from their wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: LindaMcKissack.com and https://linktr.ee/danagentry
- Instagram: @mckissacklinda and @DanaGGentry
- Facebook: @mckissacklinda and @Dana Gentry
- Youtube: @LindaMcKissack411, @DanaGentry, @Everything Life and Real Estate, and @everythinglifeandrealestate (https://www.youtube.com/@everythinglifeandrealestate)
- Other: Everything Life and Real Estate (https://www.everythinglifeandrealestate.com/#/)
Image Credits
Tyler Hergott Photography
