Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Owens.
Dustin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t grow up dreaming of selling houses. I got into real estate because I wanted to build something that mattered — something that actually helped people and changed lives right here in my community.
Back in the early 2010s, I saw a problem. Too many real estate firms were focused on recruiting over serving. Agents were treated like numbers, and clients were treated like transactions. That never sat right with me.
So in 2014, I started Mantle Realty with one goal — to build one of the most trusted independent brokerages in the Triad by doing things the right way. No gimmicks. No big corporate feel. Just real people helping real people.
We started small. A handful of agents. A lot of long nights. But we grew fast because we focused on people — clients and agents. Word spread that Mantle wasn’t just another logo. We were a family. A place where agents could grow and clients actually felt heard.
Fast forward to today — we’ve grown into one of the largest independent real estate firms in the Triad, with offices across Lexington, High Point, Kernersville, and beyond. We’ve helped thousands of families buy and sell homes, and more importantly, we’ve helped agents build careers they’re proud of.
Along the way, we’ve built deep roots in the community — running programs like the Prom Project, where we give away hundreds of prom dresses every year, and supporting local schools, parades, and sports teams.
For me, Mantle has always been bigger than real estate. It’s about showing up for people. It’s about mentoring, building something lasting, and doing it with a sense of humor and heart.
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?
Running a real estate company isn’t all sunshine and closings. It’s people, pressure, and plenty of moments where you question your own sanity.
When I started Mantle, the biggest fight wasn’t competition — it was convincing people that you could build a real company without playing the same tired recruiting games. Everyone else was obsessed with numbers. I cared about building a team that actually gave a damn. That meant saying no to the wrong people, even when we needed warm bodies.
We’ve dealt with toxic agents, long nights, and plenty of growing pains. Sometimes we had to clean house to protect the culture. Sometimes that meant losing short-term money to build something long-term worth keeping.
And look, balancing family and business? That’s a constant tug-of-war. My wife and kids live this life right beside me. They’ve seen me take calls at baseball games, answer emails during dinner, and still show up the next day ready to go.
But that’s part of it. You learn, you adapt, you take your lumps, and you keep going.
Because the only “smooth road” in business is the one where you’re not doing much.
We’ve been impressed with Mantle Realty, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a local, independent real estate firm based right here in the Triad. No corporate suits. No “copy-and-paste” branding. Just a group of people who genuinely care about helping families buy and sell homes without the fake sales vibe.
We handle everything — buying, selling, investing — but what we’re really known for is the experience. We keep it real. We don’t hide behind scripts. Our agents are part of the communities they serve — they live here, their kids go to the same schools, they volunteer at the same ballfields. That connection changes how we do business.
What sets us apart?
Culture over numbers. We don’t poach agents or chase headcount. We build a family, not a roster.
Full service without the fluff. Photography, marketing, social, community events — it’s all handled in-house so our agents can actually focus on clients.
Community first. From the Prom Project to teacher appreciation drives to Christmas parades, we don’t just sell houses — we show up.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that people recognize Mantle before they even see a sign in a yard. Our colors, our tone, even our humor — it all reflects who we are: approachable, down-to-earth, and a little sarcastic.
If someone only remembers one thing about us, I want it to be this — Mantle Realty isn’t a franchise trying to act local. We are local. We built this from the ground up, and every client we help is part of that story.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson? People make or break everything.
You can have the best systems, marketing, and logo in the world — but if you’ve got the wrong people, it’ll blow up fast. I’ve learned that who you let in the room matters more than any business plan. Protecting the culture at Mantle has been the most important thing I’ve ever done.
I’ve also learned that leadership isn’t about barking orders. It’s about owning your screw-ups and setting the tone for everyone else. You can’t expect your team to show up if you’re not willing to.
And finally, I’ve learned to stop chasing “balance.” It doesn’t exist. Some days, family gets more of me. Some days, Mantle does. The trick is being intentional about which one it is that day — and not feeling guilty about it.
If you’re building something, don’t get caught up trying to make it perfect. Just make it real. People will follow that every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MantleRealty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantlerealty/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MantleRealty
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mantlerealty
