The Broker of the Year award recognizes one REALTOR® Broker annually for their exemplary business experience, conduct, civic activity and industry involvement. Following are the award recipients for the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
2012 - John Myers
2011 - Jerry White
2010 - Connie Salts
2009 - Chris Reese
2008 - Ted Oatts
2007 - Jeff Murray
2006 - Skip Wieler
2005 - Pat Kearns-Davis
2004 - Bob Miller
2003 - Sam Calhoon
2002 - Bruce Massa
2001 - Steve Wittmann
2000 - Doug McCloud
1999 - Michael Huntley
1998 - Patrick O'Neil
1997 - Bruce Dooley
1996 - Charlotte Van Steyn |
1995 - George Smith
1994 - Pat Grabill
1993 - Sandy Simpson
1992 - Jack Myers
1991 - Nancy Sharp
1990 - William McMenamy
1989 - Margie Holzer
1988 - Richard Fagan
1987 - Donald Kelley
1986 - Joseph MacKinnon
1985 - Max Holzer
1984 - Myrna Kobre
1983 - Richard Royer
1982 - Cam Taylor
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1981 - Lee Wears
1980 - Jim Owen
1979 - Bill McCorkle
1978 - Robert Weiler
1977 - Leigh Koebel
1976 - Ted Seckel
1975 - Harley Rouda
1974 - Paul Falco
1973 - Oscar Thomas Sr.
1972 - John Galbreath
1971 - Elly Creager
1970 - Larry Wade
1969 - Thomas Kohr
1968 - Robert Denmead |
2010 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Connie Salts
Connie Salts is broker/owner of S.A.L.T. Realty, which she founded in 1990. An Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR) director for the past five years, she is also a recipient of CBR’s 10 Million Dollar Award and OAR’s Presidential Sales Club Award every year since 1994.
An active supporter of the Central Ohio REALTORS® Political Action Committee (CORPAC), Salts also contributes to causes ranging from women’s health research at Ohio State University, Franklin County Soil and Conservation District, Upper Arlington Lutheran Church and support groups for the caregivers of critically ill patients.
Salts and her husband Dean have been married for more than 40 years and reside in Hilliard.
2009 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Chris Reese, CRS
Chris Reese's name has been added to the list of CBR Brokers of the Year, representing the 2009 award, and another in a long list of achievements for the former CBR President and dedicated professional. "To be named Broker of the Year alongside such icons is an honor in and of itself," Reese said.
She joins notable central Ohio real estate icons such as John Galbreath, and George Smith in obtaining the Broker of the Year Award, recognizing business experience and conduct, civic and Board involvement and professional education and honors. Reese's husband Durk presented the award to her, saying he was proud to be her partner. "She has sold millions of dollars in real estate, all while keeping a spotless house, raising two beautiful children and never missing a game or a volunteer opportunity," Durk said.
Reese started her career in real estate in 1977, working with her father and learning the business from him. She decided to get involved with the Board early in her career for various reasons, some of them professional, others purely selfish. Her goal in joining the MLS Committee was "to get them to increase the font in the MLS books so you could read them while you were driving," Reese joked. It's ironic that it was during Reese's term as CBR President in 2006 that the Board stopped printing those books!
Since then she has received numerous awards including being named a charter member of theCBR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. A member of the 25 Million Dollar Club, Reese has served on more than a dozen Board committees; been a Director and President, and continues to be active in CBR, OAR and NAR -- where she is currently serving as a Director.
Over her 32 years in real estate, Reese said she feels "privileged and honored" to have worked with so many talented professionals -- fellow Board members she calls friends. "I learned from my father early on that to make it in this business, you never burn bridges and you never give up," Reese said.
2008 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Ted Oatts
Ted Oatts is the owner/broker of Worthington Realty, specializing in both residential and commercial real estate. Ted's real estate experience covers a variety of areas, including new builds, existing homes, relocation, referrals, consulting, site selection, investment and 1031 tax deferred exchanges. He was instrumental in helping to develop northern Franklin County and in developing two golf courses in Southern Delaware -- Wedgewood Golf & Country Club and Shamrock Golf Club.
