Today we’d like to introduce you to Jelena Petrovic.
Jelena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I came here to the US from Bosnia as a refugee when I was 8. After high school and many ESL classes later I never did what I was supposed to. Getting a college degree just wasn’t on my priority list. I needed to make money, and fast. I ended up working in retail management for about 5 years and as I climbed the corporate ladder, I was less impressed by the views. I craved a more mentally challenging life that gave me independence and control of my time. So I devised a plan to cash out my measly little 401k and quit! I got my real estate license shortly after and have been helping clients buy and sell their homes since.
In my professional career I have become a huge advocate for a more equitable housing policy here in Dallas that crosses income barriers and recently become a member of the Metrotex Government Affairs Committee and the Diversity in Housing Committee.
Our office is in Downtown Dallas and when I walked the route from my parking lot each day I couldn’t help but notice what an overblown homeless issue Dallas had and has currently. It was freezing that day so I reached out to some friends on social media to see if they had any clothing to donate. We ended up collecting 3 trunks worth of jackets and blankets and since then have collected and donated well over 10,000 articles of clothing/food/household good/etc to our local shelters. It hasn’t slowed down yet, and we are consistently busy scheduling pick-ups and drop offs. (We do not accept monetary donations, as we are not a 501c3, just having fun making positive and impactful connections in our city.)
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hah! I love that question. We rarely talk about the hits someone has to take to get to where they are. No smooth roads here, but I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything.
Learning to speak English and adapt to American culture as a kid was certainly a challenge. When I started my own business I was BEYOND broke. (Dollar Menu, $5 in gas at a time, Broke) I truly believe a certain level of insanity is required to push forward through consistent defeat. However, there is zero chance I would be where I am today if I hadn’t. So be relentless and embrace the crazy… It pays off eventually!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jelena Petrovic of Metroplex Realty – what should we know?
I have been a Realtor here in the DFW for about 4 years now. I don’t enjoy spending money to find new clients so I developed the world’s cheapest and most effective business plan: Be so good, they rave about you. All of my clients have been personal referrals and that’s something we work tirelessly to sustain.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Parents of course! I hope they read this and smile. Maybe I’m bias but I have a saint for a mom and genius for a father.
Contact Info:
- Address: 211 N Ervay St Dallas TX 75201
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCollinCountyHomes/
- Phone: 214-714-3137
- Email: JelenaSellsDFW@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelenasellsdfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jelena.petrovic.9889261
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