Brenda Murray
Dynamic Real Estate Services
Current Job/Role in company: Owner/Manager, Dynamic Real Estate Services, LLC. As the owner, I am able to focus on business development as well as my companies’ goal of furthering our corporate mission to support survivors of domestic violence and bring continued awareness of domestic violence.
How did you choose your career: I chose my career path after serving in an entry level position with a condominium management company in the Washington, DC area. I loved the fast paced and challenging work and went on to obtain a BS Finance degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. my Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, and Virginia and North Carolina Broker’s Licenses.
In this field for more than 40 years working with commercial, residential, retail and HOA portfolios
My specialization is: Property Management with a focus on Client and Tenant Appreciation events, awards and gifts.
A good lead for me is: A company looking to elevate their focus on programs to honor and show appreciation for their tenants, employees and clients.
The most satisfying part of my job is: The opportunity to use a high level of creativity in identifying and creating unique client satisfaction programs for each client I work with.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Don’t be afraid to pivot while staying in for the long game.
Greatest professional achievement: The many opportunities to work with amazing real estate talent in Charlotte and forge lifelong relationships with such a diverse range of people…from owners, tenants, fellow CREW members, service providers, co-workers, and trade organizations.
Number of years with CREW: 30 years with CREW CLT this year! Held various board positions; President 1995.
Most significant CREW connection: I have found that anytime I reach out to fellow members, there is rarely a hesitancy to become engaged and to offer a willingness to collaborate! So, it’s that NEXT connection!
Birth/Hometown: Sewanee, Tennessee; 31 years in Charlotte; Family: Married, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law (daughters), and 7 beautiful grandchildren
Ideal vacation spot: Has to be Hilton Head Island with Oak Island being a close second
Hobbies/Interests: Anything our grandchildren are involved in. Hiking, TRAVEL!, honing my skills as a Foodie.
Other professional organizations: Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
I wish I could: Fill the ongoing need for non-trackable phones/minutes for the survivors of domestic violence. Currently working with Jamie Sellers; Domestic Violence Healthcare Project (DVHP) to supply these phones to victims whose injuries require medical intervention. If interested, please contact me (704) 953-6520 or bbmurray@outlook.com
Annie Turner
McMillan, PLLC
Current job: Attorney
Summary of your role in the company: I handle transactional commercial real estate and commercial lending matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, leasing, and title work. I advise clients through every stage of their transactions, working to protect their interests and ensure a smooth closing process.
How I chose my occupation: I wanted to practice transactional law and was drawn to commercial real estate because of its tangible, impactful nature and the opportunity to shape the physical landscape of cities.
Years in the business: 3
My specialization is: Commercial real estate transactions, representing buyers, sellers, landlord, tenants, and borrowers, & commercial lending, representing lenders
A good lead for me is: Introductions to brokers, lenders, buyers/sellers of commercial real estate, commercial landlords/tenants
The most satisfying part of my job is: Driving around Charlotte and getting to see projects I worked on that have been completed – in other words, knowing I’m shaping the city I’m in
Best leadership advice I have been given: Empower those around you, lead with integrity, and be willing to invest in others’ success – a rising tide lifts all boats!
Greatest professional achievement: Becoming licensed to practice law in two states (NC & SC)!
Number of years with CREW: <1
Most significant CREW connection: Lisa Vogel! She is one of the most connected people I know in Charlotte, and I consider her both a mentor and friend
Place of birth/hometown: Greenville, SC
Number of years in Charlotte: 1
Family: My dog, Monty, and cat, Olive
My ideal vacation spot: A mountain cabin with a view and good book
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking in western North Carolina, exploring Charlotte’s neighborhoods, cooking, and reading
Other professional organizations I belong to: North Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Association
I wish I could: Spend a month hiking through the Alps or take a cross-country road trip to visit all the national parks.
Kristen Pleasants
Trimont
Current job: Executive Director, Technology – Trimont
Summary of your role in the company: I serve as Business Process Lead for the Commercial Mortgage Servicing (CMS) division. Over the past 24 months, I have primarily focused on activities related to our recent divestiture from Wells Fargo.
How I chose my occupation: I discovered Commercial Real Estate Finance while completing a rotation in Wachovia’s Commercial Banking Associate program immediately after college.
Years in the business: 29
My specialization is: Commercial Real Estate Finance – Origination and Servicing
A good lead for me is: Due Diligence/Loan Servicing Opportunities
The most satisfying part of my job is: Working with a team that consists of individuals who are exceptional both personally and professionally.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Be yourself unapologetically.
Greatest professional achievement: Starting a successful commercial real estate finance consulting and due diligence firm, which I ran for eight years before ultimately deciding to work exclusively for my largest client.
Number of years with CREW: 27? (I have lost count)
Most significant CREW connection: I have made far too many significant CREW connections to name just one!
Place of birth/hometown: Durham, NC
Number of years in Charlotte: 14 years (2002-2009) and (2017-today).
