About Our Team

Brad is a Broker Associate and Commercial Senior Director for the Onward Real Estate Team. He has been a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker for over 20 years and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designee since 2006, meaning he is an advanced investment specialist who works to minimize risk and maximize ROI. As a skilled negotiator, Brad has a unique ability to structure transactions to achieve clients’ goals. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in each of his real estate ventures, including the commercial team, residential team, property management company and his development business. Brad has a reputation for substantial market knowledge, business acumen, and market insight. Clients speak highly of his preparation and integrity, and they value the commercial experience he brings to the table.

Brad’s wife, Melissa, leads the Residential Sales Team. They have been happily married for over 30 years and are proud parents to two grown children: Lindsey, who lives and works in Denver, Colorado, and Landon, who works for the Texas A&M Foundation in College Station. Each of them is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University.

Brad finds joy in his hobbies, which include cooking on his Green Egg, embarking on off-road adventures in his Jeep, and fly-fishing in the scenic mountains of Colorado. While he appreciates the charm of Waco, Brad considers it the “largest small town in Texas” and proudly calls it his hometown.

As a co-owner of the Onward Real Estate team, Melissa brings her former experience as an educator into the real estate business. She knows the value of effective communication and active listening skills in building rapport and achieving success and brings those skills to her client relationships. Her goal in working with her team of licensed real estate specialists is to utilize her expert market knowledge and negotiation skills to ensure a successful and smooth transaction for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

Melissa’s love of learning is evident in the professional designations she has achieved and the time she takes to educate her clients and help them navigate the home buying and selling processes. Her clients admire her level of preparation, professionalism, and dedication to helping them achieve their goals. Clients speak highly of her integrity, patience, and loyalty.

Melissa’s husband, Brad, runs the commercial division of Onward. Both of them are very active in their local Chambers of Commerce (Waco and Hewitt), and they love Waco and are excited about the area’s continued growth. They attend Renew Church Waco and support several local charities. The Onward Real Estate Team believes in giving back to the community they live, work, and play in.

Melissa and Brad have been married for over 30 years and are proud parents of Lindsey and Landon, all four graduates of Texas A&M University. They love the mountains and especially love spending time with their family in Lake City, Colorado – It is truly their “happy place.” Melissa enjoys hiking, kayaking, “jeeping” and watching her husband fly fish.

Kyle is the COO for the Onward team and Alliance Property Management. He grew up in Odessa, Texas, and graduated from Baylor University. A resident of Waco since 1978, Kyle is a seasoned professional who takes pride in the achievements of others.

Kyle’s leadership style doesn’t typically lead people to where they want to be, but instead, where they need to be. He is a relentless advocate for doing things the right way and providing the best possible client experience. His primary goal is to help the organization and the people within reach their absolute highest potential. He has found that motivated people who are well trained and taken care of are most likely to ensure that clients receive the time, attention, professional service, and results they deserve. Kyle’s four decades of leadership experience have proven this time and again.

He enjoys the outdoors, hunting, shooting sports, fishing, backpacking and golf in his spare time. Kyle finds his “why” in his relationship with Jesus, his wife Jana, their children Lauren and Jay and his three “perfect, sinless” grandchildren. Kyle teaches a Bible study class at Highland Baptist Church and enjoys various other volunteer opportunities.

With over three decades of distinguished leadership in the Aerospace Defense industry, Thad Barker is excited to bring his extensive experience and strategic acumen to the Onward Real Estate Team at Keller Williams as a Commercial Real Estate Agent. His transition from a successful career in aerospace to real estate is fueled by a desire to focus on his faith, family, and contributing to the community he deeply values.

Thad’s career began in 1984 at Electrospace Systems Incorporated in Richardson, Texas, where he honed his skills as an Electronic Technician. He then advanced to Chrysler Technologies and Raytheon Systems Company, taking on roles that included Production Master Scheduler, Material Manager, and Manufacturing Manager. His innovative approach and dedication led him to manage complex programs and improve efficiency significantly, notably achieving a 33% reduction in total costs through Six Sigma initiatives.

In 2001, Thad became Vice President and General Manager at Pentair, overseeing a $100 million annual sales operation. His leadership in implementing Lean Thinking resulted in substantial labor and space savings. He then joined L-3 Harris Technologies, where he excelled as Director of Operations and later as VP/Chief of Operations. Thad led diverse teams, managed substantial facilities, and contributed to establishing a valuable Aviation Technician Training Program at Texas State Technical College.

