After a short tenure with Coldwell Banker, Wanda Charles and her team have returned to Ebby Halliday Realtors. They are based in the Allen office and will continue serving primarily the North Dallas, Denton, and Collin County markets including Prosper, Celina, and Frisco. Charles says she returned because she felt that the Ebby brand was the best fit for her business.
“I never really wanted to leave Ebby, but at the time I left, I was in a place where I felt like I should give somewhere else a shot,” she says.
The past few months have been difficult for her. In early December she lost her stepdad, the man who raised her whom she affectionately called “Daddy Butch.” In his younger years, he ran a vending machine business and inspired a young girl along the way.
“Growing up, I watched how he ran the show and how he just took care of everything from the accounting side to the vendor side,” Charles recalls. “He owned his own business and taught me discipline and integrity. He truly was everything to me.”
Six years ago when her mother passed away, Charles moved him to Dallas from their native Kentucky. With the help of his veteran benefits, he was able to get his own home. He also spent time in the office with Charles, getting to know other agents and clients. Before long they were all calling him “Daddy Butch.”
One thing Charles takes solace in is the fact that she was able to tell her father about returning to Ebby Halliday before he passed away. He told her that he knew it was the right move. He also reassured her that her colleague Terry Macaluso and others at Coldwell Banker would understand why she was leaving even if they didn’t want to see her go.
“I am truly grateful for my time there, but I just felt this was the best move for my career and my family,” Charles said.
Family plays a major role in Charles’ business. Son Brantley got his license six years ago and has seen his business thrive. Daughter Bayden, who is currently in law school, earned her license in November and is now part of the team as well.
Since returning at the end of December, Charles says that she’s been impressed with the ways Ebby CEO Chris Kelly has carried on Ebby Halliday’s legacy while also enriching it with new programs and initiatives. She’s also thankful for branch manager Diane Hausler who welcomed her back into the company with open arms.
“Being partnered with Ebby I feel like I’m with a company and brand that is superior in the market,” Charles says. “It’s a true honor to be working with them again.”
