Joey Stanbery: Charting a Course from Ministry to Multi-Award-Winning Real Estate Success

In the competitive landscape of North Texas real estate, some individuals don’t just enter the market; they redefine it. Joey Stanbery is precisely one such figure. A man driven by an unwavering faith and a profound belief in the power of recognized and rewarded behavior, Stanbery has transitioned from a decade in youth ministry to becoming a celebrated force in the real estate world. His journey is a testament to transferable skills, a clear vision, and an inherent desire to serve. In just two full years, he has already amassed an impressive array of accolades, including the coveted 2020 Rookie of the Year, Agent of the Year for both Kaufman County and Forney, and a prestigious spot among the Real Producer Top 500 in North Dallas. Through The TBR Property Group at RE/MAX DFW Associates Frisco Starwood, Joey is not just selling homes; he’s building communities and empowering lives, one transaction at a time.

The Unconventional Path: From Youth Ministry to Real Estate Mastery

A Decade of Dedication: Cultivating People Skills in Ministry

Joey Stanbery’s entry into real estate was far from conventional. For ten years, his professional life revolved around youth ministry, a calling he embraced from a young age. “I grew up in the church, and at 19, I took over the youth group,” Stanbery recalls. His early leadership quickly led to broader responsibilities, assisting a pastor friend in Rockwall and later joining a church in Mesquite in 2014. This extensive background, steeped in guiding and mentoring young individuals, proved to be an invaluable foundation for his future career.

When asked if the skills honed during his ministry years were beneficial in real estate, Stanbery’s answer is an unequivocal “Absolutely. I feel like it prepared me for real estate.” Ministry, at its core, is about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and guiding them through significant life stages. These very same human-centric skills — empathy, active listening, clear communication, problem-solving, and building trust — are paramount for success in real estate. The ability to navigate complex emotions, mediate differences, and foster strong relationships, all hallmarks of effective ministry, directly translated into an exceptional aptitude for client service and negotiation in the bustling North Dallas real estate market. This foundation allowed Joey to approach real estate not just as a business, but as another form of service, focused on helping individuals and families achieve their dreams.

A Family’s Call and a Career’s Pivot

The transition from a stable ministry career to the dynamic world of real estate was prompted by significant life changes and an undeniable need for a new direction. After nine years of marriage, Joey and his wife embraced parenthood through adoption. Just a few years later, after fifteen years of marriage, they were blessed with the joyous news of another pregnancy. With a growing family, financial stability became an even greater priority. Simultaneously, Stanbery was working in distribution for a sanitizing company in addition to his ministry duties, only to face an unexpected furlough.

During this challenging period, while making ends meet with various jobs, including DoorDash, Joey realized a crucial decision about his future was at hand. The idea of real estate wasn’t entirely new; his brother had consistently encouraged him, recognizing Joey’s innate people skills and drive. “My brother had always told me I’d be great at real estate,” Stanbery recalls. Taking the leap of faith, he passed his real estate exam in 2019 and “hit the ground running.” His innate ability to connect with people and his tireless work ethic quickly bore fruit, securing his first deal within a few months. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Joey Stanbery’s impressive trajectory in the North Texas housing market, particularly in Kaufman County and Forney.

Building a Real Estate Dynasty: The Vision Behind The TBR Property Group

Strategic Alignment: Why RE/MAX DFW Associates Frisco Starwood?

From the outset of his real estate career, Joey Stanbery harbored a clear and ambitious vision: to build a team. This desire stemmed from his deeply ingrained ethos of encouragement and collaborative success. When considering where to plant the roots of this burgeoning venture, RE/MAX DFW Associates Frisco Starwood emerged as the ideal partner. “I had a vision of having a team. I like encouraging people, and RE/MAX DFW Associates seemed like the right fit,” Stanbery explains. The renowned brand recognition of RE/MAX, coupled with the robust support systems, comprehensive training, and collaborative culture offered by RE/MAX DFW Associates, provided the perfect ecosystem for Joey’s vision to flourish. This strategic move allowed him to leverage a powerful platform while nurturing his unique leadership style, focusing on mentorship and collective achievement within the competitive DFW real estate landscape.

The Rapid Rise of a Dream Team: The TBR Property Group Takes Shape

Joey Stanbery’s ability to turn vision into reality is nothing short of remarkable. Having been in real estate full-time for only about two years, he not only established himself as a top-producing agent but also successfully launched and expanded The TBR Property Group. This rapid growth is a testament to his magnetic leadership, keen eye for talent, and commitment to fostering a supportive, high-performance environment. The formation of his team was always central to his strategic plan, enabling him to amplify his impact and extend his exceptional service to more clients across North Dallas, including key areas like Forney and Kaufman County. Each member brings a unique strength, collectively forming a formidable force dedicated to client success.

