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 Influencers category:
Ken Baris, President at Jordan Baris, Inc. REALTORS® Real Living
Last year, Jordan Baris, Inc. REALTORS® affiliated with Real Living Real Estate and rebranded as Jordan Baris, Inc. REALTORS® Real Living. Ken Baris, president of the New Jersey-based brokerage, calls it "the most aggressive and exciting decision we have made since the company was founded in 1952."
In addition to fully embracing the Real Living infrastructure, the company has become a developer for the entire New York metropolitan area, which includes significant territory in portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
"The real estate brokerage industry is like an amazing canvas with unlimited opportunity through the use of vision, creativity, expression and commitment," says Baris. "I strive to enhance our canvas every day."
Jessica Edgerton, EVP of Operations/Corporate Counsel at LeadingRE
In her role at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Jessica Edgerton oversees the company's technology, marketing, preferred vendor relationships and events, as well as provides legal guidance for the organization and shares insights with its members on key legal issues.
Over the past year, Edgerton says, being proactive in helping members understand the current legal environment and take precautions to protect themselves, their companies and their clients has been incredibly gratifying.
"Our goal as an organization is to support the continued success of our members," says Edgerton.
Nancy Klock Corey, Regional VP of Southeast Florida at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Nancy Klock Corey, regional VP of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate's Southeast Florida region, oversees operations for 15 branch and satellite offices, supporting 1,600 affiliated agents. Also, she continues to help lead the company's award-winning Miami Beach office.
In 2019, two major players in Florida's luxury residential real estate industry, The Jills and The Zeder Team, combined to form The Jills Zeder Group. Corey brought together these two powerhouses, who had previously closed a combined total of more than $5 billion in sales, under Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.
"I am proud of our real estate professionals and all they contribute to those around them," says Corey.
Luciane Serifovic, CEO & Founder at Luxian International Realty
Luciane Serifovic, a well-known New York luxury real estate agent and former champion fitness model, recently founded Luxian International Realty, a luxury virtual real estate company and the only woman-owned business that focuses on serving high-net-worth clients in the sports and entertainment industries.
Luxian uses blockchain technology to help clients around the world find the homes or investments of their dreams and enjoy healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The company also offers services related to aviation, yachting, luxury cars and property management.
"One of the only things that is guaranteed in life is change," says Serifovic. "Technology helps change happen faster, and the best way to exist is to embrace it."
Alex Vidal, President at RelatedISG International Realty
Alex Vidal hosts a real estate show called "TheCloserClub," where he interviews some of the country's top real estate professionals, athletes, celebrity entrepreneurs and politicians. The show has had over 1 million views. In 2019, Vidal finalized his partnership in RelatedISG International Realty.
Additionally, last year, he launched new initiatives to help agents thrive in a business that is constantly growing and changing. He also received the REALTOR® Advocate of the Year award from the Miami Association of REALTORS®.
"The biggest risk you can take is never taking one," says Vidal. "I continued my show while no one believed in it. Now everyone loves the show!"
