Members make the difference in the real estate profession
MAR wants to know more about its members. If you know of a REALTOR® who’s done something special, has a great idea or insight about the Michigan real estate industry, or is just perfect for some publicity, we want to hear about him or her. Call Tim Kissman, director of communications and marketing, at 517.334.5568 or e-mail him at mar@mirealtors.com.

It started off as nothing more than a summer job to earn some extra money. But, after spending three months with Johnstone and Johnstone, Paris DiSanto, GRI, ended his coaching career at the Detroit Public Schools and began his journey as a professional in the real estate industry. “Fifty three years now I’ve stuck with it and have enjoyed the whole thing,” DiSanto said. “I like the people and the whole process of finding the right house for each client.” DiSanto, Hugo Higbie and Winnifred Weyhing of the Grosse Pointe Board of REALTORS® were all approved for REALTOR® Emeritus status by the National Association of REALTORS® during the midyear convention in Washington, D.C. This award is granted to members who have had a membership for 50 years or more. “I am very flattered,” Higbie said. “This is a wonderful industry and I will continue to be active and support it.” Higbie started in the business in 1948. He began his own firm which eventually took on the name Higbie Maxon Agney where he remains today. Like DiSanto, Higbie also enjoys the house matching process.“When the company was formed, we came up with the slogan, ‘Matching people and houses with imagination,’ because I enjoy finding the right home for buyers and their families,” Higbie said. Higbie and DiSanto were also founding members of the Grosse Pointe Board of REALTORS®. The third recipient, Weyhing, works at Higbie Maxon Agney. Weyhing began her real estate career in 1951. She was the co-founder of the Grosse Pointe Women’s Real Estate Counselors and was a key force in getting women involved in the business.

Gary McCririe, Livingston County Association of REALTORS®, is the township supervisor, and, under him, development has been booming in the area. McCririe has brought businesses like Kohl’s, Meijer and Wal-Mart to the area. “All the new business has helped balance the tax base,” McCririe said. “It shifts the burden to the commercial area rather than to the residents.” McCririe would now like to see more redevelopment in the area.

There is nothing like a good book or a fishing trip to pass the free time Bob Smith squeezes in between his many activities. Smith, ABR, Livingston County Association of REALTORS®, was named the LCAR 2004, “REALTOR® of the Year” for his dedication to both the community and the real estate profession. “I knew I was nominated,” Smith said. “But it wasn’t until they started reading some of the accomplishments of the winner that I knew it was me. It was a wonderful surprise.” Smith joined the association in 1998 after having a career in the information and technology field. In 2002 he became chair of the member services committee. Since then, he has also joined other groups like the public relations, technology and strategic planning committees. “I enjoy the continual challenges and problem solving involved with real estate,” Smith said. “I also like to deal with people. The information and technology job was not nearly as people intensive.” Smith is also active in his community. He is very involved with the Brighton Optimist Club, a local service organization. He is also the director of the local running club and active in other fitness groups across the area.

After living in the community for 55 years, Rose Marie “Ronnie” McQuaid, GRI, CRS, RAM, Midland Board of REALTORS®, is a name that’s familiar to many local residents. “I love to stay involved,” McQuaid said. “And, I believe I should give something back for all the gifts that have been given to me,” McQuaid said. McQuaid is a well-known member of her local parish, Blessed Sacrament, where she participates in several of the church’s organizations and activities. Outside of church, McQuaid is the chairperson of the Bay/Midland/Saginaw, Michigan Works Consortium and is a member of the League of Women Voters. She has also been a county commissioner for 24 years. “I became a commissioner because I wanted to change any problems people had with the community,” McQuaid said, “And I knew that in order to do so, I had to get more involved with the actual structure.” McQuaid has received multiple awards including the “Athena” award and was named Citizen of the Year in 1993. Although McQuaid spreads her time and energy throughout the community, she still finds time to be a real estate agent.