Speakers

Albert Allegue , CRS, ABR, CRB, GRI Don Ash , CRS, GRI Lee K. Barrett , CRS, CRB Gail Bass , CRS Chris Bird Alexis Bolin , CRS, CPM, ABR, ABRM, SRES Howard Brinton Stephanie A. Brown , CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO J. Dale Carlton, Jr. , CRS Demetria Chadbourne , CRS, ABR, SRES Alex Charfen Brad Cole , CRS, ABR Kristan Cole , CRS, ABR, CCIM Judie Crockett , CRS Jeff Firnstahl , CRS, GRI Oscar Gonzales , MBA, PhD Greg Gorman , CRS, CRB, GRI, SRES Denny Grimes , CRS, ABR, GRI Ron A. Kubek , CRS, CCIM Robert Levy , CRS, GRI Patrick Lilly , CRS, CIPS, ePro Char MacCallum , CRS, ABR Leslie B. McDonnell , CRS Linda McKissack , CRS Mechelle Moore , CRS Debbie Morris , CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES Bruce T. Mulhearn , CRS, CRB, GRI Jo Ellen Nash , CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES James W. Nellis II , CRS Sandra Nickel , CRS Mike Parker , CRS Joe Pryor , CRS, ABR Cathy C. Russell , CRS, CRB, GRI Gregory Sapp , CRS, GRI Franklin T. Serio , CRS, CRB Russell Shaw , CRS, GRI Bruce Slaton , CRS, ABR, NRBA, ePro Emily M. Smith , CRS, ABR, SRES Diane Kay Stow , CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES Robert C. Wolff , CRS, CRB, GRI Betty Sun Wong , CRS, LTG Pat Zaby , CRS, CCIM   Albert Allegue , CRS, ABR, CRB, GRI RE/MAX by the Gulf 770 Water Street Biloxi, MS 39530 Office Number: 228-374-0002 Fax: 228-436-0414 E-mail: al@ringtheteam.net Web site: www.ringtheteam.net Al Allegue is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX by the Gulf in Biloxi, Mississippi, with 35 agents and is also the team leader for The Al and Dee Real Estate Team. In 2007, Al’s personal production was 250 and in 2008, he closed over 150 units. Al is a national speaker for CRB, RE/MAX International and is a Star with Howard Brinton Star Power System. Al and his partner, Dee, have been Brokers/Owners of the Year for RE/MAX Dixie Regions for the last 2 consecutive years. Al is also a Past President of the Mississippi CRS Chapter and is a coach and mentor with Brian Buffini. Al believes the use of systems is the key to success in any real estate market condition. back to top   Don Ash , CRS, GRI RE/MAX Association 2900 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19083 Office Number: 302-477-3900 Fax: 302-477-3912 E-mail: don@donash.com Web site: www.donash.com Don is a retired Police Lieutenant from the Wilmington Police Department. He holds a B.S. Degree from California State University at Los Angeles, CA. He received his Real Estate license in 1979 and his Brokers license in 1985. He has been a Broker/officer manager and is now affiliated with RE/MAX Associates as Vice President and Broker of their Concord Pike Office. Don has the CRS and GRI designations. He was NCCBOR Educator of the year in 2000 and REALTOR® of the year in 2005. He is past president of the NCCBOR, President of the Delaware Association of Realtor (2008) and a Director of the National Association of Realtors. He has been training REALTORS® for over 25 years and has instructed the pre-licensing course for 22 years and the Broker’s licensing course for 15 years. He has 2 children, Melissa and Dash and a POSSLQ (people of opposite sex sharing living quarters) Carol Carney. back to top   Lee K. Barrett , CRS, CRB Century 21 Barrett & Co., Inc. 2885 S. Jones Boulevard Las Vegas, NV 89146 Office Number: 702-252-7100 Fax: 702-252-7172 E-mail: c21barrett@aol.com Web site: Lee K. Barrett has been a REALTOR® for more than 30 years and is currently the broker and president of Century 21 Barrett & Co. Inc. As a member of one of southern Nevada’s oldest family-owned real estate businesses, established in 1959, he was influenced by real estate his entire life. Barrett is experienced in residential, land and commercial real estate as well as property management. He brings humor and real world experience to his classes. Barrett is also active within his community, serving on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities. back to top   Gail Bass , CRS Keller Williams Realty 2500 N. Military Trail, Suite 102 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Office Number: 561-981-3506 Fax: 561-893-0418 E-mail: gail@bassgroup.com Web site: www.BassGroup.com Gail has been selling Real Estate successfully in South Florida since 1984. In 1992 her husband, Richard, joined her and business began to explode. Since then the Bass Group was formed and has become one of the top Real Estate Teams in the industry. Gail's passion is helping her clients achieve their real estate goals and dreams as well as training and consulting fellow Realtors® on her team, in the Keller Williams Market Centers and at other offices around the country. back to top   Chris Bird Chris Bird Seminars, Inc. 2906 E. Oaks Road N Urbana, IL 61802 Office Number: 217-384-7070 Fax: 217-384-3937 E-mail: chris@chrisbirdseminars.com Web site: www.chrisbirdseminars.com Chris Bird has been in the financial business for more than 30 years. He started his career with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) and Enrolled Agent status with the IRS. Chris became an IRS agent in 1970 and continued until 1986. He began conducting courses after leaving the IRS and started his own company, Chris Bird Seminars, Inc. Chris went on to conduct more than 125 seminars a year on accounting, financial planning, wealth building, residential rental property ownership, and tax strategies for the real estate and financial industries nationwide. He has presented his widely acclaimed courses multiple times at NAR conventions and most recently presented at Howard Brinton’s STAR POWER® Conference in Anaheim, Calif. back to top   Alexis Bolin , CRS, CPM, ABR, ABRM, SRES ERA Spencer Realty 4300 Bayou Blvd, Suite 37 Pensacola, FL 32503 Office Number: 850-478-5446 Fax: 850-478-1987 E-mail: alexisera@aol.com Web site: www.alexissellshomes.com Alexis has been in real estate for the past 29 years all of it with the same broker. She has been the #1 ERA Agent Nationwide three times and continues