CHICAGO – January 16, 2018 – Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) has named Jessica Edgerton as executive vice president of operations. In this role, Edgerton will oversee operational areas of the company, including technology, marketing, learning and development, preferred vendor relationships and events. Additionally, she will interface closely with the finance department to ensure smooth, financially-healthy business operations.

Edgerton previously served as Associate Counsel for the National Association of REALTORS^®, where she interfaced with NAR’s communications, conventions and technology teams, as well as its membership. Her responsibilities included contract negotiations for NAR’s various divisions, helping ensure regulatory compliance, speaking on risk management topics at industry events and authoring content on various legal issues relating to the industry.

Additional industry experience includes serving as general counsel/chief compliance officer for a national appraisal company and as assistant director for a commercial real estate company.

Edgerton joins LeadingRE as part of recently-announced changes in the company’s executive team, including the retirement of long-time President/CEO Pam O’Connor and the advancement of the company’s current COO Paul Boomsma to that role, effective April 1.

“We are delighted to have Jessica join our team. Her extensive involvement in the industry, her expertise on relevant legal and regulatory issues and her ability to clearly communicate complex issues verbally and in writing make her uniquely qualified for this important role,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor.

LeadingRE COO Paul Boomsma adds, “Jessica’s experience working closely with inter-department teams will be incredibly valuable, as she interfaces with our existing team of department heads to continuously expand and enhance the services we offer our member brokerages.”

Edgerton is a cum laude graduate of Indiana University Maurer School of Law and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University School of Journalism and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College. She is based in LeadingRE’s Chicago headquarters and can be reached at +1 312-424-0400.

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CHICAGO – January 15, 2018 – WK Real Estate, Boulder, Colo., has been awarded the prestigious RELO^® Quality Certification from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE), a selective global network of the highest quality real estate firms. The only program of its kind, the RELO^® Quality Certification (RQC) quantifies and qualifies true relocation service excellence. Modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, it was created by LeadingRE to provide measurable standards for the pursuit of relocation excellence.

To receive the certification, WK Real Estate’s relocation department completed a rigorous and lengthy application process, overseen by a committee of leading industry professionals. Virtually every aspect of the company’s relocation operation was reviewed thoroughly, using specific criteria to evaluate performance and production, staffing, training and continuing education, quality and scope of service for relocation clients, program marketing, customer satisfaction, technology resources, office facilities, and more.

“WK Real Estate recognized the value of operating an independent relocation department early in its history, and they have remained committed to the highest standards of relocation excellence ever since,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “We are thrilled to recognize them for joining the prestigious ranks of RQC companies.”

“Receiving the RQC designation from Leading Real Estate companies of the World^® is a significant achievement for any real estate firm. I commend Pam Metzger and Suzanne Reynolds in our Relocation Department for all of the work and dedication they put in to receiving this recognition and attaining this goal. It is a huge accomplishment that few companies can claim and exemplifies our commitment at WK to be the best we can be in all aspects of our business,” said WK Real Estate President Dan Kingdom.

Founded in 1976, WK Real Estate is the largest independent real estate company in Boulder County, Colorado. With offices in Boulder and Longmont, the company covers all of Boulder County and the North Metro Denver area surrounding communities, with a focus on knowledge, integrity, innovation and professionalism. Among the company’s numerous awards, they earned LeadingRE’s coveted “Crown of Excellence” for the past four years.

To see a full list of RQC companies, visit LeadingRE.com/aboutus/membercredentials.

For more information about WK’s relocation services, visit www.wkre.com, or contact Pam Metzger, director of relocation and corporate services, at (303) 541-1928 or pmetzger@wkre.com.

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– Network’s certification program focuses on leadership mastery for select real estate sales managers. –

 

CHICAGO – (January 10, 2018) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® recently graduated its second 2017 class for its MAESTRO Leadership Certification program, which the network created to address the critical industry need to develop talented and highly effective real estate leaders for the future. Only select applicants from LeadingRE member companies are accepted into the program, with nearly 80 participants successfully completing the program in 2017.

Based on proprietary and validated research conducted by LeadingRE with 300 sales managers, the rigorous MAESTRO program encompasses three pillars of excellent office leadership, as determined by the research. It is the first program of its kind in the industry, with the goal of using science and art to establish and practice leadership mastery.

LeadingRE’s Chief Learning Officer Mike Staver is the lead instructor, with additional faculty including Dean of Innovation Matthew Ferrara, REAL Trends President Steve Murray, Long Realty CEO Rosey Koberlein, and other brokers and colleagues from various industries.

Participants attended three live sessions held at LeadingRE’s Chicago headquarters that included lectures and interactive workshops incorporating ‘real life’ exercises, case studies and group activities. Ongoing support from staff and fellow participants ensures continued engagement and measurable results from the program.

“The caliber of the people who are accepted into our MAESTRO Leadership program is incredible, and the fact that these accomplished leaders are committed to honing their skills even further reflects their commitment to elevating their own performance, as well as that of their team,” said Vice President of Performance Excellence Dan Nelson.

LeadingRE is currently accepting applications for its 2018 MAESTRO programs, with classes beginning in April. With a global membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. Learn more at www.LeadingRE.com.

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– Executive who led global real estate community since its founding passes the baton as network CEO. –

 

CHICAGO – (January 8, 2018) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® announced today that Pam O’Connor will leave her position as president and CEO, effective March 31. O’Connor, who has been at the helm of the company since its founding in 1997, is stepping down with plans to remain active in the industry in a consultative capacity, including joining the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) Board of Directors for the coming year.

Paul Boomsma, who currently serves a dual role as LeadingRE chief operating officer and president of Luxury Portfolio International^®, will assume responsibilities as president and CEO upon O’Connor’s retirement.

“Pam has been the force behind the remarkable growth of our network,” said LeadingRE Chairman of the Board Joe Horning, president of Shorewest Realtors. “With incredible passion, talent and dedication, Pam has spent decades building programs that support the success of independent brokerages. Her influence across the industry is undeniable, and we are immeasurably thankful for her years of leadership.”

O’Connor began her career in the promotion department of WSB Television in Atlanta and later co-owned Bryson-O’Connor Public Relations in Atlanta, but her professional focus has long been in the real estate industry. The first woman executive to head a major real estate network in 1985, her experience managing real estate and relocation organizations extends back 30 years to prior networks All Points Relocation Service and RELO^®.

During a time of consolidation for major independent real estate networks in the late 1990s, she was selected to head a new organization formed when leaders from fifty of America’s most respected real estate firms joined forces to launch a new non-franchise alternative for independent brokerages. This organization became the global powerhouse that today is Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®.

Among the milestones achieved under Pam’s leadership, LeadingRE has:

• Become a truly global organization, with 565 member firms in 65 countries spanning six continents and corporate offices in London and Singapore.
• Formed a separate corporate relocation company, RELO Direct^®, Inc., and an award-winning luxury marketing program, Luxury Portfolio International^®.
• Launched a highly-successful online learning platform, ranked #3 in the Training Magazine Top 125 list of the most successful learning and development programs in the world.
• Grown its affiliate-to-affiliate referral sales volume to billions of dollars annually with an industry-leading conversion rate of nearly 50%.

 

“To say it has been an honor to work alongside the leaders of the best real estate companies in the world, as well as our incredibly talented staff, is an understatement,” O’Connor said. “I am both gratified by what we have achieved together and excited to see what the future holds for LeadingRE and its extraordinary companies and people.”

“Having had the privilege to work with Pam for the last 13 years, I have learned a great deal from her about the value of relationships and the importance of staying ahead of trends,” commented Paul Boomsma. “While her day-to-day involvement will certainly be missed, we are so thankful she will continue to play an important role as a member of our Board of Directors.”

Stephanie Anton, who has served as executive vice president of Luxury Portfolio International^®, will assume responsibilities as president of that division. Joining LeadingRE as executive vice president of operations is Jessica Edgerton, formerly Associate Counsel with the National Association of Realtors^®. Others on the executive team include Bob Portale, president and CEO of subsidiary RELO Direct^®, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer Alan Cazzato; Executive Vice President/Member Services Elizabeth Nunan; and Executive Vice President/Global Operations Chris Dietz.

O’Connor’s personal and professional contributions will be celebrated during LeadingRE’s upcoming conference, taking place January 31-February 2 at Wynn Las Vegas.

