Whether for commendable growth or inventive thinking, many of RISMedia’s 2019 Real Estate Newsmakers garnered headlines for more than one reason this year. Here, we highlight a selection of stories, with claims to fame that include increased marketshare, an IPO, and a pivotal rebrand.
Brian Bair (Trailblazer)
CEO & Co-Founder, Offerpad
In May 2018, Offerpad earned $150 million in a financing round. In July, the company expanded its leadership team, adding a new chief of staff/COO and a new chief product and analytics officer. In September, the company hired a new CTO.
Adam Contos (Futurist)
CEO, RE/MAX
In February 2018, RE/MAX acquired booj, developer of lead gen systems, websites, and more. In July, the company was named one of the top 10 “Global Franchises” by Entrepreneur. In October, the company was named one of the top 10 franchises by Franchise Times. In the second quarter of the year, agent count hit a new record: over 123,000 worldwide.
Dean deTonnancourt (Achiever)
CEO & President, HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate
In 2018, HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate expanded into Maine, its second marketplace in New England. The brokerage—HomeSmart International’s first franchise on the East Coast—was established in Rhode Island. DeTonnancourt was also named 2019 president of the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® this year.
Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor (Achiever)
COO & President, ERA Key Realty Services
In February 2018, ERA Key Realty Services merged with HUNT Real Estate ERA, combining 1,600 agents and more than 50 locations in New England and New York. In July, Eidinger-Taylor was awarded the Banker & Tradesman Women of FIRE award.
Georg Gerstenfeld (Trailblazer)
General Manager of Global Real Estate Solutions, DocuSign
In May 2018, DocuSign went public. In October, the company debuted DocuSign Rooms for Mortgage, and in November, in conjunction with the National Association of REALTORS®, launched the “Go Digital” program for associations.
Daisy Lopez-Cid (Crusader)
Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Premier Properties
Lopez-Cid is the 2018 president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). In January, she was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® for her efforts following Hurricane Maria. In November, she was the recipient of RISMedia’s “On the Shoulders of Giants” award.
Diane Ramirez (Luminary)
CEO & Chairman, Halstead
In April 2018, Halstead Property rebranded to Halstead Real Estate, complete with a fresh logo, positioning and website. Ramirez was also named the 2019 chair of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® this year.
For the complete list of Newsmakers this year, browse our directory at RISMedia.com/2019-Newsmakers.
For more information on RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers, please visit RISMedia.com.
Know a Newsmaker? For information on nominating or becoming a 2020 RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker, please email our executive editor, Maria Patterson, at maria@rismedia.com. Nominations will be accepted in early 2019.
