100 Years of Impact - RASM's Centennial Celebration

A Century of Service RASM’s Centennial Celebration

A century of service. It’s a significant milestone in so many ways. Countless homes bought and sold, enabling families to experience the American dream of home ownership and home appreciation - untold number of careers launched, relationships forged, and lives enriched. In 100 years, a myriad of commercial industries, retail centers, schools, and medical centers have been established to enhance our community, our quality of life, and provide much needed, convenient services. One hundred years of dedicated commitment and support to its Realtors®, to the community, and to the real estate industry. As we celebrate the legacy of the Association and celebrate this centennial year, let’s look at how it all began, how we’ve grown, and what’s to come in the next 100 years.

A RICH HISTORY

It all began in 1922, as the “Bradentown” Florida Real Estate Board of Directors chartered the Bradentown Realtors® Association with 6 members, growing to 257 members in its first year of operation. At that time, Executive Secretary J.L. Wallace of the Florida Real Estate Association reported that it was “useless for a person to endeavor to go into the real estate business in Bradentown, if he is not a member of the board, because he would receive little recognition.” The board’s initiation fee was $200, certainly a hefty amount for 1922, but the respect for the newly formed association was evident from the start.

The National Real Estate Journal (NREJ) reported that “the organization has the unqualified (without reservation) support of the businessmen in Bradentown, who feel that the Realty Board has proved one of the greatest factors in the development of their community; brokering under the multiple listing system.”

In June of 1923, the National Association of Real Estate Board’s (known as the National Association of REALTORS® today), Board of Directors elected the Sarasota Realty Board to membership, with 21 active members. With the birth of both boards, the business of real estate in our two-county area was redefined, now under the umbrella of the NAR. Realtors® were now regulated by the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, adopted in 1913, which was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring Realtor® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests. The Code has been revised many times to ensure that there is no room in our industry for hate speech, discriminatory speech or conduct of any kind.

Through the years, both Associations experienced minor name changes, and by 1998, they were known as the familiar Sarasota Association of REALTORS® (SAR), and the Manatee Association of REALTORS® (MAR). On January 1, 2015, the two boards officially merged to form the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), with a combined 5,000 members.

INDUSTRY CHANGES

Although much has changed since its inception in the Roaring 20s, the commitment of the Association has remained the same. RASM has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of the real estate industry, a one stop shop for all your real estate needs. Before the birth of online technology, the Association supplied printable MLS sheets weekly to provide accurate and fully-vetted information on all the listings available. Although the landscape of the times looked different, the commitment to providing benefits, tools, real estate market data, educational opportunities, support for community and businesses, and networking outlets were available to members through the years just as they are today.

“One of the highlights of my career as a Realtor® was the honor of serving as the President of the Manatee Association of Realtors® in 2012,” said Leslie Wells, REALTOR® Emeritus, with Leslie Wells Realty. “So much has changed in my 46 years...one of my first recollections was walking into the old, old Association building, the truly “smoke-filled” room, where the guys outnumber the women in sales and leadership roles. We went to our weekly meetings to pick up copies of MLS listings and updates. There were no computers, cell phones or electronic lock boxes. We drove from office to office picking up and returning keys and proudly wore our “beepers” to return calls from pay phones. The struggle was real, lol! As the saying goes, ‘we’ve come a long way, baby!’ The times were different, but the support was the same,” said Wells.

Through the years and the market changes, the Association has remained vigilant of key issues that could potentially affect the real estate industry in a negative way. Whatever hurdles came about, the Association was ready to meet those needs and tackle it. RASM has stood with its members year after year, offering support, and meeting the needs that each unique market created, with our dedicated presidents at the helm.

• “I have been President of almost every organization that I have ever belonged to, said Andrew Vac, Real Estate Consultant and Broker with RE/MAX Alliance Group, and 1998 SAR President. “The only way to make changes happen is to be involved and work from the top down. My goal as President was to have the RASM members do more social events together so that they could do more business together because they also knew one another as people, not just Realtors®, and they were at least acquainted, if not friends. It is easier to do business with someone you know.”

• “I was president in 2008 which was a very difficult year for the business,” said Debbie Roth, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Alliance Group and 2008 MAR president. “I spent a ton of time on the phone with members wanting their dues waived which sadly, we just couldn’t do. We had to tighten our belts on the MAR budget to prepare for the fallout in membership and yet stay committed to meeting the needs of our members. Mary Kay Brickey did a great job guiding us through the lean years,” said Roth.

