The 2018 10 Under 40 honorees are innovative, industrious, and committed to continually raising the bar in real estate. This group of select individuals are not only leaders in the central Ohio real estate community, but under the age of 40 and have demonstrated excellence in the areas of sales, leadership and community as well as professional involvement.
For the fifth year in a row, the prestigious 10 Under 40 Award received a significant amount of interest and number of applicants. Nearly 50 applicants vied to be recognized as one of the top real estate professionals under 40 in central Ohio.
The 10 Under 40 Award is an initiative set forth by Columbus REALTORS® and the implementation of the award is spearheaded by the Young Professionals Network (YPN). As the name of the award suggests, it is issued to REALTORS® under the age of 40 who are successful, demonstrate enthusiasm, innovation and commitment to the real estate industry.
Selection of the 10 Under 40 finalists is based on four key factors: sales and volume, community and professional involvement, business strategy and an ‘x factor’ which includes letters of recommendation and uncategorized content.
Read on to get to know this unique and driven group of young leaders in the central Ohio real estate community!
JEFF KRIDER, Fathom Realty
Originally from the Cleveland area, Jeff is a 2005 graduate of Ohio State University where he obtained his B.A. in Marketing and Communications. He has joyfully called Columbus his home ever since. After working in both professional jobs and skilled trades, Jeff discovered that real estate is the perfect way to help people reach their goals and hone his expertise in marketing, goal coaching and home repairs. He and his wife Stephanie love old homes, and he has gained significant experience in renovation, bringing them back to their original glory. That has naturally centered most of his work with clients in the Clintonville, Worthington, Westerville and downtown areas. Jeff's favorite part of the real estate process is educating his clients on the process so they feel well-informed on what to expect at every step. Jeff lives in Clintonville with his wife and three daughters, and is deeply involved in his church, Life Vineyard, where he uses his musical talents as a drummer and leads a life group.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that this job is fundamentally about helping people identify and reach an important life goal and milestone in their life. Since every real estate transaction is different, I enjoy the unique problem-solving aspect each time. This makes buying or selling that much more rewarding! I enjoy that this career also combines coaching and helping people with my practical handyman and marketing skills. Because I have worked as a contractor, I have the ability to fix things and have substantive experience with the successful renovation of my own home and others, and I can provide a more realistic assessment of the return on investment of home updates, adding significant value to my client’s experience. As an extravert who enjoys working with my hands this is the perfect profession.
When you are not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
As an early adopter of all different types of technology I love to research, review and use everything from new hardware to fun and entertaining apps. I also enjoy renovation projects both for my own personal Clintonville home and for investment properties. I am an avid musician and have been playing the drums since I was a kid playing for various side projects and for my church. I am grateful to spend a lot of time with my wife and little girls, and despite devoting most of my energy to chasing around three small children every day, I still find myself young at heart and enjoy everything from biking to skateboarding to working out at my local gym 9Round.
DARA BARKER, HER REALTORS®
Dara is a licensed REALTOR® and owner of The Barker Team at HER Realtors®. She started her real estate career in 2007 and has a love for helping people with their real estate needs. Shortly after she began her real estate career her husband, Thad, joined her in the business. They were blessed to see their business grow by leaps and bounds even when the market was at a very low point. Several years into their real estate career, they began to expand their team to better serve their clients. Their team is comprised of like-minded agents who share the same values which include making clients the number one goal. She is thankful for all the relationships they have built over the years and the many great clients they have had the privilege of serving. Outside of real estate, she enjoys spending time with her family and being involved in the community. She and her husband have four beautiful, amazing children which include two girls and twin boys. They are very active in extra circular activities and in the county 4-H program. As a family they enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, watching football, hanging out with their pets, and going on their annual family vacation.
What do I love about my job?
The people! Through my real estate career, I have had the privilege to meet so many great people over the years. Real estate is very much a people business. I love meeting people for the first time, learning about their real estate goals, guiding them through the process, and sharing in the excitement of achievement. Often I then have the privilege of working for their friends and family which is an honor. What starts as a new client often turns into a lasting friendship. Not only have I met many great clients, but also many great agents, inspectors, lenders and title agents. The relationships built with other like-minded professionals is invaluable as well!
Why is it important to give back to the community?
Giving back to the community helps individuals in need and also strengthens the community as a whole. In order for the residents, youth, and businesses in a community to be successful the people that make up the community must strive to make it a better place. Some areas that I love contributing to are feeding the hungry, providing toys for kids at Christmas, and helping the youth in our county 4-H program. My community has been so supportive of my business and me, and I consider it a privilege to give back.
