Most agents stumble into real estate thinking it’s all about sales skills, marketing tricks, or having the right connections.

The truth is: some of the most successful agents come from industries that outsiders would never expect. Places where hustle, resilience, and people skills are forged under pressure.

Industries like restaurant and bar sales.

That’s the hidden advantage: agents who cut their teeth in high-pressure, people-driven industries often have the exact skill set real estate rewards. They know how to work long hours, how to read personalities on the fly, and how to stay calm when money is on the line.

And when they pair that grit with smart systems, the results scale fast.

And sometimes, what doesn’t fit in one industry becomes the superpower in another. In bars and restaurants, being a morning person is almost a handicap. You’re out of sync with the job. But in real estate, it’s the opposite. Being a morning person is a huge advantage.

How did Danielle Dowell go from bar sales and launches to $1 billion in real estate sales? What’s her mentality on real estate disruptors?

In this episode, the top Chicago real estate agent and the founder of The DoWell Group shares her story and the key to her real estate success.

If you embrace change, you can see through it, come up with ideas, and change how you run your business in order to maximize how much money you make. -Danielle Dowell

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

• Why tough markets create lasting success Danielle entered real estate in 2008, when deals took 80+ showings and months without offers. How did starting in the hardest market give her a permanent edge?
• Culture over commissions Most team leaders obsess over splits and numbers. Why does Danielle insist that personality fit and culture matter more than production?
• The underrated value of “assistant years” Danielle won’t hire brand-new agents, but assistants on her team often outperform solo agents with a decade of experience. What does this reveal about deal flow and learning curves?
• Legacy beyond sales After crossing $1B in career volume, Danielle isn’t chasing the next number; she’s creating a foundation to help kids see the role models who could change their lives. How does giving back become a new measure of success?

Guest Bio

Danielle Dowell is a top Chicago real estate agent and the founder of The DoWell Group. Danielle provides her clients with a firsthand, thorough education of the city and its many neighborhoods. Her firm knowledge of the Chicago market, coupled with years of experience in real estate negotiation, makes her an invaluable asset to her clientele. Known for her around-the-clock work ethic and quick response time, Danielle has expanded her business by developing relationships with the best in the business and involving herself in every step of the process. Whether buying or selling, Danielle is a strong believer in the importance of well-executed marketing. As a broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Danielle and her group have access to the best resources in the city, both internally and externally. She utilizes these resources to build unique, interest-generating platforms for every property. Follow @ms.danielledowell or @TheDoWellGroup on Instagram.

About Your Host

Remington Ramsey is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and visionary in the world of real estate. As the creator of "Real Producers", a widely acclaimed magazine connecting top agents and industry leaders, Remington has built an impressive platform dedicated to celebrating and elevating the real estate community. Remington is also the author of Agent Allies: Building Your Business With Strategic Real Estate Partnerships. With a passion for motivating and mentoring, he’s shared stages with some of the biggest names in business, helping professionals break through barriers and reach new heights. When he’s not busy being a real estate guru, Remington is known for his contagious energy, practical wisdom, and a good dose of humor—because let’s face it, navigating life and business requires both grit and a sense of humor. With multiple successful ventures under his belt and a reputation for engaging storytelling, he has the rare ability to make even the driest industry stats sound exciting.

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