Family: My husband, Will and two children, Laney (13) and Alex (10)
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with sun, sand, and water.
Hobbies/Interests: My family and I enjoy travelling and spending weekends on Lake Norman.
Other professional organizations I belong to: CREFC
I wish I could: Travel more.
Feel free to include any additional information about yourself that you would like!
I have been a member of five CREW Chapters (Triangle CREW; CREW Charlotte; CREW Pittsburgh; CREW DC; and CREW Baltimore) and had the privilege of serving as the CREW Charlotte President in 2007 and on the CREW Network Board in 2008 and 2009.
Sunshine Smith
Boomtown CIO
Current job: VP, Business Development
Summary of your role in the company: In my role, I actively seek and identify new business opportunities, leveraging market insights and networking to expand the company’s reach. I also focus on nurturing and strengthening existing client relationships by providing personalized service, consistent follow-up, and ensuring long-term satisfaction. Through this dual approach, I drive both growth and retention, ensuring our company stays at the forefront of client needs and industry trends
How I chose my occupation: Throughout my career in the real estate industry, I’ve always recognized the crucial role that IT plays in driving success. In every position, the support and innovation provided by the IT department were indispensable. When my current company adopted Boomtown for its managed services, I saw an exciting opportunity to merge my technical interests with my passion for customer service. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into IT, where I could combine my background and dedication to creating exceptional client experiences
Years in the business: 24 years in Real Estate and 10 of those have been in information technology
My specialization is: Simply put, the care I have for my clients and how we pass this on in training to each of our staff. At the core of my role is a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. In every position I’ve held, I’ve realized that high-quality service alone isn’t unique—it’s something clients can find elsewhere. What truly sets us apart is the team behind the service. A team that embodies care, empathy, and a strong sense of urgency—qualities that turn a simple transaction into a long-lasting relationship
A good lead for me is: A good lead for me is any business looking to simplify IT—whether that means avoiding the cost and complexity of building an in-house team or enhancing the one they already have. From 5-person startups to 500-employee companies across multiple locations, we provide flexible IT solutions tailored to fit. That might mean fully managed offsite support, placing our associates onsite to work alongside your staff, or handling one-off projects and consulting.
We also help with infrastructure builds, office wiring, and transitions like switching to a new phone service—making sure everything is set up securely and efficiently from day one.
We become a true extension of your team, adapting to your growth, needs, and standards. While I specialize in supporting real estate-related businesses—like investors, title companies, and mortgage firms—our services deliver value across any industry. Every business needs secure, reliable IT to stay competitive, and we make sure cybersecurity and performance remain at the core of everything we do.
The most satisfying part of my job is:
Best leadership advice I have been given: I have two that have stayed with me; What I have to offer may not be unique, but how I deliver it can be unmatched. Lead with integrity, build real connections, and do what’s right — the rest will follow naturally.
Greatest professional achievement: One of my greatest achievements was helping lay the administrative foundation for what our company has become today. I contributed by helping write key policies and was the first to assist with and manage our Tier 1 / First Touch Resolution group, shaping how we support clients from the very first interaction
Number of years with CREW: 3
Most significant CREW connection:
My most significant organizational connections are three incredible women who’ve had a meaningful impact on my personal and professional journey through CREW.
First, my mentor Lisa Vogel – a dedicated CREW member who consistently checks in on me, offers guidance, and genuinely wants to see me succeed. Her support is unwavering and truly invaluable.
Second is Maggie Kidd, whom I connected with through the CREW Authentic Leadership program. She’s placed her trust in both me and my business, generously sending referrals our way. Her belief in us means more than words can express.
And finally, Patty, our director. She has an incredible gift for making everyone — including me — feel like the most important person in the room, whether it’s at committee meetings, luncheons, or networking events. Despite the many members she supports, she always shows up with care and intention. On top of that, her deep connections across CREW organizations nationally have allowed her to connect me with professionals in other states, helping our company expand its reach within CREW chapters across the country.
Place of birth/hometown: Shelby, North Carolina
Number of years in Charlotte: 24
Family: My immediate family consists of my husband, one son, one daughter, and two Frenchies who have two completely different personalities.
My ideal vacation spot: My ideal vacation spot is anywhere I can fully relax, knowing my kids are safe, having fun, and discovering new places and experiences. If there were a place with both breathtaking, snow-covered mountains for snowboarding and crystal-clear beaches with white sand, that would be paradise for them — the perfect blend of adventure and wonder.
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling new places with my family taking in sights, sounds, shopping, adventures, and food.
Other professional organizations I belong to: General Federation of Women’s Clubs – KM Chapter, PTO Organization, Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, Canopy Charlotte Association of REALTORS,
I wish I could: I wish I could start a nonprofit that gives back to the community in meaningful ways while also raising funds to create an annual scholarship for a student at a local high school. It would be a way to support both immediate local needs and long-term opportunity — helping our community grow, one student at a time
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