A Fort Myers Realtor Who Built Her Business — and Her Home — From the Ground Up

When Shari Smith and her husband decided to build their 3,600-square-foot dream home in Fort Myers, Florida, they had no idea the journey would span eight years — or that she’d be running a booming real estate business from a camper parked right on the property.

Through hurricanes, COVID delays, and more than a few setbacks, Shari stayed the course. “Once I’m doing it, I’m in it to win it,” she says — a mindset that has become the foundation of her success in real estate.

From Fifth Grade to Fort Myers: A Leap of Faith That Paid Off

Before real estate, Shari was a fifth-grade teacher. When her son Alex graduated high school, he inspired her to get serious about her real estate license and join him at Keller Williams Fort Myers.

Trading lesson plans for listings wasn’t easy — but with a shared vision, they built Smith & Jusko Family Real Estate, a business rooted in faith, family, and service to the Southwest Florida community.

Faith, Family, and Fort Myers Real Estate

Together, Shari and Alex embody what makes Fort Myers real estate so special — relationships. They started with no purchased leads, no fancy ad spend, just organic growth through referrals, networking, and consistent follow-up.

They structured their business around the MREA (Millionaire Real Estate Agent) model, ensuring scalable systems while never losing their personal touch. Shari’s warm, faith-driven personality became her secret weapon in converting clients into lifelong friends.

Community Over Clicks: Real Estate That Gives Back

In a world of paid leads and online noise, Shari doubled down on connection.

She hosts client appreciation events that have become local favorites — from Atlanta Braves Spring Training outings to farm picnics and pie giveaways. Each one reinforces what she calls “heart marketing”: staying top of mind in a caring way.

Her latest innovation? Open Houses for a Cause. Every month, she picks a charity, invites the community, and donates event proceeds. It’s her way of turning marketing into ministry — and it works.

What She’d Never Do Again — And What She Learned the Hard Way

After two years serving as a Keller Williams team leader, Shari realized stepping away from production cost her valuable time rebuilding her database.

“If you’re not working your relationships, someone else is,” she says. Now, she protects her pipeline with intentional outreach — personally staying in touch with her 150+ closest clients through calls, events, and authentic connection.

Scaling Smart: Fort Myers Real Estate Growth in 2025

Heading into 2025, Shari is focused on expanding listings, community engagement, and local partnerships. Her son Alex is growing the commercial and land division, while she leads the residential side.

Her advice for fellow agents? “Don’t chase transactions. Build relationships that last a lifetime.”

5 Quick Takeaways from Fort Myers Realtor Shari Smith

1. Faith Fuels Fortitude
Eight years in a camper taught Shari that resilience builds results — in life and in real estate.

2. Family Is Her Foundation
Partnering with her son turned purpose into profit — and made work feel like legacy.

3. Community Over Clicks
She grew her Fort Myers business through people, not paid leads. Relationships > ads.

4. Consistency Wins Clients
Staying in touch — not just online — keeps her top of mind and trusted year-round.

5. Serve Before You Sell
Giving back through local events and charity open houses turned followers into fans.