For CBR, Ted is a past member of the CBR Board of Directors, has chaired the Education, and Technology Users & Forum committees, as well as, the Legislative Reception subcommittee. He currently serves as chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee and has served as member of the Equal Opportunity, Foundation Fund Advisory Board and Foundation Fundraising committees. He holds the Graduate REALTOR®, Institute (GRI) and e-Pro designations, is a recipient of CBR's Volunteer Service Award and a contributor to both the Foundation Fund and CORPAC as a Sterling "R".
Ted has also served as president of the Independent Brokers Association (IBA) and the Commercial Real Estate Exchangors (CREE). He currently serves as an OAR director, has chaired OAR's Professional Development Committee and has served as a member of all of OAR's standing committees.
For his church and community, Ted has served as a Musical Director, Men's Ministry Director, Bible Teacher and Deacon. He has also served as president of the Ohio Baptist Foundation and helped raise money for a school that teaches A.D.H.D. kids. He serves meals to the homeless in Downtown Columbus, volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, as well as for the Worthington Chamber of Commerce.
Ted has four grown children and a son-in-law. He is known to his friends as "Governor" because of his interest in politics. He describes himself as a realistic optimist who lives by his philosophy that "Everyday is a new day and a new opportunity", and his motto "Never quit".
"The call came on my cell phone while waiting for my haircut at the Worthington Barbershop. I heard the words that the committee had reviewed many good resumes, and thought the next phrase my ears would hear was, we have selected another REALTOR®; but to my delight and surprise, the message was we have selected you as our REALTOR® Broker of the Year! I had to say, really? And the answer came again, yes, it's true. I told them I was so happy and humbled that the committee would choose me, being a one-man shop. It was great news. As I sat there thinking about what I had just heard, my mind recalled names like John Galbreath, Harley Rouda and George Smith, Bob and Skip Weiler, Max and Margie Coyle, Pat Grabill, Charlotte Van Steyn and others who have received the award. To be included in the list of honorees as REALTOR® Broker of the Year is a recognition for which I will always be grateful. Right there, I thanked the good Lord for His blessings and asked Him to help me earn it everyday as I continue to counsel with clients, working in this wonderful profession."
2007 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Jeff Murray
Jeff Murray is broker/owner of Murray Realty. He was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, is a graduate of Westerville High School and of Capital University where he majored in music. As a tenor and lead singer, Jeff has performed with the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America and at various other events and venues throughout Central Ohio. As a matter of fact, his outstanding singing voice and skill at Pinball is what sealed the deal in winning the heart of his better half -- Patti. Jeff and Patti have been married for 30 years.
In his tenure in real estate, Jeff has served on the Board of Directors, chair of the Grievance, Multiple Lising Service (MLS), Professional Standards, and Standard Forms committees and as a member of the budget, CORPAC, Education, Government Affairs, Membership and Tech Users committees.
Jeff is a recipient of the CBR Volunteer Service Award, holds the Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI) designation, is a state Certified Instructor for the 10-hour post license CE program, a past president of the Northeast/Westerville Area Realty Association and of the Columbus Independent Brokers Association (IBA). He has also served a three-year term on the Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR) Board of Directors and chairs the 2007 OAR Convention Committee.
In the community, Jeff currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Northland Alliance, has participated in fundraising for St. Pauls School, St. Margaret of Cortona School and for Watterson and DeSales Athletic departments. He sits on the Advisory Board of Columbus Urban Growth, the planning board for Morse Road Graphics Overlay, is a Youth Choir Director at McKendree Church and is a multi-gallon blood donor. He has also served as president of the Northland Community Council and of the Forest Park Civic Association and presently chairs Northland Community Council's Development Committee.
On receiving this award, Jeff says that "It's an honor to receive this recognition from his peers for the commitment he has made to the real estate and to the community."
2006 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Skip Weiler
Skip Weiler, president of The Robert Weiler Co., has been selected to receive the CBR 2006 Broker of the Year Award. Skip was licensed in 1986, and during his 20-year tenure in real estate, has garnered an impressive list of real estate and community service accomplishments.
