Force de Femme. by engelvolkersmarketing

‘22

Force de

Femme.

In honor of Women’s History Month, meet the dynamic and inspiring group of women shaping the future of real estate, the power players & luxury sales leaders of Engel & Völkers.

Alexa Foss, Director of Operations and Lisa Shirtliff, Franchises’ Manager

orld renowned Engel & Völkers is the leading luxury brand that dominates the international real estate market and continues to expand in the most highly desired markets around the globe. Since 2012, Engel & Völkers Westlake Village, Calabasas and Channel Islands have had their own list of staggering accomplishments including record-breaking sales, nationally top ranked advisors, and historical achievements. The foundation for this success? The company’s powerhouse team of exceptional females. This impressive group of women each bring their own expertise and unique qualifications to the table and they have all earned true success in their own right. While some bring 20+ years of experience in real estate, others come from vastly different careers such as clothing designers and high-profile event planners. Some are locally born and raised while others come from as far away as Ecuador and Belgium. Each woman brings her own distinct personal and professional experiences, but what they share is a passion for the real estate business and the community they serve. This celebration of diversity starts at the very top, with a leadership team of three women who have shaped the company into what it is today. Nicole Van Parys, Shop Owner, Alexa Foss, Director of Operations and Lisa Shirtliff, Franchises’ Manager have created a culture of collaboration and empowerment, backed by a strong support system within the team. In an industry that has historically been considered competitive, the advisors at Engel & Völkers elevate one another to reach their highest level of success.

“THIS IS A TRULY REMARKABLE GROUP OF WOMEN,” says Alexa, who has led her team to multiple, consecutive years ranked as one of the top ten performers in North America. “No matter what challenge they are faced with, they meet it head on and deliver unequivocally exceptional results every time.”

There is no better demonstration of this tenacity than in the last two unpredictable years for the real estate industry, where the team continued to break records and drive sales. According to Alexa, this level of success is not to be unexpected: “The dedication and resilience of this team is unwavering. They adapt to every change and never cease to amaze me.” Lisa adds, “Our advisors are set up for success from the moment they join the team. They have access to all of the resources and technology needed to deliver outstanding client service. But knowing they have the constant support of their team is an invaluable benefit that allows them to be confident and passionate about their work.” Having one of the most successful women in real estate at the helm of the franchise is another contributing factor that is invaluable to the entire team. With 30 years of experience under her belt, Nicole inspires and motivates her colleagues by always encouraging them to help one another succeed. “When women have confidence in themselves they tend to elevate the confidence of those around them.,” says Nicole, who in addition to being owner is also a top-performing advisor herself.

“IT IS SIMPLE BUT TRUE. WHEN WOMEN RISE, THEY SHINE.” Nicole Van Parys Alexa Foss, Director of Operations, Nicole Van Parys, Franchise Owner and Lisa Shirtliff, Franchises’ Manager

#WOMENSHISTORYMONTH

A LOOK INSIDE Meet the female power players and sales leaders of Engel & Völkers.

ALEXA FOSS ABOUT ALEXA, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS In 2012, Alexa Foss found her home with Engel & Völkers Westlake Village, just shortly after the luxury real estate firm’s opening. Her immediate passion for the brand and commitment to reshaping “industry standard” was a driving force behind her quick growth into a management role. Over the last decade, Alexa has led her team to achieve unprecedented success within the company, her shops amongst Engel & Völkers California’s top producing shops today.

Q: What makes this group of women stand out in the real estate industry? A: No matter what challenge they are faced with, they meet it head on and deliver unequivocally exceptional results every time. The dedication and resilience of this team is unwavering. They adapt to every change and never cease to amaze me.

CRIS EPSTEIN

Q: What is the biggest accomplishment of your career? A: My greatest accomplishment is not a singular event but rather a compilation of successes achieved for each of my clients. A client’s testimonial about my work after the transaction is the greatest win. In my career I have broken community records and have been awarded for my transactional success, but truly a call from an ecstatic client is my reason why.

ABOUT CRIS, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Cris has earned the designation of Top Producer year after year and has been a highly successful realtor in Southern California for the past 20 years. Prior to that, Cris spent many years in the corporate realm - negotiating large government contracts and heading up major marketing projects in addition to working and collaborating with people from all sides of the business world. Cris’s resume and personal qualities combined comprise an award winning realtor.

DIANA ARMSTRONG-BRUNS ABOUT DIANA, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Born in Ecuador and educated in the UK, Diana prides herself on her international roots and discerning networks. Having been involved in the entertainment industry for 18 years, she has a wide network of friends and connections in that field and has had the privilege of working with a number of celebrity clients. With her extensive knowledge of the luxury real estate market and dedication to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients, Diana has received several accolades and awards including the Diamond Elite Award two years in a row.