to be ranked in the top 10 ERA agents in the nation. She has closed over has closed more than 2500 transactions. A great finish for a former waitress of 18 years who once worked three waitress jobs to support her family. In the town of Pensacola, Florida, Alexis is somewhat a local celebrity. Bus benches and billboards carry her picture and she can be seen on local cable TV with her own call in talk show. She is active in her local Association of Realtors® and has served as Vice-President and Treasurer and Director for the Pensacola Association of Realtors®. Also an active Rotarian as well as a member of Impact 100. A popular speaker, panelist and moderator Alexis is known in national and local circles for being the "Queen of overcoming objections and negotiating". She was honored to be the key note speaker at the ERA of Europe Convention in Paris, France and also at the Spanish Real Estate Convention in Barcelona, Spain. She has spoken at the NAR convention as well as the Florida Association of Realtors® Convention. Articles authored by Alexis have appeared national real estate magazines. Alexis is on the Cadre for the STAR POWER® Buyer University. She is married to Michael who is also a real estate broker, has three children two of whom are licensed Realtors® and has two granddaughters. back to top   Howard Brinton Star Power Systems 4772 Walnut Street, Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80301 Office Number: 800-635-6750 Fax: 303-449-4222 E-mail: ContactUs@GoStarPower.com Web site: www.GoStarPower.com Everything you look for in a dynamic educator, you’ll find in Howard Brinton. Howard has a pulse on the heartbeat of the real estate industry from first-hand experience. Having been an agent and broker for 17 years closing 470 transactions his peak year, he’s no stranger to the challenges and demands of the job. On a deeper professional level, have you ever met someone who not only cares if you succeed in your business life, but also wants you to have an enriched personal, financial and spiritual life? Howard has a heartfelt dedication to others. He is as real off the stage as he is on a rare quality in itself that sets him apart. Howard’s commitment to improving the quality of REALTORS® lives is manifested in his life’s work as National President of the Council of Residential Specialists, as creator of STAR POWER® University program, and as a mentor to highly successful REALTORS®. Howard’s personal mission statement is, to deepen learning, foster creativity and growth, while living with integrity and joy. back to top   Stephanie A. Brown , CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO Keller Williams Realty 200 West Washington Square, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19106 Office Number: 215-627-3500 Fax: 215-689-3731 E-mail: Stephanie@StephanieBrown.biz Web site: www.StephanieBrown.biz A Realtor® licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2006, Stephanie A. Brown, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI has taken the real estate industry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by storm. Stephanie’s motto is “Personalized Service with a Personal Touch”. Through sheer determination and smarts, Stephanie contributes to the overall growth, prosperity, and livelihood of community neighborhoods by purchasing and selling residential and commercial real estate. Determines buyer needs, pre-qualify / approve prospective clients, assist / monitor the loan approval process, and prepare comparable market plans and price evaluations. She has been guiding customers in property / contract negotiations, escrow, title review, document preparation, and closings while utilizing cutting-edge technologies in conducting market research and business strategies. Stephanie has developed a reputation for increasing business by networking and establishing positive relationships with key industry professionals including other agents, developers, contractors, banks, insurance professionals, and underwriters. Stephanie is also recognized for increasing sales, enhancing profitability, and cultivating / maintaining strong relationships through respect, personalized service, and superior levels of customer consideration. Stephanie is acknowledged as a key business leader who operates in the best interest of the community. She has conducted several home buying seminars throughout Philadelphia, is working with local non-profit organizations on foreclosure prevention and specializes in working with single parents and first-time home buyers Stephanie A. Brown is a board member of the Neighborhood Advisory Council in Philadelphia, a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors® grievance, cultural diversity, SCOPE and education committees, a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® cultural diversity committee, professional standards committee, legislative committee and rookie Realtor® task force, a board member of the Philadelphia/New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Realtors®, and a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers back to top   J. Dale Carlton, Jr. , CRS Carlton Seminars, Inc. 3538 N. Hwy. 112, Suite 2 Fayetteville, AR 72704 Office Number: 479-582-3200 Fax: 479-582-3201 E-mail: dale@CarltonSeminars.com Web site: www.Carltonseminars.com Dale Carlton Jr., CRS, started working in real estate in 1998 and became an attorney in 2001. He is Senior Vice President and Executive Broker with Lindsey & Associates, Inc., the leading real estate firm in Arkansas where he has marketed over $100 million in properties in the past five years. He also owns, co-owns or manages more than 200 residential and commercial properties in northwest Arkansas. Dale has extensive teaching experience in the real estate industry including the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education, the Arkansas Institute of Real Estate, Lorman Education Services and Sterling Education Services. His high-energy presentations are filled with humor and practical tips for agents of all