• “I served as MAR president in 2010, and at that time, discussion was just beginning regarding the of joining of both the Manatee and Sarasota Associations,” said Cindy Greco, Broker Associate/ Realtor® with Wagner Realty and 2010 MAR president. “In 2010 we were just coming out of the collapse of the housing industry from 2008, and many members were exiting this profession with financial hardships. Keeping our members engaged, providing a positive direction and education on short sales, contract changes and foreclosures was at the forefront. We also had a huge concern for the State Homestead Exemption (Amendment 10) to pass the vote for homeowners. It was a challenging year, but I would do all over again in a heartbeat! It was tough not only dealing with the heartbreak of so many homeowners but doing everything we possibly could to get up to speed quickly in helping them navigate through those tough times.”

• “I was president in 2016, the first Manatee member to serve as president after the merger,” said Linda Formella, Realtor® with Michael Saunders & Company and 2016 RASM president. “I had been a long-time member of the Manatee Association of REALTORS® and the first from that Association to be the president of RASM. It was important to the members to see that both Associations were working together to create a new, cohesive organization that had the interests of all at heart. I believe I was able to be a part of the bridge that brought the two separate associations together. At that time, we were in what was considered a “normal” market with inventory sufficient to satisfy demand. Marketing mattered, staging mattered, showing availability mattered and careful consideration of an offer mattered. At that time there were far fewer institutional buyers and sellers and the relationships between fellow local Realtors® made transactions happen.”

PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY OF SERVICE & GIVING BACK

RASM has a rich history thanks in part to the many presidents that have led the Association over the years. Their commitment and sacrifice have been essential building blocks that have helped create the strong 8,300+ member Association that we have today. Taking on the role of president for the Association is not an easy task, and it certainly isn’t a paid position. With the title comes prestige and respect, along with countless volunteer hours and dedication, and a sincere desire to give back.

“I have always viewed my position as president of the Manatee Association to serve our members in any way I could,” said Greco. “It was important to me to give back as so many before me had done and contributed to my success. Listening to our members concerns, desires, wants and involvement. I was proud of the leadership team and the professionalism they carried and that was always #1 priority. Yes, it did take a lot of my time, however, the skills I learned I still use to this day in my business, with clients and affiliate members. It was one of the most rewarding times in my career.”

Realtors® are a generous group. It’s one of the few industries that can state that claim. Working with the community daily, they see firsthand how giving back helps us all.

“It is important to me to give back to the profession in which I work,” said Tony Veldkamp, 2022 RASM President, and a Senior Advisor at SVN Commercial Advisory Group. “Helping to educate agents and raise the bar on what is expected of Realtors® is very important to me. The Realtor® Association locally, state-wide, and nationally does so much for advocating for property rights for our clients, and the profession itself, that I feel I have to help out if I can, whether serving in committees, on the board of directors, or as president one day,” said Veldkamp.

“Realtors® have a vested interest in giving back to the communities in which they live and work to make them stronger and more desirable,” continued Veldkamp. “Consequently, you’ll always find Realtors® very involved in various charities, community nonprofits, volunteering for cultural amenities, and serving in public office. This has been occurring for the past 100 years in our community where Realtors® have helped to shape Manatee and Sarasota Counties into a great place to live, raise a family, and retire in.”

We need to stay involved, support one another, and volunteer our time to committees and to leadership roles in the Association. The need for involvement was just as imperative in 1922 as it is today.

“Involvement in the Association has been part of the culture of our company since its founding - my parents both served in a leadership role as well as my current business partner, Ron Travis,” said Peter Crowley, President, RE/MAX Alliance Group, and 2014 SAR president. “Both managers and agents have taken an active role in almost every level of the Association, and we are proud of their contribution to the industry.”

THE ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATION – TODAY & TOMORROW

None of us know what the future will hold, but certain truths will remain constant no matter what the decade. The Association will continue to support Realtors® and the community, and will listen to the growing, changing needs of our members. It’s imperative that we adapt to changes in our industry, stay on top of advocacy issues, and vote for real estate friendly politicians.

“My crystal ball says to count our business as one that is continually changing,” said Roth. “We seem to suffer the most when we resist that change. We have to rely on leadership to monitor changes and be flexible. No matter what changes come, people will always need us.”

“I believe the Association’s role has evolved and grown stronger over the past 100 years,” said Veldkamp. “It has always existed to make real estate agents better, to support them and provide them resources to make their job easier. However, while we’re still dong that each year, and in bigger and better ways, I think the advocacy efforts of the Association in the political world has come more to the forefront. Government regulation and restrictions over the past 50 years has been everchanging, so we have to stay on top of it to help protect the public and their rights now and in the years to come. Because if Realtors® don’t do it, who will?”

