For Andrea “Dre” Deel, real estate isn’t just a career — it’s a calling shaped by a childhood marked with hard lessons, a relentless work ethic, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

Raised in Watertown, Wisconsin, Andrea describes herself as “a city kid, a social butterfly but also enjoyed burying myself in a book.” An only child with a small immediate family and a large extended one, Andrea found belonging in her friendships, especially with her best friend Melissa Martinez, whose family gave her “basically a second home.”

“I thank God everyday for that part of my life,” Andrea reflects. “It takes a village they say and I'm so thankful I was able to be raised in a way by her village.”

Andrea credits her mother — who worked multiple jobs to keep them comfortable — with instilling her drive. “There is beauty in the struggle and ugliness in the success,” she says, quoting rapper J. Cole. “It certainly engrained relentless hard work into every ounce of my being.”

Andrea’s journey to real estate began unexpectedly. At just 14, she started working at NIKE, where she remained through her freshman year of college. Her boss, Tod Kolinski, became a pivotal figure in her life. “Not only did he ensure I understood my personal potential, but he also arranged college visits for me,” she says. One of those visits, to Marquette University, remains unforgettable.

She would later serve as an office manager at Century 21 Crossroads while still in college, and in 2015, she got her real estate license after her broker, Steph Bratz, offered to pay for her schooling if she agreed to give sales a shot. Andrea agreed.

“Here I am a decade later with my own brokerage, my own agents and enough repeat clientele to keep me more than happy!” she says.

In November 2024, Andrea launched Realty ONE Group Luminous in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The decision followed nearly a decade at Century 21 Affiliated, where she earned accolades like Rookie of the Year (2015), Quantum Leaper (2016), and Masters Emerald (2021–2023). A short stint with Berkshire - Lake Country preceded her bold move to open her own firm.

“I am the Broker Owner,” she says proudly, adding that she runs the franchise as an individual agent. The company culture is deeply intentional. “We live by the motto, ‘If you do right by all people, success will follow,’” she explains.

The brokerage emphasizes personalized service, custom marketing strategies, deep client consultations, and “succession plans for all agents, breaking down goals into small, achievable steps with intense follow-up.”

Their office? “Inspiring,” Andrea says. “Our agents LOVE to be here!” Complete with mastermind meetings, fun office competitions, and community volunteerism, the vibe at Realty ONE Group Luminous is anything but conventional.

At the heart of Andrea’s success is connection. “HANDS DOWN the relationships I have with my agents, agents outside our brand, ancillary partners and my clients are, and always will be, the most fulfilling part of my career,” she says.

That commitment is more than words. Andrea sponsors school events, coaches her daughter’s soccer team, and ensures her agents and clients feel seen and supported. “I compete with no one because I firmly believe there is enough for all of us and I want everyone to win,” she adds.

The most difficult part of her journey has been encountering those in the industry who lead with “ill intent, manipulation, deceit and anger.” But Andrea remains firm in her values. “Teamwork makes the dream work. Honesty is integrity. Your word is your bond.”

Away from work, Andrea and her husband Brady stay busy with their three children — Cooper (12), Emirae (11), and Elowen (4) — and their dog and two cats. They’re also preparing to welcome their fourth child soon. The family enjoys camping, music festivals, and vacations to places like Hawaii and Florida.

Whether attending NBA games, reading with her book club, or exploring new restaurants, Andrea lives a vibrant life filled with intention. Her guiding principle is simple but powerful: “Be kind.”

And for those just starting in the business? “Don’t give up!” Andrea says emphatically. “Everything you could ever want in this world is on the other side of hard.”