Dorie Simmons
Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Ezekiel e. Photography
Dorie Simmons has an undeniable passion for the work she does with her clients as a REALTOR® with McGraw. She quickly established herself as a trusted guide a little over two years ago when she first became licensed.
Though she had always been interested in real estate, life’s circumstances meant that her path to this career had to wait. Today, as a rising star in the Tulsa real estate market, she’s proud to have made a successful transition into a career that allows her to make a meaningful impact on her clients’ lives.
From Corporate America to Real Estate
Dorie's early career was rooted in corporate America. She spent seven years working in various roles before transitioning into supply chain and purchasing, but it wasn’t always the fulfilling path she hoped for. As she says, “I was ready for a change.”
A defining moment arrived when her grandson was born in September 2022, weighing just over one pound. "He’s alive and well today, and he holds a special place in my heart," Dorie says with pride. The experience pushed her to move ahead and complete her real estate licensing.
Dorie earned her real estate license on December 9, 2022, and by January 2023, she was already hard at work. “I hit the ground running,” she says. “I worked very hard my first year. It wasn’t easy, but the transition was smoother than I could have expected.”
A Successful Start
Dorie’s hard work quickly began to pay off. She sold her first house in March 2023, thanks to a referral from a dear friend. That moment marked the beginning of a whirlwind year. Through tireless dedication, open houses, and building meaningful relationships with clients, Dorie closed out 2023 with an impressive $4 million in sales volume.
“It was amazing to see my hard work pay off,” Dorie says. “I’m grateful to my clients for trusting me with their real estate purchases. It’s not just about the transaction for me—it’s about forming genuine connections and advocating for my clients in every way possible.”
A Career Built on Relationships
For Dorie, real estate is about more than just selling homes. “I love the people I meet along the way, who eventually become my friends,” she says. “The relationships I build are the most rewarding part of what I do. I’m passionate about advocating for my clients and making sure they have the information they need to make informed decisions. That’s what truly matters to me.”
Her ability to forge strong relationships with clients has been a key factor in her success. Whether it's helping a young couple buy their first home or guiding an empty-nester through the process of downsizing, Dorie is always focused on her clients' best interests. “It’s important to me that my clients know I’m here for them,” she says. “I’m someone who genuinely cares about their needs and goals.”
Family and Values
While Dorie’s professional life is thriving, her family remains at the heart of everything she does. She is the proud mother of three children—DeAnna Williams, Danyele Simmons, and Donast Simmons, IV—and the doting grandmother to two grandsons, Tripp and Shiloh Williams.
“My mom, Carole Patten, is 91 years old, and I’m blessed to have her in my life,” Dorie says. “It’s amazing to see everything she has gone through and the sacrifices she’s made. She’s helped me become who I am today.”
Dorie’s strong sense of family is a driving force behind her career, motivating her to work hard and always strive for excellence. Whether she’s helping her clients or spending time with her loved ones, Dorie is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude.
Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for 2024
As Dorie enters her second full year in real estate, her goals are clear. “I’m aiming for over $5 million in sales volume in 2024,” she shares. “I just work hard and pray that the results will come.”
While Dorie’s success so far is impressive, she’s determined to keep growing and improving. She knows that real estate is a constantly evolving industry, and she’s committed to staying informed and adapting to meet the needs of her clients.
“I’ve learned that it’s important to do your research and find a brokerage that fits you personally,” Dorie says. “McGraw has been a perfect fit for me—they’ve become like family. They’ve supported me every step of the way, and I’m so grateful for that.”
Dorie also advises new real estate agents to find their niche early on in their careers. “You won’t be able to do everything, so it’s important to figure out where your strengths lie,” she explains. “Try different aspects of real estate and see where you find success. Once you identify that, focus on it and expand from there.”
Giving Back to the Community
Outside of real estate, Dorie is deeply involved in her community. She is an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Ray A. Owens. She also recently announced her candidacy for the Tulsa Public School Board, District 3, aiming to make a positive impact on the education system in her community.
“I believe in giving back, and I’m passionate about supporting causes that can make a difference in people’s lives,” Dorie says. “Whether it’s through my work in real estate or my involvement in local organizations, I’m always looking for ways to help others.”
A Legacy of Integrity
As Dorie looks to the future, her goals remain focused on one thing: helping people. “I hope my clients describe me as someone with integrity, someone who genuinely cares about their needs,” she says. “I’m here to support them with the facts, data, and information that will help them make informed decisions. I love what I do, and I’m committed to making a difference in the lives of the people I work with.”
In just a short time, Dorie Simmons has established herself as a trusted real estate professional in Tulsa, one who is driven by a passion for service and a commitment to excellence.