MEGAN KELLEY, Collective House Realty
Megan is a born and bred Johnstown Johnnie, and graduate of Otterbein University. Armed with a background in communications, Megan began her journey into real estate as a builder’s representative and leasing agent with Lifestyle Communities. During this time, Megan was introduced to her mentor who was influential in helping harness her knowledge and passion for sales. After this experience, Megan was ready to delve into the world of real estate. As a licensed REALTOR®, Megan, along with a small team of agents, began growing a new facet of LC, Lifestyle Communities Real Estate Services (LRES). Aimed to serve LC residents as they transition from renters to homeowners, LRES was only the beginning of Megan's journey. In 2015, Megan procured her Brokers license and transitioned from agent to agent/broker of LRES. Over the next few years, Megan continued to rise as a top agent while simultaneously leading a team of agents. Her accolades include 2015 OAR President's Sales Club Award in the Pinnacle of Performance, 2016 Award of Distinction and 2017 Award of Excellence as well as recipient of the $10 million dollar club award in 2016. Megan has been recognized as one of Columbus's top 200 agents and was featured in the August 2016 issue of REAL Producers as a Columbus Rising Star. In 2017, having seen a need for evolution, Megan successfully transitioned LRES from an LC brokerage to a full-fledged brand, Collective House Realty (CHR). This past year has been an absolute whirlwind for Megan. She kicked off the year adding a new pup to her brood, got engaged to her fiancé Jimmy, purchased a house in her hometown of Johnstown, is expecting her first child, and was recently promoted as Lifestyle Communities Director of Sales. In her down time, Megan enjoys spending time with friends and family often dragging them to her favorite local karaoke spot to belt some tunes. In the summer, she looks forward to giving her time to the Muscular Dystrophy Association where she has been attending the summer camp as a counselor and leader since she was 16.
What do I love about my job?
I love the people — from clients, agents, lenders and other industry professionals. As a REALTOR®, you meet a lot of people from all walks of life and it's the friendships I've made along the way that make it special. I'm also blown away by our team dynamic at CHR. We are a collective bunch and value the relationships we build as a team. At the core, we are a team of friends who support and nurture one another both professionally and personally. I'm proud to be a part of the Collective House family.
When you are not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not selling real estate I'm at home kicking my fiancés butt at Scrabble and relaxing with our three fur babies. July is just around the corner so I'm gearing up to welcome our first "real" child and immersing myself in the world of parenthood. I'm excited for this next chapter in life!
JUSTIN GWINN, eMerge Real Estate
Justin began his real estate career immediately upon graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Real Estate & Urban Analysis in 2000. He comes from a football family having played football for the Buckeyes in 1997-98 and two of his brothers playing there from 1992-96. Being a Partner Agent, Justin has been heavily involved with the training and development of the agents at e-Merge Real Estate since they opened their doors in 2012. Justin has adopted a unique business model with all of his business coming by way of referral. Being in the business for nearly 18 years and having accumulated over $100 million in real estate sales, he is committed to taking on a more active role with Columbus REALTORS®. He currently serves on the Builder/REALTOR® Alliance Committee, Recognition and Sales Awards Committee and the Young Professionals Network. In the community, Justin plays a huge role in youth mentorship of young student-athletes. He presides and coaches the Columbus Bucks Youth Football Organization where his team won the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth National Championship this past season with his son Jayden being a member of the team.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy that everyone I work with I know on some level. My prospecting is basically calling and talking with friends and family or hanging out with them.
When you are not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy coaching youth football and playing poker. Last year my youth football team won the National Championship and I played in the World Series of Poker Main Event and made it to Day 3.
SARAH MILLER, Keller Williams Capital Partners
Sarah Miller is a Bexley native and attended Ohio University where she studied Psychology. Her career began in the finance industry where she started as a teller and quickly worked her way up to working on the top investment team in the company. She later dabbled in mortgages and life insurance to have a fully rounded experience in the finance industry. Sarah realized that the standard 9 to 5 of the corporate world was no longer for her. She took a risk and obtained her real estate license in 2013, joining the Marsh Home Group as a full time REALTOR®. Sarah has a strong passion for working with her clients by educating them on the home buying process, so they aren’t overwhelmed or confused. She strives to make this process as smooth as possible for her clients and sprinkles in a little fun as well! Sarah has obtained her Certified Negotiations Expert and Accredited Buyer Representative designations and was also 2017 co-chair of YPN through Columbus REALTORS®. She is currently a member of the 2017-2018 class in Leadership Academy and obtained her 2017 One Million Dollar Sales Award. Sarah has taken on the task of assisting with training new agents within Keller Williams and has mentored agents who are struggling to get their business to the next level. She was also a participant in the 2017 Women’s Council "Last REALTOR® Standing" where her wit and humor were able to outweigh her nerves! Outside of real estate, Sarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family (and especially her new born niece!) and wearing out her puppy on walks and at parks. When possible, Sarah loves to travel and keeps active by participating in sports leagues and running local races. Later this year, she will begin a volunteer program where she is able to mentor abused and neglected children and be an advocate for them in court proceedings.
