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A published author and co-owner of boutique real estate brokerage Paradise Exclusive Real Estate in Southwest Florida, Jessica Souza prioritizes more than the growth of the brokerage. “I’m invested in building up our agents,” she said. “Watching them thrive, hit their goals and step into their potential? That’s the most rewarding part of what I do.”
Jessica Souza
At the helm of one of the top-performing boutique brokerages in the region, Souza said their reputation is built on understanding clients’ needs, communicating with clarity, negotiating with strength and closing deals.
In addition, the brokerage and its agents dedicate “countless volunteer hours and significant financial support” to community organizations in the markets they serve, giving back “where it matters most.”
“I didn’t follow the standard path into real estate, but I see that as a strength,” Souza said. “I’ve learned to pivot, take big swings and bet on myself — and that mindset has shaped everything I bring to the table as a broker.”
Name: Jessica Souza
Title: Broker / co-owner
Experience: 7 years in real estate
Location: Southwest Florida
Brokerage name: Paradise Exclusive Real Estate
Rankings: No. 1 brokerage at Englewood Area Board of Realtors since 2019
Team size: 130 agents, 3 office locations
How did you get your start in real estate?
My journey into real estate wasn’t exactly planned — it was more of a pivot fueled by possibility. My background was in education and marketing, but as life shifted (thanks in part to frequent moves as a military family), I realized I wanted something that gave me both flexibility and the ability to build something of my own.
Once I got a taste of real estate, I was hooked. I fell in love with the fast pace, the strategy and most of all, the people. Helping someone find their home or build their dream business space? That’s powerful. And it quickly became more than just a career — it became a calling.
How did you choose your brokerage (first or current)?
For me, choosing a brokerage was never just about the numbers—it was about alignment. I wanted to be somewhere that valued people over production, culture over competition, and growth over ego.
When I found a brokerage that led with integrity, innovation, and heart, I knew I was in the right place. The leadership believed in collaboration, supported agent development, and gave me the freedom to build something meaningful. Eventually, that belief turned into partnership — and now I get to help shape the kind of brokerage I once went searching for.
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
That effort doesn’t always equal success.
When I first started, I thought if I just worked hard enough — put in the hours, did all the things — I’d see immediate results. But real estate doesn’t always work like that. You can do everything right and still lose the listing, miss the deal or feel stuck.
What I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than intensity. The effort does pay off — but not always in the way or timeline you expect. Stay the course, trust the process, and keep showing up … because eventually, the momentum catches up.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career. How did you get there?
One of the biggest highs in my career was becoming a broker-owner and having a hand in leading one of the most successful boutique brokerages in our region. It wasn’t something I set out to do from day one — but it became clear over time that I wasn’t just passionate about selling real estate … I was passionate about building a space where others could thrive too.
I got there by saying yes to the hard things — taking risks, asking questions, learning as much as I could, and leaning on mentors who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. I also made a lot of mistakes, but I never let them stop me. I just kept learning and leveling up.
Now, getting to support agents as they grow their own businesses? That’s the real win. Watching their success feels even better than my own.
What’s one thing you wish every agent knew?
That success in real estate doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from showing up, staying consistent, and being willing to do the work even when it’s hard, quiet, or messy.
You don’t have to be the most experienced, the flashiest on social media, or the smoothest talker. What matters most is how you treat people, how well you follow up, and how committed you are to learning and growing.
Oh — and don’t wait to feel confident to take action. Confidence comes from taking action. Just start. You’ll be amazed at what you build.