levels of experience. back to top   Demetria Chadbourne , CRS, ABR, SRES The Real Estate Group 347 Main St. Gorham, ME 04038 Office Number: 207-839-5122 Fax: 207-839-2890 E-mail: demetria@godemetria.com Web site: www.godemetria.com Demetria Chadbourne is the Award-Winning Agent that can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs! After 13 years as the Top ERA Agent in the state of Maine she opened the doors of her own Real Estate firm in January 2003! She was also in the Top 5 of ERA agents in the U.S! Demetria has a Team of licensed real estate agents who will work to help you not only find the home that fits your needs and desires, but to provide you professional, honest, and ethical assistance. back to top   Alex Charfen Distressed Property Institute, LLC 21346 St Andrews Blvd, Suite 221 Boca Raton, FL 33433 Office Number: 800-482-0335 Fax: 888-527-3570 E-mail: alex@cdpe.com Web site: www.cdpenow.com For over 12 years Alex Charfen has been involved in the purchase and sale of hundreds of Florida investment properties. He is also a licensed mortgage broker and has helped his wife Cadey develop and manage her successful real estate business. Furthermore, Alex is a motivational speaker, a personal coach and has co-authored several books. Most recently, Alex has co-founded the Distressed Property Institute, LLC. His purpose and passion is to have a profound positive impact on the lives of others and has successfully been able to save hundreds of distressed homeowners from foreclosure in recent years. "I know it sounds altruistic" Alex often says, "but I truly believe we can help heal the economic crisis our country is facing, one REALTOR®, one homeowner and one preventable foreclosure at a time." Alex lives in Boca Raton Florida and is the proud father of his young daughter Reagan. back to top   Brad Cole , CRS, ABR RE/MAX of Wasilla 5131 E Mayflower Lane Wasilla, AK 99654 Office Number: 907-376-0270 Fax: 907-376-6515 E-mail: Brad@BradfordCole.com Web site: www.KristanCole.com Brad Cole is the Listing Partner for the Kristan Cole Team in Wasilla, Alaska, and he an Associate Broker. Brad received his undergraduate business degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He had over 30 years experience in the corporate world before joining Kristan in 2002. Since that time he has received the designation CRS and ABR and also coaches REALTORS® and other professionals. He is a member of the Valley Board of Realtors® serving as the current President. He also serves as a Director for the Alaska Association of Realtors®, Liaison Director for Alaska CRS, and was appointed to the Alaska Real Estate Commission by Alaska’s Governor, Sara Palin and is the current Chairman of that commission. back to top   Kristan Cole , CRS, ABR, CCIM RE/MAX of Wasilla 5131 E Mayflower Lane Wasilla, AK 99654 Office Number: 907-373-3575 Fax: 907-376-6515 E-mail: kristan@kristancole.com Web site: www.kristancole.com Kristan is the energetic leader of The Kristan Cole Team in Wasilla, Alaska. She has made her mark in this small town by using her leadership skills to build and develop a team of nine members. She has been the #1 RE/MAX in Alaska in 1988, 2000 and 2002 through 2006. She was in the Top 100 with RE/MAX International in 2001 and 2003 through 2006. Kristan received her MBA in 1995, CCIM 1996, CRS 1999 and ABR in 2003. Kristan’s vision for serving others, giving back, and being others’ focused makes her a leader worth following. She creates an environment that others want to be a part of. Kristan leads by example and is a tremendous role model for everyone she comes in contact with. The Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, appointed Kristan to the Royalty Oil and Gas Advisory Board in 2007. Kristan is married to Brad Cole, another CRS panelist, and they are raising 5 children. back to top   Judie Crockett , CRS The Crockett Team Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer 8804 Mentor Avenue Mentor, OH 44060 Office Number: 440-974-7444 Fax: 440-974-7440 E-mail: judie@thecrockettteam.com Web site: www.thecrokettteam.com Judie started in the business in 1978 and immediately rose to the top of the leader board because of her drive, enthusiasm and love for the business. In 1994, she started The Crockett Team with her husband, David, daughter, Melissa, and son, Todd. Howard Brinton honored Judie and her team by naming them STAR POWER® "Stars" in 1995. The Crockett Team sells over 300 homes yearly due to their effective implementation of the "team concept" combined with a highly systematized marketing and servicing approach. The Crockett Team was just honored by Lore Magazine, Real Trends and The Wall Street Journal as being among the Top 200 Real Estate Professionals in the country. The Crockett Team was ranked #38 of the Top Teams by sides. Judie is a senior instructor with Howard Brinton's STAR POWER® University specializing in the listing process. (The Crockett Team currently services over 200 listings). Her son Todd just spoke at the NAR national convention in Orlando on "Effective Scripts and Dialogues" in which he shared many of the successful approaches used by The Crockett Team. David recently published a book, Streetfighter: Building a Powerful Real Estate Business (from the Ground Up) (available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble) which details the growth and leadership concepts involved in building a successful team. back to top   Jeff Firnstahl , CRS, GRI Team Firnstahl Real Estate Services 13750 Crosstown Drive NW #100 Andover, MN 55304 Office Number: 763-862-6200 Fax: 763-862-6210 E-mail: jeff@teamfirnstahl.com Web site: www.freemovingtruck.com Jeff Firnstahl from Minneapolis Minnesota is an interviewed and recognized individual by the top trainers in the world and a nationally-recognized speaker who had addressed 1,000’s of Realtors® over the past several years. Jeff was picked as Howard Brinton’s January 2007 STAR POWER® Star of the Month. He was also selected to be a Mentor/Trainer on ISucceed.com in 2007, picked as the