Meet Debbie Pontikas: Associate Broker, The Brokery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Pontikas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I truly believe that the most important factor behind my success is that I didn’t have a plan B. When I quit my corporate career to get my real estate license, I jumped in head first. I gave myself no other option than to succeed. Some people call it “burning the boats”, or not giving yourself an out. I call it determination. The real estate industry is a grind, and if you don’t treat it like a full-time job, you won’t make it. I knew from the very beginning that I was going to succeed and that helped me plan the roadmap. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and I think many people who get their real estate license think that it does. I know that if I had brought a life vest on the journey, I would have been tempted to jump ship many times. But every business has its ups and downs, and I have found that my success has grown more from the challenges than the wins.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am an associate Broker at The Brokery, a local residential real estate firm. In 2020, I closed more than $20 million dollars in sales placing me in the top 1% of all Realtors in the Arizona MLS. I think what sets me apart is my dedication to providing top-notch service to my clients. My business has been built on referrals, so making sure my clients get the best service and representation is critical to growing my business. It has taken me over five years to build my reputation and referrals and it wasn’t easy. Realtors are a dime a dozen and I am constantly having to prove myself and my business model to those around me to make sure I am top of mind when someone decides they want to buy or sell a home. I think one of the best lessons I have learned is that everyone has a “Why” when it comes to buying or selling a home. If you don’t take time to understand your clients “Why” then you are never going to provide the level of service they are expecting from you. Buying or selling a home is a very emotional experience for a client and it’s critical that I am keeping my clients interests a top priority throughout the transaction, and that is what I feel I do best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live, work and play in Arcadia, because I feel it has so many wonderful things to offer! As far as dining, you can’t visit Arcadia (or Phoenix/Scottsdale for that matter) without picking up a coffee and maple scone from Chestnut, then taking a nice bike ride down the canal. Maybe stop in at OHSO for a beer and burger, then unfold a blanket and relax in the breeze at one of Arcadia’s many parks. Other morning and daytime go-to dining stops would be LGO, Ingos, Postinos, Chopshop, oh… there are too many to list!! When it’s time to hit the town, I’d stop of for a cocktail at Upstairs at Flint to enjoy the beautiful sunset views of Camelback mountain, then walk downstairs for dinner, or maybe grab an Uber to one of the many amazing restaurants like Tarbell’s, Steak 44, Buck & Rider, Vecina… so many places to choose from! I think that’s why I love Arcadia so much. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is to my husband, Dr. Ari Pontikas, a fellow business owner and entrepreneur. He is my rock and supported my career change from corporate C-Suite marketing executive to now a top producing Realtor.

Website: www.debbiepontikas.com
Instagram: debbiepontikasrealtor
Linkedin: DebbiePontikas
Facebook: debbiepontikasrealtor

Image Credits
Image credits to A&E Creative