If there’s such a thing as “a smile in one’s voice,” then Brad Pounds has it.  Talking with him via phone, hearing the tenor of his voice and the phrasing of his words convinced me that Brad meets life head-on with a hopeful and positive attitude.  He expresses his upbeat frame of mind through his work as a real estate agent and as an active Austin community member.

Brad’s community efforts are in his service to the Wright House Wellness Center.  Wright House is a facility that offers complementary care for low income persons suffering with illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, certain cancers and other related health issues.  Holistic health services such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic therapies are provided to treat symptoms of the various diseases.  Wright House also supports a food pantry and access to resources for low income housing.  Brad was recently appointed to the board of directors of Wright House.  With his real estate experience, he’s made part of his service goal is to be of assistance in the arena of housing.

While growing up, Brad developed an environmentally thrifty attitude toward the life and usage of everyday items.  He mentioned the adage, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” as a stream of consciousness in his family.  So it came as no surprise to me that one of Brad’s hobbies is taking discarded or junk-shop furniture and making it into something “cool and unexpected.”  He readily admits that his success rate is about 30%, but that’s not a deterrent to his efforts.  He’s also been inspired by real estate clients who have purchased 1950s era homes.  With an abundance of TLC,  Brad has restored these homes with updated plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling systems, but outfitted them with retro-looking appliances and furnishings.  As Brad put it, “Making old things new again is something I really enjoy.”

Kickin’-back at home with his two dogs, Aida, an 8-year old Pit Bull and a newly acquired 4-month old puppy named Mouse, is high on Brad’s down-time list.  The dogs get along famously and that’s helpful to Brad when exercising his domestic side through cooking.  He’s a self-taught novice who enjoys experimenting with recipes.  Every night it’s another culinary adventure for which he gives himself an ”80% edibility rate.”  He must be doing many things right because his friends aren’t turning down any dinner invitations.

Brad has embarked on a new venture, camping.  He recently vacationed at Big Bend National Park, located in southeast Texas along the Rio Grande, with a group of friends.  He enjoyed the experience so much that he’s already planning other camping trips for this summer.

Although Brad has several interests outside of his real estate career, you’ll not find anyone more dedicated to your satisfaction when buying or selling a home in the Austin area.  His focus on you is without question.  To learn more about Brad, as a real estate professional, click on Connect2Agent.com or call him directly at (800) 449-9679, ext. 1368.

• Have you ever worked with Bradley Pounds?  Do you know more interesting things about him?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

“Living life to its fullest” could very well be the maxim by which Steve Young lives his life.  Over its course, he has participated in numerous activities covering a variety of interests.  Steve’s immediate and extended family had a great love for music.  As he was growing up, family members participated in what Steve referred to as “family jam sessions.” Each played an array of instruments, some sang.  Steve plays both the drums and harmonica, at one time playing professionally, and has also given music lessons.

Since his high school days Steve has enjoyed owning and riding motorcycles.  He presently owns 2: a Harley Davidson Custom Softail and a Yamaha R-1 Sport Bike.  Years ago he was involved in bike racing, but no longer.  Beginning in his early years of high school, Steve was introduced to bull riding.  During his senior year he won the North Texas High School Bull Riding Championship.   Moving on professionally he became a member of the (Professional) Rodeo Cowboys Association, (P)RCA.  He rode the rodeo circuit for 6 years, picking up his share of winnings and injuries. 

From the dangers of bull riding Steve moved to apprenticing and working as a Union Iron Worker.  He has had his hand in the construction of many of the downtown Dallas/Ft. Worth high rise buildings.  His career path took a drastic change when he fell 3 stories and broke his back, among other injuries.  It was after a long convalescence and rehabilitation that Steve then moved to real estate.

For Steve, the best part of working as a Realtor is meeting and working with people.  He calls himself a “people person” and feels it’s been his calling since his youth.   Back then he had a paper route and mowed lawns during the summer, all the while knowing he was helping people.  And that is still Steve’s goal in real estate.

