Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Wooten.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Little Rock, AR, but I relocated to Memphis, TN, to pursue my educational journey at the University of Memphis, where I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology. Afterward, I decided to make Memphis my home base. At the age of 23, I purchased my first home while becoming the caretaker for my 72-year-old grandmother, my “Nana.” This experience sparked my interest in working in the senior healthcare arena.
I was immediately recognized for my innate ability to mobilize resources and inspire others. Shortly after, I obtained my real estate license in May of 1989. My real estate career began at Germantown Realty, where I was not only the youngest realtor but also the first African American real estate agent at that location. I later continued my journey at several other local real estate companies, where I consistently earned the title of Top Producer of the Year.
In November 2003, after receiving my Broker’s license, I founded Progressive Realty Services, LLC (PRS), the driving force behind my success. Under my leadership, thousands of clients have achieved homeownership, with many even becoming real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and appraisers themselves. In 2015, I received the “Woman of Excellence” award and became a Lifetime Member of both the Memphis Association of Real Estate Multi-Million Dollar Club and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Million Dollar Club. Most recently, PRS received national recognition as the “Best Real Estate Company of the Year” by NAREB.
Currently, PRS operates as a “One Stop Shop,” managing over 250 properties for clients and investors locally and internationally. Our services include financing, credit counseling, leasing and lease purchasing, sales, and short sales. After hearing the “voice of God” and following His direction, I expanded my brand to include an MBE-certified construction company, Victory Investments LLC.
Additionally, my passion for serving others led to the founding of my nonprofit, Reaching Back, Incorporated. One morning, I saw a news story about an elderly woman in desperate need of home repairs. I sent one of my contractors to assess the situation, and when I shared the story with a friend, she encouraged me to start a nonprofit instead of funding repairs on my own. That was the birth of Reaching Back, Inc., whose mission is to help seniors “age gracefully” in their homes by providing minor and major home repairs at no cost. Our vision is to ensure that seniors in Memphis and Shelby County live in safe and sustainable homes.
I believe in always giving my best and serving those in need—a value instilled in me by my mother, Rose Douglas, who never met a stranger and worked alongside former President Clinton and the First Lady on various community service projects.
My most cherished accomplishment is my daughter, Kaitlin, or “Coco,” as she is lovingly called by family and friends. I’ve made sure she understands the importance of entrepreneurship and giving back. Because I believe in building generational wealth, I encouraged Coco to follow in my footsteps. At just 14 years old, she became the President and CEO of her own jewelry brand, In-Cahoots Bracelets. Her designs have caught the attention of national celebrities, including comedians Mike Epps and Mo’Nique.
In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking for my agents, employees, close friends, and family, as well as traveling abroad. Recently, I’ve begun writing a self-autobiography about my legacy.
My favorite quote is: “I will believe for you until you can believe for yourself.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been an easy road on this journey of starting the nonprofit. One of the biggest struggles has been knowing there are hundreds of seniors here in the Mid-South who need help—individuals who paved the way for so many of us, yet now have no one to support them in their time of need. We currently have a list of over 750 seniors who are in need of assistance and support within their homes.
Actually, I’m in the process of writing a book titled *“You Don’t Get to Quit”*—because I’ve lived that truth. When the housing market crashed, my daughter was just 3 years old, and I lost everything. I had to move out of my office and into my home, and eventually, I filed for bankruptcy. In the midst of that hardship, I used the cash value of my life insurance policy to start my property management company, as well as a general contracting business. That’s how I was able to survive one of the most critical economic moments in my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Reaching Back Inc./Progressive Realty Services LLC/Victory Investments, Inc.?
The nonprofit Reaching Back Inc. was established in 2022. While my passion is real estate, my true purpose is helping seniors with minor and major repairs in their homes, including roofing, A/C, heating, grab bars, ramps, and more. For many years, because God had blessed me, I was helping seniors out of my own pocket. One day, while on vacation with a good friend, she suggested that if I truly enjoyed helping seniors, I should start a nonprofit organization. And so, Reaching Back Inc. was born in 2022.
We are excited about the work we do because I have been mandated by God to help others in this way. In addition to home repairs, we connect seniors with services beyond just fixing their homes, such as emergency utility assistance, food boxes, and other resources to ensure they live in safe, comfortable, and dignified environments. We do good work, and I am incredibly proud of the impact we’re making in the lives of the seniors we serve.
On the real estate side, I am proud of the work I’ve done as the Broker/Owner of Progressive Realty Services. I am a MAAR Lifetime member and also own a property management and general contracting company, with MBE/WBE/LOSB certifications. In 2022, I was even nominated as Real Estate Company of the Year by NAREB.
On the nonprofit side, Reaching Back Inc. is where my heart truly lies, and I am so proud of the brand we’ve built. Helping seniors age gracefully in their homes by taking action now, when it’s needed most, is something I am deeply passionate about. I’m known for real estate, which is my passion, but helping seniors is my purpose!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Fun fact that most don’t know about me: I used to be a park ranger!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reachingbackinc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachingbackinc?igsh=MWdjMnNxa2kxd2Y1Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18w18Xqz6X/?mibextid=wwXIfr
