As we enter the holiday season it is common to reflect on the year that was, and when I do, I am completely blown away by what I have to be thankful for. We started this year with a mission to redesign our brand and grow into a kick-butt real estate company. The funny thing is, in January, I had no idea how to do this! I figured the best idea was to attend classes and training. What happened from there is nothing short of amazing, so here’s the story:

The first class attended this year was a free seminar put on by Move Inc. They had brought in Max Pigman and Chris Smith. The conversation was on QR codes, but it was a brief promo for Agent Reboot that got my attention. I attended Agent Reboot in Chicago on April 20, 2011 and you can read about it’s impact on this business here. Implementation is the key to success in anything, and, as that article explains, I implemented a number of the things I learned.

What has happened since that event has been nothing short of magical. I have made some great friends in this industry, people who I would have never met without that event. People like Chris Smith, Michael McClure, Matthew Shadbolt, Katie Lance, Susan Stynes, Matthew Coates, Debra Trappen, and the list goes on and on. Relationships mean everything, business is secondary, and I am truly thankful for people who will be life long friends thanks to a single event. I attended Inman Connect San Francisco and will be attending Inman Connect New York right after the new year. Again more great ideas and great people. We launched a new website and then another new website to better serve our customers. We refocused our company on helping renters. I am in the process of becoming the first Verified Professional Agent in the Chicago area! We interacted with 737 new customers to date and helped many find a great home! I am so thankful for those who put their trust in us to rent or buy, sell or invest. Without our clients we are nothing and we are well aware of it. We got the Naperville location off the ground and are in the process of adding 5 agents to our team! This has been the most fun I have ever had in my career.

So thank you to Inman Next and Agent Reboot! Thank you to Michael McClure of Verified Agent and Professional One! Thank you to our new staff! Most of all thank you to our Clients! You will never know how much you have meant to me or how much you have helped me. I am truly blessed!

Happy Holidays!

Jeff Kershner, Managing Broker