We are not just helping to facilitate a transaction, but in most instances are holding the fate and future of people’s lives in our hands.”
Ashley Gentry gained early insight into the real estate industry through her mother, who became licensed when Ashley was just a teenager. “I saw the effect she had on people’s lives, helping them achieve home ownership and financial freedom,” she says. And that insight had a lasting effect.
When asked about the mentor in her life right now, that guiding voice is still her mother’s.
“I watched her build a successful real estate career off of relationships and value,” says Ashley. “You are the direct representation of the friends you keep and the business you do, and I am proud of both.”
Ashley is actively involved in her real estate community, serving as director of her local board and local vice chair of TREPAC. She is a Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate and regularly takes advantage of the various educational resources available online. She has also brought together a group of like-minded business professionals and REALTORS® for mentoring opportunities.
Outside of the real estate world, Ashley remains committed to her community. She was recently awarded Newcomer of the Year by Collin County’s Women of Influence for her volunteerism with nonprofits and other organizations. She has been a member of the Junior League of Collin County for four years, helping the organization establish a community garden for the Brain Injury Network of Dallas and hosting one of the largest local resale events for underserved members of the community.
Ashley says that what sets her apart from other REALTORS® is that she provides comprehensive staging in all her homes, which has a direct impact on her sales. She has also worked regularly with investors, and as a result, formed a commercial arm in her business geared toward providing a consumer-centric approach to investing.
But the driving force in her career is not sales.
“I am the loving mother of a nearly seven-year-old daughter who drives me to create a different world for her. My mom created a lane for my success, and my goal is to create a lane for my daughter to become a game changer in this world.
“While she might not want to be a REALTOR® when she grows up, I hope that she can be proud of the legacy I have left for her fueled by hope, hard work, and resiliency. Money can be made, but respect and admiration has to be earned.”
About the Award:
The REALTORS® to Watch Award is a Texas Young Professionals Network award recognizing excellence in leadership, community involvement, and everything else that makes a well-rounded young professional successful in real estate. Any active REALTOR® member of Texas REALTORS® under the age of 40 as of August 1, 2020, can apply for this award. Click here to check out past recipients of this award and to find out more.