Each time you cross the threshold of a property with your clients, you see their reaction and when you see that smile on their faces that shows that they’ve found “the one,” it’s an unforgettable moment.

Joy Bray cherishes that feeling, as well.

As Co-Owner of Gateway Real Estate, Joy Bray has a knack and passion for opening new doors for those around her.

“We’re not salespeople. We consider ourselves to be Real Estate Consultants. One of my favorite things is when you can tell when someone falls in love with a house. It’s a magical moment. They start deciding where to put their furniture, picking out who’s room is who’s all with a spark in their eyes. I love for those moments,” Joy says. 

“Some of these people thought they could never do this. I get hyped up on being able to help them achieve something that they maybe thought they couldn’t. It’s exciting to figure out a way for them to reach their dreams.”

True Leading Teamwork

Today, Joy leads Gateway Real Estate with her business partner — Broker and Co-Owner Ryan Kell.

Joy originally earned her real estate license in Arizona in 1999, then got her Missouri license in 2015.

“When I was originally licensed, I didn’t have the proper support to be successful in real estate. I was a statistic after two years and then gave up for a while,” Joy remembers. 

“After that, I focused on being a single mom for a long time and then I met a new man in 2008 and we moved to Missouri. I was here from 2008 to 2015 working at a Chase Bank Call Center. That’s when I told my husband I needed to get back into real estate.”

Stepping Forward

One day after work, Joy got an unforgettable surprise from her husband, Caleb.

“As I came out to the parking lot, he was waiting for me. I got in his truck and he drove me to real estate school. He said that he drove me there so that I could go in and sign up right away. At that point, I knew I was going to have someone who was all in with me,” Joy remembers with a smile. 

“I hit the ground running. As soon as I got licensed, Ryan and I partnered up there and then created Gateway Real Estate in 2020. We started with myself and Ryan and then added a buyer’s agent. Since then we have continued to grow. Today there are 21 of us in the brokerage.”

Joy and Ryan lead the team with a true sense of selfless service and a motto … People Before Profit.

The results of their work have been truly rewarding. In fact, they average we help more than 120 families each year.

Family Fulfillment

Away from work, Joy treasures time with her husband of 10 years, Caleb, and their children — 25-year-old daughter, Madi, who serves as the brokerage’s  Director of Operations; 13-year-old daughter, Cali; and 6-year-old daughter, Josi.

“My family has been the difference for me in what I do,” she says. “Caleb has been a game changer, he has been very supportive and is 100 percent behind me.”

In her free time, Joy likes being outdoors with her family chasing sunsets, taking their side-by-side out and driving the back roads. She and Caleb also finished their custom home on four acres near Nixa, Missouri.

Joy also likes being involved in the community. As part of that, Joy is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce.

“We also volunteer at the Ozarks Food Harvest. We are heavily invested in the community where we do the Nixa parade and we host Santa on our float. We also have an annual event called the Gateway Tour of Lights, which is a holiday light contest and super popular,” Joy says. “We also provide free coffee, drinks and treats at our local coffee shop called Chance of Sno to all of our Nixa police officers and first responders.”

Building Strong Bonds

When you talk with Joy, it’s easy to see why those who work with her and the team enjoy strong bonds with them.

“Everyone we do deals with becomes part of our Gateway family,” Joy emphasizes. 

“We continue to build relationships with them even after the deal is closed. In the process, we genuinely want to help and care for others.”

Day by day, Joy Bray is a leader … not just for herself … but for all those around her. 

Whether there are clients who rely on her help, team members who trust her experience and counsel or members of the community who see the results of her impact, Joy is proud to be there for others … to help them open new doors.