Ours isn’t just a story about real estate—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and how one coffee meeting changed both of our lives.
Nicole: It’s funny how our deepest challenges can become catalysts for something great. Even if it didn’t feel that way at the time, a difficult relationship early on in my life followed by an epilepsy diagnosis, shaped who I am today for the better.
Growing up, I was a disciplined and studious kid with an interest in architecture. I remember going with my mom to downtown Houston for one of her appointments and being completely in awe of the buildings. I was good at math and also creative—an unusual combination—so I always thought architecture would be my path.
hen came that relationship. I won’t go into the gritty details, but I will say I became distracted. I delayed college and slowly got more entangled in a dynamic where I felt increasingly lost, drifting further from who I knew I was meant to be.
After the breakup, I had to rebuild myself from the inside out. I started going to the gym with friends to regain confidence, and it changed my life. After recommitting my life to God, I committed to self-care while also fully realizing my love for helping others. I met John at the gym, where we both worked–– he as a manager and I as a personal trainer.
We developed a friendship while, at the same time, I went back to college while working part-time. But the stress caught up to me, and I began having epileptic episodes. My doctor was clear: I had to choose between school and work. This forced me to leave the architecture program. This sparked some serious reflection about my career.
One night, while watching a home-flipping show with friends, my love for design returned to the forefront of my focus. “You should be a realtor,” they said. I realized real estate could be a great opportunity to act within my creative abilities, enjoy helping others, and utilize my design skills.
John: When I met Nicole, it was love at first sight. We stayed friends and colleagues for a long time, but the connection was there from the beginning.
When we met, I had recently moved to Houston from Oregon, where I had left what felt like a dream job at Nike World Headquarters. As a lifelong golf fan, it felt like the perfect fit. The role allowed me to put my academic background to use and be part of a company I had admired for years.
After Nike, I became a business manager for a gym. I wasn’t completely sure about the role, mostly because deep down I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in Oregon. I missed the sunshine! Then, out of the blue, my boss mentioned an opportunity at their Houston branch. I didn’t hesitate—I said yes.
I came to Houston and met Nicole at the gym who, around that same time, had just gotten her real estate license. She was crushing it. I was so impressed watching her build her business. Seeing her success reignited something in me—a spark for entrepreneurship I hadn’t felt in a while. It inspired me.
I asked her to grab coffee to talk about real estate, which I genuinely wanted to explore. But if I’m being honest, I was also hoping it would turn into something more. The interest never left—it just grew stronger with time. We became a couple—and eventually business partners.
Since 2024, we’ve been building our real estate business together, and we’re excited about starting a family. Outside of work, we love being outdoors—hiking, golfing, maybe even volleyball—grabbing coffee, and walking our beloved dogs.
Together, we offer more than we ever could individually. Our partnership allows us to cover a wide range of personalities and client needs, blending analytical precision with natural warmth and connection. Nicole is detail-oriented, analytical, and highly methodical—especially when it comes to contracts, numbers, and anticipating what taxes and financial implications will look like. John brings a naturally approachable energy to every client experience and makes their process feel smooth and supported.
We pride ourselves on clear communication and straightforward explanations that prevent confusion and miscommunication. During stressful moments, we stay calm, grounded, and solution-focused, helping our clients feel steady and confident. We are not salespeople—we are trusted advisors who lead with authenticity and truth. Integrity guides every step, and we market strategically and effectively to ensure the best outcomes.
Most importantly, someone is always available to respond, so our clients never feel alone. We genuinely enjoy working together, and our positive energy carries into every client relationship.
Sincerely,
Nicole Cartee
John Cartee