In January, RISMedia named some 300 real estate professionals as 2020 Real Estate Newsmakers. Each of these individuals—separated into eight categories—was either nominated by you, the RISMedia reader, or chosen by our editors.
These folks made newsworthy contributions within their own communities or the industry as a whole. They have dedicated their lives to a better real estate process. Here, we highlight five honorees who were chosen as Newsmakers in the Achievers category:
Cristal Clarke, REALTOR® at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
As a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cristal Clarke is a trusted professional serving buyers and sellers of luxury estates, homes and land in Montecito, Calif., one of the most affluent communities in the U.S.
In 2019, Clarke joined the elite ranks of the top 5 real estate professionals among the 60,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents nationwide. In addition, she maintains her position in the top 5 of all individual agents in Santa Barbara County and Montecito for average sale price.
"I truly believe my accomplishments in 2019 reflect, in some small way, the resilience of the Montecito community in light of its inspiring and heartwarming recovery from 2018's disastrous wildfire and subsequent deadly mudflow."
Diane Glass, COO at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
When the longtime CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago stepped down in 2019, the firm chose to pivot to a new leadership team model that's unconventional for brokerages. Under the new three-person executive team, she jointly leads the firm with Mark Pasquesi, president of Brokerage, and Joe Stacy, SVP and general sales manager.
As COO, Glass is responsible for delivering operational and organizational excellence to maximize agent success.
"A strategic executive team instead of a traditional CEO role is new in residential real estate," says Glass, adding that the leadership model is a common one. "It's based on the really simple idea that more people, more ideas, and more expertise create an agile and connected environment."
Glenn Kelman, CEO at Redfin
Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman is optimistic about the firm's 2019 partnership with Opendoor, which he expects to allow the brokerage to reach more markets. Redfin currently offers iBuyer services with RedfinNow, but Kelman believes that working with Opendoor will enable it to reach customers in areas where RedfinNow is not available. The company plans to continue expanding its offerings through RedfinNow.
Kelman believes that giving homeowners options is important.
Andrew Nelson, President & Owner at Willis Allen Real Estate
Andrew Nelson is president and owner of La Jolla, Calif.-based Willis Allen Real Estate, one of the largest independently operated real estate companies in Southern California. In his leadership role, Nelson helps serve residential clients with six strategically located offices and oversees 200 agents.
"I am forever humbled by the amazing career I've been blessed with," he says.
Laura Walker, Broker/Owner at Walker Realty Group
Laura Walker, broker/owner at Walker Realty Group, was recognized by Forbes Magazine as a 2019 Real Estate Market Leader in Delaware. Her clients and peers voted for her because of her outstanding customer service and client satisfaction. Walker surpassed over 3,000 licensed agents in Delaware to be chosen for the award.
Walker was recognized by Forbes Magazine as a 2019 Real Estate Market Leader in Delaware.
To view the full gallery of RISMedia's 2020 Real Estate Newsmakers, click here.
