Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Morton
Hi Deborah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into real estate is anything but conventional. I started out as an art student in Dallas, Texas, before moving to Atlanta to work in the hospitality industry. Creativity has always been a part of me, but entrepreneurship became my true passion. I didn’t work full-time as an artist, but I found another creative and people-focused outlet—becoming a barber.
After years of honing my skills and building relationships, I opened my own barbershop and spent two decades serving a community I loved. But standing on my feet for 10 hours a day wasn’t a sustainable long-term plan. That realization led me to start a manufacturing business and real estate, which became a fulfilling career. It allows me to continue serving my community, engaging with people, and using my business acumen in a new way.
Today, I’m the founder of Clareo Real Estate and the host of Inside Georgia Real Estate on WSB radio. My work is about more than just transactions—it’s about helping people create their Clear Path to Success, by providing clarity and certainty through the real estate process. The Radio show is fun- I get to share my experience and skills and talk about things that help people. Real estate allows me to be both a business leader and a community advocate, which is exactly where I thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is about adapting, learning, and pushing through challenges. Building a barbershop from the ground up taught me resilience and the importance of community relationships. I learned valuable business skills with my manufacturing business. When I transitioned to real estate, I faced new challenges—establishing credibility in a competitive industry, learning the ins and outs of an entirely new field, and navigating the ups and downs of the market.
I found success quickly and grew a team into a brokerage. Managing a growing business presents its own set of challenges—every business owner in Atlanta knows how difficult it is to find help. It’s even harder when the standards are high: skilled professionals who are passionate about their purpose and committed to service. Real estate is a tough industry, and it’s not for everyone. Overcoming management challenges, recruiting, training, and scaling a business are some of the hardest parts of what I do. Through it all, I’ve relied on my faith, my work ethic, and my love for serving others to push forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Clareo Real Estate & Host of WSB 95.5 FM Talk Radio, Inside Georgia Real Estate show?
At Clareo Real Estate, we take a fresh approach to real estate. We’re not just selling homes; we’re helping people make some of the most important financial decisions of their lives. My background in business ownership has shaped the way I run Clareo—everything is client-centered, strategic, and built on trust. Tech is a big part of what we do, and I enjoy being ahead of the curve with change. Massive change is ahead of us with the advancement of Ai. Keeping a “People Centric” business while embracing tech is my focus and challenge for growth.
We serve buyers and sellers in the Atlanta metro area with a commitment to excellence, using innovative marketing strategies, negotiation expertise, and deep local knowledge to help our clients achieve their goals. I also invest heavily in training and mentoring my agents because I believe that strong professionals create a stronger industry.
Beyond Clareo, I host Inside Georgia Real Estate on WSB radio, where I break down the home-buying and selling process, share market insights, and answer real estate questions in a way that’s accessible and engaging. This platform allows me to reach a broader audience and provide the kind of guidance that helps people make informed decisions. Whether it’s through my company or my radio show, my mission is the same—to educate, empower, and serve.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is part of the entrepreneurial journey; I’ve never been afraid to take chances. Opening my barbershop and starting a manufacturing business both required courage and faith. Moving into real estate after 20 years in another career was another big leap of faith. One of the hardest times for me was when my partnership with the manufacturing company dissolved. That business failed. It was a disappointment, but I learned a lot, and – it made me who I am today; I am grateful for that. Every great opportunity comes with uncertainty, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts and embrace change.
I’ve taken risks in business by investing in marketing strategies and tech, hiring and training agents, and expanding services to better serve my clients. Some decisions have paid off immediately, while others did not- but became learning experiences. I believe that success is about persistence—continuing to move forward, adjusting where needed, and staying committed to the bigger vision and purpose.
Overcoming obstacles has always come down to mindset. It starts with Purpose. We each have God-given talents and a reason to be here. A higher calling or Purpose, good habits, and determination bring success. Attempting hard things and succeeding (or not dying) build confidence. One of the ways I learned good habits and learned to push through adversity was through my love of triathlon. I was a competitive triathlete, and that sport taught me mental toughness and resilience. All people are tougher than they know. Passion, purpose, and focus help us achieve great things. I’ve faced setbacks, moments of doubt, and unexpected challenges, but when I feel fear, I don’t let it dictate my path. I keep showing up, keep learning, and keep building. At the end of the day, entrepreneurship isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about creating something meaningful, taking the road less traveled, and making an impact along the way.
Pricing:
- Selling Evaluation & Consultation: Free
- Buyer Consultation: Free
- 2 hour Staging consultation: $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clareorealestate.com and https://insidegeorgiarealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clareorealestate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareoGroup
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahmortonrealtor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clareorealestate and https://www.youtube.com/@insidegeorgiarealestate
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@insidegeorgiarealestate