cover story for the premier addition of the Real Estate Executive Magazine for Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2007 and picked as Super Agent for Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2007. Jeff’s speaking events have taken him coast to coast, captivating the attention of audiences at RE/MAX International, RE/MAX Satellite Network (RSN Live), STAR POWER® Annual Conferences and STAR POWER® Success Summits around the country. He has also spoken at many RE/MAX events in the Minneapolis/St. Paul areas and has been on CRS Top Producer Panels. Jeff’s partner in life and business is his wife Koreen. Together they have raised six children and have been blessed with five grandchildren. back to top   Oscar Gonzales , MBA, PhD The Gonzales Group, LLC 14090 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Office Number: 281-340-8530 Fax: 281-277-8167 E-mail: Web site: www.thegonzalesgroup.com Dr. Oscar Gonzales is the founder of The Gonzales Group. He is recognized as one of the nation's top thought leaders in the housing and related industries. Oscar founded The Gonzales Group in 2003 providing Multicultural Markets business and strategic solutions to organizations in the real estate and financial services community who are developing or upgrading their Multicultural Markets programs. Oscar is a nationally-known speaker & author on Multicultural Markets and their impact on real estate trends, affordable housing, consumer behavior, and business modeling and planning. His comments have been published in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and The Kiplinger Letter, as well as in multiple business and real estate journals. He was named by REALTOR® Magazine as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate Nationwide and as an "Industry Icon" by Broker Agent Magazine. Oscar has served on the Fannie Mae Southwest Regional Housing and Community Development Advisory Councils. He is a founding director of both the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). back to top   Greg Gorman , CRS, CRB, GRI, SRES John R Wood Realtors 616 Fifth Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Office Number: 239-434-0101 Fax: 239-434-0141 E-mail: Greg@TeamParadise.com Web site: www.teamparadise.com A Realtor since 1992, Greg Gorman continues to be top agent in Naples. The Naples Area Board selected him as their "1994 Member Rising Star" and "1995 REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® of the Year" for his leadership and volunteer efforts. He's also been a member of the Naples & Florida Association Honor Societies. Greg served as 1998 CRS Florida Chapter Secretary\Educational Coordinator, District 5 Representative on the 1997 Florida CRS Leadership Team, as Director at the Naples Board; Director -- FAR; member of the FAR Professional Development & Faculty Development committees. Gorman has been a featured speaker at 3 NAR conventions, 4 CRS Sell-a-brations7reg;, annually at Howard Brinton's STAR POWER® conferences, and is an Allen Hainge CyberStars. Greg has trained thousands of professionals on real estate systems, client services and real estate related technology. back to top   Denny Grimes , CRS, ABR, GRI Denny Grimes & Company 1870 Clayton Court Fort Myers, FL 33907 Office Number: 239-689-7600 Fax: 239-689-7638 E-mail: denny@dennygrimes.com Web site: www.swfloridahomes.com More than a Realtor®, Denny Grimes offers an unparalleled range of expertise to Southwest Florida home buyers, sellers, builders and developers. His record of excellence proves he is adept at helping clients find success, whether they are buying or selling a single home or marketing an entire community. In addition to holding numerous real estate designations, Denny is a successful entrepreneur who recently celebrated half-billion dollars in sales volume over the past seven years. He is also a Certified General Contractor with an MBA in Marketing. On builder/developer teams, he can successfully leverage products in a heavily saturated marketplace. With individual buyers and sellers, he provides hard earned knowledge and wise guidance. Denny’s incredible breadth of services enable him to serve as a true expert, one who is called upon by the media and the industry alike to report on market trends. As a columnist for The News-Press and a featured speaker at events such as Market Watch, Denny collects hard data and combines it with his daily “boots on the ground” interactions with buyers and sellers to accurately analyze Southwest Florida’s highly competitive marketplace. Denny’s many honors show him to be a results-oriented professional who settles for nothing less than excellence in every endeavor. back to top   Ron A. Kubek , CRS, CCIM Keller Williams Realty 7173 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC V8M1P Office Number: 250-544-2929 Fax: E-mail: ron@kw.com Web site: www.ronkubek.com Ron Kubek entered the Real Estate business in 1985 where in 2 short years he rose to the #2 Realtor® in the Victoria Real Estate Board. His career continued to grow to the point of #1 sales person in Victoria from 1995-1997 and winner of many International Awards and recognitions. His career has continued to evolve to that of a currently successful Mega Agent with a great team of agents and he has added many different roles along the way. Ron is the founder of Keller Williams Realty Canada and still is a partner to this day. He has owned and still owns a Real Estate Sales Brokerage Business. As an award winning Realtor®, Ron has appeared as a Featured Speaker and contributor at Hobbs Herder conferences, Howard Brinton Annual Conferences and the Annual Keller Williams Conferences along with countless others. His work has attracted local and International Media attention including the New York Times Ron demonstrates how to move forward in life and business with his highly effective energy and passion. His messages are delivered in a blunt yet caring style as he asks the questions that help people to think “BIG”! He shows professionals in the