2020 Award Winners Honoring RASM’s Finest

The 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. (NOTE: The virtual Installation event has been postponed. Stay tuned for more information).

REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

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.

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.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Elaine Adair, Realtor®, Re/Max Alliance Group

The President’s Award is a special honor bestowed by the current RASM President to a member who best embodies the Realtor® spirit and has contributed to the President’s goals. This year, 2020 President David Clapp, awarded this honor to Elaine Adair, Realtor® with Re/Max Alliance Group.

“Each year the President gets to single out one individual who has helped move forward the President’s goals and those goals of the strategic plan,” said David. “This has been a difficult year, due to COVID-19 many of the committees were not able to achieve their goals. Elaine Adair chaired the Community Outreach Committee, and despite COVID-19, she continued to push her committee to step up to exceed goals. She was always looking for new ways to make a difference in our community, and they did, for which I am very grateful.”

Elaine began her career in business administration working with C-level management in the IT field. Her interest in real estate and love for design made it an easy decision to become a Realtor®. That was 30 years ago and she has never looked back.

In 1990, she became licensed in Massachusetts where she was the relocation coordinator for her company and she worked with the New England Patriots management and coaching staff.

In 2004, Elaine and her husband moved to this beautiful area and she became a member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, now RASM. She is an agent at RE/MAX Alliance Group where she has achieved 100% Club status consistently. Elaine has also been active in RASM for many years, serving on the Community Outreach Committee as Chairperson four times. She has received her GRI and GREEN designations. She also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and the Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota.

Elaine is happily married for 30 years to her husband, Robin. Together they have 3 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 2 dogs and a cat.

I am surprised and honored to be chosen for the President’s Award by 2020 President Dave Clapp. This year of COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for our committee, as it has for all. With Dave’s help, we were able to quickly jump into projects that arose out of needs created by the pandemic. We were able to accomplish many of our goals, with masks on and social distancing practiced. Without Dave championing our projects, and a strong committee of leaders stepping up, this committee and myself could not have accomplished what we have. I humbly accept this honor, but the credit truly goes to all.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Tony Veldkamp, Senior Advisor, CCIM, SVN® Commercial Advisory Group

The Distinguished Service Award honors a Realtor® based on their lifetime contributions to the local, state, and national Associations, as well as the community. This year’s award goes to Tony Veldkamp, CCIM, Senior Advisor with SVN® Commercial Advisory Group. In 2021, Tony will celebrate 30 years in the real estate business in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. He started his career in 1991 as an appraiser then quickly moved to commercial real estate sales with a small firm in Bradenton. He then enjoyed 12 years with Michael Saunders Commercial Division, and he now celebrates 9 years with the SVN Commercial Advisory Group.

Tony has been on the CREA (formerly CID) Board of Directors for nine years and served on the RASM Board of Directors for three years. He was the 2016 CID President and won the prestigious Commercial Realtor® of the Year award that year.

He also served on various committees for RASM including the Nominating Committee, CEO Search Committee, Finance Committee, and served on the North Manatee Office Presidential Advisory Group (PAG).

In 2018, Tony was ranked #1 in the State of Florida, and #8 in the World with SVN International. He was also awarded the RASM President’s Award in 2019 and he is a multi-year Top Producer Award Winner. However, above all these prestigious accomplishments is Tony’s most prized award: a happy marriage of 32 years to his wife, Debbie, and five beautiful, healthy children.

Tony’s commitment to community service is quite impressive. He is the former Director of Men’s Ministry at the Church of the Redeemer Sarasota, as well as a Sunday School Teacher. In addition, he served as a Parent President at Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing and he was both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader.

I am very honored and humbled to be recognized by the Realtor® Association for my involvement and contributions to the community, RASM, and the local real estate industry over these many years,” said Tony. “I feel very blessed to have established a career and raised my family in such a beautiful town and a wonderful community. I thank my wife Debbie for her love and support, and I would not be where I am today without her as my partner, best friend, and biggest supporter!

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Charlotte Griffin, Business Development Coordinator, Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

The Business Partner of the Year award honors a Business Partner member for their outstanding contributions to RASM, the real estate industry, and community. This year’s deserving recipient is Charlotte Griffin, Business Development Coordinator with Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC.

A Florida native, Charlotte has been a member of the Berlin Patten Ebling family since 2015. Charlotte’s infectious personality and affinity for Berlin Patten Ebling clients and staff made her perfectly suited for her role of Business Development Coordinator. Charlotte has been a respected fixture of the real estate family for several years, and her warm, genuine personality and friendly demeanor have made her a friend to many.

Charlotte has been a member of RASM since 2015 and has been very active in the Association’s many events, and networking opportunities. She has served on several RASM committees including the Professional Development Committee, CREA Social Committee, and the Business Partner Committee.

She has been a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors® Manatee, receiving the Rising Star Award in 2017, and an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors® Sarasota for several years. She has served on several committees within these organizations to help raise money for many local charities including Mothers Helping Mothers, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota/Manatee, Humane Society of Sarasota/Manatee, and Hope Family Services, Inc.

Charlotte is also a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (and received the LWRBA Sandies Award in 2017), the Manatee Sarasota Builders Association (MSBIA), and the Manatee Sarasota Builders Sales & Marketing Committee.

Charlotte was also a nominee for the 2019 SRQ Women In Business Leadership Competition, celebrating women’s leadership, and philanthropic voice in Sarasota and the Bradenton area.

