In December, RISMedia honored more than 230 Real Estate Newsmakers, each of whom made headlines in his or her own way. Whether it be through charitable work or notable growth at their company, every individual made a positive impact in the real estate industry.
Here, we highlight a few who were chosen as RISMedia Newsmakers in the Luminaries category:
Mary Frances Burleson, Chairman Emeritus at The Ebby Halliday Companies
Mary Frances Burleson of the iconic North Texas powerhouse—ranked No. 11 in RISMedia's 2018 Power Broker Report for sales volume—joined Ebby Halliday in 1958 and became CEO. Last May, Ebby Halliday was acquired by HomeServices of America. According to Burleson, the deal ensured the firm's longstanding marketshare remain unrivaled.
"Finding the right partner to maintain the legacy, culture and integrity of the Ebby Halliday Companies was of utmost importance," says Burleson.
Dottie Herman, CEO at Douglas Elliman Real Estate
At Douglas Elliman Real Estate—the No. 3 Power Broker, as ranked by RISMedia, for sales volume—Dottie Herman oversees a company which boasts 7,000 agents and 675 employees in over 113 offices. Last October, she was honored at the Angel Ball, the annual fundraiser for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, for her philanthropy.
"This cause is very close to my heart, and it was an amazing opportunity to raise awareness for this incredible organization and their quest to cure cancer now," says Herman.
Rei Mesa, President and CEO at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
Rei Mesa has more than 30 years' experience in the industry and currently serves as a National Association of REALTORS® director. Unafraid to challenge the status quo, Mesa has promoted new types of technology to train and support real estate professionals, improve their ability to serve their customers and increase productivity.
"It is an honor to be included in this very prestigious industry recognition and be among the industry's iconic leaders," says Mesa.
Rosey Koberlein, CEO at Long Companies
As CEO of Long Companies in Tuscon, Ariz., Rosey Koberlein oversees the leadership and strategic planning for brokerage, mortgage, title and insurance, and supports more than 1,400 sales associates. In late 2017, Koberlein stepped into the national role of president of the Central Region for HomeServices of America, now overseeing nine companies.
"This is not the profession for a maintenance attitude," she says. "As CEO, I challenge myself and everyone around me to be their best and grow continuously."
Patrick Shea, President at Lyon Real Estate
Patrick Shea has more than 25 years of real estate leadership and sales experience in the greater Sacramento, Calif., region. Under his leadership as president and COO, Lyon Real Estate has maintained the No. 1 independent residential real estate brokerage ranking in the four-county area.
"Here at Lyon Real Estate we stay laser focused on our vision—thus, our market presence remains consistently strong, and, consequently, our future looks stellar," Shea says.
