Texas REALTORS® named eight members under 40 as 2024 REALTORS® to Watch. These exceptional leaders have exhibited excellence on the job, in the industry, and in their communities.
“This year’s REALTORS® to Watch are something special,” says 2025 Chairman Christy Gessler. “They aren’t just out there serving their clients every day; they’re raising the bar for all of us. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
Preston Davis
Sherman
Some of the best advice Preston Davis ever heard was that the path to success is to show up every single day. The Paragon, REALTORS® sales associate took that to heart and has been there for his residential and land clients since getting licensed in 2020.
“I try to bring people together in difficult times to make them feel as though they have been heard, and I find solutions that are amicable to all parties,” he says. “I have done this during transactions, while leading REALTOR® committee meetings, and while serving on civic boards.”
Davis is a big believer in getting involved with the REALTOR® association. He serves as Treasurer of the Greater Texoma Association of REALTORS® and completed the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program with Collin County Area REALTORS®. He has participated in the state YPN and Member Benefits Committees, and NAR’s Federal Taxation Committee.
“When I first expressed interest in the treasurer position, I had no idea what it actually entailed,” he says. “I have a much greater appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes at all levels of the association.”
Davis is also active in the community, serving on the boards of Goodwill Northeast Texas, the Sherman Museum, and the City of Sherman Main Street Program. He’s a former Fairview Elementary PTA board president and Denison Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year.
“The greatest challenge I have faced is the ups and downs of the market and how to adapt to it,” he says. His solution? Showing up to serve every day.
Naquay Dunbar
Houston
Naquay Dunbar remembers riding in the backseat while her grandmother, a broker, drove to property showings. “I wanted to follow in her footsteps someday,” she recalls.
The KW Memorial agent has made that dream a reality, as she has been helping her residential and commercial clients achieve their goals since 2019.
“I strive to bridge the gap between market challenges and client expectations, delivering results that reflect creativity, expertise, and a deep understanding of real estate dynamics,” she says.
Dunbar initially struggled to build her client base in a highly competitive market. She found that she could stand out through her exceptional customer service and innovative marketing strategies. She credits her success to continuous professional development. Dunbar has earned eight real estate designations and is especially proud to be a Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate. She also attends industry events and conferences to stay current and connected.
The Texas REALTORS® director is highly involved with the Houston Association of REALTORS®, co-chairing its TREPAC Committee and serving on the Governmental Affairs, Political Affairs, and Young Professionals Network advisory groups. She volunteers at polling stations during elections and educates community members on civic engagement. “I’ve made it my mission to lead with purpose, advocate for those whose voices often go unheard, and share knowledge to empower others,” she says. She frequently mentors new REALTORS® and volunteers with charities.
Though her grandmother didn’t live to see Dunbar get licensed, Dunbar promised her she would be the best real estate agent she could be. “I am determined to honor her memory by embodying the same passion and commitment she showed in her career.”
Randi Houston
Katy
During her healthcare career, Randi Houston saw the challenges older adults face. “So many of them have to sell their homes to afford that next chapter, and that truly moved me,” she says. “I realized that my extensive knowledge combined with my desire to help seniors could create a powerful impact.” That realization drove her to get her real estate license in 2019.
The Century 21 Exclusive Properties agent aims to make the real estate transaction as smooth as possible for her clients. “Many clients have faced challenges navigating the market, especially buyers hesitant to take the next step. I’ve been able to guide them by highlighting the tangible benefits of homeownership compared to renting. I also help them make confident, informed decisions.”
Client education is a top priority for her. The market may be different than what buyers and sellers heard or experienced in the past. “I focus on providing clear, region-specific data that’s easy for my clients to understand,” she says.
The TRLP graduate says she is always searching for new real estate knowledge, whether through classes, her brokerage, or industry experts and mentors. “One of my guiding principles is that if you’re not learning, you’re not growing. This mindset drives me to seek out new insights and skills at every opportunity.”
Houston is active with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and her local association’s YPN advisory group. She volunteers extensively with Kids’ Meals, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.
“As a young professional, I take immense pride in serving others, making a positive impact, and contributing to the growth and success of my community,” she says.
Katherine Nebel
Spring
“The most important thing I’ve learned in this industry is that we have to help each other succeed, uplift each other, and get involved in our local, state, and national organizations,” says Katherine Nebel. “This is just as important as knowing the contracts and keeping up with our CE, in my opinion.”
The Co-Owner and Broker Associate of AK Real Estate Group leads a five-member team specializing in residential real estate. The TRLP graduate holds weekly meetings so the team can learn from and encourage each other.
She had originally worked in the oil and gas industry. She knew she wanted to work with people and help them achieve their goals. “I decided to pursue my passion in real estate in 2016, was licensed in 2017, and have not looked back since.”
Nebel brings that same supportive approach to each client. “I not only want to establish a working relationship with clients but also genuinely want to be their friend during their home hunt,” she says. “I aim to be their biggest supporter when things are great and the shoulder they lean on when things don’t go as planned.”
Nebel’s volunteering includes the Montgomery County Political Affairs Advisory Leadership, the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, and neighborhood events. “Having a voice in my community and for homeowners in general has been so rewarding,” she says.
Maintaining a work/life balance has been challenging. “Some days have been tough, but I wake up every day excited to help families find their new home. I also love to hear about the memories they’ve made in their current home. I am truly blessed.”
