We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danekia Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danekia below.

Danekia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about growing your team – how did you recruit the first few people, what was the process like, how’d you go about training and if you were to start over today would you have done anything differently?

I was the only person working in my business on day one. Leading a team of industry professionals while running your own business solo can be challenging. It’s a real balancing act. At the start, it was just me wearing multiple hats, handling every aspect of the business. It was both exhilarating and daunting, knowing that the success or failure of the venture rested solely on my shoulders. Every decision felt crucial, every action had to count. Recruiting those initial team members was a pivotal moment for the growth of my business. I explored various avenues, from staffing agencies to finding contractors through virtual platforms and even social media. It was a process of trial and error, learning what worked and what didn’t. I had to fine-tune my processes, from crafting precise interview questions to understanding the type of answers I was looking for to find the perfect fit for my team. The interview process was thorough yet dynamic. I sought individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills and experience but also shared the same passion and vision for the business. It was about finding team members who would not only contribute to the success of the company but also thrive in its unique culture and environment.

In terms of training, I implemented a hands-on approach, providing comprehensive guidance and support to ensure that new team members were equipped with the knowledge and tools they needed to excel in their roles. While there wasn’t anything particularly unconventional about the process, it required adaptability and a willingness to iterate based on feedback and experience.Looking back, if I were starting today, I would have prioritized building a solid team of people from the beginning, as soon as the business became profitable enough to do so. While starting solo allowed me to maintain full control and direction initially, expanding the team earlier would have enabled faster growth and scalability. Building a strong foundation with the right team members is essential for long-term success, and it’s something I would prioritize from day one if given the chance to start anew

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this industry began at the age of 21 when I decided to take my student refund check and invest it in my first property. This decision sparked a passion for generating passive income while balancing a traditional 9-5 job. Along the way, I came to understand the pivotal role that credit plays in accessing funds and achieving financial goals. As I continued to invest and grow my portfolio, I delved deeper into the credit space. I recognized a common barrier preventing many individuals from realizing their homeownership and investment aspirations: less than perfect credit. This realization led me to pivot towards assisting individuals with credit restoration, helping them transition from unqualified to qualified buyers.

After several years of guiding individuals through the credit restoration process and connecting them with realtors, I saw an opportunity to streamline the journey for my clients further. That’s when I made the decision to become a licensed realtor and create a one-stop shop, offering comprehensive services to support clients on their path to homeownership.

From credit restoration to real estate services, I offer a range of services aimed at addressing the barriers that often stand in the way of financial success. By assisting clients in improving their creditworthiness and navigating the complexities of the real estate market, I help them unlock opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building.

What sets me apart is my personal journey and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients. I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of financial literacy and homeownership. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to see my clients succeed. I take pride in being a trusted partner on their journey.

I am most proud of the stories of transformation and empowerment that have emerged from my work. Helping families overcome past financial mistakes and achieve their dreams of homeownership is incredibly rewarding. Being a part of the journey towards generational wealth creation is an honor that I don’t take lightly.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is built on integrity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to their success. I’m here to provide not just services but a partnership rooted in trust and shared goals. Together, we can turn financial aspirations into tangible realities.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that my reputation within the market has been built on a simple principle: always doing the right thing, regardless of the cost. For me, it’s never about making decisions based solely on financial gain. Instead, it’s about consistently prioritizing integrity and ethical practices above all else. I firmly believe that by staying true to these values, I’ve earned the trust and respect of my peers and clients alike

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Initially, I started by leveraging personal credit cards and savings from my 9-5 job to gather the initial capital required to kickstart my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/smithrealtyco
• Instagram: @danekiasmith @smithrealtyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/961761710569559/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danekia-smith-mba-bccc-561200b5/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DANEKIASMITH

Image Credits
First picture- Felicia Photography 2 Additional pictures- Cat Harper Photography