Thad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO9000 Lead Assessor, and Cost Account Manager, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Thad’s decision to join the Onward Real Estate Team is rooted in a long-standing relationship with the owner, Brad Harrell, and a shared commitment to the Central Texas community. He and his wife, Vonessa, have four children and five grandchildren. Thad enjoys volunteering with his church, supporting Shriners International Hospitals for Children, and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley Davidson.

At Onward Real Estate, Thad is dedicated to leveraging his vast experience to support clients in achieving their real estate goals. His unique background in high-stakes operations and his passion for the community make him a valuable asset to the team and a trusted advisor in the commercial real estate sector.

Our trusted accountant Donna has lived in Waco for 40 years. A member of the team since 2015, she enjoys the diversified portfolio Onward offers, with a focus on both commercial and residential management and development. Above all, spending time with her work family is what she loves most about her job.

Stacy Duong is a recent graduate of Midway High School with plans to attend MCC. Stacy’s passion for photography has garnered numerous awards for their work in the field, including 2nd place photo illustration photo in the Jostens National Photo Contest. In her leisure time, Stacy finds joy in collecting and building Legos.

Meet David Haragan, the dedicated Commercial Transaction Coordinator at the Onward Real Estate Team with Keller Williams. Since making Waco his home in May 2021, David has found joy in the city’s unique blend of growth and small-town charm, appreciating the absence of big city traffic. Beyond real estate, David spends time exploring new restaurants, enjoying movies, and keeping an ear out for new and fresh music.

David’s journey in Real Estate began in 2018, marking a path that transitions seamlessly from a sales agent to orchestrating listings and ensuring smooth transactions. With a diverse background, he has played a pivotal role in closing over 200 properties and listing just as many. Now, fueled by excitement, David is diving headfirst into Commercial Real Estate, eager to bring his unique perspective to this dynamic sector.

What sets Onward apart for David is the cherished family atmosphere crafted by owners Brad and Melissa. In this supportive environment, everyone is considered family, equipped with the resources needed to excel. Committed to delivering top-notch customer service, David and the Onward team are always ready to provide answers on the spot or go the extra mile to find solutions. 

Commercial Buyer Tenant Specialist Derek Houser is drawn to commercial real estate because of its fast-paced environment that allows him to help clients succeed. Derek is a Leadership Waco Class Alumnus with 15 years of experience in financial planning and business ownership. Having lived in Waco since high school, contributing to the city’s growth and seeing it expand and thrive is special for Derek. Derek values Onward’s high-performance track record and ethical standards that create an environment for him to brainstorm new ideas and strategize to maximize clients’ results.

CJ has lived in Texas his entire life. A family-oriented individual, he enjoys activities such as taking his children fishing or attending Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments to show support. Outgoing and ambitious, he has an affinity for the beach and enjoys working on various projects at home, such as woodworking and homesteading.

Selene Perez is a new resident of Waco, TX, moving from Southern Oklahoma this past March to make her long-term goals come true. She got her real estate license the same week she moved to Waco. She is starting to work on our property management team. She is also certified by the Waco police department for crime-free housing. She is our Leasing agent and works diligently with our prospects to find their home! She processes applications, does screenings and showings, and does the whole move-in process. Helping our tenants move with ease and know they are in the best hands. Her ultimate goal is to help find you and your family a home that fits your wants and needs!

As a Commercial Specialist, Xavier wears a number of hats, including management and marketing of commercial team listings, assisting the commercial sales force with pipeline management, education, all in addition to managing his own sales pipeline.

As a nearby Mart native, Xavier sees Waco as a place of economic growth and opportunity, and he looks forward to helping play a hand in the area’s continued development and innovation.

Danielle Smith is a seasoned Marketing Executive with a rich background spanning real estate, gaming, publishing, film & TV media, and Web3 industries. Danielle brings a dynamic blend of expertise in project planning, brand strategy, and multimedia execution to her role as Marketing Director for the Onward Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Realty.

With a career marked by innovative marketing solutions and strategic brand positioning, Danielle excels in developing and executing high-impact marketing campaigns. At Onward Real Estate, she leads all communications, public relations, and promotional activities, driving brand growth and ensuring successful marketing outcomes for both Onward Real Estate and Alliance Property Management. Her role also includes overseeing social media platforms, creating engaging content, and managing marketing performance metrics.

In addition to her work with Onward Real Estate, Danielle serves as a mentor in The Arboretum by Sprout Social, offering guidance on business strategy, skill development, and networking to entrepreneurs and marketing professionals. Her diverse experience also includes roles as Head of Marketing at Quantum Spin Studios, Senior Director of Marketing at LifeForce Games, and Director of Marketing at Prasaga, among others.