Skip is a commercial real estate instructor and consultant and has co-developed numerous apartment projects, office buildings, retail developments, subdivisions and industrial parks. He holds the Certified Real Estate Broker (CRB) and the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designations and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He has served as president of the Joint Columbus and Franklin County Housing Advisory Board and as a member of the City of Columbus Zoning Code Development Steering Committee.
Skip has served a 3-year term on the Board of Directors and was a director liaison for both the Equal Opportunity and Tech User's committees. He currently serves as chair of the CBR Board of Consultants and, in the past, has chaired the Foundation Fund Advisory Board, the Strategic Long Range Planning and co-chaired the CORPAC Fundraising Committee. He has twice served on the CEO Evaluation Committee and was a member of the Budget, Finance & Investments Committee and of the CORPAC Governing Board. In 2004, Skip became the third generation Weiler to become president of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
Skip is a member of the CBR Twenty-Five Million Dollar Club, a Sterling "R" CORPAC contributor and, in 1993, was honored with the CBR Volunteer Service Award. Active on both the state and national levels, Skip has served as a director for both the Ohio Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, and has served on numerous OAR committees and as a member of NAR's Land Use Property Rights and Environment Committee and the Commercial Legislation and Regulatory Subcommittee.
Skip's civic achievements include serving on the Board of Directors of The Wellness Community, the Columbus Urban Growth Corporation, Suburban East YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Columbus, Maryhaven, Inc., Women's Health Clinic, Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio and Franklin County, BalletMet, Pilot Dogs, The United Way Vision Council, Hannah Neil Children's Center, Serenity Street Foundation, Short North Performing Arts Association, Advancement Committee of the Columbus Foundation and the Mayor's Education Advisory Commission.
For his service to the community, Skip has been honored with the Columbus Jaycees Top 10 Citizens of the Year Award, the National Society of Fund Raising Executive Community Volunteer Award, and was last year's recipient of the Ohio Association of REALTORS® Excellence in Community Service Award for CBR's first REALTOR® Care Day.
REALTOR® Care Day was Skip Weiler's brainchild and he was instrumental in bringing together this collaboration between CBR, CHP and United Way. He was also involved in all aspects of this project, from participating in all of the organizational meetings to helping to coordinate the day's event to working side by size with more than 100 volunteers who spent a day last summer painting, mulching, hanging doors, picking up trash and planting flowers at Mwanza Place -- a 24 unit complex owned by CHP and located in the South Linden area.
This event proved to be a very fulfilling experience for all who participated, providing an opportunity to work with fellow REALTORS® and at the same time provide a tremendous community service for the residents of Mwanza Place and the South Linden community.
This year's REALTOR® Care Day is set for Thursday, June 22, and 3-4 area realty associations will be participating in projects in their own communities.
2005 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Pat Kearns-Davis
Pat Kearns-Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI, is broker/owner of RE/MAX Capital Centre, Inc., REALTORS®. She has twice served three-year terms as a member of the CBR Board of Directors, chaired the Columbus and Central Ohio Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Committee, and has served a three-year term on the Grievance Committee. She currently is a member on the CBR CORPAC Governing Board and of the Governmental Affairs Committee. To her list of board involvement and accomplishments, she can now add 2005 CBR Broker of the Year.
Pat was licensed in 1974 and began her sales career with Mary Jane Carr & Associates. In 1985, she opened RE/MAX Capital Centre, Inc., REALTORS®. Pat is a CBR $25 Million Dollar Sales Award Club member and a CORPAC Lifetime Member. She also is the recipient of numerous awards including the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce 2005 Business of the Year, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement and RE/MAX Broker/Owner of the Year.
Pat encourages those entering the business to become involved in your Board! During your career you will find it invaluable if you serve on Board committees. The friendship you will develop will be beneficial both personally and professionally. Personally, these friendships will last a lifetime. Professionally it is so much easier to complete a transaction when you know the agent on the other end of the transaction from having served together on a committee. Also, you will keep current with changes in your industry as you move through your career and you will be giving back to your industry that has been so good to all of us.