Q: What has been the proudest moment of your career? A: Breaking the record for the highest sale in Topanga. It was beautiful and unique property that had been through 3 other brokers. With some creative marketing and a lot of determination we were able to find the perfect buyers for the home.

H E AT H E R H I G G I N S

Q: What makes you stand out in this industry?

A: I utilize strategic marketing and complex multiple offer negotiations to ensure that my clients are successful in all their real estate endeavors.

ABOUT HEATHER, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Born and raised in California, Heather has over 30 years of knowledge and experience living in the Westlake Village area. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual concentration in Communications Studies and English. Heather is a seasoned real estate professional with nearly 10 years in the industry. Heather has used her expertise to guide both sellers and buyers in the Conejo Valley through more than 18 million dollars in sales in 2020 and 30 million dollars in sales in 2021.

JAIME KRUPNICK ABOUT JAIME, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Jaime has built her success on integrity, innovative ideas, hard work and great communication with her clients. Before embarking on her real estate career, Jaime owned and operated an event production and design agency for over 20 years, creating world-class extraordinary experiences. Born and raised in Westlake Village, Jaime has extensive knowledge in the Conejo Valley and the local housing market.

Q: What do you enjoy most about this industry?

A: I absolutely love putting my interpersonal skills to work on a daily basis. Whether it is business colleagues, referral partners, new clients or neighborhood experts, I love working in real estate for the opportunity to connect.

JANE THURMOND

Q: How has Engel & Völkers played a role in the success of your career? A: Being a part of Engel & Völkers has upped my status within Luxury Real Estate. After more than twenty years in the industry I have leveled up by being a part of such a prestigious, global brand.

ABOUT JANE, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR With over 20 years as a real estate expert, Jane loves real estate. The architecture, the sanctuary, the nuances of each unique property. She love the thrill of the hunt. Finding that perfect place for her client to call home. It feels like the most important and personal scavenger hunt. Combing through the rough to find their diamond and recognizing the moment that her client has found the home they’ve been searching for is her joy.

JANE TURNER ABOUT JANE, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Born and raised in England, having lived in Switzerland and Australia, and currently a long-time resident of Westlake Village, Jane knows what it means to exceed her client’s real estate goals both locally and internationally. Jane graduated from King Alfred’s College, Winchester, UK with a Bachelor of Education Master’s degree and taught in the US and abroad for 10 years. Jane is married with two children and has been a relocation counselor for the past 18 years providing extensive knowledge of the area.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being surrounded by other powerful women? A: Being inspired by their determination to succeed, enthusiasm and willingness to share best practices.

K A R E N H I AT T

Q: How has Engel & Völkers played a role in the success of your career? A: Engel & Völkers is like family all over the world. The listing exposure is amazing! How quickly corporate gives us tools as the world changes, we adapt quickly!

ABOUT KAREN, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Karen leverages her business acumen from her background in corporate executive management and international sales in the high tech industry to assist her clients in the home buying and selling processes. Karen is a results-oriented professional with tenacious negotiating skills, dedicated to exceeding her clients’ expectations! Additionally, she is the president of the Conejo Valley UCLA Alumni Group. In her spare time, you might find her rollerblading around the lake or practicing yoga.

KELLI DUNKIN ABOUT KELLI, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Kelli’s success comes from her passion and dedication to fulfilling her client’s personal and financial goals. Kelli is a lifelong Ventura County resident, with the exception of her years attending UCSB, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Communication.

Q: What makes you stand out in this industry? A: I treat every transaction as if it were my own home purchase or sale. My strategic marketing and versatile negotiation skills will be your property’s greatest advantage, along with my dedication to not stop until my clients’ personal & financial dreams come true.

L I S A S H I RT L I F F

Q: What do you enjoy most about being surrounded by other powerful women? A: Our advisors are set up for success from the moment they join the team. Knowing they have the unwavering backing of their team is an invaluable benefit that allows them to be confident and passionate about their work.

ABOUT LISA, FRANCHISE MANAGER Prior to entering the real estate industry in 2010, Lisa spent over a decade working as a trusted partner to Fortune 500 corporations recruiting top talent in a concentrated effort to create world-class teams. She guided talented professionals to consider new opportunities and take bold moves that would elevate their careers to new levels of success. Today Lisa works as a passionate leader who finds tremendous joy in coaching & supporting the Real Estate Advisors at Engel & Völkers as they work diligently to provide the highest level of expertise & service to their clientele while achieving their professional goals. As Franchise Manager, Lisa readily shares her expertise in sales & marketing, real estate compliance, brand leverage, business development, collaboration and the importance of creating the best customer experience. Her personal mantra is to always give without expectations and to treat everyone with the utmost respect and kindness.

MADISON ASHTON ABOUT MADISON, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Madison is a passionate real estate professional dedicated to helping her clients find their dream home. She is a Los Angeles native and grew up in Westlake Village before attending the University of Southern California. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, and has experience with interior design and customer service.