Real Estate industry how to have a business and have a life outside of the business with family and to make a difference. back to top   Robert Levy , CRS, GRI Prudential NW Properties 9600 SW Barnes Road, Suite 100 Portland, OR 97225 Office Number: 503-906-1444 Fax: 503-520-2203 E-mail: rob@roblevy.com Web site: www.RobLevy.com Rob Levy is an active Realtor® today with his “Rob Levy Team” at Prudential Northwest Properties in Portland, Oregon. A 20+ year agent and always in the top 5 with the same large firm, Rob was the #1 agent in his 700+ agent firm in units sold and GCI in 2007. Rob was also voted “Realtor® of the Year” for all of Portland by his peers - the top 500 of the 7000+ agents in the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors®. Rob will close 100+ homes in 2008, representing over $40,000,000 worth of properties with about $18,000,000 of that just off the internet alone! Rob was amongst the first agents in the country to get a website, and used it to do web marketing from day one. Rob is also “e-1” – the first eCertified Prudential real estate agent in the world. He has adapted and changed along the way to turn his web marketing ideas into an active (vs. passive) web marketing system. Yet Rob is not a “nerd”, he just knows where to point and click to make money selling homes. Rob lives in Portland with his wife Beverly and their 24, 23 and 21 year old boys who are in local colleges, and they truly live the Oregon lifestyle. As an accomplished skier and snowboarder, Rob spends lots of time snowboarding & skiing on Mt. Hood. Having 2nd homes on the Oregon coast and Palm Desert CA (of course with his Sprint AirCard handy), Rob spends lots of time fishing or just walking on the beach or hanging in the desert (although always with his iPhone handy). back to top   Patrick Lilly , CRS, CIPS, ePro Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy 64 W 21st St New York, NY 10010 Office Number: 646-442-7439 Fax: 646-792-3243 E-mail: patrick@patricklilly.com Web site: www.patricklillygroup.com Patrick Vernon Lilly is a successful entrepreneur, coach, and world traveler. Born and raised in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Patrick now resides in New York City where he is a Senior Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy. One of the top real estate brokers in Manhattan, Patrick is featured in “The Billion Dollar Agent” by Steve Kantor and is a “Star” with Howard Brinton’s Star Power Systems. Patrick is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, and he is an accredited business/life coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). back to top   Char MacCallum , CRS, ABR Char MacCallum Real Estate 1819 S Ridgeview Road Olathe, KS 66062 Office Number: 913-782-8857 Fax: 913-782-9429 E-mail: char@char4homes.com Web site: www.char4homes.com Char MacCallum has been a REALTOR® for 30 years and after working for a mega agent brokerage firm she decided to open her own boutique firm to provide the high level of service to her clients and customers. Char was listed in the top 100 in the nation by REALTOR® magazine and coaches other REALTORS® through STAR POWER® Coaching. Char markets in Olathe Kansas and the southwest suburb of Kansas City. back to top   Leslie B. McDonnell , CRS RE/MAX Suburban Inc. 1344 South Milwaukee Avenue Libertyville, IL 60048 Office Number: 847-367-5861 Fax: 847-367-8693 E-mail: leslie@listingsbyleslie.com Web site: www.ListingsbyLeslie.com Leslie McDonnell has embraced the “pain is growth” concept. After working two jobs for 6 months at the onset of her career, Leslie has truly learned to enjoy the freedom real estate has to offer. Leslie’s children have watched and learned from the early days of struggling, the long hours Leslie spent as a single mom trying to hold it all together. Motivating herself on a daily basis to keep on going during tough times was something that came easy after being raised by a super-positive father. Knowing that it was up to her to support the family was a contributing a factor in her success. Leslie’s favorite thing to do is “pay it forward” to others in the business as she feels this was an integral part of her success as well. Leslie has over 80 Million sales volume in 2007, over 60% of which comes from direct mail farming to geographic farms as well as farming past clients through direct mail and email as well. She has also been named in the top 50 internationally for Re/Max Teams since forming a team in 2005, 2006, 2007, as well as has received the Re/Max Distinguished Service Award, a humanitarian award. back to top   Linda McKissack , CRS Keller Williams Realty 2434 Lillian Miller Parkway Denton, TX 76205 Office Number: 940-383-6683 Fax: 940-387-5177 E-mail: mckissack@kw.com Web site: www.mckissackrealty.com Linda McKissack lights up a room, especially a room full of business or real estate professionals, eager to take their careers to the highest possible level. Linda is a dynamic force; an entrepreneur, REALTOR®, author, trainer, and highly regarded speaker. Linda began her career as a real estate sales professional in the mid 80's. After a not so successful start, Linda looked for and found some of the best mentors and practitioners in the industry. She built MODELS and SYSTEMS from what she learned. The rest is History! Today, Linda's Real Estate Sales Practice consistently sells over 60 million in volume and closes in excess of 375 units each year. What is unique about Linda’s Real Estate Sales practice is that she is one in a handful of real estate agents nationally that have converted their sales jobs into a great business, Linda says, "You know you have a business when you can leave for six months or a year and your business breaths a life of its own and continues to grow in profits. It's all about 'Success through People,' hiring talent and creating an environment where everyone can succeed." back to top   Mechelle Moore , CRS Keller Williams Realty Plano 3600 Preston Road, Suite 100 Plano, TX 75093 Office Number: 972-599-7000 Fax: 972-733-5150 E-mail: