We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joanna Oates. Check out our conversation below.
Joanna, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve found so much joy in simple evenings outdoors—sitting around the fire pit with my husband and our friends. There’s something special about those unhurried moments, where the conversation flows, the stars are out, and life just slows down for a bit. It’s become my favorite way to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with the people who matter most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Joanna Oates, founder of Sure2Close, a real estate transaction coordination company that helps agents, brokers, and teams create smoother, more efficient closings so they can focus on what they do best—building relationships and growing their business.
What makes Sure2Close special is the heart behind it. We don’t just manage files; we bring peace of mind. Every transaction represents someone’s dream, and our job is to make sure that dream closes on time and stress-free. Over the years, I’ve built a team that values communication, consistency, and care. We treat every deal as if it were our own.
Right now, I’m focused on deepening our partnerships with agents and brokerages across the country and refining the systems that make Sure2Close a trusted name in transaction coordination. We’re continuing to grow while staying true to the personal touch and attention to detail that built our reputation from day one.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bonds between people most often is a lack of communication and understanding. When we stop listening, stop giving each other the benefit of the doubt, or let assumptions take the place of honest conversations, relationships start to drift. Whether it’s in business, friendship, or family, disconnection usually starts quietly—with missed moments or unspoken feelings.
What restores those bonds is just as simple—intentional time and empathy. Taking the time to really see and hear someone, to slow down long enough to understand where they’re coming from, changes everything. I’ve learned that humility and grace go a long way in rebuilding trust. No relationship is perfect, but when people feel valued and safe, connection always finds its way back.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me faith, patience, and perspective in a way success never could. When everything is going smoothly, it’s easy to believe we’re the ones in control. But in the difficult seasons, I’ve learned that God often does His best work. Those moments remind me to lean on Him, trust His timing, and believe that even the hard things are part of a bigger plan.
Through pain and setbacks, I discovered that suffering isn’t punishment, it’s preparation. It builds strength, deepens faith, and teaches gratitude in a way success never will. Success may show you what you can do, but suffering shows you who God is and how He can use every experience to shape your heart and your purpose.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would say that what matters most to me is connection and integrity – being present, keeping my word, and creating an environment where everyone feels supported. I believe relationships are built in the small, consistent moments, not the big ones, and that how you show up for your people every day is what truly counts.
They’d also tell you I value peace and purpose. I don’t chase perfection, but I do care deeply about building a life and business that reflect what matters most – love, balance, and the kind of calm that comes from knowing you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the feeling of knowing everything was handled. Beyond systems and checklists, they’d miss the calm confidence that comes from having someone in their corner who genuinely cares. My goal has always been to bring order, communication, and peace to what can be a very stressful process. I’ve built Sure2Close around that standard—treating every agent, client, and transaction as if it were my own.
They’d probably miss the personal touch most—the texts when something unexpected happens, the phone calls to reassure them that it’s all under control, and the genuine excitement I share when we finally get to say “closed.” I’ve never seen this work as paperwork; to me, it’s about people. It’s about helping someone get to the finish line of their dream.
What I hope they’d say they’d miss most, though, is the trust. The knowledge that if Joanna or Sure2Close was involved, it would be done right—with care, excellence, and heart from start to finish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sure2close.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaoates/
