Lauren Toppins
In just three short years, Lauren Toppins has grown Cherrywood Real Estate to one of Oklahoma City’s fastest-rising real estate brokerages. Founded in May 2020, Cherrywood has already grown to a team of 47 agents spread over two offices — one in Oklahoma City and another in Edmond. The brokerage is supported by a full-service property management division and two construction crews to provide homeowners and investors with additional resources.
Cherrywood Real Estate is more than a brokerage. It’s a place for agents to build their careers and raise their families. It’s a place where clients can feel at home. For Lauren, community, culture, and family are everything.
The Road to Cherrywood
Lauren was born and raised in Lawton, OK. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from Oklahoma University before launching a career as an attorney. Lauren went on to spend ten years as a corporate lawyer in various roles.
She was first introduced to the world of real estate through her in-house counsel work for a local payroll provider. As the only attorney on staff, she was tasked with managing leases, strategizing, and negotiating in the real estate sector.
“I caught the real estate bug,” Lauren reflects.
After ten years as an attorney, Lauren shifted into a role as a stay-at-home mom to her three daughters. During this time, she began focusing on personal investments — buying properties, fixing them up, and flipping them for a profit. As she delved deeper into real estate, she uncovered increasing passion for the work, but one thing was missing.
“I found I missed the professional engagement I had as a licensed attorney. I wanted to be a part of people’s processes,” Lauren explains.
With the desire to be more connected, Lauren set out to build a real estate brokerage. The idea for Cherrywood Real Estate was born in 2019, and the company officially launched a year later.
Built on Culture
Over the past three years, Lauren has built a unique culture at Cherrywood Real Estate.
“Real estate can be isolating, and the goal of Cherrywood is to put a boutique, customized experience together with a family concept,” Lauren explains. “We have a kids' room at every office. We are professional and have that separation, but it’s a family environment. That's a big part of our culture.”
Another big piece of Cherrywood’s culture is the ability to manage multiple parts of a real estate deal. In addition to their team of agents who help families buy and sell real estate, they have a property management division and two construction crews.
“If someone wants to invest in real estate, we can quote it, renovate it, then even manage the property and get a tenant in there,” Lauren explains.
Dreaming Big
Lauren is guiding Cherrywood into the future with an attitude of positivity and optimism. She surrounds herself with the best in the business, which not only allows her business to thrive; it helps her be more available for her family.
Lauren and her husband, Matt, have three daughters, Dylan (13), Walker (9), and Maguire (6). In 2019, they lost their youngest daughter, Claire, 25 hours post-birth.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Lauren hanging with her family at Grand Lake, watching Sooners games, or simply spending time at home.
“I'm hardworking, I love my family, and I truly care — maybe a little too much. That’s what I really want people to know about me, “ Lauren says. “I’m loud, kind of silly, and have a big heart. I want to teach my daughters that you can have it all. Life has taken me through a crazy path, but if you stay with trying to help people, things will work out.
“I’m thankful. It's been a ride, but we're just starting. I can't wait to see where else the business goes.”
Words of Wisdom
“Try to find a place that supports you on the days you're winning and on your hard days. I hope we all continue to encourage each other to push to the next level. Some days that looks like education, and some days it's kindness. Let's all strive for 1% more of our better selves every day.”