mechellem@kw.com Web site: www.mechellemoore.com Mechelle is a native Texas with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Texas. Mechelle has been with Keller Williams in Plano Texas since 2002. She obtained her CRS designation in 2005, has been named D Best REALTOR by D Magazine in 2006, 2007, & 2008, and has served on the Associate Leadership Council. When not practicing Real Estate you’ll find her volunteering with HOPE International (a non-profit adoption and humanitarian aid organization) or volunteering with Bea’s Kids which provides educational and personal development programs to children from low-income families so they will stay in school and break the cycle of poverty. back to top   Debbie Morris , CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES Morris Group Realty 5936 N Keystone Ave., Suite 203 Indianapolis, IN 46220 Office Number: 317-255-4589 Fax: 317-202-3434 E-mail: debbie@MorrisGroupRealty.com Web site: www.MorrisGroupRealty.com Debbie is nationally recognized and locally respected! Starting her career with a large independent company for 9 years, she opened her own business in 2001. Debbie is consistently ranked in the top Indianapolis area agents, in addition, to being named a STAR POWER® Star, performing on David Knox’s “LIVE” for Realtors®, hosting an HGTV show for Indianapolis, plus speaking & training throughout the country. She has a team of 6 licensed Realtors®. She holds her broker’s license in addition to GRI, CRS, ABR and SRES designations. She’s been actively involved with her local board and currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee. Debbie enjoys life with her husband of 13 years, Oliver, and their 2 children, Fritz - 6 and Mia - 4. back to top   Bruce T. Mulhearn , CRS, CRB, GRI Prudential California Realty 18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 205 Cerritos, CA 90703 Office Number: 562-860-2625 Fax: 562-860-2835 E-mail: Brucemulhearn@prucarealty.com Web site: www.pruCArealty.com Bruce has been broker/owner of his company since 1964. Mulhearn Realtors® has 20 offices and over 1000 agents. Bruce's designations include CRS, CRB, and recipient of the GRI Certificate. He has Co-authored books for C.A.R. and authored articles for the C.A.R. Magazine and the National Real Estate Magazine. Recently, Bruce completed a book entitled, Hunger, Hunches, and Hustle. back to top   Jo Ellen Nash , CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES Luxury Estates of Naples 2529 Day Lily Place Naples, FL 34105 Office Number: 239-692-8174 Fax: 866-721-4326 E-mail: jnash@joellennash.com Web site: www.LuxuryEstatesofNaples.com Jo Ellen Nash established Nash & Company, a real estate "boutique" of the highest caliber in the Vail Valley resort market, operating since 1989. In November 2007, Jo Ellen Nash announced the opening of a second office located in Naples, Florida, which specializes in serving the $2 million and over luxury market. Jo Ellen Nash has the successful track record to serve her clients at the highest level. Her Vail real estate office is located in Edwards . Her Naples Florida office is located on Tamiami Trail in Naples . Representing real estate for sale at the highest level is Jo Ellen's passion and she loves sharing her knowledge and experience with both tourists and homeowners alike. Her companies offer Buyer agency, Seller agency and a myriad of other added value services such as their unique Client Concierge Program . Jo Ellen Nash is a national speaker and educator, real estate coach and author of many real estate publications. She is a STAR POWER® Star , a Cyberstar , CRS Sell-a-bration® speaker and educator , SRES Senior Residential Specialist as well as a luxury real estate coach for CKG International , where she heads up their Luxury Division and is on their advisory board. back to top   James W. Nellis II , CRS The Nellis Group - RE/MAX Allegiance 1720 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007 Office Number: 703-930-0655 Fax: 703-832-0721 E-mail: james@nellisgroup.com Web site: www.nellisgroupdc.com James Nellis II, a third-generation REALTOR®, is CEO of The Nellis Group’s DC Division. He has been in the real estate business for over 13 years and specializes in utilizing cutting edge technology and creating new systems to bring real estate to the next level. He also trains new agents that enter The Nellis Group VA and DC divisions. The Nellis Group was ranked in the Top 25 RE/MAX Teams in 2007. Nellis focuses on new ways of doing business to capture a greater market share of referral business. He also works with non-profit organizations to help them improve their growth and build connections within the local community. Nellis was featured as one of REALTOR® magazine’s “30 under 30” in 2005. back to top   Sandra Nickel , CRS Sandra Nickel REALTOR 1044 E Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 Office Number: 334-834-1500 Fax: 334-269-4083 E-mail: sandra@hat-lady.com Web site: www.hat-lady.com Sandra Nickel has been listing and selling residential real estate for over 26 years. While she owns her own small company, her income comes strictly from selling houses day in and day out. She has been interviewed as a Howard Brinton Star. Her Hat Team was listed among the top 300 in closed transaction sides by REALTOR® Magazine in 2001 and 2002. In addition to the CRS designation, she is also an ABR and SRES. Her next education goal is the CIPS. Sandra believes that professional education has contributed heavily to her success. Sandra serves as Rainmaker for her team, which is made up of 8 full-time members, 4 in production and 4 on the administrative side. Over the past few years, Sandra has devoted approximately 1000 hours per year to volunteer activities including historic preservation, affordable housing, community development in Montgomery’s less affluent areas, re- vitalization of the riverfront and downtown areas. In October 2002 she was recognized by the City’s mayor as a Lifetime Community Advocate. Sandra was named the Alabama CRS Chapter 2007 