2020 NEW JERSEY REALTORS® REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® OF THE YEAR

Leon "Lee" Burach

Leon “Lee” Burach has been a licensed real estate agent with Weichert Realtors® since 2004. He currently chairs the Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® Associates Committee and is the Associates Representative on their Board of Directors.

What is your favorite motivational quote?

“To be successful you have to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart.” — Thomas J. Watson

What’s your favorite spot in New Jersey?

My favorite spot in New Jersey is Cape May. The pristine beaches, gourmet dining and the Victorian bed and breakfasts are highlights. Visiting the lighthouse, the wineries, the brewery, along with music and food festivals make Cape May the ideal place to visit, relax and enjoy life.

How have you been keeping busy during the pandemic?

First and foremost was the health and safety of family, friends, and clients. I watched on TV as people in cars lined up for hours waiting to receive food donations and this inspired me to act. As chair of Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® Associates Committee, I reached out to our Public Relations committee and together with the support of MORR, we organized a food drive for Fulfill, the local foodbank.

Together with fellow Realtor® volunteers we collected over 800 pounds of food and nearly $500 in monetary donations. This helped feed hundreds of residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

We have scheduled our pre-Thanksgiving food drive for Nov. 18. We now have more volunteers and drop off sites and are excited about the prospects of helping so many more families especially during the holiday season.

Do you have any tips for new Realtors®?

For incoming Realtors®, I would tell them that your most valuable assets are your time, and the ability to listen and learn. I also recommend learning to manage your time. Schedule your days between work related activities and time for your personal life, especially if you have a family. Growing your business will take discipline and adhering to a schedule to become successful could be overwhelming but essential. Staying focused and balanced will help you stay on track. Having the support of your family as you begin to develop your career is paramount.

I have learned over these past 17 years that if I listen to what my clients have to say I will learn what I need to know to assist them with their real estate needs. Realize that you are working with and handling what may very well be the largest monetary decision of their life. Ask questions and understand the answers. Remember, it’s not about you, the Realtor®, but about your clients’ needs and desires for their families.