A resident of the area for over 50 years and with 20 years experience in real estate you can count on Steve to meet your needs as a buyer or seller.  To learn more about Steve as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call him directly at (800) 509-7344, Ext. 2166.

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The saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life!”  If that’s true, then you could easily say that Todd Smith thrives on spice in his life.  Along with a 30 year real estate career, Todd has successfully managed other career interests and passions.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, he majored in Accounting/Finance and Real Estate.  His early career was in financial services with part-time work in real estate.  What followed next was a career in the motion picture industry.  Working in Los Angeles, Todd served in a number of capacities on 42 films.  He had a hand in such movies as Die Hard, Big, Home Alone and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.  His passion for the film industry hasn’t wavered as in his spare time he produces short films and videos.

Todd has 2 teenage sons, ages 17 and 19.  One son is a student at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in International Business.  The other son is enjoying his high school senior year and contemplating which college would best suit his particular interest in film production. 

Although Todd has a regular indoor exercise regimen, he’s recently added road cycling to his workout.  The rigors of road cycling offers fresh air, scenic views and an opportunity for competition, a welcomed change to spin cycling at the gym.  Rounding out Todd’s outdoor interests are skiing and camping with his family.

Todd’s community involvement is extensive.  Aside from his various real estate memberships, he is active in the Rotary Club of Austin, the Austin and Westlake Chambers of Commerce and is a member of the Austin Film Society.  In addition, he is a trustee for the Eanes Educational Foundation and serves on the business Advisory Committee for the Westbank Library (Laura Bush Library) Fundraising Committee.  An active member of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, Todd is also a founder and leader of a small business networking group.

Todd’s interests are many and varied, but his passion for serving others through real estate does takes precedence.  Whether you’re a buyer or a seller Todd and his associate, Shaunna Terry want to see you through your transaction.  If you would like to know more about Todd as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call him directly at (800) 530-5740, Ext. 1529.

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Like many real estate agents, Jennifer is available to her clients at most any time - day or night.  But like all hardworking people, she recognizes the need for some personal or down time.  Carving out that time can be a challenge, but oh the rewards.

Jennifer has a great desire to travel, and since her teenage years, she’s been fulfilling that desire whenever possible.  Her wanderlust first began with a trip to Europe when she was in high school.  Since then she’s traveled to Colorado, Wyoming and Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada.  A recent trip to Yellowstone National Park introduced her to the many hot springs and geysers, like Old Faithful.  Heading even further west, she has twice left the mainland and vacationed in Hawaii.  Other trips have taken her up and down our eastern seaboard.  Jennifer is especially fond of visiting the New England area during the autumn.  The grand array of fall colors, coupled with the crisp air makes for a welcome change from the Texas scenery and climate.

Revisiting Europe in 2002 revealed any number of changes since Jennifer’s earlier visit.  In particular, she found the Scottish and English countryside still maintained its quaint and homey charm.  There is a scenic beauty there that appeared unchanged.  Major cities, however, showcased many upscale and contemporary features.

Reading is something Jennifer is very passionate about.  Whenever there is a free moment, you’ll find her enjoying a fast paced mystery novel or an in depth biography.  Because of her busy schedule, Jennifer takes every opportunity to steal a few moments to keep up on her reading.  Whether she standing in line at the post office or biding her time at an appointment waiting room, she doesn’t miss an chance to keep herself entertained with her latest book.  (A standard practice for this writer has as well.)

“In my book,” you can’t miss working with Jennifer Weaver.  With 30 years of experience, she’s sure to have the answers to your real estate needs in the Sugar Land, TX area.  To learn more about Jennifer as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 330-9688, Ext. 1965.