member of the year. She has also served on the board of directors of the national organization. back to top   Mike Parker , CRS Mike Parker HUFF Realty 60 Cavalier Blvd. Florence, KY 41042 Office Number: 859-647-0700 Fax: 859-647-9065 E-mail: Mike@MikeParker.com Web site: www.MrMike.com If you could use one word to describe Mike Parker, it would be "passion". Passion for sports, for growing and learning, for family and friends, for real estate! Mike's enthusiasm for what he does has led him to being the top REALTOR® in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. He prides himself on the trust and integrity he brings to his clients, peers, family, and friends. He has made a commitment to be the best and give his clients top quality service. Mike emphasizes ongoing personal and professional growth, closing more homes than ever and enjoying his life. From creating accountability systems to generating business through new construction opportunities, this man does it all. And Mike runs his business with the support of well trained team members who feel the same way about taking care of their clients. back to top   Joe Pryor , CRS, ABR RE/MAX Associates 1900 S.E. 15th, Building 500 Edmond, OK 73013 Office Number: 405-359-8700 Fax: 405-359-8729 E-mail: joepryor@cox.net Web site: www.joepryor.com After spending 16 years as a retail stores owner, Joe entered real estate in 1989. Currently, he is with RE/MAX Associates in Edmond, Oklahoma. In the last four years, his production was 95 million in over 630 transactions. Joe currently holds the designations of CRS, ABR and Certified EcoBroker. He is the Vice-President of the Edmond Board of Realtors®, and just finished 3 years as Director of OKCMAR MLS Board, and has served as an officer on the Oklahoma CRS Chapter. His specialties are investment real estate, internet lead generation and short sales. back to top   Cathy C. Russell , CRS, CRB, GRI Cathy Russell Team Real Estate 2506 Covington Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Office Number: 765-497-0700 Fax: 765-497-1003 E-mail: cathy@russellteam.com Web site: www.cathyrussell.com Cathy began her Real Estate career in 1974 after graduating from Purdue University in home planning and working in the building industry. After raising her three children, she returned to Coldwell Banker Sycamore Realty in 1989. Putting heavy emphasis on further education led Cathy to break several top-producing records. In 1998, she established her own Real Estate Agency—Cathy Russell Team Real Estate. Mother of three and grandmother now, she continues to emphasize learning, doing your best and helping people get what they want out of life, all the while having FUN! back to top   Gregory Sapp , CRS, GRI Realty Executives 7600 N 16th St., Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85020 Office Number: 602-861-3300 Fax: 602-861-3301 E-mail: greg@gregsapp.com Web site: www.gregsapp.com Greg Sapp is a seasoned real estate veteran of 32 years in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area with Realty Executives in Arizona. He has won numerous National Marketing Awards from the Council of Residential Specialists and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Top 30 Realtors in the Phoenix Board of Realtors. He became an eagle scout at age 14 and reached the top of Switzerland’s Matterhorn at 16. Greg enjoyed traveling to over 98 countries in the world and has climbed over 50 mountains. He has been on two of the hardest routes on Mt Everest in Nepal and China. Greg is married to Laurie Berg Sapp, who runs a government television station for the city of Glendale. Among her duties was planning Super Bowl 42. back to top   Franklin T. Serio , CRS, CRB RE/MAX By The Sea PO Box 1499, Rt. 1 & Fifth Street Bethany Beach, DE 19930 Office Number: 302-537-3171 Fax: 302-541-9263 E-mail: frank@theserios.com Web site: www.theserios.com Frank Serio, CRS, CRB has run the gauntlet from sales associate to top producer to sales manager/trainer. In his fast paced presentations, Frank shares his own experiences and the innovative ideas used by top producers across the country. His seminars are packed with knowledge and information, and enjoyed by all. Frank was President of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® in 1997 and REALTOR® of the Year in 1994. He has also served on numerous committees on the local, state and national levels. Frank is currently associated with RE/MAX By The Sea in Bethany Beach, Delaware, where he actively sells real estate. He is a senior instructor for the Council of Residential Specialists. His versatility allows him to offer seminars on a wide variety of topics. Frank enjoys living by the water in Fenwick Island, Delaware, with his wife, Audrey. back to top   Russell Shaw , CRS, GRI John Hall & Associates 11211 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85028 Office Number: 602-957-7777 Fax: 602-996-2697 E-mail: russell@nohasslelisting.com Web site: www.nohasslelisting.com Russell has been in the real estate business since 1978, all with John Hall & Associates. He has ranked among the top 1% of all agents since 1991. In 2002, taking 504 listings, he ranked # 28 for all agents in the United States for number of units sold. Most recently – for 2006 - the Wall Street Journal recognized the Top 200 Agents in America and awarded Russell # 25 for number of units sold. In 2007, he again placed in the top 200 agents in the U.S. He has been a featured speaker many times at the national convention for Certified Residential Specialists and has also spoken at the National Association of Realtors® convention, as well as routinely speaking at various state association conventions. Russell gives seminars to fellow agents Russell and his wife, Wendy are part of the first study of its kind, ever – real research being done at the university level on lead generation. He is featured in the book, "Billion Dollar Agent" and was featured and quoted extensively in the bestselling book, by Gary Keller, "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent". Even