Sept. 2, 2025

Shannon Messina on Grit, Growth, and Real Estate Excellence

Episode 286: Shannon Messina on Grit, Growth, and Real Estate Excellence

In Episode 286 of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, host Tracy Hayes welcomes St. Johns County's rising star, Shannon Messina. Shannon’s journey from fitness and training to top-producing real estate agent is nothing short of inspirational. With over $10 million in sales just a few years into her career, she proves that hustle, heart, and authentic relationships are the real keys to real estate success.

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

Shannon’s real estate career was born out of necessity after her family business in New York was devastated by COVID-19. With a bold move to Florida, she decided to take her future into her own hands—passing the Florida real estate exam while recovering from eye surgery that left her with impaired vision. Her grit and determination to rebuild her life and career laid the foundation for what would become a fast-growing, referral-based business in one of Florida’s most competitive counties.

Grit Over Glamour: Real Advice for Real Agents

Shannon doesn’t glamorize the grind. Instead, she gives actionable advice that both new and experienced real estate agents can use immediately:

Show Up With Consistency: Shannon checks MLS listings every morning, stays in regular contact with every client, and never throws a listing out there and hopes for the best. Her business thrives because of structured habits and accountability.
Sell It Like It’s Yours: One of her standout tips is to approach every listing like it’s your own home. That means knowing the seller’s story, highlighting what makes the property unique, and marketing with intention.
Open Houses with Impact: Shannon leverages themed open houses—complete with Margaritaville vibes or coffee trucks—to match the personality of the home and draw in buyers emotionally, not just transactionally.
Relationship-Based Selling: Shannon’s referral network is her lifeline. From former fitness clients to distant acquaintances on social media, she treats every contact like a potential advocate. Her mantra? Real estate isn’t a “me” business—it’s built on the people you serve.
Relentless Resourcefulness: Whether it’s dealing with denied loan applications or last-minute negotiations, Shannon refuses to accept "no" as the final answer. Her clients benefit from her creativity, problem-solving mindset, and refusal to let deals fall through.

Authenticity Converts

Despite not enjoying social media, Shannon stays visible because she understands its value. Her Instagram and Facebook pages reflect the reality of her business—not just the highlights. She believes agents must stay relevant by showing up in the feeds of those they want to serve.

A Story Every Agent Should Hear

Shannon Messina’s episode is more than just a success story. It’s a blueprint for agents who want to build a business on integrity, effort, and connection. Her story speaks to those who understand that real estate is personal—and the agents who rise are those who care deeply, listen actively, and serve relentlessly.

Listen to the full episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast with Shannon Messina at www.tracyhayespodcast.com/286

Connect with Shannon Messina: