May 24th - 2017

Awards recognize leadership in real estate

Five REALTORS® were honoured at an awards luncheon as part of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) annual conference recently.

Awards recognize leadership in real estate

Five REALTORS® were honoured at an awards luncheon as part of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) annual conference recently.

Awards recognize leadership in real estateFive REALTORS® were honoured at an awards luncheon as part of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) annual conference recently.

The OREA Young Professionals Network (YPN) Leadership Awards honour real estate salespeople who are either new to the profession or under the age of 40. Nominees were recognized for their volunteer efforts.

“With one third or more of Realtors about to reach the traditional age of retirement, our membership will be undergoing a significant transition over the next 10 years,” said OREA President Ettore Cardarelli at the awards ceremony at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre hotel. “At the same time, technology is revolutionizing the way we do business. OREA’s YPN recognized the need to embrace new pockets of talent and new ways of thinking from within our industry to help us prepare for the changes that lie ahead.”

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Steve Kotan, a REALTOR® from North Bay and the recent chair of the OREA YPN committee, presented the five awards to recipients from across the province. “I’m extremely happy to be up here to present our five 2017 YPN leadership awards,” said Kotan, who is also the northern area director on the OREA board of directors.

“This program is designed to recognize and encourage the next generation of real estate leaders,” Kotan said. “Today’s winners are here because of their exemplary track records volunteering for organized real estate, giving back to their communities and investing in their professional development.

“As one of this year’s eight judges, I am incredibly proud of not only the work these five people have done, but also of all the inspiring individuals who took the time to apply for an award,” he added. “I can say firsthand that, with all of the talent we have in this industry, our future is in very good hands.”

"This program is designed to recognize and encourage
the next generation of real estate leaders”

The winners are listed alphabetically as follows:

Jeff Bauer of the Huron Perth Association of Relators was praised for his leadership and community initiatives. He has been working in the real estate industry for five years and practicing full-time since 2015. “In this short time, he has become a licensed broker, worked to establish a new YPN committee, and joined his association as a director,” the citation states, noting his involvement in various community initiatives. “Jeff has combined his leadership and athletic skills to help convene and manage recreational opportunities for members of his community, as well as coaching aspiring athletes.”

Branden Kameka of the Mississauga Real Estate Board was lauded for his efforts in organized real estate. “Since joining the industry in 2009, Branden has co-founded his own real estate brokerage, started a YPN chapter in Mississauga, and served as president of the Mississauga Real Estate Board,” the citation states. He has served on various committees, offering his time and expertise to help develop a road map for the future of real estate. “He continuously puts his professional skills to work in his community by raising funds for numerous charitable causes … and he is just getting started.”

David Kurt of the Sudbury Real Estate Board was praised for serving various roles, including his recent term on OREA’s board of directors and his position as president of the Sudbury Real Estate Board, and as a member of numerous provincial and local committees. “Early on in his career, David made the decision to get involved in organized real estate, and he has not looked back,” the citation notes. In 2016, Kurt was the first Realtor in his community to be recognized as one of the top 40 Young Leaders Under 40. “It was clear to our judges, as it is to all those who know David, that he settles for nothing less than excellence in every sphere of his life,” said Kotan.

Lisa Patel of the Toronto Real Estate Board was praised for making “a huge impression with her extensive track record in the awards’ three categories: organized real estate, professional development and community involvement. “Have you ever met someone who tackles a dozen projects at once and makes it look easy? Well, Lisa is one of those people!” the citation notes. “Her passion for her industry is evident in her tireless commitment to bringing new professionals into the real estate fold, being an ambassador for youth in business, and sharing her extensive knowledge as a media personality and speaker.”

Brian Santos of the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board was lauded for his numerous leadership roles, including chairing several committees and assisting with the launch of his local board’s first YPN chapter. Santos served as a vice-president of his board and “his flair for leadership has also landed him on his local Downtown Action Advisory Committee, where he advises city council on matters of significance to his community,” the citation notes. “Brian’s references concur that it is both his professional achievements, as well as his humility and warmth, that set him apart.”

The above winners will be profiled in videos in the coming months. OREA will highlight their advice and the top lessons learned for success in real estate. Keep watching the YPN page on the OREA website and the OREA YouTube channel.

Photo caption:

AWARD WINNERS: YPN leadership award winners were honoured at a ceremony at the OREA annual conference. Left to right are: Jeff Bauer, YPN Committee Chair Steve Kotan, Brian Santos, Lisa Patel, Ray Dubash of the Mississauga Real Estate Board (accepting for Branden Kameka) and David Kurt.

Story by Mary Ann Gratton

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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