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Young Professionals Network
RASM NEWS Florida REALTORS® Honors Barry Grooms: 2021 Realtor® of the Year
Florida Realtors® recognized Barry Grooms, 2020 Florida Realtors® president, and Co-Owner of Florida SunCoast Real Estate, Inc. as its 2021 Realtor® of the Year, at the state association’s annual Convention & Trade Expo held at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.
Barry graciously thanked his leadership team, his wife Sherry (and Co-Owner of Florida SunCoast Real
Estate, Inc.), his family, his office, the Florida Realtors® staff, all members, and especially Florida Realtors® CEO Margy Grant for working together to weather the many challenges created by COVID-19.
“Thank you for choosing me as your 2020 president,” said Grooms. “It truly was an honor. One day, COVID will be over. This will pass, and life will then return somewhat to normalcy. And when that happens, I’ll be disappointed if you don’t keep something up: During COVID, you guys called each other, you checked in on each other, and you took care of each other. Don’t stop.”
Florida Realtors® has presented Realtor® of the Year and Associate Realtor® of the Year awards for 67 years. Winners are honored as the greatest individual lifetime contributors to their local Realtor® board, community, state association and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
Over the course of his real estate career, Grooms has passionately worked to make a positive impact on his profession, advance the industry and help his colleagues. He is also a member of the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM).
A leader in regional, state, and national real estate organizations, Grooms served his local association on many committees and as president in 2009. He was recognized as its Realtor® of the Year in 2010, and most recently, was honored with its Distinguished
Service Award in 2019. The Distinguished Service Award recognized his contributions to the local, state and national Realtor® organizations and the community.
At the state level, Grooms has served on countless Florida Realtors® committees, forums, task forces and subcommittees over the years, ranging from chairing Public Policy to Finance to the Business Trends &
Technology Forum. He has been a Key Contact for Florida Realtors® with state legislators, helping to provide information and research on issues important to all Floridians; and, he has served in every officer position, from District 13 vice president to Florida Realtors president in 2020.
During his year as president, Grooms faced unprecedented challenges caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting economic lockdowns, turmoil and concerns created by
COVID-19. He realized that 2020 was going to be completely different than what he’d dreamed of, but he took on the challenge with dedication, perseverance, good humor and a can-do attitude, all with the goal of helping members manage their business and get through the pandemic safely.
His leadership and advocacy during this time helped to encourage Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare real estate “an essential service.” That declaration enabled Realtors® across the state to follow COVID-19 guidelines, turn to virtual and digital technology, and use recommended practices to continue to conduct business even during the pandemic.
On the national level, Grooms currently serves on the National Association of Realtors® Board of Directors and the 2021 Major Investor Council. He also has served on NAR’s State and Local Issues Mobilization Support Committee, the State and Local Issues Policy Committee, Meeting and Conference Committee and the Realtor® Safety Advisory Committee. A strong supporter of Realtor® advocacy and public policy efforts, he is a major investor in RPAC (Realtors® Political Action Committee). He also finds time to give back to his community. Grooms volunteers for a variety of causes and community efforts, including Realize Bradenton, Boy Scouts of America, Hope Family Services, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Meals on Wheels, Children’s Miracle Network, the Anna Maria Privateers and Hurricane Irma relief. He has served as a director for the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce and for Feeding Empty Little Tummies. •
Source: Florida Realtors. https://www.floridarealtors.org/newsmedia/news-articles/2021/08/florida-realtors-honors-barrygrooms-2021-realtor-year
Employee Anniversaries
RASM happily recognizes the workplace anniversaries of our professional staff.
Cassidy Miller, Professional Development
Coordinator, celebrates her third year with the Association this month. Cassidy keeps busy tending to her small farm of dogs, cows, chickens, and her beautiful horse, Delta. In her free time, she loves to travel and explore new places with her husband and friends.
Cassidy volunteers with the Sarasota County Farm Bureau as co-chair of the women’s committee. She also has two little sisters through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Jesse Sunday, Director of Information
Technology, celebrates his 17th year with the Association in October. Jesse oversees all the technology needs of RASM. He is a self-appointed “technology geek.” Jesse’s responsibilities include management of internal and external servers, networks, databases, security protocol, phone systems, interfacing with outside vendors, disaster recovery systems, and all general IT procedures.
In addition, he oversees technical projects in alignment with the Association’s strategic plan as well as continuously researching and implementing solutions to improve IT processes. In his free time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family, daughter Emma (13), son Dylan (11), and his wife, Beth.
Max Brandow, Government Affairs
Director, celebrates four years with RASM this month. Max represents RASM members in all facets of government affairs, including monitoring local municipal actions and advocating for RASM members’ interests at local commission meetings. He is also the liaison to the important committees that raise funds for RPAC as well as the committee that screens and endorses local candidates.
He enjoys being able to see collective action at work. He also enjoys interacting with the great staff and friendly members who have been such positive resources to him. When not at RASM, Max enjoys golfing, traveling on snowboard trips, and spending time with friends. Also, as an alumnus of FSU, he is a die-hard Seminoles fan.
Peter Den Uijl, Facility Coordinator,
celebrates his fourth year with RASM in October. His responsibilities include general hospitality duties, cleaning, and overall building maintenance of the RASM South building. Peter is committed to his job of cleaning and sanitizing the building, especially during these challenging times.
Peter enjoys the diversity of members, maintaining the RASM South building, and providing the best services for all members. In his free time, Peter loves to explore all that Florida has to offer. Traveling with his wife and 12-year-old daughter is Peter’s true passion, and his family is always ready for their next adventure.
RASM thanks our dedicated staff. We can’t do what we do without our staff! •