MARGO LEWIS

Q: When did you first discover your passion for real estate? A: I bought my first home when I was 21 years old for $45,000 (that’s not a typo)! In just a few years, I went on to buy several rental properties. I guess it’s fair to say I have deep-rooted beliefs about the benefits of homeownership.

ABOUT MARGO, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Originally from Michigan, Margo earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and her Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University. Moving west, she lived in the Gold Coast in Chicago for several years before making her way to California.

MICHELLE BUTLER ABOUT MICHELLE, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Business and Marketing from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. She ran a photography business and more recently, worked in the entertainment industry in post-production for 12 years, working on many illustrious movies which armed her with people and artistic skills. This all gives Michelle a distinct advantage in the real estate industry.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being surrounded by other powerful women? A: It offers a level of empowerment and like mindedness that propels success and ideas for every situation. Success breeds success so this level of powerful women in business helps me stay focused and strive for the moon.

N I C O L E VA N PA R Y S

Q: What makes you successful in this industry?

A: Throughout every transaction I am at the helm implementing strategic and effective marketing efforts, negotiating, and using my market expertise to seamlessly achieve the best results for my clients. Highly competitive and caring by nature, I do not rest until my clients have actualized their real estate goals and are satisfied with the outcome.

ABOUT NICOLE, PRIVATE OFFICE ADVISOR & FRANCHISE OWNER In 2010 Nicole decided to open the first of many Engel & Völkers real estate shops in Southern California. Today the Westlake Village location is headquarters for Nicole and her seasoned executive team. Nicole is proud to be in the top 1% of Engel & Völkers advisors as part of the exclusive Chairman’s Circle Elite Club.

NICOLE FORMAN ABOUT NICOLE, SENIOR ESCROW OFFICER Nicole brings over 20 years of escrow experience to Westlake Village Escrow. She began her escrow career in Ventura County as a receptionist and worked her way up the ladder into the role of Senior Escrow Officer. Nicole specializes in Residential, Commercial, Vacant Land, Probate, S hort Sales, 1031 Exchanges, and REOs. Her extensive knowledge of the escrow process, attention to detail, and commitment to her clients makes her an excellent addition to Westlake Village Escrow.

Q: What makes you stand out in this industry?

A: My wiliness to go above and beyond for every client I work with. I understand the real estate industry isn’t a 9 to 5 job so I make myself available to my clients even when I’m not in the office.

SAMI JENKS

Q: What makes you passionate about this industry?

A: I enjoy watching dreams coming true and being a part of this. The American dream is to own a home. Ones largest asset is typically the real estate they own. I love helping my clients build wealth.

ABOUT SAMI, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR Sami Jenks knows what makes Los Angeles special, having called the city home her entire life. She also has some extraordinary experience that’s unique to the real estate market: stylist to the world’s best professional athletes across the NFL, NBA and MLB, as well as high-profile individuals throughout the entertainment world. She has developed countless meaningful relationships throughout her fashion design career, providing a long-standing network of clients built on impeccable service and attention to detail.

#WOMENSHISTORYMONTH

OUR BRAND Explore more about Engel & Völkers and its fully comprehensive portfolio for our discerning clientele.

LIFE’S TAKING YOU PLACES. WE’LL HELP YOU GET THERE. Whether it’s around the corner or around the globe, we’re here to find the perfect home for you. At Engel & Völkers our passion is exceeding client expectations, so it’s only natural we align ourselves with exceptional real estate professionals to serve clients across the globe. It’s why we don’t simply have agents, but rather, trusted advisors to guide you through your home journey with extensive neighborhood expertise, distinguished care ... and a bit of fun.

TAKING LUXURY TO NEW HEIGHTS The ultimate experience from take-off to touch down

Engel & Völkers Aviation has an inherent passion for delivering the ultimate experience. As part of some of the most exclusive lifestyles, it is that passion that inspires everything we do to provide the discerning traveler with the luxury of flying anywhere in the world in comfort and style aboard your own private aircraft.

REAL ESTATE NETWORK TO POLO TEAM Competence, exclusivity & passion – also on the playing field

Christian Völkers, the founder and CEO of Engel & Völkers, gave rise to the Engel & Völkers + Land Rover Polo School. Whether you prefer engaging in polo in the North German Hanseatic city or in exotic South America: At the Engel & Völkers + Land Rover Polo School you will be trained to become a tournament-ready polo player in five multiday courses or improve your handicap as a professional.

COME, SAIL AWAY.

Taking yachts to another level of excellence For those seeking an unrivaled sailing experience, Engel & Völkers Yachting offers some of the most remarkable cruisers on the sea. Bask in decadence as you set sail to your dream destination onboard one of our custom superyachts.

Westlake Village | Calabasas | Channel Islands 818.889.1602 818.875.9500 calDRE 01910946 ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.