though not with that company, Russell has repeatedly contributed to the curriculum for Keller Williams University. He experiences no greater joy than to mentor fellow agents and see them succeed. back to top   Bruce Slaton , CRS, ABR, NRBA, ePro Keller Williams Realty 9355 E Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 95624 Office Number: 916-501-6511 Fax: 916-241-8803 E-mail: bruce@bruceslaton.com Web site: www.bruceslaton.com Bruce Slaton, Rainmaker for Bruce Slaton & Co. at Keller Williams Realty in Elk Grove California. His production in 2008 will be 200 homes sold with approximately 40 million in production sold and generating over 1 million in commission for 2008. Bruce specializes in Residential Resale and his designations include CRS, ABR, EPro & NRBA. He believes in the power of the internet to control costs in marketing and has created sites such as SacramentoCondos.com, ElkGroveHomeSource.com and WhatsMyCondoWorth.com to capture buyers and sellers for the least cost through the internet. Bruce also believes IDX is the key to low cost marketing for any agent whether they are new or experienced. back to top   Emily M. Smith , CRS, ABR, SRES Pete Anderson Realty 750 Marine Dr. Astoria, OR 97103 Office Number: 503-325-0285 Fax: 503-325-4205 E-mail: emilym_smith@yahoo.com Web site: www.peteandersonrealty.com First licensed in February of 2004, Emily started out her real estate career with the goal of becoming a CRS. Attending classes from Denver to Sacramento she obtained her CRS Designation a year later. Emily also holds the ABR and SRES designations. She was the Clatsop Association of Realtors President for 2008. She has been on the Board since May of 2004 as a Director for the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Chair, as well as being on many committees. Emily first became involved with Short sales in 2005. She has since successfully completed a number of Short sales (as well as one that was not successful), with the last being the topic for an article on Short Sales in the March 2008 CRS magazine, which earned her the cover. Giving back to her community has always been important, and her work with short sales helps her do just that. back to top   Diane Kay Stow , CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES RE/MAX Traditions 2204 18th Avenue Longmont, CO 80501 Office Number: 303-827-7046 Fax: 303-772-1768 E-mail: diane@dianestow.com Web site: www.dianestow.com Diane has been one of Re/Max Mountain States’ top-ten-producing agents for several years including 2007 and continues to be a top producing single agent with a non-licensed team, closing more than 100 transactions annually. She enjoys golf, cooking, travel and spending time with her family in her spare time. Her elderly father lives with Diane and her husband, Van. She is on the Board of Directors for A Woman’s Work a local charitable organization, an active member of Sunshine Club and a Rotarian. She holds not only her CRS designation but also ABR, GRI & SRES designations and is a past President of her local Association of Realtors®. She is also a recipient of the Rookie & Realtor® of the Year from her local Association and has received multiple awards for her civic involvement. back to top   Robert C. Wolff , CRS, CRB, GRI RE/MAX Real Estate Services 3 Monarch Bay Plz., Suite 100 Monarch Beach, CA 92629 Office Number: 949-248-1888 Fax: 949-661-9579 E-mail: bob@bobwolff.com Web site: www.bobwolff.com Bob Wolff has been a speaker at 17 National Association of REALTORS® conventions and has been a guest lecturer at numerous universities throughout the United States regarding residential real estate. Bob has been featured in numerous newspaper articles and real estate publications across the country. His residential sales volume in 2006 topped $100 million, specifically in South Orange County, California. back to top   Betty Sun Wong , CRS, LTG Prudential California Realty 1 Daniel Burnham Ct., Suite 260-C San Francisco, CA 94109 Office Number: 415-929-5820 Fax: 415-567-8069 E-mail: bettysunwong@yahoo.com Web site: www.PruRealty.com/BettySunWong Betty Sun Wong is a San Francisco Bay Area Realtor® that has been on the Chairman’s Circle of Prudential Real Estate for the last decade, which encompasses the nationwide top 3%. She has also been the co-owner of Regency Real Estate formerly known as Mason-Mcduffie Real Estate which she formed with her husband, John Yen Wong. Betty has had over 20 years of positive experience in Real Estate and still plays an active role in the Bay Area Community including being a membership chair of the Osaka Sister’s Association. She is happily married to her husband, John Yen Wong for over 20 years and also the proud mother of Jerrold and Charissa Wong who has graduated from Columbia University and currently attends Vassar College respectively. She has currently served as executive Vice President of the CREAA (Chinese Real Estate Association of America), 2001 Realtor® of the Year for the Women’s Council of Realtors® and CRS of the Year in 2001. back to top   Pat Zaby , CRS, CCIM Pat Zaby, Inc. 5023 Sea Pines Dallas, TX 75287 Office Number: 972-407-1337 Fax: 972-407-0780 E-mail: pat@patzaby.com Web site: www.patzaby.com Pat began his career in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in real estate from the University of North Texas. His contributions to the industry through speaking, teaching, writing, and development have earned him the recognition and respect as one of the industry’s authorities. He authors the largest and most widely read e-mail newsletter for real estate professionals found at www.PatZaby.com. He has been a speaker at every National Association of REALTORS® convention since 1979 as well as numerous franchise and state conventions. He successfully developed software that over ten years became one of the leading agent productivity packages with over 20,000 users. His software products and teaching now capitalize on Microsoft Office to provide agents the most powerful tools available. back to top