2022 NJ Realtors® Award Winners

REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

Sandra Gardner

Sandra Gardner is a licensed Realtor® with Weichert Realtors®—Sparta. With 10 years of experience serving Sussex County, Sandra has significantly contributed to high levels of professionalism in the industry with her continued dedication to education and commitment to community service. Sandra is the Sussex County Association of Realtors® 2022 Board of Directors President elect and has proudly served on the board since 2018. Her contributions to her local association include her service to the Finance Committee, Golf Outing Committee, and the Education Committee. As Co-Chair of the Education Committee for NJR, she has worked to establish and develop future educational programs and projects for the association, including over $69,000 raised by Sandra and her colleagues to provide scholarships to 46 students in the state.

This year, Sandra received the New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award ® at the Gold level. She

was named Top Listing Agent, Top Buyers Agent, and Top Sparta Agent in the Referral Exchange. In addition to Sandra’s service to her local and state Association, business accomplishments, and advocacy for education, she is greatly involved in her community through humanitarian services. Sandra serves as an Executive Board Member and Secretary for the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and has led the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and Sussex County Association of Realtors® collaboration for a new home build for Realtors® Care Day this year. Her personal community service involvement includes participation in annual toy and food drives, Secret Santa, anonymous donations to families in need, and providing hand-sewn masks to Atlantic Health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandra’s innumerable contributions and dedication to the advancement of her community and the real estate industry are a testament to her achievement as the 2022 Realtor® of the Year winner.

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® OF THE YEAR 2022

Marcus Pinto

Marcus Pinto is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Compass-NJ. During his six years in the industry, Marcus has completed the National Association of Realtors® At Home with Diversity® certification program and was a recipient of the New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® from 2017 to 2021. Marcus prides himself in creating personalized, authentic experiences for his clients and keeping current with the real estate landscape and trends in the tri-state area. His previous knowledge and experience as a Creative Director for a meeting and event planning company have served him well in the real estate industry, helping buyers and sellers realize the fullest potential of their properties and transactions.

During his time at Compass, Marcus has impressively more than doubled his business, maintained an impeccable reputation within the real estate industry, and has an outstanding rapport with his clientele. His specialties in staging, renovation, marketing properties, and hosting open house events make him a stellar connector and trusted resource for his clients. An active member in his community, Marcus’ community involvement includes a toy collection drive for children during the holidays and a coat drive in the Jersey City and Hoboken area.

Marcus’ achievement as the 2022 Realtor-Associate® of the Year is a reflection of his professional expertise and devotion to his clients and the real estate industry.

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

1ST PLACE

Barbara Carr Mahon

Award: $2,500– Lunch Break

Barbara Carr Mahon was born and raised in Middlesex County and currently resides in Monmouth County. A real estate professional and trusted advisor for over 20 years, Barbara currently serves on the Legislative & Political Affairs Committee, By-Laws Committee, and the Budget & Finance Committee with Monmouth County Association of Realtors®. While she has proven her dedication to excellence in the real estate industry, Barbara’s commitment to her community is equally evident.

Since 1999, Barbara has devoted countless hours of service and fundraising efforts contributing to Lunch Break, an organization that works to aid underemployed people in Monmouth County and beyond, providing them with hot lunches and a food pantry, clothing, life skills, mentorship, and fellowship—all free of charge. During her time at Lunch Break, Barbara has served on the Development and Gala Committees since 2017. Since 2021, she has served on the Board of Trustees. She has helped raise more than $20,000 in monetary and in-kind donations to support Lunch Break’s programs. She has also shown exemplary leadership in the organization by garnering additional support from her network of Realtors®, securing valuable auction items and artwork for Lunch Break’s annual Gala and art auction.

As a passionate advocate for poverty-level and working-poor individuals, Barbara has brought a contagious level of genuine enthusiasm, active engagement, and volunteer spirit to thousands of families and individuals in need. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, biking, and live music.

2ND PLACE

Gloria Votta

Award: $1,500–Ocean City Ecumenical Council

3RD PLACE

Karen Foley

Award: $1,000– Lake Hopatcong Foundation

Karen Foley is a licensed Realtor® representing the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® and resides in Morris County. Since 2006, Karen has represented luxury lakefront homes and unique estates throughout Northern New Jersey. In her first year of being a Realtor®, she earned the title of Rookie of the Year. Karen believes in honesty, integrity, professionalism, customer service, and a strong work ethic. She believes in creating long-lasting personal relationships with clients, ensuring that she pays attention to detail and provides clients with the knowledge and expertise needed to make informed decisions.

Outside of her business accomplishments, Karen is actively involved in the community as a founding member of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. As a Realtor® specializing in lakefront properties, Gloria has a personal connection to the cause. Over 10 years ago, Gloria, her husband Thomas, and a few other concerned citizens started the foundation as a way to foster a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation has raised a significant amount of money to give back to lake area communities through education, historical and environmental preservation, supporting small area businesses, recreation, and more. In 2012, Gloria and her husband made a significant contribution as Founding Members to activate the organization. Gloria has volunteered over the past several years at meeting for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation Gala, selling program ad space, creating invitations, and assisting during the event. The 2022 Lake Hopatcong Foundation Gala was attended by almost 300 guests and over $130,000 was raised—the highest contribution the foundation has seen.