The term “Renaissance man” was first used to describe Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo in the 14th century as men with interests and gifts in arts, sciences, politics, and intellectual pursuits.
These days, true Renaissance men are few and far between. Whether it’s because people have become more specialized in pursuing interests and careers, or that there isn’t enough time in the day to explore new horizons, to find someone with a variety of gifts and passions is quite a feat.
The Renaissance Dentist
Steven Jones started his career as a dentist. No, actually he got a Doctorate of Dental Surgery – even before he got his Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University — but he never cleaned gums or asked anyone to spit.
“Since the 4th grade I wanted to be a dentist,” explains Jones. “When I started pre-dentistry classes and I quickly realized that wasn’t the career for me, but I went ahead and finished dental school.”
Jones always had a passion for the theater. After receiving his DDS he moved to New York City to pursue life as an actor. Finding success with summer stock and smaller productions, he never made it to the bright lights of Broadway, but he discovered his passion for the stage.
“I fell in love with producing musical theater,” Jones said. “All the aspects of putting a quality show together fascinated me. As an actor, you are always at the whim of others. As a producer, you have more control over your life, and I liked that.”
The Renaissance Producer and Founder
Jones founded Lyric Stage in Dallas in 1993 and produced over 120 productions
With experience and contacts from New York, in 1993 Jones moved back to the D/FW Metroplex and created the non-profit organization Lyric Stage to produce American musical classics and original works.
“There can never be enough live and local musical theater in a city,” exclaims Jones, a native Dallasite. “Classics are always a hit and we need to keep bringing them back, but we also need new work or we won’t have any ‘new classics’ to celebrate in the future.”
Now in its 26th season, Jones has produced more than 120 shows at Lyric Stage. Great musicals such as The King and I, Carousel, Funny Girl, The Music Man, and many others have been featured over the years. They have had 21 world premiers since the inception of the company.
The Renaissance Realtor
As if producing four musicals annually wasn’t enough of a thrill, recently Jones joined Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth as a sales associate.
After achieving his real estate license, Jones reached out to a few brokers about a position. The recruiter for Ebby Halliday noticed his work with Lyric Stage and exclaimed, “I’ve been a patron of yours for years!” He was hired the next day.
Relying on his skills of communication, negotiation, as well as the contacts he’s made over the years, Jones has already tasted real estate success.
“My first open house a couple came in and we started talking,” he said. “They didn’t buy the home I was showcasing, but I helped them buy one down the street.”
Jones, now a Fort Worth resident, has jumped into his newfound passion with gusto. He has recently created a business Facebook page and hopes to conquer Instagram in the near future as well.
“Like producing a musical, every transaction in real estate is different — and I love that,” Jones said. “Just as I wanted to bring joy to theater-goers, in real estate I want to help clients have a positive experience.”
If you are in need of a realtor who can help you with your brushing and flossing while whistling a familiar show tune, Steven Jones, The Renaissance Realtor, is just a phone call away.
Well, that’s all from Tarrant County Tuesday this week Dirty Readers. Thanks for reading and following and sharing! As always, if you have questions, comments or great ideas for a post … hit me up!
Seth Fowler is a licensed Real Estate Sales Professional for Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth, TX. Statements and opinions are his and his alone. Seth has been involved with the home sales and real estate industry in the Fort Worth area since 2004. He and his family have lived in the area for over 17 years. Seth also loves bowties! You can reach Seth at: 817.980.6636 or [email protected]. If you are looking for a Real Estate Sherpa to help you buy or sell … give Seth a call!
