We had the good fortune of connecting with Jody Doran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jody, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know, it’s funny how life works. I spent over two decades in the corporate world, and while I was successful, I started to feel this nagging pull towards something more personal. I craved a more tangible connection with the people I was serving. Real estate had always been in the back of my mind. I love the mix of strategy, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the real satisfaction of helping someone find a place they can truly call home. Everyone says it’s about more than just a house but I know from my many, many moves (11 to be exact), it’s about creating a space where memories are made.

After so many years working for someone else and moving homes multiple times to find, “the one”, I realized I wanted the freedom to pursue that passion fully, and to manage my career on my own terms. Starting my own business was the perfect way to do that. I could take all the skills I’d honed at my corporate jobs – negotiation, client management, problem-solving – and channel them into something that was completely mine. Of course, there’s risk involved, but that’s part of the excitement, right? Now there is the freedom to be myself, to really connect with my clients, and to be creative in a way that just wasn’t possible in my previous roles. And honestly, it’s been great for my personal life too. Pouring my energy into something I’m passionate about helps me with that work-life balance we are all searching for.

It’s funny, I’ve always had this vision of working in real estate, but life kept happening – career demands, family, you know how it is. The timing never felt quite right. But then, it just… did. It wasn’t about leaving something behind; it was about stepping into something new and incredibly fulfilling.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Well, I’m thrilled to be building a real estate business here in the Triangle – the market doesn’t sleep here. I’ve taken a rather unconventional path to get here – spending 20 years in the software industry, 15 of those at Microsoft. That corporate background, combined with my passion for design and real estate, is what truly sets me apart. I bring a unique blend of creativity and corporate savviness to the table. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial process and strategy are, even in something as personal as buying or selling a home. I think like my clients, understanding what buyers and sellers truly value, then translate that to a seamless, strategic process. Think about it: at Microsoft, I was negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts with incredibly complex terms. That experience translates directly to navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions.

Buyers and Sellers need a real estate partner who brings not only market expertise but also a high level of business acumen, negotiation mastery, and a deep network of connections that unlock opportunities others never see.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long trip, I’d want to make sure we visit several of the surrounding cities to experience a little taste of each one.

I’d start in Durham with breakfast at Monuts – their everything bagel with house-made schmear is incredible. Then we’d explore the American Tobacco Campus and Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The whole area has this fantastic industrial-chic vibe that reminds me a bit of Seattle, actually!

In Chapel Hill, we absolutely have to do the Franklin Street experience. Lunch at Al’s Burger Shack (best burgers in America according to TripAdvisor!). I’d take them around to see the UNC campus sites.

For Raleigh, I’d plan several days because there’s just so much. The North Carolina Museum of Art has this gorgeous outdoor park. The Warehouse District has become super vibrant. For dinner, I would pick one of Ashley Christensen’s restaurants. They never disappoint and represent this area through food.

Naturewise, we’d definitely take them to one of the many parks – if they have young children then Pullen Park or the Downtown Cary park and I’d take them hiking at Umstead State Park – it’s amazing to have such a peaceful forest right in the middle of our urban area. My kids love going on hikes there!

For a taste of local culture, we’d hit the State Farmers Market on Saturday morning, then explore the shops at Transfer Co. Food Hall and then to North Hills. If they’re into science, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences is world-class and surround by lots of other choices.

One of my favorite evening activities is at Koka Booth Amphitheatre for a peaceful lakeside stroll or a concert if there’s one. We’d wrap up the week with a meal at Second Empire in Raleigh. It was the first restaurant I ate when I moved here and my go-to place for a special meal.

What I love most about showing people around is seeing them realize why so many tech companies and professionals are relocating here. It’s got all the amenities of a major metro area but with this wonderful sense of community and quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. That’s actually what inspired me to transition from tech into real estate – helping others discover and make their home in this amazing region.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Chris Doran of 17 years. I call him my CEO – “Chief Everything Officer”. He does so, so much to ensure I’m happy, able to be successful in my career. He does so much of the parenting and household work, I often feel guilty. He has a full-time job himself at a software company, yet still manages to do everything for everyone. He is Selfless and my rock.

Website: https://www.jodysellsraleigh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodydoran/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodydoran/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jody.doran

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JodyDoran-r8f

Other: Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jody_Doran

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.