As I sat down with Jenelle Berry-Cook, I was eager to learn more about her inspiring journey—one that has taken her from Brooklyn to boardrooms, from Fortune 500 companies to the heart of North Dallas real estate. Recently featured on The American Dream TV, Janelle has had the incredible opportunity to showcase the vibrant communities and thriving businesses that make this region so special.
CL: Can you tell us a little about your and your husband’s background and what led you to where you are today?
Jenelle: I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, as the only child of a Jamaican immigrant and single mother. For high school, I attended a boarding school program five hours away from home. Leaving at such a formative time was challenging, but it was also transformative. The experience opened doors to educational opportunities that were less accessible in my neighborhood. It also exposed me to a level of wealth and possibility that inner-city kids like me rarely encountered. That exposure shaped my "sky’s the limit" mentality, which continues to fuel my drive in building my business and pursuing success.
I went on to earn my BA in International Relations from Tufts University and my MBA from Columbia Business School. My career has been both diverse and enriching, with roles at Fortune 500 companies like Apple, L'Oréal, and Estée Lauder. These experiences provided me with a solid foundation in sales, client management, and strategic business acumen. I developed skills in negotiating complex business deals, cross-team communication, and data-driven decision-making. Combined with my knack for building lasting relationships, these abilities have become integral to my work in both business and real estate, where I’m dedicated to delivering exceptional results for my clients.
Michael grew up in a working-class family that valued public education. As the son of a police officer and a secretary, he learned the value of hard work and dedication early on. With the support of many public school teachers, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a BS in Applied Economics and an MBA in Real Estate Finance from Cornell University.
Together, our diverse experiences and shared commitment to education, community, and growth continue to guide us in everything we do.
CL: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out?
Jenelle: Money! Funding is always a challenge for startups. While we raised $20 million, those were Limited Partner (LP) investment dollars allocated entirely for investments, not operations. Without General Partner (GP) funding, we had to bootstrap every dollar for operating expenses. We hired slowly, prioritized every expense, and at times, went without paying ourselves. It wasn’t easy, but it taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, resource management, and building something from the ground up.
CL: How did you go about acquiring investors? Was it a gradual process, or did you have a breakthrough moment?
Jenelle: Beyond our institutional investor outreach, I created the Everyday People Fund as part of our Friends & Family fundraising initiative. Our business plan always prioritized bringing more women and minorities to the investment table. Many high earners, particularly women and people of color, have limited access to investment opportunities due to high entry thresholds.
Leveraging my campaign management experience, I developed a strategy to raise funds within my network. Initially, we aimed for $500K but exceeded that target, raising $750K.
CL: Why did you choose to focus on North Dallas? What makes this market unique?
Jenelle: Over the past four years, I’ve built a solid business that encompasses real estate brokerage, construction, property management, and asset management. I’ve raised and deployed over $80 million in investor capital, purchased hundreds of homes across the DFW area, and even built an entire residential community in a southern suburb of Dallas. Now, I’m focused on expanding my services beyond investors by building a thriving residential brokerage right here in the Greater North Dallas area.
Why North Dallas? Because this is where my family lives, plays, and truly feels at home. Relocating here was one of the best decisions we’ve made, and since then, Michael and I have become deeply immersed in the community. We’ve actively supported our local school district and business community.
Today, Michael serves as an elected trustee on the Plano ISD School Board and he has also served on the Huffman School-Based Improvement Committee. Beyond his work with Plano ISD, Michael is an active member of the Plano Chamber of Commerce and Plano West Rotary. I’m proud to serve as a Director on the Plano ISD Education Foundation Board, as well as on the Board of Leadership Plano, the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s marquee leadership program. I’m also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America.
My commitment to the community stems from firsthand experience. As the only child of a Jamaican immigrant and single mother, I know how transformative equitable access to a quality education can be. It opens doors to opportunities that can change not only your life but also the lives of generations to come. That’s why I’m passionate about building a business that supports those who already call North Dallas home and those looking to make it their home. This is more than a market to me—it’s my community, and I’m dedicated to helping it thrive.
CL: What is American Dream TV? Can you tell us more about your experience with the show?
Jenelle: American Dream TV has been an incredible experience, allowing me to showcase the people, businesses, and stories that make Greater North Dallas so special.
When a casting agent first reached out, I thought it was a scam! But after some research, I met with Craig Sewing, the show’s creator, and knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. At first, I doubted myself—why me? But my husband, Michael, reminded me that stepping out of my comfort zone was exactly why I should say yes. And I’m so glad I did!
Being selected to represent North Dallas has allowed me to share what makes this area such a great place to live, work, and play. More than just selling homes, I want to be the go-to resource for newcomers—where to eat, where kids can play sports, and where to find the best local businesses. My goal is to be the Digital Mayor of Greater North Dallas—a true connector for my community.
As my business grows, I’m committed to helping local businesses thrive. In 2025, I plan to collaborate with Chambers of Commerce, school districts, and city outreach programs to strengthen our community.
The show airs on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, and even HGTV and the Travel Channel. Viewers can also catch all of my episodes on my YouTube channel.
CL: What is next?
Jenelle: Beyond real estate, I aim to support local businesses and community initiatives. My 2025 goal is to collaborate more closely with local chambers of commerce, schools, and outreach programs, using my platform to elevate our community.
Jenelle Berry Cook's journey is a testament of ambition, and the power of community. From navigating corporate roles to building a thriving real estate business, she has carved a path that inspires others to embrace new opportunities and pursue their dreams with confidence. As she continues to expand her impact in North Dallas, her commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement remains at the heart of her success.
Why North Dallas? Because this is where my family lives, plays, and truly feels at home. Relocating here was one of the best decisions we’ve made..
The American Dream TV, EMMY® nominated, TELLY® Award-winning lifestyle show highlighting communities across America, from major cities to small towns. More than just a TV show, we’re a nationwide platform dedicated to sharing inspiring stories and celebrating the people who make a difference. Through positive media, they spotlight philanthropy, foster connections, and showcase the unique character of the communities they serve.