2004 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Bob Miller
Bob Miller is an owner/broker with RE/MAX Premier Choice, REALTORS®, CBR’s immediate past president and our 2004 Broker of the Year. Bob has worked diligently for CBR and the Central Ohio community for the past 27 years. He attributes his success in real estate to the sales training he received at IBM; the unselfish mentoring he received when he started; and the ongoing help and assistance that he receives each day at his office.
However, the most important contribution has been made by his family -- his wife, Norma, and his kids, Lindsay and Andy -- for allowing him to participate in this great business. Active in the Dublin community, Bob has served as president of the Dublin Chamber of Commence where he has made some lasting friendships. His most beneficial community experience has been in coaching kids in athletics in Dublin. A close second has been following his children in their respective sports...crew for Lindsay and lacrosse for Andy. It gave him an opportunity to meet and get to know a wonderful group of people.
For up and coming REALTORS®, Bob suggests that you take as many courses in general sales and real estate sales as you possibly can. Join area tours and get to know your area and your fellow REALTORS® personally. Get involved in your community and with the Board. And, most importantly, never stop asking questions.
2003 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Sam Calhoon
Sam Calhoon, CRB, has been chosen 2003 Broker of the Year to honor his commitment to the real estate profession and his community. Sam is broker and co-owner of Prudential Calhoon Company, and has been a member of CBR since 1973. He was President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS® in 1997, has served on the CBR Board of Directors and has chaired or served as a member of numerous board committees.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Sam continues to stay involved through its Alumni Association and President’s Club. He is also active in the Arlington Club, Upper Arlington Civic Association, Childhood League Center, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.
Upon receiving the award, Sam said, “We are fortunate to have a core group of about 250 members who, each year, donate their time, energy and vision toward making CBR the outstanding organization that it is. Things get done at our Board because good people work together and constantly press for improvement. The return on the investment of time I’ve put into Board activities over the years is hard to calculate. But I’ve made a lot of friends, made little money and gained knowledge because of that investment.
Sam resides in Upper Arlington with wife Bonnie and three children, Benjamin, Joshua and Cara.
2002 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Bruce Massa
Bruce Massa was named 2002 Broker of the Year to honor his years of commitment to the Columbus Board of Realtors® and to the real estate profession. He is founder and owner of Massa Realty & Development Corporation and has been a member of CBR since 1974.
His involvement with CBR includes serving as President, Trustee and as chair and member of numerous other CBR committees. He is a charter member of CBR's Foundation Fund and a Life Member of both RPAC and CORPAC.
His civic activities include participation on the Chamber of Commerce Retention and Expansion committee and a two-year term on the Board of Trustees of Columbus Day/USA. He also has served as a member of the Athletic Club of Columbus Housing and Construction committees, is a past president of the Columbus Italian Club and member of the Parkland Dedication Committee.
On receiving the award, Bruce said, “I am truly honored that my peers have thought enough of me to have this honor bestowed upon me. It is both gratifying as well as humbling to be the Broker of the year!” Bruce is married to Terrie Elaine, has one son, Nicolas Anthony, and enjoys golf, boating, fishing and travel.
2001 REALTOR® Broker of the Year - Stephen Wittmann
Stephen Wittmann has been chosen Broker of the Year to honor his years of commitment to the Columbus Board of REALTORS® and to the real estate profession. He is a broker/owner of Stephen S. Wittmann & Company and has been a member of CBR since 1971.
In his involvement with CBR, he has served as president, trustee and chair of the Foundation Fund and Governmental Affairs committees and Housing Code Subcommittee. He was also a member of CBR’s Strategic Long-Range Planning Committee and has been a CBR instructor for its Commercial Leasing Course. For the Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR), he served eight years as a trustee and was a member of OAR’s Legislative Steering and Political Affairs committees.
His civic activities include participating in the Task Force on Public-Private Housing Initiatives for the city of Columbus, the Mayor’s Task Force on Downtown Zoning, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Downtown Mobility Work Group. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP).
Stephen is a past president of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Chapter 42 and a recipient of IREM’s Chapter 42 Certified Property Manager of the Year award.