Tracy Thomas Jungels

Written by Elizabeth McCabe | Photos by Shawna McDuffie, Peak RES

It was just her, the ocean, and a humpback whale the size of a school bus. Swimming alongside it in the turquoise waters of Tonga, Tracy felt a soul-to-soul connection unlike anything she’d ever experienced. The playful baby whales swirled around her, curious and fearless, reminding her of the smaller joys in life.

“It was incredibly magical and humbling. I still think about that every day,” she says. The experience left a mark on her just as Tracy leaves a mark on her clients. Known for her compassion, warmth, and genuine care, she has built a real estate career rooted in relationships rather than transactions.

“A big part of who I am and what I am known for is entertaining and making everyone feel comfortable and welcome,” says Tracy. That goes for friends in her home as well as hosting real estate events for REALTORS®.

Since earning her license in 1994, Tracy has helped more than 1,000 families in Oklahoma City and Edmond find their place to call home. “I’ve been in the business so long that I’ve helped clients’ kids find homes,” she smiles. “I’m a multi-generational REALTOR®.” With over $350 million in career transactions and a recent move to Stetson Bentley Real Estate, Tracy continues to be a leader in Oklahoma real estate.

People, Not Property

“Every transaction tells a story,” Tracy shares. Over the years, many of her clients have become close friends, with referrals making up the majority of her business. “Helping their families has been very rewarding.”

Even in slower market seasons, she finds ways to pivot and grow. A humorous story from 2009 illustrates her creativity: “When the market was really slow, I had a model home and started watching the Food Network all afternoon. That’s how I taught myself to cook at a home-chef level! I’d buy groceries based on what I saw and recreate the dishes that night.”

Efficiency is a hallmark of Tracy’s career. Last year, she closed over 50 transactions totaling $37 million in volume. Still, numbers aren’t her focus. “I never want my clients to feel like they are just a transaction. My heart and soul go into the people, making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.”

Referrals remain one of her greatest joys. “Helping my clients’ friends and family members is very fulfilling,” she says.

What drives her? Relationships.

“Making each client feel that they truly matter, no matter their price point or stage in life, is incredibly important. I love helping first-time buyers and those ‘right-sizing’ into a home that fits them perfectly. Most of my clients become close friends, and staying connected with them is a priority.”

Her expertise also extends deeply into new construction and the design-build process. “I have been fortunate to work for Bill Roberts, one of Oklahoma’s most respected developers and builders, who gave me inside knowledge of how homes are constructed from the ground up. I’ve custom-built my own homes several times,” she says. That knowledge now benefits her clients as she guides them through functional design decisions with an eye toward future resale value.

Collaboration with trusted partners is another cornerstone of her success. “A strong real estate career doesn’t happen alone,” Tracy emphasizes. “Having the right lenders, title companies, inspectors, and vendors alongside me is just as important as working with fellow REALTORS®. Those partnerships ensure every client has the smoothest possible experience.”

From Ticket Counters to Closing Tables

Before launching her real estate career, Tracy spent 10 years in the airline industry, working at the ticket counter, gate, and in operations. Let’s just say she learned to handle turbulence, whether from delayed flights and stressed passengers, with ease.

“My goal was always to stay calm and help people through stressful situations,” she recalls. Professionalism and customer service became second nature.

That chapter also sparked her love of travel, which continues today. “Working in the airline industry gave me a front-row seat to people, cultures, and new experiences. In many ways, real estate isn’t so different. Both are about serving people, solving problems, and staying calm under pressure.”

Balance and Flexibility

To thrive in real estate, flexibility is essential. “I’m a Libra, so balance is very important to me. I’ve had to work hard to balance career and personal life, especially during COVID, when it felt impossible.” She credits her husband, Tony, for being her biggest supporter, stepping in both at home and with her business when needed.

Her children grew up alongside her career. “My kids were used to inspections and showings,” she laughs. “They were impatient at times, so I created a reward system, adding a little extra to their allowance for every closing. Soon they were asking, ‘Mom, did you sell a house today?’”

Life wasn’t always easy. One of Tracy’s biggest challenges was being a single mom. “My dad passed away when I was 11, and I watched my mom raise us on her own. Later, when I became a single parent, I knew my kids needed stability. It was important that they grew up confident and supported.”

Successful co-parenting became a priority. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says. “That mindset carried me through both family life and difficult transactions; I always worked to find a win-win solution.”

Thankful for Family

“My family is my greatest source of joy,” Tracy says with a smile.

Her son, Sean, is a senior recruiter at Devon Energy, married to Shandee, who also works at Devon. Her daughter, Briana, followed in her footsteps eight years ago. “She’s a talented go-getter and fabulous with social media,” says Tracy proudly. “We’re both successful but run our businesses differently.” Briana is married to Niko, a retired Canadian Air Force pilot who now flies for a major airline.

Together, the family shares a love for travel, culture, and food. Tracy beams when she talks about her grandchildren: Harrison, 18, who recently began trade school in Wyoming, and Poppy, 3, who is “full of life like her mom.”

Annual family vacations, whether to Colorado, Hawaii, or Europe, remain a treasured tradition. “Creating lasting memories together is so important,” she says.

Another source of joy? Her beloved French Bulldogs. “They come with me on appointments and bring smiles wherever they go. They remind me to slow down and enjoy the smaller things in life.”

Believing in Yourself

“If you believe in yourself and work hard, there is always a way forward to accomplish whatever you want in life. That mindset has shaped my entire career,” Tracy reflects. With over three decades in real estate, she has learned how to persevere, find opportunities in obstacles, and stay calm under pressure, even when swimming alongside 40-ton humpback whales.