Behind the Hustle: A Day in the Lives of Three Agents

Leading a team, creatively solving problems for clients, setting expectations — these three agents know transitioning from role to role is all in a day's work. Come along as we follow Shelly, Lindsay and Tony and see how they put every client first, no matter how busy they are.

Second-Mile Service: Shelly Salas

Shelly, a broker and member of the Zillow Premier Agent Advisory Board from Killeen, Texas, puts clients first by training her team of 45 on second-mile service and navigating every challenge with a creative, out-of-the-box mindset.

“Every single day that you're in the real estate business, you are solving problems. I think that every buyer and seller that comes through our doors, they deserve nothing but the best,” she says. “You're making one of the largest investments that you will ever make in a lifetime — and I want to make sure that you're getting the best experience along the way.”

Shelly, an Army veteran, met her husband at Fort Hood. They’ve been married for 21 years and have three children. “One of the things that I love about living in this community is that we're in a large military town. It's so personal to me when I get to help military families because I am a veteran myself. There's a certain level of satisfaction when you're able to help these folks who are serving our country or have served our country.”

Strategic Entrepreneurship: Lindsay Neuren

Keeping up with the market, leading a team, co-chair of the PTA — Lindsay unlocks the time to do it all (and have it all) by strategically delegating responsibilities.

“Personally, the best part of being an agent is being able to run my own business. I love the entrepreneurship. I get to create my own team, create my own brand, and I love that part as well as the flexibility. I love being able to make my own schedule, and I get to do all the things that I want to do as a mom like participate in the PTA,” she says. 

“I feel like I have the best of both worlds: I get a really meaningful career, but I also get to be an involved mom.”

Supportive Optimism: Tony Elias

With 14 years of experience, seasoned Austin agent Tony shares how pushing past obstacles transforms a client’s journey for the better — and helps him grow as an agent.

“When I first started out in the business, I lacked some confidence because I didn't have the experience. I pushed myself through that fear and all those barriers, and that gave me confidence. Don't be afraid of rejection. It's going to get easier as you go through the motions,” he says.

“I try to prepare because I know it's going to be a heartbreak. I feel like part of the job is to make them feel like they can get back into the game sooner than later. My job is just to try to get them out there as soon as possible and get excited about something else so that they don't really just move on and give up on the whole process.”