Real Estate Leaders & Legends

EXIT Realty Corp. International's CEO Tami Bonnell is an internationally renowned leader in the real estate industry and was instrumental in building three major brands. Among her many achievements, she was recognized by real estate trend watcher Stephan Swanepoel as one of the 200 Most Powerful and Influential People in residential real estate, among the top 20 corporate executives and among the top 10 women leaders.

Joseph Rand is the Chief Creative Officer for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Rand Realty, one of the largest companies in the New York Tri-State region with almost 30 offices, over 1,000 agents, and closing over 6,000 transactions worth over $2.5 billion in real estate volume in 2017. He is also the author of Disruptors, Discounters, and Doubters and How to be a Great Real Estate Agent. RIS Media awarded him its inaugural industry Newsmaker Award in 2018, and Inman News named him one of the Top 100 Real Estate Influencers in 2017.

Penny Nathan is Co-Founder, President and CEO of Ascent Real Estate who loves to see others succeed. Seeing herself as more of a mentor than a “boss,” Penny works hard to create an environment of empowerment for her 200 agents in Orange County. She defines success as “living a balanced life, excelling in personal and professional endeavors while supporting the individuals and communities we serve.”

Seven Gables Real Estate’s Mike Hickman made it from agent to President/CEO by doing one thing -- following his values. He shares his system of core values, which he teaches and preaches to his own agents. Mike’s Culture and Core Value Sheet identifies what drives you and will ultimately put you on the path to success and fulfillment. Take the test yourself...and learn lots more from Mike.

Valerie Alexander is a speaker, writer and author whose motto is “Speak Happiness.” As founder and CEO of the relationship-oriented tech company, Goalkeeper, she implements her philosophies on well-being and prosperity into her corporate environment. Valerie’s wisdom on confidence, brain science and happiness in the workplace is a must-listen for anyone seeking fulfillment and success on the job and beyond.

California Association of REALTORS®’ own Joel Singer celebrates 40 years at the association and nearly 30 years as CEO. This episode highlights his legacy from his days as a Chancellor’s Intern Fellow at UCLA to becoming a Fulbright Fellow in West Germany, to his amazing career at C.A.R. Joel shares some valuable insight into how the industry has changed and where it’s headed.

Kendyl Young is founder and CEO of Diggs Real Estate, a boutique real-estate firm in Glendale. She was inspired to create the agency after being at another firm that didn’t match up to her core values. Kendyl is a self-described “obsessive learner” whose clients appreciate her for her blunt, witty honesty.

Jim Link is the former, longtime CEO of Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®. He’s a trailblazer who united several associations into one mega association of over 10,000 members, which became very influential in the local community and government. Having been through it all, Jim has many life lessons to share about adapting to change for success.

Sandra Miller is Principal Broker and Private Office Advisor of Engel & Völkers, a boutique firm in Santa Monica she built from the ground up. A master of self-discipline, strategic thinking and reading people, Sandra believes that the business of real estate goes far beyond completing successful transactions. Sandra’s inspirational story details leaving a successful sales career in wireless to grossing $30 million in real-estate transactions in her first year.

Chris Trapani is founder and CEO of Sereno Group, a leading independent brokerage firm in the Silicon Valley. Since 2006, he has grown to 12 offices with 400 agents, produces $4 billion a year and donates $700,000 annually to local charities. Chris is a humble, relatable, transparent and authentic guy…with a not-so-hidden talent on the guitar.

It's good to be back! Season Two of Real Estate Leaders and Legends kicks off with a brand new format and a best-of recap of Season One. Hear nuggets of wisdom from broker and author Michelle Williams Harrington, RealTrends CEO Steve Murray, NextHome CEO James Dwiggins, and more!

Episode 19: Michael Nourmand, President of Nourmand & Associates Realtors by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 18: Mia Mcleod Mercado, Owner/Broker of Record, McLeod & Associates by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 17: Pam O'Connor, CEO Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Colleen is a 9th generation Californian, a graduate of Santa Clara University, and earned a Master’s degree from San Diego State University. Originally an educator, she transitioned into real estate when her children were small, drawn by the flexibility and earnings potential. After two years as an agent for a major franchise in the San Jose area, Colleen formed a boutique real estate firm, Valley Properties, with a (female) partner; the firm was an independent for about 15 years, then joined a national franchise. The firm grew to over 100 agents. After about another 15 years, the company became an independent again and rebranded as Altera Real Estate. Altera RE soon developed a franchise model, grew to about 10 franchisees, and had a short term partnership with Harcourts RE of Australia and New Zealand, thus exploring all models: independent, franchisee, and franchisor. Colleen and her husband/business partner, Dennis, merged Altera RE into Legacy RE and Assoc. in 2012. The Legacy RE and Associates currently has offices in Alameda and Santa Clara County. Colleen has served as President of the Santa Clara Co. AOR, as Treasurer and President of the California AOR, a 2016 Regional Vice-President of NAR and Chair of its Strategic Thinking and Advisory Committee (2015) and will be the 2018 VP of Association Affairs for NAR. She has served on numerous committees at all levels. Additionally she served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Elizabeth Mendenhall, CEO, RE/MAX Boone Realty Elizabeth Mendenhall, a REALTOR® from Columbia, Mo., is the 2018 President of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). NAR, “The Voice for Real Estate®,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million REALTORS® involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. Elizabeth is the CEO for RE/MAX Boone Realty in Columbia and has been a REALTOR® for 20 years. RE/MAX named her the “Mid-States Missouri Broker-Owner of the Year” in 2009 and the “International Broker Manager of the Year” in 2006. She is a sixth-generation REALTOR®. She has received designations as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®), Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), Performance Management Network (PMN), e-PRO® specialist, Learning Certified Instructor (LCI), and is a Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute (GRI). She is a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) and the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council. On the national level, Elizabeth currently serves on NAR’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Leadership Team. She chaired the Strategic Planning Committee in 2012 and served as Vice President of Committees in 2011. She was the NAR Liaison to Association Leadership in 2008. In 2010, the Missouri Association of REALTORS® elected Elizabeth president. She also served as president of the Missouri WCR in 2004. The Missouri WCR named her “Business Woman of the Year” and “Member of the Year,” in 2007. For her local association, the Columbia Board of REALTORS®, Elizabeth chaired the Professional Standards Committee in 2012. She served as president and was named their “REALTOR® of the Year” in 2003. Active in her community, Elizabeth has served on the board of directors for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the local United Way, and Job Point. She also founded and served as the first president of the Mid-Missouri Affiliate for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. In 2001, the Columbia Business Times named her in their “40 Under 40” inaugural class.

Episode 14: Michele Williams Harrington, Broker/CEO, Star Estates by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 13: Mark McLaughlin by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 12: Mary Lee Blaylock is President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 11: James Dwiggins CEO for NextHome, Inc. by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 10: Linda Jay, CEO, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 9: Steve Murray, president and co-founder of REAL Trends by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 8: Vanessa Bergmark, Owner & CEO, Red Oak Realty by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 7: Gretchen Pearson, President/CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 6: Wes Burk - Broker/Owner, Patterson Realty by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 5: Mark Peterson – CEO, RE/MAX Masters Realty by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 4: WomanUP! by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 3: Heidi Rickerd-Rizzo co-founder of Terra Firma Global Partners by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Episode 2: Tricia Thomas, CEO of Bay East Association of REALTORS® by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

C.A.R.’s Sara Sutachan and Emily Horn chat with a true real estate industry leader and legend, John Aaroe of John Aaroe Group in Los Angeles. He’s spilling the secrets to his success and the lessons learned along the way.