Alicia Underwood: The Founding Member

The inception of The TBR Property Group saw Alicia Underwood waiting eagerly in the wings. Her readiness to join the moment Stanbery made his move solidified her as the very first team member. Alicia’s dedication and alignment with Joey’s vision were crucial in setting the tone for the team’s collaborative and client-focused approach. Her early involvement underscored the foundational strength of the group, which has since moved at “warp speed,” as Stanbery puts it, rapidly expanding its footprint and influence in the North Texas real estate market. She became an indispensable part of the team’s initial success and continues to embody the group’s commitment to excellence, working hand-in-hand with Joey to serve their growing client base.

Robbie Shelton: From Satisfied Client to Valued Colleague

The growth of The TBR Property Group is marked by compelling stories of connection and inspiration. Robbie Shelton’s journey to becoming a team member began when Joey Stanbery sold him a house. So impressed and “intrigued by the process,” Robbie decided to pursue his own real estate license in July of the previous year. By January, he officially joined The TBR Property Group, bringing his firsthand client perspective and fresh enthusiasm to the team. This organic expansion, driven by positive client experiences, speaks volumes about the trust and admiration Joey Stanbery inspires, not just as an agent but as a mentor and leader.

Charles Bryant: A Respected Return to Real Estate

Another valuable addition to The TBR Property Group came through a casual yet meaningful encounter at a daughter’s soccer game. Joey Stanbery’s passion for real estate is infectious, and it caught the attention of Charles Bryant, who had prior experience in the profession. Interestingly, Charles had stepped away from real estate around the same time Joey was entering it. However, after discussions with Stanbery, Charles recognized a renewed spark and decided to re-enter the field, choosing to join Joey’s burgeoning team approximately three months ago. His decision underscores the attractive and supportive environment Joey has cultivated, drawing seasoned professionals back into the real estate arena under his leadership.

Taran McKenzie: A Connection Forged in Faith

The most recent addition to The TBR Property Group further exemplifies Joey Stanbery’s deep, long-standing connections within his community. Taran McKenzie, a testament to Joey’s lasting impact, was once a teenager in Stanbery’s youth group. Years later, it was Joey who officiated Taran’s wedding. This profound personal history highlights the authentic relationships Joey builds, which extend far beyond professional interactions. Bringing Taran onto the team is not just about adding another talented agent, but about integrating someone who shares a foundational history and trust, further strengthening the familial and supportive culture that defines The TBR Property Group. This unique blend of personal and professional ties makes the team a truly cohesive and effective force in North Dallas real estate.

Beyond Transactions: A Heart for Service and Community Impact

Empowering Clients and Communities: The Future of Philanthropy

For Joey Stanbery and The TBR Property Group, success is not solely measured in sales volume or accolades. It’s intrinsically linked to their ability to make a positive difference. Looking ahead, Stanbery is excited to roll out an innovative program that directly translates their business achievements into community support. “Our team prides itself in helping others, so we will be rolling out a program where a percentage of everything we close goes to a charity our client chooses,” he reveals. This initiative empowers clients to become active participants in philanthropy, allowing them to direct a portion of the commission to a cause they deeply care about. It’s a powerful demonstration of their commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities they serve, setting a new standard for socially conscious real estate practices in North Texas.

A Guiding Philosophy: “See a Need, Fill a Need”

Joey Stanbery’s deep satisfaction with his career choice is palpable. “I love real estate and helping people,” he affirms. This passion is encapsulated by a simple yet profound philosophy that has guided both his life and business. He recounts watching a cartoon with his daughter years ago about a boy who invented a robot designed to help others. The robot’s memorable mantra, “See a need, fill a need,” resonated deeply with Joey. This principle has become his unwavering north star, influencing every decision and interaction.

In the context of real estate, “See a need, fill a need” translates into a proactive, client-centric approach. It means truly listening to clients’ aspirations, understanding their challenges, and anticipating their unspoken requirements. Whether it’s finding the perfect dream home in Forney, navigating a complex sale in Kaufman County, or connecting clients with essential resources, Joey Stanbery and The TBR Property Group strive to identify and address every need with dedication and expertise. This philosophy transforms each transaction into an opportunity for genuine service, fostering trust and delivering exceptional outcomes that extend far beyond the closing table.

Joey Stanbery: A Testament to Vision, Faith, and Unwavering Dedication

Joey Stanbery’s journey from youth pastor to an award-winning leader in North Dallas real estate is a compelling narrative of purpose, adaptability, and profound commitment. His rapid rise, marked by significant awards and the successful formation of The TBR Property Group at RE/MAX DFW Associates Frisco Starwood, is a testament to his exceptional leadership and his ability to leverage a decade of people-centric ministry into a thriving business. With a clear vision for the future, including impactful charitable initiatives, and a guiding philosophy rooted in service, Joey Stanbery is more than just a real estate agent; he is a community builder, a mentor, and a true visionary dedicated to helping others achieve their housing dreams and contributing positively to the world around him.