Danielle’s extensive experience in the publishing and film sectors highlights her versatility and strategic acumen. As a Social Media Marketing Consultant, she was pivotal in crafting and executing campaigns for top movie and publishing companies, including Walden Media and Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins. Her work significantly boosted social media presence, contributing to the successful launch of numerous book publications and film projects. As a literary agent, Danielle championed publishing over fifty books, representing authors and illustrators while securing favorable publishing contracts. Her ability to advocate for her clients and navigate the publishing landscape resulted in successful author partnerships and impactful literary works.

Danielle’s background also includes media production and consulting roles, where she developed and executed promotional strategies for broadcast and digital media, further showcasing her broad expertise in the media landscape.

Danielle holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Classical Studies from Brigham Young University. She is currently planning to finish her real estate training by gaining her real estate license. Her dedication to strategic marketing and passion for innovative training methods make her an invaluable asset to the Onward Real Estate Team.

Meet Logan Taylor, a dedicated commercial real estate broker at the Onward Real Estate Team in Waco, TX. With a degree in Management Information Systems from Baylor University, Logan brings a blend of technical expertise and business insight to the team.

Since joining Onward, Logan has been committed to driving results and generating new business. Logan applies his skills in market analysis and client service to drive successful commercial real estate transactions. His focus on delivering exceptional value and building strong relationships makes him a key asset to the team.

Adam Voight is the Director of Commercial Operations at Onward, where he has been an integral team member since 2014. Originally from Michigan, Adam moved to Central Texas in 2003 to attend Baylor University. He received his Real Estate License in 2015 and initially worked in residential real estate before transitioning to Onward. Adam is passionate about all aspects of commercial real estate, including financial analysis, property analytics, and crafting deals that benefit clients. As part of his career progression, he plans to pursue his CCIM Designation.

In Waco, Adam has found both personal and professional fulfillment, thanks to its unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town connections. With a decade of experience as a Commercial Real Estate Agent, Adam has honed his skills in negotiating deals, building relationships, and navigating the complexities of the real estate market. His commitment to client satisfaction and his ability to spot opportunities have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry. Beyond his professional life, Adam enjoys traveling with his family and is passionate about coaching his son’s little league team. He balances his business acumen with a love for the game, dedicating time to nurturing young talents and teaching them the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. This dedication reflects Adam’s commitment to making a positive impact
both professionally and within his community.

Through his work with the Onward Real Estate Team, Adam actively participates in numerous non-profit initiatives. He is committed to giving back to the community, lending his time, resources, and expertise to various charitable organizations. Whether organizing fundraising events, volunteering at local shelters, or leading community outreach programs, Adam demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility. His involvement in non-profit work highlights his altruistic nature and his role as a catalyst for positive change within his community.

Former coach and teacher Jeff Young is a Buyer/Tenant Representative on our commercial team. Since 2018, Jeff has lived and worked in Waco, helping each new client determine their need, assess each property’s risk and reward and find one that will help them thrive. As a former coach, Jeff highly values the concept of teamwork and finds that Onward has that built into their foundation. For the last two years, Jeff has been in the top 20% of agents in the Waco market. Jeff enjoys the challenge of his everyday job and works hard to ensure each client can achieve their long-term goals.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys volunteering for Hoops Huddle and coaching the 7th and 8th-grade girls basketball team at Vanguard. He and his wife Dianne enjoy going on weekend trips to explore the state of Texas. Their children have followed in Jeff’s footsteps, working in the teaching/coaching profession

Trisha Young, the Field Manager with Alliance Property Management, is excited to be back working with the Alliance and Onward team. She has previously been part of the Onward Real Estate Team as a Residential Specialist, leaving for about a year to work exclusively in interior design. She jumped at the chance to come back to the Alliance and Onward team to take on the newly established role of Field Manager. This position allows Trisha to use her experience in real estate sales, residential renovation, as well as interior design. Holding this position gets her out in the field, which is a big plus for her! She gets to help people in our community find a good fit for their residential rental needs, work with contractors making sure that the properties are primed for new tenants, and provide homeowners with staging consultations to enhance their prospects on the Real Estate market with the Onward Residential Sales team. 

Originally from New Mexico Trisha has lived in Waco for about 29 years. She has also lived in Europe at three different times in her life, and would love to go back. You can find an influence of the old west combined with rustic European in much of her creative projects that she enjoys doing in her spare time. Trisha has two grown daughters and step-son that she is glad were raised in Waco, saying that Waco has definitely grown a lot since she moved here, but it still has a small hometown feel, which was a good environment for raising a family. Her daughters, step-son, as well as other family still live in the central Texas area, so Trisha’s plan is also to stay close by for many years to come.