• Have you ever worked with Jennifer Weaver?  Do you know more interesting things about her?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

I started out asking what she does in her ‘spare time’ when not doing Real Estate… silence! “Hello? Are you there?” Suddenly I get a laugh. “Well let’s see… I take a shower, I change the sheets…” Humor rolls easily off her tongue and you can hear the smile on the other end of the phone. When we finally stopped cracking jokes about our busy lives, I found out Dee loves a variety of things. Everything from live entertainment including plays and orchestras to rock concerts… Museums… Staying home when she doesn’t have plans (on the rare occasion) and watching a movie… Entertaining people in her home… Playing cards with friends… Hitting antique malls or a good ol’ auction. Don’t get in her way though if she finds a piece she likes! The claws come out, and she starts getting dirty (in a good way).

One story she told me was about her favorite piece, a curio cabinet in her bedroom.  She was out with a client, and they saw an auction.  The client asked if she wouldn’t mind stopping.  Dee was game.  After looking around for a awhile, she saw a curio cabinet and just had to have it.  She had never been to an auction before and didn’t know the ropes.  Her client was ‘seasoned’ though.  Her and her partner in crime decided on a price she was willing to pay and before she knew it, there were two other guys bidding on HER CABINET!  In the end, she won the piece, but ended up paying triple what she initially said she would pay.  “I never looked back and I would do it again.  I love it!”

If you would like to know more about Dee Hughes with RE/MAX Premier IV, click on her Connect2Agent profile or contact her directly at (800) 330-9688 Ext. 1001.  “I am a Dallas native, but my family lived in Illinois for eighteen years and we found out how the American farmer really does feed the world.  I joined the real estate profession in 1991 and have had some great experiences and have met some of the most wonderful people, who have become my lifelong friends.”

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Joy Jordan is a Realtor who is passionate about her work.  It’s not just about the work, it’s about educating her clients and providing them with top-notch quality customer service.  Joy strives to be thorough in all aspects of her business relationships.  A veteran agent of 30 years, she keeps abreast of real estate trends in her area and employs an excellent team of professionals to assist her.

Members of Joy’s team include her licensed assistant John Stevens and a photographer who is responsible for creating visual tours of properties, fliers and other marketing materials.  Joy also has an administrative assistant who recently earned her real estate license.  Each of these people is a part of what makes Joy Jordan’s service to customers second to none.

Joy and her husband Jack have 2 grown sons.  One lives in Fort Worth and the other in Abilene.  They have 1 granddaughter who is a sophomore in college.  Jack is a petroleum engineer and geologist and owns his own oil company.

Jack and Joy recently took a 3 week cruise to Europe.  They visited Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.  It was a very enjoyable cruise which allowed for relaxation and dancing.  Both Joy and Jack love to dance and belong to a dance club in Abilene as well as the Abilene Country Club.  Membership at both of these social groups allows for many opportunities to have fun dancing.

Another asset to club membership is meeting people of the community.  Joy also is active in the community through participation on a number of local boards.  She serves on the Academic Foundation at Hardin-Simmons University.  Joy serves on the West Texas Rehabilitation Board.  She has been director of the Texas State Board of Realtors, as well as serving on the Abilene Board of Realtors.

Joy Jordan works diligently to serve both buyers and sellers.  She’s lived in Abilene since she was 10 years old and knows the region like the back of her hand.  To learn more details about Joy as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 542-0360, Ext. 1933.

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Peggy has a great heart for people, especially her family and children with special needs.  She was reared in a large family of 16 children.  The second to the youngest, she has a twin sister.  Although not identical, they still maintain that “twin closeness” so often identified with these siblings.   This blended family (long before that phrase was coined) was the result of the marriage of Peggy’s parents who had both been widowed.

Making music was a very important part of Peggy’s family life.  Everyone played an instrument and sang.  Music was part of the “glue” that made her family so close-knit.  These days, during family reunions, the instruments have been set aside for a newer form of group music, karaoke.  So instead of front porch pickin’, the family’s indoors or out back singing to “prefab” tunes.  And a good time is had by all!

The other “soft spot” of Peggy’s heart goes to children with special needs.  In the past, she has served as an aide in special education classrooms where she has  come to appreciate the warmth and genuineness of these wonderful children.  Peggy supports the organization Hannah’s Horseshoes of Hope (HHH).  This is a riding therapy program whose purpose is “to provide the opportunity for persons with disabilities to experience the therapeutic benefits and enjoyment provided by horseback riding.”  HHH uses a quote from humorist Will Rogers to express their view on the relationship between horses and people: “There’s nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a man.”   Equitherapy can be socially, emotionally, mentally and physically beneficial to these challenged children.