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About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (www.LeadingRE.com) is a selective global community of the highest quality independent real estate companies, with over 565 companies and 130,000 sales associates in 65 countries. Network members generate over 1.1 million transactions annually, with $368 billion in home sales. LeadingRE exists to make its members better by connecting them to opportunities and people around the globe, supporting them with an international referral network, professional development programs, unique events and connections to people and opportunities worldwide.

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– Company’s moving app currently offered to nearly 20% of Americans. –

CHICAGO – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® announced today that it has named Updater to its Solutions Group program, which presents select business resources to its global community of 565 residential real estate firms.

Updater is a moving and relocation platform that helps buyers and sellers easily accomplish moving-related tasks, including updating accounts, transferring utilities, finding and booking a moving company, connecting digital services, and more. Brokers and agents extend their level of service with a digital moving experience that is customized and branded for the brokerage and personalized for each client’s unique move. Updater also integrates with other Solutions Group software providers.

“Our members are continually looking for ways to offer the most responsive services to their clients, so Updater is a perfect match,” said Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president, corporate marketing. “It handles the most common move-related tasks, as well as others that are essential but may not be top-of-mind, saving time and helping ease much of the stress related to a move. It’s a highly effective way for brokers and agents to add even more value during the move and stay in touch long after the transaction.”

Updater has had great success engaging LeadingRE members throughout the U.S., including Chapman-Richards & Associates, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, Patterson Realty, PMZ Real Estate, Stark Company Realtors, and more. The company is eager to streamline moving for more buyers and sellers through this new relationship.

“LeadingRE members are among the best real estate brokerages in the world,” said Chris Avery, Vice President of Residential Real Estate at Updater. “After successfully partnering with many members, the addition of Updater to the Solutions Group is the perfect next step and reflects the strong demand among leading brokerages to leverage Updater’s technology and streamline the moving process for their clients.”

Learn more about Updater at www.updater.com. Learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® at www.LeadingRE.com.

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About Updater
Updater is the nation’s first relocation technology platform designed to make moving easier for the 45 million Americans that relocate every year. Updater helps users seamlessly update accounts and records, transfer utilities and digital services, find and book a reputable moving company, forward mail and more. From real estate brokerages to multifamily and relocation companies, Updater’s proprietary relocation technology platform has become an industry standard, enabling a personalized and trusted all-in-one app for the relocation process. Headquartered in New York City, Updater has raised over $100 million from leading investors, including SoftBank Capital, IA Ventures, Commerce Ventures, Second Century Ventures (the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS®), and more.
For more information, please visit www.updater.com.

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CHICAGO – (October 20, 2017) – Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Dan Nelson in the role of vice president of Performance Excellence. In this role, Mr. Nelson will oversee all online and offline learning and development initiatives for LeadingRE members and staff, with a focus on performance and results.

Bringing more than a decade of experience delivering online and offline learning initiatives in a cross section of industries, Nelson specializes in presenting complex concepts in relevant terms that align with specific objectives, in a variety of formats suitable for adult learners. Most recently as director, product management for the largest textbook and learning company in the U.S., he drove the online product roadmap for learning technology. Additional experience in the real estate space includes serving as product director for a company specializing in restoring turn of the century homes.

Among his core responsibilities will be managing Institute, LeadingRE’s award-winning online learning platform for members. Nelson will oversee instructional design, content development, financial management and technology for the program, which currently has a library of over 350 proprietary courses and recently marked its one millionth course enrollment.

Nelson will also participate in managing content for the network’s extensive conference offerings, including its flagship event, LeadingRE Conference Week for brokers, agents and sales managers, as well as marketing, technology and relocation professionals. Other events include regional Forums, specialized-audience workshops and LeadingRE’s Global Symposium.

“Dan has a proven record of tying learning to performance results, with a deep understanding of how adults absorb and retain information in a way that makes it relevant to specific business goals, current market trends and personal learning styles,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “We are thrilled to have him on our team to support not only our member real estate professionals in 65 countries, but also our 110-person corporate staff.”

Nelson is based in LeadingRE’s Chicago headquarters. For more information on LeadingRE, please visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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Chicago, IL– (10/19/17) – Jack Conway & Company, Inc. has been awarded the prestigious RELO^® Quality Certification from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE), a selective global network of the highest quality real estate firms. The only program of its kind, the RELO^® Quality Certification (RQC) quantifies and qualifies true relocation service excellence. Modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, it was created by LeadingRE to provide measurable standards for the pursuit of relocation excellence.

