Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Russell.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got started in real estate about 12 years ago after realizing I wanted to work for myself. After years of working for other people and helping grow their businesses, only to be left feeling like I was just a number, I decided to take the leap and get my real estate license. I wanted a career that blended the things I loved… relationships, problem-solving, and flexibility for my family. At the time, my kids were young, a newborn and a toddler, and I needed something that could grow with me instead of competing with my life.
I learned early on that real estate is about so much more than transactions. It is about guiding people through major life moments. First homes, growing families, downsizing, hard transitions, and exciting new chapters. I found my place by focusing on education, honesty, and doing what is truly best for my clients, even when that meant taking the harder road.
Over the years, I built my business through referrals and relationships, not volume or shortcuts. I have always wanted this to be about people, not sales. This is not just a transaction, it is people’s lives. Along the way, I earned my broker’s license, continued investing in my education, and became known for being detail-oriented, strategic, and deeply invested in my clients’ outcomes. As my business evolved, so did my vision. I wanted to create something that reflected my values and allowed me to serve both clients and agents at a higher level.
Today, I am the broker and owner of Sage & Stone Realty Group. It is a boutique brokerage rooted in trust, experience, and community. I still work directly with buyers and sellers, but I also mentor agents, host educational events, and co-host a podcast focused on homeownership and life beyond the transaction. Where I am today feels like the natural result of years of growth, learning, and staying grounded in why I started in the first place.
A little about me personally – I am married and the mom to 2 boys. I also have a dog that is my baby. My hobbies include travel, reading, art, hiking, gardening and coffee!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. Like most things worth building, it has been full of ups and downs. In the early years, the biggest struggle was simply learning how to survive in an industry where there is very little structure and no guaranteed paycheck. I was building a business while raising young kids, and there were times where that felt overwhelming. Balancing family, finances, and the emotional weight of clients’ situations was a constant learning curve.
There were also moments of self-doubt, especially in a commission-based business there is not a guaranteed paycheck. Real estate can be unpredictable, and you quickly learn that effort does not always equal immediate results. I had to learn how to stay focused, disciplined, and confident in who I was and what I was offering.
Another challenge was navigating the culture of the industry itself. Real estate often celebrates hustle at all costs and a very sales-driven mindset. Early on, I struggled with the pressure to constantly “perform” – scripts, cold calling,, etc – in ways that did not fell right or align with who I am. There is a segment of this industry that prioritizes volume and flash but it did not sit right with me. This is ultimately what lead me to opening my own brokerage where I created a culture that felt right to me.
Later on, the challenges changed. As my business grew, so did the responsibility. Earning my broker’s license and eventually opening my own brokerage came with new forms of stress. Leading others is a heavy responsibility and I also have the risk management and compliance aspect. There were plenty of moments where I questioned whether I was ready, but luckily have an amazing support system cheering me on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I work with buyers and sellers across a wide range of price points, but we are especially known for guiding clients through complex situations where strategy, education, and clear communication matter most. That might be a first-time buyer navigating today’s market, a family upsizing while trying to buy and sell simultaneously, or a seller of a luxury home who wants a customized and detailed marketing plan.
What truly sets us apart is how we work. We lead with education and transparency, not pressure. Our clients understand their options, the risks, and the “why” behind every recommendation. That approach builds trust and leads to better outcomes, even in challenging markets or difficult situations. We are known for being detail-oriented, strategic, and highly communicative, which helps clients feel confident and supported.
I am also very hands on and am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Some days I might be dressed up but some days you will see me in my jeans and a pony tail as I am moving furniture at a new listing or navigating a muddy yard to look for potential repair issues.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Sage & Stone has grown through relationships and referrals. I have never bought leads or cold-called. The brand reflects who we are – grounded, thoughtful, and steady. We focus on quality over volume and long-term relationships over quick wins. That philosophy extends to how we support agents as well. We foster a collaborative environment where integrity, professionalism, and balance are valued just as much as production.
I want readers to know that working with Sage & Stone means having an advocate, not a salesperson. We take the responsibility of guiding people through one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives very seriously. I like to say its your story…you are the main character and we are just the guides.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to mentorship, alignment matters more to me than numbers. It is not about how much someone makes or how big their business is, but whether they do business the way you want to do it. For me, that means a relationship-driven approach that values education, integrity, balance, and time with family. I was never drawn to models built on buying leads, cold calling, or constant hustle, so I sought out mentors who shared those values. When looking for a mentor, really look at the whole person and ask yourself if that is who you want to be.
Networking has been similar for me. I will be honest, I do not love traditional networking. Large groups focused on handing out business cards and pitching services has never felt natural. I much prefer smaller, more intentional connections, like coffee with one person or a drink with a small group where real conversations can happen.
What has worked best for me is building a close, trusted circle over time. I have been fortunate to surround myself with other business owners who truly know me, not just as a realtor, but as a person. They know my kids, my hobbies, and what matters to me, and those relationships are mutual. We show up for each other personally and professionally. Being surrounded by incredible business owners makes me a better person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sageandstonetx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageandstonetx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sageandstonetx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nestologypodcast