Peggy and her husband have two grown sons.  One farms 95 acres of his 92 year old grandmother’s farm, and the other works in the field of computer technology.  The Robinson’s travel occasionally.  One location they have visited often is Branson, MO.  Peggy is drawn by the abundance of musical entertainment.

Building relationships and family is key to Peggy, and she carries that practice into her real estate business.  “My goal is to provide personal service with a personal touch.”  Whether you’re a 1st time buyer or relocating for the 10th time, Peggy wants to assist you in making your housing dreams come true.  To learn more about Peggy as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com  or call her directly at (800) 520-4985, Ext. 1987.

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Over the past 3 months, I’ve interviewed over 100 Connect2Agent members.  My interest in each agent is to explore their passions, interests and/or activities outside of real estate.  Invariably I get a chuckle and then a litany of reasons why real estate is their primary passion.  It’s been a pleasure talking to people who find their job so enjoyable.  I think it’s what we all strive for.  However, everyone needs a break now and again.  In fact, we owe it to ourselves to step back, empty our minds of the demands of the day and find a sense of peace within our own skin.  And the great thing about that is each person gets to choose what they want to do, or not do, to make that happen.

Carol Shinsky finds her sense of peace and rejuvenation working in the garden.  She enjoys making a landscaping plan and then getting her hands dirty to make it happen.  Working with flowers, shrubs and other greenery, Carol gets tremendous satisfaction deciding plant placement and how to create a vista of foliage that’s not only a thing of beauty, but also allows for easy care and maintenance.  When focused on these wonders of nature, Carol finds herself relaxed and revitalized, ready to meet the challenges and successes of the next work day.

If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor work, Carol enjoys a couple of indoor activities.  Stretching her mind and working on a Sudoku number puzzle demands a lot of concentration.  Carol is up to the task, as are so many others.  This game has taken hold of the nation, both young and old alike.  I’ve read that games such as Sudoku and Scrabble, among others, are great mind exercises for memory improvement.  Isn’t it great when there’s a terrific side benefit to something you enjoy doing?

When time allows, Carol also enjoys beading. Working with beads, crystals and stones to make bracelets and neck pieces, is another form of relaxation for Carol.  Creating these intricate pieces requires great attention to detail.  Aside from having lovely jewelry to wear, could this have some mind benefit as well? 

These stolen moments of refreshment allow Carol to focus on satisfying the needs of her clients.  As she puts it, “I am committed to my chosen profession, bringing sellers and buyers together.  My experience allows me to avoid problems and think of logical, practical solutions.  I work to achieve a win-win situation for my clients.”  Hard work and clear thinking is what you’ll get with Carol Shinsky.  Easy as 1, 2, 3! Or is that 2, 1, 3?

Connect2Agent shows you the professional AND personal side of real estate agents.  To learn more about Carol as a real estate professional visit Connect2Agent.com, or call her directly at (800) 276-1733, Ext. 1065.

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Roger and Jean Bryant have been a team nearly their whole lives.  Originally from Birmingham, AL, Jean met Roger at the impressionable age of 14, and talk about making a “lasting impression”, the couple have been married for 44 years and counting.  Throughout the different stages of their partnership, they have shared so much together.

The parents of two grown sons, they are very proud of their boys’ accomplishments.  Presently, their oldest son is studying for his PhD in Bio-Physics at the University of Florida, Gainesville.  Their younger son and his wife live in suburban Nashville, TN, and have blessed the Bryants with 3 grandchildren, ages 4, 6 and 9.  This son works as a project engineer for the company that supplies the explosives for the rocket boosters on NASA’s Space Shuttles.  Although their children are a distance away, Roger and Jean do their best to plan extended visits whenever possible.

