COVER STORY
2020 Award Winners Honoring RASM’s Finest
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he year 2020 has been a momentous year, to say the least. We have seen tragedy and triumph like never before, and through it all, we have seen heroes and leaders emerge. RASM is proud to turn the spotlight on our industry leaders. They have inspired, encouraged, motivated, and contributed to a successful 2020 despite all odds. Each year, select leaders from our membership are nominated by their peers for their dedication to the Association and to the community. RASM celebrates the 2020 award recipients and at the Annual Installation and Awards event, held virtually on Thursday, December 10, 2020.
REALTOR® OF THE YEAR Greg Owens, Broker/Operating Principal with Keller Williams On the Water The Realtor® of the Year award honors a Realtor® who has contributed to RASM, Florida REALTORS®, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and has recognized service to the community and other business accomplishments. A recipient’s activities during the past three years are given strong consideration. This year’s top honor goes to Greg Owens, Broker and Operating Principal with Keller Williams On the Water. 6 | ELEVATE [ DECEMBER 2020 ]
Greg is well known throughout the Realtor® community as a respected Broker. He heads up two offices of over 300 agents and has established meaningful and collegial relationships with brokerages throughout Sarasota and Manatee. Greg was the 2018 RASM President and was a former member of the RASM Board of Directors. He has been an active member of countless committees and forums at the state and local level over his long career, including the Broker Engagement Committee, Audit Committee Member, Building Committee, and Contracts Committee. He was also the Realtor®/ Attorney Joint Committee Vice Chairman this year and will serve as the Chair in 2021. Greg has also served on the Ethics Committee and Professional Standards committee, and has a strong passion for promoting ethics in real estate. He is involved in various KW committees, fighting for Realtor® rights. He has received his C2EX, ABR, and he has applied for his CIPS designation. Greg is also on the City of Bradenton Planning Commission. In addition, through KW Cares, Greg has served the Boys and Girls Clubs, Veterans, and the elderly along with areas that have suffered from natural disasters. He served on the Bradenton City Code Enforcement and is on Bradenton City’s Planning and Zoning committee. After receiving his U.S. citizenship in 2010, Greg joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He has served his country through the Coast Guard ever since. “I believe in giving back as a Realtor® to our Association on a local, state, and national level,” said Greg. “I am a strong believer in RPAC and what it can do for all of us as Realtors®. And I believe in lifelong learning, particularly as a Realtor®, as our industry is constantly changing and we need to keep up with those changes. The Association offers what we need as Realtors® to continue our education.”