Since 2017, we’ve built a family-oriented business where our clients aren’t just transactions—they’re part of our extended family.
Hunter: One evening, I was playing at a piano bar when, as fate would have it, a beautiful woman came over to say hi—and we never stopped talking. Her name was Blair, and she later became my wife. She’s also the daughter of my real estate business partner, Dawn.
My path to working with Dawn was anything but conventional. I’m a performer at heart—I studied piano performance at The University of Memphis with dreams of becoming a famous musician. In college, I became involved in student leadership, eventually serving as student body president, which sparked my interest in politics. After graduation, I was offered two unique opportunities: a meeting with Justin Timberlake or an internship at the White House. I chose the latter and never looked back.
I moved to Washington, D.C., to intern for the Obama administration, where I had the incredible opportunity to write speeches for Vice President Biden. In the evenings, I played piano at a local bar, which is where I met Blair. Over time, I got to know her family, including her mom, Dawn. I eventually opened my own piano bar and continued to pursue creative projects, but I found myself drawn to work that had a more direct and lasting impact on people’s lives. In 2017, I took a leap and joined Dawn in real estate—a decision that blended my passion for connection, communication, and service in a powerful new way.
It was an incredible opportunity—I recognized Dawn as a top-performing REALTOR® and a true expert in her field. Since then, Blair and I have welcomed two wonderful kids, Jack (7) and Savannah (3). While I still perform a few times a month at my piano bar, my focus is helping individuals and families navigate the home buying and selling process. Dawn and I make a great team, and I’m grateful to be part of this family business.
Dawn: As a daughter of an Army Colonel and Northern Virginia native, my roots in the DMV area run deep. Helping people has always come naturally to me. I began my career as an assistant buyer in high-end retail, inspired by my mother, who worked as a model. I enjoyed the work, but I wanted more, which led me into the furniture industry. There, I worked my way up from management to a national sales and marketing role for a furniture manufacturer.
What I loved most was the company’s strong commitment to customer service and its family-oriented culture. I built lasting relationships with clients and learned that true service goes beyond transactions—it’s about making people feel heard, respected, and cared for. I stayed for 17 years, but after 9/11 the company changed ownership, and the culture shifted. I knew it was time for something new.
With years of experience in sales and contract negotiation, real estate felt like the perfect fit—an opportunity to keep doing what I love: helping people. I joined a brokerage known for excellent training and a strong sense of community. With my husband and me working hard to support our daughters, I had to learn fast. Starting a business from scratch wasn’t easy, but with hard work and support from my husband, I learned quickly. I was honored to be named Rookie of the Year and steadily grew my business, adapting through every market shift—from the 2005 housing boom to the 2008 crash—learning to thrive in all conditions.
Real estate has allowed me to travel, introduce my daughters, Whitney and Blair, to different cultures, and now enjoy time with my four grandchildren. Having Hunter join me in the business has been a full-circle moment—fulfilling my dream of keeping the business in the family while continuing to provide top-tier service to our clients.
Family is at the heart of our business. Over the years, our clients have come to know our spouses and children, creating meaningful connections that go beyond the transaction. We love building lasting relationships and strive to make our clients feel like part of our extended family. The fact that most of our business comes from referrals is a true reflection of the trust and care we put into every relationship.
As a team, we bring a balance of compassion and strategy. We craft thoughtful, personalized plans grounded in data and experience to help our clients achieve their goals. We negotiate fiercely to secure the best possible outcomes, always keeping our clients’ best interests at heart. No matter the budget, every client receives the same dedicated care, attention, and respect.
When you work with us, you benefit from two dedicated agents committed to delivering exceptional results. Dawn brings decades of experience and in-depth local expertise, while Hunter offers a refined, personable approach and sharp negotiating instincts. Together, we provide strategic guidance, tailored insight, and seamless communication to ensure you receive the elevated level of service and representation you deserve.
Sincerely,
Dawn Smith Gurganus Hunter Lang