To receive the certification, Jack Conway & Company’s relocation department completed a rigorous and lengthy application process, overseen by a committee of leading industry professionals. Virtually every aspect of the company’s relocation operation was reviewed thoroughly, using specific criteria to evaluate performance and production, staffing, training and continuing education, quality and scope of service for relocation clients, program marketing, customer satisfaction, technology resources, office facilities, and more.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Jack Conway to the esteemed group of firms that have been awarded the RQC,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “Their relocation department has distinguished itself by going beyond expected quality service, demonstrating industry leadership and continuously focusing on customers and results.”

“We are so proud to have earned this highly-esteemed certification,” said Conway CEO/President Carol Conway Bulman. “As far back as my father’s involvement in helping found Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® , Conway has been committed to providing the highest level of service for all of our clients, whether they are moving next door or across the globe. I am so grateful for the members of our Relocation team who are committed to being outstanding in every way.”

A family-owned Massachusetts-based firm with 30 offices and more than 700 agents, Jack Conway & Company serves the North Shore to Boston, Metrowest, Cape Cod and the South Coast, extending its reach globally to 65 countries through its affiliation with LeadingRE.

To see a full list of RQC companies, visit LeadingRE.com/aboutus/membercredentials.

For more information about Jack Conway & Company’s relocation services, contact Global Relocation & Corporate Services Director Ilona Robbins at 781-616-6857 or irobbins@jackconway.com.

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CHICAGO – (October 9, 2017) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has named Studeo as a preferred provider through its Solutions Group program, which identifies business resources for its global community of 565 residential real estate firms.

Studeo offers a comprehensive program that combines a storytelling strategy, cutting-edge marketing techniques and unique interactive technology in a way that strengthens a brokerage’s brand, provides impactful marketing that attracts sales associates, boosts agent performance and creates new revenue streams.

“Listings with a storybook presentation have been shown to engage viewers for 10 times longer than a standard digital presentation,” said Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president, corporate marketing. “By making it so easy to create these compelling interactive storybooks, Studeo gives brokers and sales associates a powerful way to stand apart from the competition – whether they are showcasing a listing, promoting the brokerage or highlighting a specific neighborhood or development.”

“Studeo is all about showcasing the stories behind listings, neighborhoods and the expertise of the agent,” said Studeo co-founder Rebecca Rose. “We have brought a unique, compelling and incredibly shareable product to the marketplace that allows the consumer to engage with real estate content like never before. LeadingRE is a real estate system that encourages independence and a thirst for new ideas. We are meeting so many quality brokerages who want to compete on different levels, and so many people in the tech space have encouraged us to align with LeadingRE. We are thrilled with their advice.”

Learn more about Studeo at studeohq.com. Learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the Worldd^® at LeadingRE.com.

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About Studeo
Studeo, the world’s first interactive storytelling platform for real estate, was founded in 2013 by Rebecca Rose and Nir Betan. It received first place in the women’s Ignite Capital startup competition and was recognized as one of the top three emerging technologies by RESAAS. More than 4,000 agents are currently on the platform in the U.S. and Canada. The company is based in Toronto. For more information visit www.studeohq.com or call 647-352-3591.

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– Members recognized at network’s Global Symposium in Vienna, Austria. –

CHICAGO – (October 4, 2017) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) presented member achievement awards during its Global Symposium, held in Vienna, Austria from September 24-26. The awards recognized member companies and individuals who have contributed significantly to the global growth of LeadingRE, home of the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in over 65 countries.

This year marks the first time formal awards were presented in the event’s 10-year history. “The strength and engagement of our global members have grown so much that we felt it was time to incorporate recognition of those who have been so instrumental in our development,” said LeadingRE COO Paul Boomsma, who presented the awards with LeadingRE Chairman of the Board Joe Horning of Shorewest Realtors, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the U.S., and LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor.

Seven individuals were presented with the Global Ambassador Award for extraordinary commitment to LeadingRE around the world, participating actively on many levels, promoting the network, and serving as role models for other members.