I am very honored and humbled to be recognized for this award,” said Charlotte. “I appreciate the valued partnership we have with RASM and with real estate professionals throughout our communities. I also extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my co-workers, team members, my family and other business associates, without their help, this honor would not have been possible.

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Brian Loebker, Realtor®, Michael Saunders & Company, Siesta Key Office

The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to a RASM member for their contributions as a volunteer in the community. This year’s award goes to Brian Loebker, a Realtor® with Michael Saunders & Company, Siesta Key Office.

Brian Loebker has been a Realtor® for eight years, with six years specializing in the luxury market. While his focus and expertise is found representing the sellers of waterfront homes, Brian specializes in representing developers of boutique luxury developments, investment buyers and especially international clientele. Brian has been very successful in his real estate career, exceeding the $100M mark in real estate transactions.

Community involvement and quiet contributions to Sarasota’s community are dear to Brian’s heart. In March, Brian, along with fellow Realtor® Brandy Coffey, founded the community initiative “Feed a Healthcare Hero.” The program was born out of the unprecedented impact on multiple local industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It remained operational for nearly 40 days and raised 364 cash donations from fellow Realtors® and other members of the community, totaling over $30,000.

The program raised capital from the local community, used the funds to purchase meals from locally-owned restaurants, and donate those meals to our frontline Healthcare Heroes via delivery from our local Realtors® and their affiliates.

In addition to the Feed a Healthcare Hero program, Brian is extremely active in working with disabled military veterans with the Operation Second Chance program. This organization is committed to serving wounded, injured, and ill Veterans. As a veteran himself, this organization is very important to him. Brian served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 20022005, before starting his real estate career. He also participates in an annual retreat for severely wounded Vets from across the country.

This award seems simply surreal,” said Brian, “and it would not have been possible without Brandy Coffey from Keller Williams Island Life Realty by my side from day one. I would never have achieved its reach without her and the hundreds of local Realtors® and Affiliates from RASM who stepped up to give to their community. The initiative demonstrated the selflessness and camaraderie of our amazing community.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Shana Hamel, Realtor®, Key Solutions Real Estate Group

The Newcomer of the Year Award recognizes a member who joined as a Realtor® within the last three years. It was created to honor a member whose ethics and spirit of cooperation is exhibited by faithfulness to the principles of organized real estate and to the outstanding commitment to professional development. This year’s recipient is Shana Hamel, MBA, and Realtor® with Key Solutions Real Estate Group.

A Sarasota and Manatee County resident for more than 25 years, Shana obtained her real estate license in 2018 and has been active in the local community as a volunteer, educator, and small business owner. In addition to being a Realtor®, she is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.

Shana uses her experiences in real estate, property management, and finance, as well as her MBA and Life Coaching Certification, to continue to build long-lasting relationships and help buyers and sellers achieve their goals.

Shana has earned her Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist Certification (RSPS), Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certifications (SFR), and she is C2EX endorsed. She is also a member of the Global Business Council (GBC), and the Young Professionals Network (YPN).

In addition, Shana is the Chair of the Scholarship Committee. During her time on the committee, the Scholarship Committee, with the assistance of YPN and CREA, helped to raise over $40,000 in scholarship funds.

Shana is passionate about helping others and her community service is quite impressive. She is a mentor for the Education Foundation, a Guardian Ad Litem, and a member of the RASM Community Outreach Committee. In addition, Shana recently helped to organize RASM’s participation in the 2020 Florida REALTORS® Waterway Clean-Up.

I feel truly blessed to have been chosen to receive this award in recognition of my work ethic and my involvement with RASM,” said Shana. “Additionally, I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from all of the amazing leaders in this industry, and beyond, who continually inspire me to always strive for excellence in everything I do.

YPN MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Photography by Shylarose Photography.

Alexandria Twigg, Realtor®, Team Leader, Broker Associate and Partner at Lucido Global of Keller Williams On The Water

The YPN Member of the Year award is given to a member of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, volunteering their time and talents in YPN committees, sponsored events, and within the community. This year’s award goes to Alexandria Twigg, Realtor®, Team Leader, Broker Associate, and Partner at Lucido Global of Keller Williams On The Water.

Alexandria attended the University of Alabama where she studied Marketing and Real Estate and moved back to her hometown of Sarasota in 2017 to continue pursuing her real estate career with Keller Williams and Lucido Global.

A Sarasota native, Alexandria Twigg started her real estate career in 2015. With a strong passion for the housing market and a desire to help her clients, closing just under $20 million in sales to date.

Alexandria is a top producer and was named Team Leader for the Sarasota Lucido Global Expansion Team. She was voted Rookie of the Year with Keller Williams. In addition, she received the RASM 2019 Newcomer of the Year award and was named the 2020 President of the KWYP Suncoast Chapter. She is also an Agent Leadership Council (ALC) chair member.

Alexandria has a true heart for community service. She has been an active member of the YPN for the last 2 years and she has been very involved with planning YPN events and programs to help benefit members. She is also an active member of the Keller Williams Young Professionals. In addition, she serves her community by being a member of the Junior League of Sarasota and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Winning the YPN Member of the Year Award is something I am super excited about! As a Sarasota native making a difference in my home is something that is extremely important to me.

This year has been challenging for many of us. Excelling under these circumstances is no easy task, and RASM congratulates our award winners on a job well done. In addition, RASM is grateful to our entire 7,800+ membership of Realtor® and Business Partners members for their activism, and leadership in our Association and community in 2020. We are successful thanks to your talents, commitment, and dedication to RASM. We look forward to even better days ahead, and a prosperous and healthy 2021.