What do you love most about your job?
I love working with so many different people, and not just clients, but also other agents and affiliates! This industry can be challenging at times and some agents don’t know where to turn for help or support. I enjoy helping other agents or affiliates, especially ones who are newer in the industry, by teaching or giving advice and support. When I started in this business, I had a large support system and it made a world of difference for me. I do what I can to network and offer to give back.
In your opinion, why is it important to give back to the community?
The central Ohio area has become such a large advocate for supporting local businesses, and I have seen this happening towards real estate as well. By giving back to our communities, it increases awareness in what we do and what we can provide in our industry. It’s humbling to be able to donate our time and money to support those that need it locally and showing that we can provide more than just selling homes.
CHRIS DAVIS, RE/MAX Town Center
Chris is the owner of RE/MAX Town Center and a lifelong central Ohio resident. He attended Westerville schools until 1996 and then graduated from Columbus' Whetstone High School in 1998. After working a rewarding career in corporate America, Chris 'retired' in to real estate in 2006. Upon completing his first full year in real estate in 2007, he received recognition as the "Top Listing Agent" at his brokerage office. Chris joined RE/MAX Town Center in 2008, and in 2011, at 32 years of age, he purchased the brokerage. In order to focus on the growth and success of the agents at RE/MAX Town Center, Chris discontinued active sales while still remaining an active member of Columbus REALTORS®. The brokerage has continued to thrive under his leadership, consistently selling more than one hundred million dollars of real estate annually and recently relocated the office into a new 4,500 square foot office space in Easton Gateway. Chris is happy married to his high school sweetheart, Lisa, and lives on a 25-acre farm in Knox County with their four children. In his free time, Chris is an assistant Scoutmaster with Boy Scout troop #382 of Centerburg, volunteers weekly with the youth group at St. John Newman Catholic Church in Sunbury and is a member of the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation Fundraising Committee.
What do you love most about your job?
If I had to pick just one thing, I’d have to say I love helping my agents solve problems. From the difficult transactions to finding creative ways to increase sales production, I just enjoy helping agents knock down any roadblocks they encounter!
When you are not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
I spend as much time as possible with my family! Between Boy Scouts, youth group and summer road trips we keep pretty busy. When there is SOME down time I like to spend time with the animals on our 25 acre “protein farm.” We’ve raised a little bit of everything (chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and rabbits) and I never quite know what my wife is going to bring home next. She keeps me on my toes, but it is lots of fun.
ROB ELLIS, Key Realty
Rob Ellis is a 2014 graduate of the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. As a student, multiple alumni provided the opportunities that would gain him exposure in the real estate and finance industries. His passion for real estate and experiences helped shape what would eventually become The REllis Group at Key Realty, which specializes in commercial real estate with a focus on multifamily properties. As Team Lead and Owner, Rob and his real estate team share a vision to motivate and inspire people to create a better life through real estate. With a focus on new business daily and delivering a world-class client experience that continues to establish lasting relationship with clients, Rob and The REllis Group are helping to grow and shape the landscape of real estate in Ohio.
What do you love most about your job?
(1) I found a niche in investment real estate and for me it’s amazing to be able to change someone's financial picture. For example, take a person who has student loans. We can put that person into a 2-4 unit property and it can eliminate their biggest expense by thousands of dollars. For me, working these types of people is really rewarding. (2) Helping people build their portfolio and finding deals for clients who get really excited. I love to help investors make smart financial decisions. It's amazing to see how they've been able to grow their portfolio substantially at our advice.
When you're not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
When I'm lucky enough to have some free time, I enjoy intramural sports like volleyball and tennis. I'm involved in Columbus Young Professionals, which has been an outlet for various volunteering and social events. Additionally, I enjoy running and working out and have completed a handful of half and full marathons. Additionally, I'm passionate about being a mentor to students interested in real estate. As a student myself, multiple alumni provided internships and advice that helped me gain exposure and opportunities in the real estate and finance industries. Those experiences helped shape what would eventually become The REllis Group at Key Realty, and so I make a concerted effort to reach out to students at some of the local universities and provide the same opportunities that were given to me.
