Six members under 40 who have displayed outstanding leadership, community involvement, and other successful traits have been named 2023 Texas REALTORS® to Watch.
Justus Carlile
Greater Lewisville
Give Justus Carlile a challenge—the more complicated the better—and the Broker/Owner of Makin’ Moves Realty will dive right in. He loves land deals, site selection, and probate and divorce clients. “I thrive when there are hard deadlines, ultra-specific property needs, and other uncommon circumstances,” he says.
Carlile got into real estate after a confusing homebuying experience in 2015. “I had zero understanding of what was happening and what I signed,” he says. Learning more led to him getting licensed.
Carlile took to heart one instructor’s advice: When business is slow, find a CE class. He’s built training into his calendar since the very beginning. “It’s led to meeting some wonderful people, obtaining a few designations and certifications, and growing my subject matter knowledge exponentially,” he says.
The Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate is the 2024 Chairman of the Greater Lewisville Association of REALTORS®. He also serves on the 2024 Texas REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee and is this year’s YPN Liaison. Carlile has also volunteered with the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce, Keep Corinth Beautiful, and the Denton County Master Gardener Association.
One of Carlile’s greatest challenges has been to speak up in the moment rather than overthink things. “Mistakes will happen,” he says. “You will misspeak, and you will never have all the answers. It’s OK—that’s all part of growth.”
“Slow down, enjoy the process, and set boundaries,” he continues. “This career choice can be stressful, and it’s okay to take a step back throughout the day. Leave your phone in the truck or car. Go on a walk, work out, or whatever floats your boat.”
Joel Cooke
Permian Basin
“I believe a lot of leadership has to do with just showing up,” says Joel Cooke. “It’s about being involved and genuinely caring about everyone succeeding around you. I try to lead by example and don’t do anything for selfish ambition but for the good of all.”
The agent with The Sales Team, REALTORS® was inspired to pursue real estate after seeing his friend’s success and the job’s potential flexibility. “Once I got into real estate and realized how much real estate professionals do in the community, I knew even more that I made the right decision for my career,” he says.
Cooke works with many first-time homebuyers. “I come from a family that doesn’t have many homeowners,” he says. “I was the first one in my immediate family to purchase a home. I think it gives me an advantage of helping people to see that they are doing more than just buying a house.”
Cooke is the 2024 President-Elect of the Permian Basin Board of REALTORS® and serves on the NAR Public Policy Coordinating Committee. The Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate earned the Spirit of TREPAC Award in 2022.
He is working toward his broker license. Cooke also volunteers with the Association of Families and Teachers at Bynum School, Keep Midland Beautiful, Mid-Cities Worship Team, The Field’s Edge, and as a deputy voter registrar.
“I tend to be a perfectionist and hesitate to even start something until it’s just right,” he says. “A mentor told me a statement that I have started to live by: ‘Do it now, do it better, do it best.’”
Thalina Garcia
Houston
Thalina Garcia’s connection to Houston real estate started early. “At 15, I used the money I saved from a summer internship to purchase a vacant lot, a decision that has since transformed into an income-producing investment,” she says.
Working with a local property-tax-protesting company was particularly impactful. “I was captivated by the idea of helping people optimize their real estate investments, recognizing that buying a home is a crucial step in building generational wealth,” she says.
Garcia comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Her parents, who are business owners and real estate investors, were major influences. “We’ve teamed up to grow our real estate portfolio, which has been an incredibly rewarding and educational experience.”
Client relationships are the heart of Garcia’s work. Making a personal connection is just as important as understanding market complexities, she says. The Garcia Group Team Leader and REALTOR® Associate specializes in international real estate and has helped foreign nationals navigate the American market. She enjoys working with homebuyers to relocate to Houston and helping Spanish-speaking clients achieve their real estate goals.
Garcia serves on the Texas REALTORS® Grassroots Political Network and has served on advisory groups with the Houston Association of REALTORS®. She has also worked with the Baylor University Houston Women’s Council, the Houston Humane Society, and networking group Mindful Business Women.
