I am running for District 2 Director to continue the growth of my service in the REALTOR® organization. I’ve been selling real estate since 1998, when I returned to my hometown of Beulah after spending a few years working in advertising in Bloomfield Hills.
I worked for two years as a sales associate before taking on the additional role of Manager for our office. I served on the Board of Directors of the Benzie County Board of REALTORS, and I believe that I may have actually taken office as President for a day prior to our merger with the Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR) in 2001.
In 2004 I ran for TAAR Director, and was installed in 2005. The following year I served as Treasurer, and in 2007 was President Elect. 2007 was a busy year in the association, as we updated our strategic plan and mission statement and conducted a search for a suitable replacement for our EVP, Judith Lindenau, who was retiring after many years of exceptional service. 2008, my “Presidential Year” was exceedingly rewarding as we saw the hours of hard work in our executive search pay off with our new EVP, Kim Pontius. It was an absolute honor to help mold the future of our association in such a meaningful way.
Once my term expired, I took on the role of RPAC chair, a role that came naturally as I have a passion for advocacy and an interest in the political process. The state and national associations role in legislation and advocacy is, I believe, the greatest value they offer to members, and one that is often unappreciated and unrecognized.
Outside of association activities, I continue to manage our Benzonia office and actively list and sell, in addition to serving the Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies as Director of Support Services. The DSS role has me working to develop our corporate communications and PR campaigns, weighing in on marketing decisions and providing agent training on use of social networking in business, among other duties.
Honors and other activities:
TAAR REALTOR® of the Year, 2007
Traverse City Business News “40 Under 40” 2006, 2007 and 2008
Served as a “Champion” for a regional land use and transportation planning initiative
Honored as Coldwell Banker Schmidt REALTORS® Manager of the Year, 2004
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors Rookie of the Year, 1999
I’ve established many good friendships within our association, and have learned a tremendous amount due to my involvement. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build relationships and serve my fellow Michigan REALTORS® as our state and our industry establishes a new course for its future success.