We recently connected with Catherine Dewberry and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

Being a real estate agent is expensive, unpredictable, and not as easy as you may think. I got into real estate because, as a former teacher, I saw how overwhelming and stressful the home buying and selling process can be. I knew I could educate people, while helping them navigate this journey with confidence and ease.

There’s a common misconception that realtors make a lot of money for little work—I once thought that too. But after stepping into the industry, I quickly realized the upfront costs, time, and effort involved before even earning a paycheck. Agents don’t get paid until closing, and in the meantime, we invest countless hours and our own money into marketing, education, and building relationships—all to better serve our clients.

This career is more than just selling homes—it’s about earning trust, providing guidance, and making one of life’s biggest milestones as smooth as possible. It’s a challenging yet rewarding job, and every dollar an agent earns is well-deserved. I’m grateful to do this work and to help people find a place to call home!

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 passionate about helping people turn their real estate dreams into reality, and I bring a fresh perspective to the process. I’ve proudly called Nashville home since 2002, so I know this vibrant city and its surrounding areas inside and out. Partnering with The Sarah Nicodemus Group at Compass Real Estate, I have access to cutting-edge tools, technology, and market insights to make your real estate journey smooth and stress-free.
Our team is known for delivering results through innovation, market expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. My personal approach focuses on clear, timely communication, attention to detail, and always putting your needs first. Whether you’re buying your very first home, selling a property, or exploring investments, I’ll guide you every step of the way with confidence and care.

I also bring a unique skillset to the table. With a background in education and business ownership, I know how to plan, adapt, and deliver results. My competitive drive? That comes from years as a Division 1 soccer and track athlete—and now as a professional Category 1 cyclist. I’m here to ensure you’re represented, informed, and taken care of every step of the way.

When I’m not working hard for my clients, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and two daughters, volunteering at our church, cycling, weightlifting, or connecting with other professionals in the industry.

Let’s team up to make your real estate goals a success! Contact me at (615) 715-5468 or [email protected].

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Walking away from a career I thought I’d have forever is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. With a master’s degree in education and over 10 years of teaching experience, I never envisioned myself in any other career. I also started a successful tutoring business here in Nashville called JumpStart Tutoring. Education has always been one of my greatest passions—it’s incredibly rewarding.

As my husband’s job required frequent travel and my children needed me for transportation to and from their private school, balancing full-time teaching with family life became increasingly difficult. Leaving education was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I poured my heart and soul into my students and their families, but I knew I needed a career that provided more flexibility while still allowing me to make a meaningful impact.

Real estate turned out to be the perfect fit. I’m still able to use my people skills, creativity, and teaching background to guide clients through one of life’s biggest decisions—buying or selling a home. This career transition has been a blessing not only for me but for my family as well. It’s become clear that this is the path God has chosen for me, and I’m committed to bringing the same level of dedication and excellence to real estate that I did in education.

I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the years in Nashville, and I love that I can continue to serve and support this community in a whole new way.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being authentic and leveraging the skills I already possess has been the most effective way to grow my real estate business. My ability to educate, connect, and build trust is what truly sets me apart. I’m not just another agent—I’m a trusted local expert, a longtime educator, and a former business owner who understands how to guide people through life’s biggest decisions.

Real estate is all about relationships. People value honesty, expertise, and the ability to get the job done right. I stay actively involved in my church, neighborhood, children’s school, sports teams, and other community activities—not as a business strategy, but because I genuinely love connecting with people and serving my community. In these spaces, outside of a formal office setting, people see who I truly am, and that trust naturally translates into business.

At the end of the day, success in real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about helping people navigate an important milestone with confidence and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/catherine-dewberry/?referrer=omnibox
• Instagram: Selling.Nashville.tennessee
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/selling.nashville.tennessee
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/catherinedewberry
• Other: https://sarahnicodemusrealtor.com

Image Credits

(Family photo) by Lindsey Carson