We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Candice Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Candice, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

in early 2018—one day that began like any other, but quickly turned into one of the most harrowing experiences of my life.

I’ve always dealt with heart issues, so I was no stranger to the occasional chest pain. But one day, the pain hit me with such intensity that I knew something was very, very wrong. I rushed to see my cardiologist, and before I knew it, I was whisked away in an ambulance straight to Brooke Army Medical Center. They told me I was going into pericardial tamponade—a condition so dangerous it could literally squeeze the life out of you.

The next few weeks were a blur of hospital rooms, beeping machines, and constant uncertainty. I underwent a pericardial centesis, and then faced the biggest challenge of all: an open-heart pericardectomy (removal of the lining around your heart). I was in the hospital for over a month, and there were moments where nobody knew if I’d pull through. Every day felt like a fight for my life, and the vulnerability was overwhelming.

Even in that dark time, my mind wouldn’t let go of my work or my clients. I felt a deep responsibility to keep pushing, to keep moving forward, even when every part of me was screaming to rest. And so, while hooked up to IVs and recovering from surgery, I managed to stay connected, to support my clients and keep the wheels turning. It was surreal—I was putting in all this effort, and in the end, the commission I earned for that month of relentless work came out to just $500. It was a stark, almost painful reminder of the sacrifices we sometimes make as entrepreneurs.

But here’s the thing: I refused to let that moment define me. Instead, I used it as a turning point. I made the bold decision to go solo, to take complete control of my destiny. That decision wasn’t just about chasing bigger commissions—it was about creating a business that truly reflected my values, my passion, and my commitment to helping people find a place to call home.

Fast forward to today, and that choice has blossomed into something I’m incredibly proud of. Over the past three years, I’ve built one of the most successful real estate teams in San Antonio, and together with my husband, Truth, we’ve had the honor of helping over 150 families find their new homes. Every time I see a happy family stepping into their dream home, I remember that dark period and how it taught me the true meaning of resilience.

So, that’s my story—a roller coaster of fear, grit, and ultimately, triumph. It wasn’t just about surviving a near-death experience; it was about channeling that struggle into something beautiful and impactful. And honestly, if I can get through that, I know I can help anyone navigate their own challenges, no matter how big they might seem.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Candice, and I’m proud to be part of a team that truly cares about making a difference. For us at Elevate Realty Team, it’s never been just about buying or selling homes—it’s about building community and helping people make informed, life-changing decisions.

Our team’s value-driven approach starts with education. We’re passionate about walking our clients through every step of the process, demystifying the market with technology and insights that empower them to feel confident about their choices. Whether it’s leveraging cutting-edge digital tools or simply taking the time to listen to a client’s story, we’re dedicated to ensuring that every person we work with feels supported and well-informed.

Community involvement is at the heart of what we do. We actively give back to the San Antonio area, participating in local events, supporting military families, and forging partnerships that enrich the neighborhoods we serve. It’s not just about transactions—it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and pride within our community.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside a team that embodies these values every day. Together, we’ve built a reputation for integrity and excellence by always putting our clients first. We’re not here to boast about individual successes but to celebrate the collective effort that has allowed us to help over 150 families find their new homes in just the last few years.

Ultimately, we’re more than just real estate professionals. We’re a family, dedicated to serving our community with compassion, innovative tools, and a genuine commitment to making every client feel cared for and confident in their journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to truly unlearn was the idea that I needed to do everything on my own to prove my worth. Early in my career, I believed that relying on others meant I was showing weakness—an attitude that, in retrospect, only held me back. I thought that the path to success was paved by individual effort and solitary grit.

But as I evolved in this business and got to know the amazing people around me, I realized that true strength lies in collaboration and leaning into the support of your community. Working with my team at Elevate Realty Team, I discovered that our collective expertise, compassion, and shared values make us far stronger than any one person alone. Whether we’re leveraging innovative technology to educate our clients or getting involved in community events to make a genuine impact, I learned that embracing our collective wisdom creates a better experience for everyone.

The turning point came when I recognized that unburdening myself of the need to have all the answers allowed me to be a better leader and partner. By letting go of that old mindset, I not only grew personally but also witnessed our team flourish.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for us has always been—quite simply—our clients themselves. We truly believe that “the best clients come from the best clients.” Every referral we receive isn’t just another business opportunity; it’s a heartfelt introduction from someone who trusts us enough to bring their friends and family into our community.

I’ve always felt that the way we treat our clients sets us apart. When you work with us, you’re not just signing a contract—you’re becoming part of our extended family. We pour our hearts into every transaction, ensuring that each client feels heard, respected, and well-cared for. And when they have such a positive experience, they naturally want to share it with others.

Every time a client refers us, it reaffirms our commitment to a value-driven approach, and it reminds us why we do what we do. These introductions aren’t just a number on a report—they represent trust, lasting relationships, and a deep-seated belief in the power of community. It means the world to us, and we treat each new introduction with the same care and attention as if they were family from day one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elevatesanantonio.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sellingSA365