KATIE CROCCO, RE/MAX Winners
Katie is a third generation real estate agent in the Union County area. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate and Urban Development at The Ohio State University, Katie joined the RE/MAX Winners team in 2002. The next year, Katie joined the family in-house mortgage company, 1st Monarch Mortgage, Ltd. where she processed loans for the next 10 years. In 2011 Katie obtained her Brokers license and took on the additional role of office manager of both Re/Max Winners and 1st Monarch Mortgage. Katie is the 2018 President of the Marysville Area Realty Association, a 2017-18 Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors member and 2018 OAR Alternate Director.
What do you love most about your job?
With more than 15 years of serving the industry and over 600 transactions, what I enjoy most about my job is that no situation is ever the same. Problem solving, helping clients, feeling productive; it never gets old.
When you're not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the real estate world I enjoy taking advantage of wherever my mood may lead me: reading a book, seeing a movie, a night out dancing, cooking up a storm or laying in front of the TV. There are no rules!
MOLLY LEACH, CBRE
Molly is an associate for CBRE specializing in healthcare, dental and office properties and has been working in the commercial real estate industry for 10 years. Molly represents clients such as Mount Carmel Health System, Central Ohio Primary Care, Ohio Gastroenterology Group, Physicians Realty Trust, OSU Internal Medicine, Mount Vernon Dental, and many independent practices within the central Ohio Market. Her attention to detail, specialized knowledge of healthcare and construction and assertive deal negotiation techniques give her clients an edge when navigating the waters of commercial real estate. Prior to joining CBRE, Molly was a property manager at NAI Ohio Equities, and managed a portfolio of approximately 500,000 square feet of medical office space. She also worked on a property management team responsible for 1.7 million square feet of medical office properties. Additionally, Molly assisted tenants with their property management needs. Formerly, she served as Maintenance Coordinator for Colliers International and Marketing Specialist for Crawford Hoying. Molly is actively involved as a career counselor for Dress for Success, serves on the BOMA Columbus Legislative Committee and was a Pelotonia Lead Volunteer.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the construction or technical side of commercial (medical) real estate. Though I sometimes lack in ‘people skills,’ I generally make up for it with technical knowledge. I can usually nail a construction estimate by walking through a space once. I actually have a contractor who likes to print out his bids and have me guess the cost per square feet of a given job, then hand me the printed bid. One time I came within 33 cents of his estimate on an $83 per square foot project. I also love helping clients think through what their life will be like once they are in the space. Is the building they are considering known to have HVAC balancing issues? Plumbing problems? I like to help my clients consider these types of issues in advance of committing to a 5-15 year commercial lease.
When you are not selling real estate, what do you enjoy doing?
I actually gave birth to two sons in my first three years of brokerage. I like spending time with my boys playing in the mud and doing typical little boy things like crashing trains and bulldozers in sandboxes. I also enjoy writing music, singing and playing piano and guitar, but I rarely have time for music these days.
ROB RIDDLE, New Albany Realty
Rob is a lifetime resident of New Albany. He has a B.S. in Merchandising from the University of Kentucky and moved home after college to begin a career in retail at Express. Shortly after his return to New Albany in 2012, Rob became a licensed REALTOR®. Rob quickly realized his passion for real estate and he stepped away from his corporate job in the fashion industry to fully devote himself to serving his clients. Having closed hundreds of transactions, Rob loves sharing his expertise with buyers, sellers. He and his partners, Kate and Tony Thomas, are committed to developing their team of nine and helping them achieve their goals. A proud 2017 graduate of the Columbus REALTORS® Leadership Academy, Rob is Vice President of the New Albany Realty Association. Rob also serves on the National Board of Directors for the University of Kentucky Alumni Association as well as the Board of Directors for the New Albany Walking Classic. When not selling real estate, Rob and his wife, Johnna, enjoy restoring their 1800’s farmhouse with their four-legged apprentice, Ralph. Johnna and Rob are expecting their first child, Stanley, this Spring.
What’s your favorite real estate app?
Open Home Pro; it replaces the traditional sign in sheet and eliminates the need to decipher hand written information while also allowing you to add notes and set reminders.
What do you like to do when you’re not selling real estate?
When I’m not selling real estate, I enjoy kayaking on Hoover Reservoir.
