Several McColly Real Estate agents took part in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Agent SUMMIT, February 18-22 at Wynn Las Vegas. Michelle Bagull and Kyle Bowen from the McColly Schererville office; George Georgeff, Highland office; Julia Kilgore, Chesterton office; Bill Rathjen, DeMotte office; Becky Steininger, Thomas Terrell and Cynthia Villaseñor, Crown Point office and Bart Botkin from the Winfield office joined an elite group of over 2,500 real estate professionals from 25 countries who convened as part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) Conference Week, a series of educational and networking events focused on leadership and innovation in the real estate market.
The agent SUMMIT and sales manager conference were open exclusively to brokers, managers and relocation professionals who are members of LeadingRE, an invitation-only community of market leading independent real estate firms. Sessions focused on the trends impacting real estate markets worldwide and discussed innovations that improve the home buying and selling experience for consumers.
Keynote speakers included a range of accomplished presenters from a cross-section of industries: Derreck Kayongoml, global human rights activist and social entrepreneur; Nataly Kogan, founder of award-winning technology and learning platform Happier; Erin Meyer, author of the New York Times bestseller The Culture Map; Amy Purdy, two-time medal winning Paralympic snowboarder and best-selling author; and David Rowan, founding editor-in-chief of WIRED magazine in Europe. Also in the line-up were accomplished industry speakers and coaches, including Dan Elzer, The Training Academy; Pamela Ermen, Real Estate Guidance; Matthew Ferrara, Matthew Ferrara & Company; Steve Harney, Keeping Current Matters; Debbie Maier, customer experience expert; Dr. Marci Rossell, LeadingRE chief economist; Mike Staver, The Staver Group; Dennis Walsh, Certified New Home Specialist; and Martha Webb, Dress Your House for Success.
“The training was spot-on for what I needed and the general sessions had superb speakers that gave valuable information but also inspiration to reach higher and farther than ever before,” said Kilgore.
“I particularly enjoyed meeting other top performing agents from across the country. It was educational discussing the markets and business with them. Also, it is a huge plus that I personally know great agents to refer to my clients who are relocating from the area,” said Botkin.
“I attended the LeadingRE Summit in Vegas for the third straight year! Some of the info gleaned from the session speakers is priceless. Not to mention, the quality connections I make with Brokers from all over the country for future referral business!” commented Ken Varnes, McColly Highland managing broker.
“My favorite part of the LeadingRE conference was meeting so many great agents from so many areas. I learned a little about the Bahamas market and the New Zealand market, which I found SO interesting!” quoted Jory Mattull, McColly Crown Point office managing broker.
“The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference allows me to learn from the best names in real estate. I have a greater appreciation of the world’s largest community of independent real estate firms. The networking relationships that are formed can create referrals for a lifetime and the educational programs are, in my opinion, world-class. Looking forward to next year,” said Tracy Parus, general manager, McColly Corporate.
Jeff Bennett, managing broker for McColly Bennett Commercial Advantage, was a speaker at the LeadingRE Summit. Bennett led the session, “Expand Your Business With Commercial Referrals” sharing insights on using LeadingRE’s residential commercial sphere of influence.
“Assisting clients using LeadingRE Commercial companies provides for global opportunity,” said Bennett.
McColly Real Estate received a marketing award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. The awards were presented during the LeadingRE Annual Conference. The marketing award-winning entries were chosen based on excellence in creativity, quality and overall presentation and effectiveness.
McColly Real Estate was presented the award for their billboard campaign for firms with 101 to 500 agents. They won 3rd place for Company Brand and Property Advertising in recognition of the firm’s advertisements in external media to promote the company brand and showcase its listing inventory.
“It is an extreme honor to be recognized again by LeadingRE. The McColly Marketing Department prides itself in having the only local in-house creative department of any area brokerage. This gives us full artistic freedom for tailor-made multimedia campaigns for our agents and branding.” said Monica Decker, director of marketing & technology for McColly Real Estate.
“Successful marketing combines compelling content, creative design and strategic delivery,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma. “The winners of our marketing contest understand how to blend these elements to deliver materials and campaigns that engage consumers, while highlighting the distinctive character of their companies.”
In addition to the Marketing Award, McColly Real Estate was recognized with the Achievement Award for their outgoing referrals. McColly Real Estate won the Million Dollar Club - Most Outgoing Closings Award, which is presented to the affiliate with the most outgoing closed referrals with an actual sales price of $1 million or greater.
“Our affiliation with the LeadingRE network gives us the platform to help our agents assist their clients with buying and selling real estate needs nationwide and globally,” said Deborah Horton, director of relocation of McColly Real Estate.
“Honoring our Achievement Award winners was a highlight of our conference, as we celebrated the companies that earned distinction among the best firms in the business. Our award winners set the standard of excellence not only for our network, but also for the industry as a whole,” said Paul Boomsma.
McColly Real Estate, the independent real estate brokerage market leader in Northwest Indiana, Chicago Southland and Central Illinois, through its bold leadership, innovation and its comprehensive brand extensions, is celebrating it’s 45th year as a local business.
McColly Real Estate is the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Southland representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). 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. As a member of LeadingRE, McColly Real Estate provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide.
For more information about McColly Real Estate, please visit mccolly.com