Jose Nieto
Houston
Jose Nieto is happy to see other agents succeed. “My colleagues are not competitors but a source of inspiration, motivating me to continually improve and do my best,” says the J. Nieto Team Lead. “Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly—often holding down three jobs at once. From them, I learned the values of hard work, humility, and the importance of helping others in our community. These principles have guided my path and shaped the way I do business.”
Nieto spent seven years in retail management, and while he loved the customers, he disliked the inflexibility and demanding hours. He wanted to become an entrepreneur and was fascinated by the real estate agents he saw on TV. Today, Nieto specializes in leasing, new construction, and helping first-time homebuyers—especially those who have been told they’ll never own a home. “Even after the deal is done, I make it a priority to check in, ensuring that our relationship grows beyond just a transaction.”
Nieto serves on advisory groups for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and HAR’s Young Professionals Network. He also volunteers with Kids’ Meals Houston, Be a Resource for CPS Kids, and Toys for Tots.
“I’ve had the privilege of motivating and inspiring my Hispanic community,” he says. “They have witnessed how a person with immigrant parents was able to live the American Dream and become a successful entrepreneur. My involvement has focused on educating and empowering my community, consistently reminding them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Rick Ramirez
MetroTex
“As the father of two young daughters, I wanted to show them the value of chasing dreams with purpose and authenticity,” says Rick Ramirez, an agent with Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®. “Real estate allowed me to combine my love of neighborhoods, architecture, and connection with people.”
Ramirez left his corporate career to pursue residential real estate, becoming licensed in 2023. “I’ve worked closely with several other clients in their home search, helping them overcome obstacles like lending issues, job changes, and immigration challenges,” he says. “Each experience has deepened my commitment to being a resourceful and trusted advisor.” Continuing education and self-improvement have been top priorities for Ramirez since he started in real estate. He is working toward his Graduate, REALTOR® Institute and Accredited Buyer’s Representative certifications.
“My greatest challenge in real estate has been transitioning from a corporate environment to a career built entirely on self-direction and personal initiative,” he says.
Being a native Spanish speaker allows Ramirez to connect and build trust with more clients. He touts his entrepreneurial and marketing training as how he stands apart in the market.
Ramirez serves on the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® YPN and Diversity advisory groups and the City of Colleyville’s Zoning Board of Adjustment and Sign Board of Appeals. Ramirez actively volunteers at his children’s school and is always looking for ways to support his local community—organizing and contributing to fundraising efforts and giving back his time whenever he can.
He calls becoming a real estate professional the most fulfilling decision he has ever made.
“Leadership, to me, is about setting a positive example, creating opportunities for collaboration, and fostering growth—not just for myself but for those around me.”
Kayla Sorrell
Houston
Kayla Sorrell dreamed of being an entrepreneur to create a business with unlimited possibilities and a legacy for her family. “My personal goals of building a rental portfolio and rehabbing homes paired perfectly with my goal to run a residential real estate firm.”
The Broker/Owner of Pop Realty says what sets her apart is her comprehensive approach. “I specialize in assisting clients through complex processes, whether they are first-time homebuyers or investors expanding their portfolios.”
She strives to lead by example and foster collaboration. “I aim to be a dependable resource for guidance and support, offering expertise, encouragement, and mentorship to empower those around me,” the TRLP graduate says. “My leadership is rooted in integrity, hard work, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.” She serves on the Houston Association of REALTORS® Management Central Advisory Board, participating in discussions on industry trends and helping shape initiatives that benefit REALTORS® and the community. She also volunteers through HAR’s Young Professionals Network and helps Houston food banks, educational initiatives, and individuals and families in need.
Sorrell remembers her mother working as a real estate agent with her MLS book and key map. Now a mother herself, she strives to inspire big thinking and instill a strong work ethic in her children.
“Starting this career came with a fear of failure, and my biggest hurdle was overcoming the limitations I had placed on myself,” she says. “Once I stopped restricting my own beliefs about what I could achieve, the possibilities truly became endless. Shifting my mindset transformed everything and empowered me to grow and build my business.”
Miriam Valencia
Houston
Miriam Valencia’s passion is mentoring. “I’ve prioritized empowering agents through targeted training and development, equipping them to succeed in residential, commercial, and international real estate,” she says.
The Alumbra International Properties Broker strives to balance empathy with decisiveness. She encourages her agents to see real estate as not just a job, but a business to build with intention. Valencia’s journey into real estate began after buying a home with her ex-husband, a DACA recipient. “I know firsthand the challenges immigrant families face in navigating the path to homeownership. That experience drives my commitment to serving clients with DACA, ITIN, TPS, and other statuses—helping them overcome obstacles and achieve what might have once felt impossible.”
She advocates for more resources and training in multiple languages across Texas, along with expanded financial literacy programs and increased housing assistance for underserved communities.
In addition to her work in real estate, Valencia is deeply committed to community service. The TRLP graduate regularly leads food drives, school supply donations, and holiday giving events—and founded Alumbra’s Heart and Hope Committee to further support charitable initiatives throughout Houston. Valencia is also actively involved in industry leadership, serving on the HAR Young Professionals Network and the HAR Global Advisory Group.
“Being a single mom has taught me the importance of balancing ambition with purpose,” she says. “It drives me to work harder —not just for myself but to set an example for my child. Every challenge—whether it’s managing my business, supporting my agents, or growing my brokerage—has been a learning opportunity. This isn’t just about real estate—it’s about building legacies, empowering families, and creating lasting impact.”