In her “younger” years, Jean earned and maintained a pilot’s license.  At one time she was also an active golfer.  Today, she enjoys spending time with her friends on weekend excursions.  Renting rooms at a bed & breakfast, they plan these brief getaways to various locations in Texas.  At the time of my interview, Jean was preparing for a jaunt down to Johnson City, TX to visit some of the art galleries, the LBJ Ranch, as well as enjoy fine dining and shopping.  Each of these excursions with her “Ya-Ya” girlfriends leaves Jean refreshed as well as energized for the coming work week.

Roger’s interests have been primarily in the corporate world.  He has served as the president of numerous companies.  At one time he was the CEO of the company that developed the mechanism whereby consumers are able to use their credit cards right at the gas pump.  I just realized that, like the pull tab on canned drinks, there is a whole generation that is growing up unaware of any other way to purchase gas.  Roger’s free time is often spent on the golf course.  An avid golfer, he finds the game relaxing, except for when he “wants to quit,” out of frustration.  Isn’t that just a normal condition for a golfer?

Jean and Roger love to travel.  Together, with a group of friends that they’ve known for over 30 years, they have traveled all over Europe several times.  Most often traveling by Eurail, they have also taken a cruise down the Danube River from The Netherlands to Austria.  Other trips have been to Mexico and the Caribbean.  Two visits have been made to the Bahamas, one of which was a 7 day sailboat trip with 3 other couples.  Roger was at the helm on that trip.  He and Jean are experienced sailboat racers.  Today their sailing is purely for leisure.

On the homefront, both Roger and Jean are huge Dallas sports fans.  Whether it’s the Cowboys, the Stars or the Mavericks, they watch them all.  They also have a huge interest in the America’s Cup, the international sailing competition.

Jean has been working in real estate for 18 years and understands the intricacies of buying and selling a home, along with relocating.  The Bryants are presently living in “House #12.”  Roger’s corporate work has had them living in Virginia Beach, Nashville, and 4 stays in Dallas, TX over the last 30 years.  Jean told me that they have had to “motel it” with 3 cats, 1 dog and an Iguana, while waiting to move into a new home.  As she put it, “Life’s been colorful,” to say the very least.

If you’re looking for experienced and empathetic real estate agents, contact The Bryant Team by clicking on Connect2Agent.com, or call them directly at (800) 540-0865, Ext. 1991.

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In the early morning, anywhere from 2 to 4 times a week, you’ll find Rene at the local yoga studio participating in what’s known as “Hot Yoga.”  Situated in a room with a temperature of 98 degrees or above, Rene and her fellow classmates are able to get into deeper stretches, burn more calories, and thus sweat out toxins more readily, than in traditional yoga.  This increase of flexibility also provides innermost relaxation.  Another form of relaxation for Rene is running.  She runs 2-4 miles at a time, 2-3 times weekly.  In addition, she participates in 5K runs whenever possible.

Rene and her fiancee, Marc, are both in the real estate business.   Marc is a manager in acquisitions and development for an international hotel chain.  His job takes him all over the United States, and when possible Rene enjoys traveling along.  She, however, has occasion to travel for business purposes as well. 

Traveling is something both Rene and Marc enjoy.  Rene earned a trip to Maui 2 years ago, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  With friends and family living on the east coast they have visited New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.  Other vacations spots have been Florida, the Cayman Islands, and St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Community involvement for Rene has been with the Women’s Council of Realtors and as a volunteer with the Red Cross.  She is presently getting set to participate in the local chapter of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, which she is very excited about.

Meeting people is only one of the things Rene loves about being a Realtor.  She has made many friends from helping clients buy or sell a home.  Her life has been so enriched by the people who have tapped her real estate knowledge and expertise.  If you’re buying or selling a home, Rene will hit the ground running to see your real estate plans come to fruition.  Carpe Diem!

Connect2Agent shows you the personal AND professional side of real estate agents.  To learn more about Rene as a professional, visit Connect2Agent.com, or call her directly at (800) 541-7233, Ext. 1334.

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