Welcome to Ink and Iron

Why Ink And Iron? It's about the fusion of two powerful worlds. I'm fluent in both real estate and tech, and I bring these two worlds together through strategic writing to help industry leaders accomplish their goals.

Ink represents the storytelling that’s threaded through every role I’ve ever had — from ghostwriting executive speeches, newsletters and online content, to crafting ad copy for homebuilders, to shaping brand voices for tech startups.

Iron is the foundation — the grit of real estate, the resilience of mortgage lending, and the innovation of tech startup culture.

About Me

I'm Dezzi Rae Marshall, your strategic ghostwriter.

I’ve worn the titles of marketer, PR director, mortgage originator, startup founder, recruiter, and coach. But underneath it all, I’ve always been a writer — turning complex ideas into stories that connect, convert, and create legacies.

At Ink and Iron, I fuse deep industry experience with sharp, strategic writing to build personal brands that stand the test of time.

The Strategic Advantage of Deep Dual Expertise

I'm just going to come right out and say it: There aren't very many people who combine the craft of strategic writing with a deep knowledge of both the real estate AND tech industries from an insider's perspective, and who has seen both industries transform over the last 30 years . I'm one of those people.

When I use the term "insider's perspective", it's not just because I spent the first third of my career crafting integrated marketing campaigns as an ad agency Account Executive, Marketing Director, and PR Director for multi-million dollar masterplan new home communities and in-fills. I was also personally in the trenches as a real estate salesperson and a CA DRE-licensed mortgage loan officer.

Having been exposed as a marketing professional to tech at a time when print was turning digital, my biggest frustration with my day-to-day in those real estate trenches was the lack of tech adaptation that would have made processes faster, more seamless and an overall better experience for all parties concerned.

Back then, the term "proptech" wasn't even a thing, and the number of companies in that space were few and far between but I found myself gravitating towards the tech startup industry because it was exciting, innovative and disruptive.

In the same way that my priority as a loan officer was to deliver unparalleled client experience, over the last 15 years, I've made my mark as a recruiter specializing in both tech AND mortgage recruiting, and have used my skills to help tech startup founders build their teams from the ground up. The reverse side of recruiting is job search strategy work, and by using the sales, marketing, PR and advertising skills that I honed during my real estate years, I've helped 100's of people from all walks of life successfully pivot into fulfilling tech careers.

What's been the common thread in everything that I've done? Strategic writing.

Strategic writing is how...

... I was able to help draw homebuyers to the new home communities that relied on me for my marketing expertise.

... as a brand-new mortgage loan originator, I was able to generate my own leads, close more deals and develop Realtor partnerships so quickly.

... I was able to attract top talent to early stage startups.

... I was able to headhunt top producers away from the real estate and mortgage companies they were at and hang their license with those I was recruiting for.

... I have helped 100s of people break into the tech industry- even in tough job markets.

This dual expertise allows me to help leaders communicate effectively across different audiences and market dynamics.

I bring a unique perspective that bridges traditional industries and emerging markets. I understand what makes executives stand out and what decision-makers are really looking for. And it's why I'm confident that I'm not just writing for you. I'm writing to get you the results that you need.

Built for Your Industry

PropTech Founders You know that securing investment and funding and strategic partnerships hinge largely on your public image and personal credibility. VCs don't just invest in technology—they invest in the founders behind it. Your personal brand becomes the foundation for investor confidence, customer trust, and strategic partnerships that fuel growth.

Real Estate & Mortgage Leaders You understand that Top Of Mind Awareness (TOMA) is what determines whether investors, buyers, or partners choose you over the competition. In crowded markets where relationships drive deals, being remembered is everything. I help you build the executive presence that ensures you're the first call when opportunities arise.

I know how to write strategically so that you're remembered, trusted, and you become the obvious choice in your market. Most importantly, I help you develop sustainable competitive advantages that continue to pay dividends over time.

From ad campaigns for masterplanned communities to newsletters to press releases and articles, here's a gallery of the work I've done over the past 30 years.

Click On The Ink And Iron eBrochure Below.

Click HERE to read my Substack newsletter, The Proptech Oracle.