RASM surveyed our members and when we asked where RASM will be in another 100 years, we heard one expression over and over. RASM will be where it has always been, at the forefront of the real estate industry, supporting its members every step of the way. Brokerage models, disruptors and technology will always change. But RASM’s commitment to our members’ productivity, and professionalism is a constant. In addition, the Association’s commitment to advocacy, supporting the right leaders in government positions, and fighting for our industry and for private property rights, will never cease.

“I believe the Association has always played a major role in providing our members professionalism with the code of ethics, tools, education, and support on never-ending changes,” said Greco. “Obviously, 100 years ago we didn’t have the tools and resources we have today, but the profession gained the respect and ever-evolving direction of the industry. I have no idea where we will be in another 100 years, but I am hopeful that Realtors® will continue to play a part in the facilitation of the real estate transaction. Working with people, all kinds of people, all kinds of senecios, problem solving is the heartbeat of this profession and will always be!”

The Association has always provided a place to come together, to network, to lean on each other and learn from each other.

“Since our business is unique in that it involves daily cooperation with other agents and brokers, the Association has always been an important piece to facilitate networking to develop and solidify those relationships. The advocacy component for important housing and economic issues will be increasingly important moving forward,” said Crowley.

TECHNOLOGY & RELATIONSHIPS GO HAND IN HAND

There is no doubt that technology has enriched our lives and provides instant access to just about anyone and anything we need. It even saved our livelihood to some degree when we came to depend on things like Zoom and other virtual advancements during the pandemic. So, it’s pretty safe to say that in 100 years from now, technology will continue to advance in unimaginable ways for the next wave of Realtors®. However, technology alone is not the answer.

“In 2003, the value of technology was just beginning to explode in this business of real estate,” said Darla Furst, Broker with Michael Saunders & Company, and 2003 SAR president. “The MLS had just moved from books to the clunky dot matrix machines in the office to a web-based platform. Palm Pilots were all the rage for your calendar and data bases. Virtual tours were just beginning to roll out. But I think the biggest change was the network, involvement and relationships that evolved in the Association. Even though one might think that with the advances of technology; the need and desire for face-to-face relationships with your peers would wane… the fact is that they grew even stronger. I believe much of it was due to the Association recognizing the need to bring value to its members beyond just being the link to MLS. The Association rolled out venues of Community Involvement, niche networking groups like YPN, GBC, PMC, and CREA. There was real value to being involved with SAR and later RASM.”

Whether or not the technology of the future allows for flying cars or condos on the moon, nothing can replace the need for actual human connections. Real estate is a relationship business. We build connections with people, we build trust, and hopefully friendships before we ever conduct business.

“The industry is all about technology now,” said Vac. “We’ve always had technology years ago as well, but Realtors® were concerned that with advanced technology, the public would not need us anymore. This is a people business and Realtors® will always be needed. No technology can ever replace a human being. There will be more and better advances in technology in the years to come, and there will be even more people earning their license. Florida is growing and will continue to grow and with 2,000 people moving here daily. There will always be the need for Realtors® regardless of technological advances, so this business will continue to flourish and expand,” said Vac.

LEADERS OF TOMORROW – THE NEED FOR MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

Our Association can only thrive when its membership takes an active role, participates, and step into leadership positions. Who will be our leaders of tomorrow?

“Encouraging future leaders starts first by recognizing the great value that the Association provides to your business and realizing that there are many resources to take advantage of,” said Veldkamp. “Getting a real estate license is just the most basic hurdle to getting started, you now have so much to learn. Take education classes, as many as you can, go to networking events and meet people to learn, and sign up for a committee that interests you. After you see the benefits, your business will organically grow from there.”

Mentorship is a big piece of the puzzle. Seasoned agents and brokers alike have the knowledge that only experience can grant and sharing this with the next generation of leaders will ensure the collective success of the Association in years to come.

“I think brokers play a huge role, and each individual member needs to have inside themselves the desire to want to improve, and strive to be successful,” said Greco. “For me, I was invited by a fellow agent and was always encouraged, supported, challenged and more than anything, trusted! The new RASM location in Manatee County will help tremendously for the north members to participate… as the presence in this area was always well received by the members and public.”

When we think about the leaders of tomorrow, we need to remember the need to encourage those who are just starting out. We never know the extent of someone’s potential.