“These members are truly passionate about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, and they never hesitate to mentor other members, work with our team to recruit quality prospective members, serve as speakers at conferences, and demonstrate their leadership in so many other ways,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor.

Global Ambassador Award recipients include:

• Benedetta Vigano of Giorgio Vigano Real Estate in Milan, Italy
• Jeremy Hurst from IRG – International Realty Group Ltd. in the Cayman Islands
• Michael Saunders of Michael Saunders and Company in Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
• Wendy Alexander and Peter Thompson from Barfoot & Thompson in Auckland, New Zealand
• Charles Marie Jottras and Marie-Helene Lundgreen from Daniel Feau Conseil Immobilier and Belles Demeures de France in Paris, France

Earning the Global Leadership Award was Ron Stader from CIR Realty in Calgary, Canada, in recognition of his generosity of time and commitment in supporting LeadingRE in his role as the chairman of LeadingRE’s Global Advisory Board and on the Board of Directors.

The Rising Star Award was given to Unique Estates Limited from Sofia, Bulgaria, for their early adoption of LeadingRE branding and programs as a new member.

Chas Everitt International Property Group, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was presented the Luxury Trendsetter Award for leadership in the affluent real estate space and engagement with Luxury Portfolio International^®, LeadingRE’s luxury marketing program.

The Referral Service Excellence Award was given to Carratelli Real Estate from Pienza, Italy, for above-and-beyond service and professionalism in handling a challenging cross-border referral.

Von Poll Immobilien, based in Frankfurt, Germany, received the Referral Accelerator Award for their  commitment to sending cross-border referrals to fellow members – placing five outgoing referrals in one day alone this past year.

Earning the Long Distance Referral Award for collaborating on the referral that traveled the greatest distance to be transacted – nearly 13,000 kilometers, or 8,000 miles – were Ark Properties from Shanghai, China and Stone Real Estate from Sydney, Australia.

Receiving the Global Referral Production Award for sending the most outgoing referrals this year among companies outside of North America was Ginesta Immobilien from Zurich, Switzerland.

The awards were a highlight of the Global Symposium, which attracted top-tier professionals from 22 countries. Next year’s Global Symposium will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September 2018. LeadingRE’s next major event is its annual Conference Week, taking place January 29-February 2, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

To learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, visit www.LeadingRE.com.

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The Preeminent Industry Conference From September 24-26 Brought Together Expert Global Real Estate Leaders from Around the World

 

NEW YORK – (September 26, 2017) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE), home of the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in over 65 countries, hosted the 2017 Global Symposium conference from September 24-26, 2017 at the Grand Hotel Wien in Vienna, Austria.

The conference offered top-tier industry professionals the opportunity to gain insights into the global marketplace and discuss new strategies on growing a business, along with the opportunity to explore the many historical treasures of Vienna, Austria’s capital. The event brought together attendees from around the globe, including United Kingdom, Denmark, China, Aruba, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The symposium included expert panelist Matthew Ferrara, dean of innovation for LeadingRE Institute, who discussed the role of artificial intelligence in completely rewriting the rules of marketing. Marci Rossell, chief economist for LeadingRE, shared insights about population shifts, demographic changes and political influences that are affecting the global economy.

Attendees heard from Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of LeadingRE, who discussed how the opportunities for assisting globally-focused clients is driving the growth of the company’s network by combining trusted relationships with technological progress. Paul Boomsma, president of Luxury Portfolio International^®, spoke about growth statistics for global real estate, where the greatest opportunities are, and how LeadingRE is leveraging its scope and membership expertise to take advantage of those opportunities. Additional LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio International staff speakers included:

• Chris Dietz, Executive Vice President Global Operations, LeadingRE
• Stephanie Pfeffer Anton, Executive Vice President, Luxury Portfolio International

Participants also received first-hand reports on select markets around the world from member speakers and heard from keynote presenters including:

• Geoff Ramm, creator and author of ‘Celebrity Service’, ‘OMG Marketing’ & ‘OMG Strikes Back’
• Debra Searle, entrepreneur, adventurer and motivational speaker

“With all the recent shifts and exponential growth in key world markets, this well-attended event brought together leading experts from real estate communities across the globe to discuss pertinent trends and opportunities in various sectors,” said Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of LeadingRE.

For more information about the conference, please visit: symposium.leadingreresources.com.

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