Dean embarked on his real estate career while preparing for a completely different path as a CPA. Only a few years after high school, he managed the teller line at an Old Stone Bank branch in Cranston while attending accounting classes at CCRI. His interest took a new turn when a REALTOR® and video store customer observed, “You’re so good with people; why don’t you try real estate?”

Real estate soon became Dean’s passion, and by the time he received his license in 1989, he had already charted the course he wanted his career to follow. His passion and sense of direction led to a second interview at Century 21 Towne Crier Agency in Coventry, where he became a sales associate despite being told emphatically that they were “not hiring.” He continued at that office for another five years and later transferred to RE/MAX Professionals in East Greenwich, where he stayed for seven years.

Dean’s exceptional drive and commitment to his clients propelled him to achieve a top-ranking position among all agents statewide. His success in his personal sales career is underscored by noteworthy achievements in both closed transactions and sales volume. Focused on entrepreneurial excellence, Dean strategically leveraged his business acumen and embraced the Team model from the outset. This foresight allowed him to cultivate a thriving team of 13 members, each specializing in distinct areas of expertise.

In 2000, Dean was a founding partner in opening Keller Williams Central Rhode Island and held various positions within the company, including Operating Principal, Team Leader, Productivity Coach, and Mentor. In 2014, Dean founded HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate, becoming the first East Coast location of the national franchise.

As the broker and CEO, Dean leads a sales force of over 250 associates serving the Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts marketplaces.

Dean has made significant contributions to the REALTOR industry in various roles. As a prominent member of the Kent Washington Association of REALTORS, he served as President in 2008 and received the Richard L. Phipps Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his dedicated service. He was also honored as Kent Washington Association’s Realtor of the Year in both 2010 and 2014.

Dean’s commitment extended to the state level, where he served as a director on the board of the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service and the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS. In 2019, he assumed the role of President for the Rhode Island Association and was recognized as the state’s REALTOR of the Year in 2014.

On a national scale, Dean accepted the role of Federal Political Coordinator to Congressman David Cicilline for the National Association of Realtors. He presently holds a position on NAR’s Broker Engagement Council, contributing to the industry at a broader level.

Dean is a widely respected speaker and instructor for local and state REALTOR Associations as well as the RI Young Professionals Network, where he presents on timely industry topics and educational programs. In 2011, Dean was recognized by the Kent Washington Association of REALTORS as its Educator of the Year.

In his local community, Dean chaired the West Warwick Board of Assessment and Review for an impressive 25 years and has been a dedicated committee member for the Coventry Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which assists program clients in transitioning from Section 8 housing to homeownership.

Dean shares this advice for REALTORS: “Have a passion for what you do!”

He lives by that motto in his work, personal life, home, committee work, and numerous causes. Dean approaches every undertaking with a planner’s drive, a designer’s eye for detail, and a participant’s hands-on, “get the job done” approach. He handles every situation with sensitivity and diplomacy and radiates positive energy, infusing his immediate surroundings with a touch of class.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know Dean.

Watch Dean’s interview with Chris Watters

Advice for New Real Estate Agents with Dean deTonnancourt