“I am often asked why I became and continue to be so involved in the local and state Associations,” said Furst. “My answer is always the same… ‘I get much more back than I give.’ I became a Florida Real Estate Commissioner. In October of 2009, I got a call from Cynthia Shelton, the 2009 President of Florida REALTORS®. Florida Realtors® wanted to put my name forward as a candidate for FREC. Due to her encouragement, I was appointed by Governor Crist in 2010 and reappointed by Governor Scott in 2012. I also served as Chair of the Commission in 2012 and 2015. As you can imagine, it was the highlight of my career and one that would not have happened if I hadn’t received her encouragement and mentorships through RASM and Florida REALTORS®.”

THE RASM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Every industry needs to prepare for tomorrow with long range binoculars and the Association is no different. One such resource is the RASM Leadership Academy, a rigorous program designed to train emerging Realtor® leaders who want to get involved, make a difference, grow their business, and expand their leadership skills.

“Developing future leaders is essential, especially in a volunteer organization like RASM,” said Mike Bruno, Realtor® with Michael Saunders & Company and 2011 SAR president. “I was fortunate to graduate from the Leadership Academy, which prepared me to serve as its president in 2011, an amazing experience I will never forget. As the RASM Leadership Academy 2022 Chair, it has been an honor and pleasure to work with an awesome group of individuals and future leaders of our organization. It has been amazing to watch the group collaborate and coordinate to the culmination of an amazing project, a detailed decade by decade comprehensive summary of the 100th anniversary of RASM, and the real estate industry.”

Encouragement is a powerful tool. We never know when one supportive nudge by a trusted colleague can launch a person’s professional development and success.

“I have encouraged future leaders by volunteering to be a mentor in the Leadership Academy, and forging relationships with those who genuinely seem to care about what they are doing in their business. Sharing stories of success, identifying learning opportunities and spending time together to encourage their involvement have all been so important,” said Formella.

RASM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS OF 2022 PROJECT

During this centennial year, the group took on the lofty project of researching the many ways the Association has grown and changed during the past 100 years of operation.

“One hundred years have gone by since the inception of the REALTOR® Associations of Sarasota and Manatee! This year we celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Samira Easton, Broker Associate with Premier Sotheby’s, and participant in the RASM Leadership Academy Class of 2022. “Our class has taken on the project of documenting the transformation of the Sarasota/Manatee area of the past – from small farming and fishing villages to a sophisticated, world renown destination over the course of these past 100 years. Did you know that Florida real estate soared in value after World War I as Americans became wealthier and more mobile than ever thanks to the expansion of the railroad system to the south? During the era of the Roaring Twenties, many wealthy people from the north came to explore and invest, enticed by ads selling slices of ‘paradise,’ easy credit, and fast profits. What an informative and interesting project it has been!”

THE ASSOCIATION TODAY

With a growing membership of over 8,300 Realtors®, RASM is considered a mega board. As such, our size and strength bring the greatest responsibility – empowering our members. RASM is bigger and stronger than ever before, with two conveniently located offices to meet the needs of both our Sarasota and Manatee members. The Association provides access to a wide array of benefits, tools, real estate market data, and more educational opportunities than ever before. We have so much to be proud of as we look back on our many years of growth and change, enjoying the good times, and weathering challenging circumstances – together.

“This year has been very smooth for me in that I have not had to deal with tough things like Covid shutdowns, or Covid re-openings like our past two presidents,” said Veldkamp. “The market continues to be strong; our membership continues to be strong; I just want to make sure that our members have the resources they need to be successful. That is our entire goal and will remain so in the years to come. Even with rising interest rates and inflation, there is opportunity to make money and be successful.

“Coming together to form RASM was the best decision the leadership teams could have made,” said Greco. “There is power in numbers through good time and bad, we are a regional business who thrives when we support one another.”

RASM will continue advocating for issues that are important to the real estate industry, protecting the community, and providing an outlet to protect private property rights. Our commitment to empowering and engaging our members is unwavering and will remain so for the next 100 years and more.

“The Association has served as a beacon for the protection of private property rights, ethical business practices and education to raise the professionalism of its members. I believe the association has never been more important than it is today! As the market shifts, different entities enter it and try to earn their piece of the American dream. The association has and will maintain its position as that ready, steady voice of professionalism for our members and the public that we serve. Certainly, as technology evolves the association has and will continue to offer a variety of platforms for communicating and education. I believe the future of the association is more vital and relevant than ever as a counterbalance to the technology that is available to the consumer and real estate licensees,” said Formella.

Sources:1 | National Real Estate Journal, February 23, 1925, “Florida Board

Makes Unusual Progress”2 | www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/the-code-of-ethics