There’s something I always say when people ask me what I love most about owning my own firm, True Story Realty…

And honestly, it surprises them a little.

They are my people. My support system. My back office. The team behind the team. And every year, that truth comes to life in the most beautiful way at SideXSide.

This annual event is hard to put into words… but if I had to try? It’s uplifting, inspiring, hilarious, heartfelt, and just plain fun. It’s a room full of founders who all leaped to build something of their own, coming together not as competitors, but as collaborators.

And that’s the magic.

Not every Realtor wants to own a firm, and that’s okay. But those who do? There’s a shared understanding. A level of professionalism, generosity, and collaboration that is so rare in this industry. We may run small boutiques or growing companies, but we’re united in one thing: becoming better leaders so we can serve our clients at the highest level with true white-glove care.

The experience they create, from the parties to the breakout sessions, is next level. Thoughtful, elevated, and filled with intention.

This year had a couple of “wow” moments I won’t forget anytime soon.

Getting to meet Arthur Brooks backstage before he spoke-and having him sign his book, The Meaning of Your Life-was such a full-circle moment for me. My coach, Ryan Secrist, was the person who originally introduced me to Arthur Brooks' work. I fought really hard to get Arthur Brooks to be our keynote speaker at SideXSide. I started sending Guy Gal posts and Arthur’s books to convince him to hire him for the job!

Guy Gal texted me some months ago and told me I could stop -because they had hired Arthur for the job! I was thrilled! It was so surreal to then get to meet Arthur and have him sign my copy of his new book! My friend Katie Moe got a ticket for herself and for our coach Ryan, to get to meet Arthur backstage. Seeing our coach, Ryan Secrist, meeting Arthur’s Brooks was a full-circle moment for me!! How fun! Also seeing Ryan experience SideXSide for the first time… watching him realize just how special this community is… that was really meaningful.

And to Javier Núñez, Chez Realty’s José Medina, Dexter Brandao, and Willomar’s Connie Chung, leading that breakout session together was such a joy. I think we all walked away feeling like we made a real impact on all of the new Founding partners in our Side Community!

Getting to share it all with my team, Jules Exum and Savannah Moon Pollock, made it even sweeter. We laughed, we learned, we connected… and we left feeling so grateful.

Already counting down to next year. ✨