“Being a Houstonian at heart, my connection to the city runs deep,” she says. “I’m genuinely passionate about Houston’s growth and the role I play in helping individuals and families achieve their real estate goals here. It’s not just a career for me; it’s a way of giving back to the community I love.”
Will Curtis
San Antonio
There’s a misconception among some commercial real estate professionals that the REALTOR® association is for folks who sell houses. Not so, says Will Curtis. The Commercial Managing Director with Phyllis Browning Company sees tremendous value in membership for himself and his commercial clients.
“REALTORS® are the ones actually fighting for property rights, better business climates, successful business owners, and careers where anyone, despite their background and education, can change the legacy of their family,” he says.
Curtis recommends finding a mentor, building your market knowledge, and starting your days early. “Real estate is one of those businesses where you can outwork the competition and become very successful,” he says. “The question is how successful do you want to become?”
Curtis draws from his military career and his Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program training in his journey as a leader. He says great leaders can be flexible depending on the situation and balance directing and listening.
He also has experience in economic development and corporate real estate. He’s worked to bring international companies to San Antonio. Curtis is passionate about the governmental affairs side of real estate; he appreciates how policy affects the market and consumers.
The 2024 Chairman of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® has served on several committees at the local, state, and national level. He’s also been involved in the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Vets in Real Estate, and the San Antonio Food Bank.
“I often find myself as an ambassador for the REALTOR® brand to the rest of the commercial community,” he says. “Being on the faculty for CCIM and IREM, I’m often asked how the local, state, or national association is doing. I serve as a conduit.”
Shelly Scanlin
Houston
Shelly Scanlin enjoyed owning rental properties while she was working in the hotel industry. But she really got the spark for real estate when she earned her license to work on her own investments.
The last two years have been busy for the Broker/Owner of Styled Real Estate. She completed her master’s degree in business administration and is currently working on marketing and selling a real estate development in Turks and Caicos, taking on her first international opportunity. In 2023, she started a property management firm, had a baby, and finished the year with millions in residential sales. In 2022, she and her team had one of their best sales years ever.
“Being underestimated is probably the biggest challenge,” she says. “Being a young woman, I think it’s easy to get looked past. I use that fuel to stay engaged and be the hardest working person in the room. Starting my own boutique firm without a brand was challenging but extremely rewarding.”
Scanlin’s firm offers design and renovation services. She also owns a custom pool company. Her approach is to lead by example, working side by side with her agents as a producing broker. She still owns rental properties. “I’m not just selling a dream to my investors or my agents,” she says. “I’m living proof that I believe what I invest in.”
The Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate serves on committees at the local, state, and national level, and is a 2024 Texas REALTORS® Director. “While being involved in the community is extremely important to me, finding someone who I can make a large impact on is my priority,” she says. “I enjoy helping others in their time of need and helping someone find their true potential. Sometimes it only takes one opportunity to change someone’s life.”
Chris Tye
Collin County
Chris Tye says he is always looking for his replacement. Mentoring has made all the difference for the Broker/Owner of The Tye Team.
“It’s not just about personal growth; it’s about uplifting others, too,” he says. “I firmly believe that the company you keep directly influences your capabilities and achievements. That’s why I’m passionate about educating and empowering the people I choose to surround myself with. It’s a cycle of learning, teaching, and growing together that ultimately elevates the entire real estate community.”
Tye’s real estate journey has included work on teams, REO asset management, earning his broker’s license, and establishing his own team before becoming an independent broker.
Tye focuses on home sales and rental properties. “Becoming an agent was an obvious choice for me, driven by a strong desire to problem solve in assisting people in finding their dream homes,” he says. Tye prides himself on his ability to quickly adapt to clients’ needs.
The Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program graduate has served on or led several committees for the Collin County Area REALTORS®, including its Board of Directors, Government Affairs, and TREPAC Committees. “My involvement on the candidate interview committee at our local association allowed me to contribute directly to my community,” he says.
He also serves on the Texas REALTORS® Professional Development Committee. His volunteer work included helping to raise money for Minnie’s Food Pantry. He serves as a team leader at his church.
“For me, real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about crafting unique experiences for clients,” he says. “My values—like inclusivity, support, and always improving—mirror what I bring to the broader community.”