Thrive & Inspire ’24: For Mahlstedt, ‘Sincere Desire to Help People’ Is Key

Phoebe Rourke
Thrive & Inspire ’24: For Mahlstedt, ‘Sincere Desire to Help People’ Is Key

Mike Mahlstedt, Top Producing Agent for Compass Real Estate

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business? Achieving success as a Realtor requires unwavering dedication and continuous effort. The industry is evolving to be more technology-driven and is much more competitive. To thrive in this ever-changing landscape and establish a strong brand, you must truly care about the end result and possess a sincere desire to help people. Moreover, it’s not a solo journey; I am fortunate to have a diligent team that works long hours and a firm, Compass, which provides the support necessary to be a top producer.


What’s unique about your approach or your mission? My personal mission statement is “Work hard and be nice.” My reputation is paramount for future success, so my goal is to be respectful and available at all times. I train my team to do the same, so the client sees their transaction being handled by professionals who work closely together on their behalf. I want them to feel more than satisfied with the service I have provided and the knowledge I’ve conveyed. It’s such an achievement to have clients refer me to their friends and family and to continue to call me first when they are buying or selling their second or third house as their needs change.

Who or what inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? Every day, my sons serve as my source of inspiration, motivating me to strive for excellence and provide a comfortable life for our family. My parents have been my lifelong role models, instilling in me a profound work ethic and a strong sense of support. It is my sincere hope to impart these same values to my boys, carrying forward the legacy of hard work and support that my parents instilled in me.

‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seated connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep Reading Show less

The tip and, at right, Renee Brown and Post Malone

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, Post Malone and Shaboozey hung out at neighborhood-y bar The Railyard in the Galleria area before joining Beyonce for her Christmas Day halftime performance, which was livestreamed on Netflix.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

ARTIST AND ARTS activist Sarah Sudhoff created her vibrant and playful piece The Reading Brain as a response to a San Antonio museum exhibit about dyslexia. She was inspired also by her son, who has dyslexia, loves sculptures, and whose favorite color is red.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment