by /
I first met Dionne Malush on a Sims Distillery call, where her ability to blend art, business, and leadership into a coherent, grounded practice immediately stood out.
One moment that still makes me smile: I sent Dionne a pair of socks with her face on them, and she posted, “Does this mean I have made it when I find my face on a pair of socks?” It was a small gesture, but her reaction said a lot about the energy she brings to every connection.
She moved from graphic design into real estate by applying what she knew—how to market clearly, build relationships, and stay accountable to results.
From Pittsburgh Hustle to Entrepreneurial Drive
Raised outside Pittsburgh, Dionne learned discipline and responsibility early. At 16, she was already attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and working three jobs. Her education extended beyond the classroom. A workplace incident that penalized her for overworking pushed her to take initiative: she used that time to teach herself computer design.
She eventually opened Total Grafx, later known as PrimeTime Design Co., which built a solid client base including organizations like Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller, JetStream Ground Services, and the Carnegie Library of Homestead.
Her design career required sustained focus, adaptability, and hands-on learning—a foundation that would later influence her work in real estate.
A Shift to Real Estate with Design as Leverage
A business fallout nudged Dionne toward real estate. What started as part-time exploration quickly became a full-time calling after her first successful closing.
She brought her design skills with her, using visual storytelling to create listings that resonated with buyers. The approach led to measurable results and steady recognition across multiple brokerages: top 1% at Coldwell Banker, Centurion Award at Century 21 Frontier, and high rankings at RE/MAX and Northwood.
This closely relates to what I discussed with Kyle Strohschein and Chris Scott of the Paperless agent about “Crafting Persuasive Real Estate Marketing Content that Drives Customer Action.”
Client results—such as quick closings and competitive pricing—underscored her approach. Professional credentials like ABR®, CLHMS, and CRE™ added structure to her work, but consistent client feedback highlighted clear communication and reliable delivery.
Building Realty ONE Group Gold Standard with a Systems Mindset
Dionne partnered with Michael Hanlon to launch Realty ONE Group Gold Standard in Western Pennsylvania. Their goal was to offer something that addressed the limitations they’d observed in traditional models.
I’ve done training with Tom Ferry and been on his podcast talking about real estate marketing systems. What stands out to me about Dionne is that she’s actually doing the work, not just talking theory.
She’s built a brokerage that applies these same systems at scale, with real accountability. That’s rare in this industry.
Reworking the Brokerage Model
The brokerage operates on a 100% commission structure, with agents paying a flat or low monthly fee—a model intended to simplify and increase transparency.
What defines their model is the layered infrastructure supporting that simplicity. Agents have access to Broker/Attorney Jen Enciso, a responsive back office, and technology like the zONE platform.
They also benefit from a full training ecosystem through ONE.U that covers everything from onboarding to advanced mentorship.
Culture as Deliberate Practice
The internal culture—referred to as “Coolture”—emphasizes transparency, autonomy, and shared learning. Dionne and her team reinforce the principle that “EveryONE has a voice,” encouraging collaboration over competition.
This structure extends into community engagement. The brokerage maintains involvement at both local and national levels, anchoring values in practice. Over the last three years, the organization has expanded across several Pittsburgh-area locations, supporting over 200 agents and contributing to more than $1 billion in closed real estate deals.
Mindset as a Leadership Tool
In parallel with day-to-day operations, Dionne leads a Think and Grow Rich mastermind that draws from the work of Napoleon Hill. This is a framework she integrates directly into training and mentorship.
She is currently working toward certification as a Napoleon Hill instructor and has already earned credentials from the Napoleon Hill Institute. Additionally, she is certified in the B.A.N.K IOS system, which focuses on applying personality theory to communication and sales.
These practices are part of the business rhythm. Early morning calls, accountability structures, and mindset coaching are embedded in the operation to help agents manage uncertainty and build endurance.
Multiplying Knowledge Through Media and Writing
Podcasting as Exploration
Dionne launched the “Shine On Success” podcast following the loss of her father. It became a platform for exploring how people face adversity and reshape their narratives. Her goal is to conduct 500 interviews that reflect both the personal and professional sides of resilience.
Guests come from a wide range of fields: business, arts, and sports. The conversations focus on how individuals respond to pressure and turn the challenge into learning.
Writing to Clarify Ideas
She has contributed to books like “Journeys to Success” and written practical guides such as “25 Tips for Selling a Home in Pittsburgh.”
In Brainz Magazine, she wrote about turning grief into creative action. That piece struck a chord with agents who were dealing with personal setbacks and needed a new way to reframe them.
Resilience and Disclosure
Dionne speaks openly about difficult experiences—bullying, business setbacks, and personal loss. Her decision to share these moments helps provide context for her current work and invites others to reflect on their own paths.
Her response to adversity often takes the shape of new initiatives. Whether launching a podcast or guiding a mastermind group, she tends to move forward by building.
Outside of work, she values time with her husband, family, Pittsburgh sports, and outdoor activities like snowmobiling and boating.
Looking at Success as a System
Dionne Malush runs her real estate business the same way she ran her design company—based on what works, what scales, and what builds people up.
Her approach focuses on refining processes, adjusting where needed, and creating models that others can adapt.
What part of Dionne’s journey resonates with your own?
Her story offers a proven path if you’re building a brokerage or struggling to find a system that scales. Reach out, learn from her structure, and see what’s possible.
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations.
He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications.
Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries.
Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.