John Upshaw

CELEBRATING LEADERS

STORY BY ZACH COHEN | PHOTOS BY NESTED TOURS

A Sense of Home

From an early age, John Upshaw had a clear vision for his life ahead.

“I thought I would always be a school teacher and some sort of athletic coach,” he begins.

When John was in high school, he was given the opportunity to do a “student-teacher swap” — allowing him to be a school teacher for an entire day. He was responsible for everything from leading the class to lesson planning.

John went on to have a long, enjoyable career as a middle school math teacher and basketball coach in Edmond and Moore. For nearly two decades, he was living his dream.

And yet, after nearly 20 years as a teacher, John was drawn to a new lifestyle. His parents, L.C. and Mila Upshaw, were REALTORS® in the Oklahoma City area for 20 years, and John had dabbled into real estate in his personal life after completing a for sale by owner and building a new home.

In 2015, John turned toward real estate.

“I wanted to become a real estate agent because I needed more income to support my family and also to have more flexibility with my personal time. I grew up in this environment as a kid, and it’s always fascinated me," he explains.

Fresh Beginnings

John has never seen himself as a salesperson. He views himself as a resource and an advisor, preferring relationship development and customer appreciation to hardline sales tactics. He believes that’s the foundation of his success.

By 2017, John formed the Upshaw Real Estate Group, and his team currently has three agents, including John. In 2020, John sold 53 homes for $10.6 million, and in 2021, he closed 49 transactions for nearly $10 million.

As Team Leader, John continues to employ his love for teaching.

“Teaching is still in my blood. I love helping other real estate agents out. I even coach some of our agents in my building. It’s given me real joy to share with others what I’ve known and experienced,” John says.

Committed to His Community

John was born in Atlus, Oklahoma, graduated from Westmoore High School in 1996, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and taught in Edmond and Moore for 16 years. Suffice it to say, he is deeply rooted in the community. As he’s achieved real estate success, he makes sure he continues to give back to those around him.

“From my parents, teachers, coaches (and other adults) that raised me, to the colleagues (and students) I’ve worked with in the classroom, and to the people I work with now, I’ve learned that putting others before yourself is what it’s really about.”

John has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for 12 years. They have two kids, Andrew (9) and Hannah (4), and a 20-year-old nephew that they’ve raised since he was nine. Together, the Upshaw family enjoys traveling, watching movies, attending sporting events, playing games, and dining out.

Remember Who You Are

A quote from John’s junior high football coach, John Burruss, has stayed with him all these years. “Remember who you are and whom you represent.”

“Remember who you are and whom you represent.”

As John looks ahead, he keeps one of his favorite quotes close to his chest. In his personal and professional life, he strives to put others before himself. He wants his peers and colleagues to know that if they put their hearts and minds into something, they will achieve it. More than anything, he rests in a state of gratitude.

“I never dreamt that I would have this much success in real estate. It really has changed my life in so many ways.”