The Todd LaBorwit Show, Real Estate Radio

Steve talks about life on the hill in the 70's,  the changing dynamics of the DC real estate market, and his transformation from broadcaster to hill employee to covering real estate trends.   

Todd's guest this week for the first half of the show is Samer Kuraishi, sharing thoughts about growing up in real estate, having a business mind, and revealing how much of an influence his father had on his life's work.

Rick is currently the President of Zippy Shell USA, a nationwide mobile self storage franchise company. He is part of a group of investors that has secured the master franchise rights to Zippy Shell in the United States. Zippy Shell launched in the US in October of 2009 and has currently begun franchising throughout the country.Over the past eight years, Rick has been the Founder and CEO of two non-profit organizations and has been responsible for their dramatic growth. In January of 2002 Rick became the CEO of the Rainy Day Foundation. The Rainy Day Foundation was established to create and maintain responsible homeownership. Since the Foundations inception, a major focus was to provide tools to educate, counsel, support and financially assist homeowners who experience unforeseen short-term financial problems. Through the administration of the Rainy Day Program, the Foundation has been able to provide emergency support, (both educational and financial) to homeowners that experienced financial challenges.During the same time, Mr. Del Sontro served as the Founder and CEO of the Home Downpayment Gift Foundation (HDGF) from September of 2001, until June of 2009. When he began his tenure, the organization had previously assisted one homebuyer in the past year and grew to a $70 million plus organization within 5 years. Home Downpayment Gift Foundation grew to the 4th largest down payment assistance provider in the United States. At year end of 2008 the program was assisting more than 2000 homebuyer’s each month by providing down payment grants.Prior to coming to the HDGF, he worked for Cendant Corporation for over 5 years in the real estate division. Some of his responsibilities included building the infrastructure that supported the sales and administrative divisions. He was largely responsible for the design and implementation of the development of the franchise sales organizations, contract administration, customer renewals and compliance for Century 21, Coldwell Banker and ERA. This organization consisted of over 150 employees throughout the three real estate brands.Following his role as the Vice President of Franchise Sales and Compliance, he became Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales for Cendant Corporation. He was responsible for over $200 million of new sales each year as well as the management of a sales organization of over 50 employees.Prior to his time with Cendant, Rick worked for Century 21 Real Estate Corporation as a Director of International Franchise Sales. His role was to support the various domestic and international franchising efforts for the Company.Rick is an honors graduate of the University of Maryland. He has B.S. in Journalism and minors in English and Sociology.

Pandra Richie began her real estate career more than 30 years ago, and has held many positions within the industry. She moved to the corporate side of the real estate industry in 1988, focusing on relocation and real estate owned (REO) properties. Since that time, she has served as a vice president with four major real estate companies, including her former role at Long & Foster, and she is currently president of Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) at Long & Foster Real Estate. As president of CRES, Richie oversees the company’s relocation, REO and e-Real estate departments, as well as Metro Referrals and SMARTMOVE. She has earned Worldwide ERC’s Meritorious Service Award and four Worldwide ERC Distinguished Service Awards. She was also inducted into Worldwide ERC’s Hall of Leaders in 2010. Richie holds the Senior Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP) designation and the Senior Global Mobility Specialist – Talent (SGMS-T) designation. She has served on numerous Worldwide ERC committees and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for Worldwide ERC. Richie has also written several articles for MOBILITY magazine and was a former trustee on Worldwide ERC’s Foundation for Workforce Mobility. Richie was recognized with the President’s Service Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and is a lifetime member of Montclair Who’s Who in Real Estate. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Dallas and currently resides in Northern Virginia.

Todd talks with Darren about starting his business, how technology helped him launch a new service where consumers get information about houses for sale directly and immediately.  Also talks about opportunities/pitfalls in foreclosures.  

In this segment, Todd talks with Mayor Newstrom about Hometown Holidays 2015 held over Memorial Day Weekend and featuring local music, plus business and entertainment opportunities in the city of Rockville.  

Todd talks with John about his organization, his history in lending and brokering, NAMB's mission representing mortgage brokers and originators, and the future.

How does a one time professional golfer go from playing to managing golf courses in Virginia to commercial real estate in Cincinnati?  Listen to Mike's fascinating story as Todd asks him questions about his life's work.  

Todd's guest for this segment is Nathan Dart, second generation realtor with RE/MAX All Pro, who has spent a majority of his life in and around the business, starting at age eight, when his dad had had enough of moving around for his company, and struck out as a real estate agent. 

Todd speaks with Tim Bose and Don Swedberg of the Cambria Hotels and Suites in Rockville, the idea behind the property, special features, and the high technology incorporated into each room.   

Todd talks with Marc Dubick about Duball, his history in the area as a real estate developer, and his interest in finding untapped markets in the city of Rockville, including creating a new hotel experience.

In this segment, Jim is interviewed by Todd and James C. Musgrave of Research Financial Strategies.  Jim and his organization work to eradicate "financial illiteracy" by offering non profit workshops to educate people on making the right decisions with investing and spending their money.  A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio.

Todd talks with Norman about the realities and excitement of being on the MCPB.  Also discussion on the duties of the board and its commissioners.  A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio.  

Norman shares his history in the development business with Todd.  A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio! 

Todd talks with Bobby about his love for real estate, and how he combines the best of both worlds by specializing in 1031 exchange services for his clients.  A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio!

Bill talks with Todd about his successful path in DC real estate, his strategies, how the field has changed in the age of computers and online listings, and his belief that prospecting is the key to longevity.  A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio.  

Todd talks with Ramin Bassam, a self made entrepreneur who started pourning concrete for the construction industry, and worked tirelessly to improve his situation in ultimately become a successful developer.   A wealth of information on DC Real Estate Radio!  

Montgomery County is one of the best regions to live in the DC metro area, with unparalled services, schools, and infrastructure.  Todd discusses the current state of affairs in MoCo, and where things are headed for the near future.  Listen to more on DC Real Estate Radio!