Barbara Straughan is the founder of Advocates Realty, located in Farmers Branch. Her real estate firm sponsors over 30 agents, specializing in residential, undeveloped land, and green building.
Barbara began her career in sales management for the hospitality industry. At 27, she was the youngest Director of Sales in Dallas for a local franchisee of five Holiday Inns.
In 1978, she accepted a position on Congressman Ray Roberts' staff in Washington, D.C. Barbara moved with her three children to the Nation's Capitol and never looked back. The years spent on Capitol Hill changed her perspective dramatically. As an Administrative Aide to Congressman Roberts, she handled constituent issues, which required extensive research. This research gave her a new respect for the things that affect each individual.
When Congressman Roberts retired, she became an Executive Assistant on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. In this position, among other duties, she served as a Liaison to Members of Congress and the media.
In 1988, she accepted an offer to be the Assistant to Postmaster, Office of the Postmaster, U.S. House of Representatives. Here she developed administrative policy to improve Congressional Postal Employee morale and productivity.
In 1997, she returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and earned her real estate license. Within two years, she founded Advocates Realty. Starting a company in a city with virtually no social or business contacts would have stopped someone less confident, but Barbara knew if she could make it Washington, with a little hard work, she could make it in Dallas.
The rest is history. Barbara's life experience, business acumen and people skills serve her well. Her commitment to make a contribution to the real estate community and institute change for the better has been the driving force behind the success of Advocates Realty.
In addition to owning and leading her firm, from 2003-2006 she taught pre-licensing real estate classes at Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch, where she was recognized as the Instructor of the Year for 2005. She served as Co-Chair on the Brookhaven Corporate and Continuing Education Business Program Advisory Council 2003-2006. In 2006, Barbara founded AllStar Academy of Real Estate. In 2007, she partnered with Rhonda Hamilton Learning to broaden the AllStar curriculum to include National Association of REALTORŪ designation classes. Barbara is active in the Texas Association of Realtors and MetroTex Board of REALTORSŪ, serving on Professional Standards, Governmental Affairs, Forms & Contracts, Education and Community Outreach Committees.
She was 2005 Professional Standards Chair for the Dallas Women's Council of REALTORSŪ and 2006 Education Chair.
In 2003, Barbara was recognized by D Magazine as one of the top Dallas real estate agents, based on closing 157 transactions in one year. Although Barbara works with some real estate clients, her focus is shifting.
As more of the day-to-day responsibilities are delegated to Kathryn Piersall, her Senior VP of Operations, Barbara is becoming more involved in community affairs and local, state and national REALTORŪ organizations. With her years of experience in the public sector, and problem solving skills, she is a valuable addition to any organization.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Barbara is a fifth-generation Texan, born in San Antonio, raised in North Dallas and Farmers Branch. After graduating from Carrollton High School in 1962, she attended Texas Tech. Barbara and her husband Col. Bob Straughan, USAF, Retired, will be celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary this September. Their combined family includes seven children and nine grandchildren. | 
