One of the most important discussions of yesterday’s General Session came when Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, moderated a panel with Richard A. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Realogy, Alex Perriello, chief executive officer of the Realogy Franchise Group, and our special guest, Marc Becker, a partner with Apollo Management.
So much has been written and said recently about the future of the Coldwell Banker brand, Realogy and Apollo. It was time to set the record straight and Gillespie represented the agent, manager and broker/owner population in asking questions.
Smith said that while competitors are hoping for Realogy’s demise, Realogy is not going anywhere. In fact, Realogy remains the largest provider of real estate and relocations services and participates in one of every four real estate transactions by volume. He discussed the financial state of the company and Realogy’s ongoing commitment to the Coldwell Banker brand.
Perriello discussed how Realogy is using its leadership position to impress upon Congress, the Treasury and the White House on the importance of housing.
Becker explained how Apollo Management, which owns Realogy, fully values its investment in Realogy and is committed to it for the long-term. Apollo remains supportive to the success of Realogy, and fully understands that Realogy and all in the industry are navigating through an extremely difficult cycle in housing and in our economy.
Meanwhile, Ashleigh Banfield, who continued to do a great job as host of IBC, moderated a panel consisting of rookies who “didn’t know they couldn’t.” Amy MacDonald from Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate in Waterville, Maine, Brett Lueken from Coldwell Banker Shook in Lafayette, Indiana and Kim Shacklock of Coldwell Banker Barnes in Brentwood, Tennessee, came into the real estate industry during one of the most challenging years in history. They clearly had a different take on what it took to succeed and generated a lot of discussion, even amongst the most experienced sales professional.
Later, Banfield moderated another panel. This one showcased the differences in the individual vs. team models. Jodi Kerby from Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors in Dallas, Texas, and David Young from Coldwell Banker United in Houston,Texas, had plenty to say about molding a good team. Amber Morrow from Coldwell Banker Elite in DeRidder, Louisiana, and Carol Foltz with Coldwell Banker Developac in DuBoise, Pennsylvania, gave their perspective on benefits of working alone.
Two of the major Coldwell Banker awards were presented today and both drew tremendous applause.
Steve Barnes, a senior vice president for Coldwell Banker United in Houston, Texas, won the Chandler Barton Spirit Award given annual to a member of the Coldwell Banker system who exhibits a “can do attitude.” It was five months ago when Hurricane Ike battered Galveston, Houston and much of Texas. It was Barnes who became a one-man crusader against the storm. He made certain his sales associates, staff and customers were well taken care of throughout the ordeal and amazingly had 14 of Coldwell Banker United’s 20 area offices back online within 5 days. But he wasn’t finished. Barnes set up a fund that guaranteed financial support went to the neediest in his Coldwell Banker family.
Robin and Scott Gwaltney, from At Your Service Real Estate in Rochester, Minnesota, won the Preserving Trust Award for their exemplary efforts in their community. Not content to simply raise funds for the Rochester Better Chance organization, the couple has “raised” 46 young people over the past 15 years, along with two kids of their own. They received a standing ovation after it was also revealed that they were one of five national winners of the National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Awards.
Another highlight today came when Banfield announced that Kisti Skaar from Coldwell Banker Holtan, Albert Lea, Minnesota, won the 5-night trip to Pamplona, Spain for the “Running of the Bulls.” Have a great time Kisti!
And, as was the case yesterday, the four educational sessions were well attended. While San Antonio clearly offers a variety of activities, the overwhelming majority of attendees took advantage of the 36 courses offered today. Four members of the Coldwell Banker Professional Development Series faculty – Dirk Zeller, Dennis Walsh, Matthew Ferrara and Martha Webb – drew big crowds.
What was so impressive throughout the IBC was the networking that went on. Everywhere you looked, in the trade show, at every break and during meals, there were groups sharing ideas, success stories, developing referral relationships and forging friendships.
Then we were off to Sunset Station for the Final Night Celebration. It is one of the coolest places in San Antonio, built in 1902 as the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot.
Finally, good luck to all with the spring buying/selling season!
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