The Columbus REALTORS® Young Professionals Network hosted its annual YPN Connect Retreat at Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Center, where nearly 30 members came together to hear from local and national industry leaders, put their teamwork to the test in group bonding games, and wind down around a late-night bonfire.
The program kicked off with a welcome from Columbus REALTORS® very own Executive Committee, followed by a paddle icebreaker that had attendees answering yes-or-no questions and getting to know one another.
Next up, YPs heard from the National Association of REALTORS® YPN Advisory Board member Nick Giorgi on how to strengthen and master their spheres of influence through thoughtful business tactics. Columbus REALTORS® YPN Co-Chair Justin Phillips followed up by demonstrating the power of AI, showing attendees how to use it to speed up and automate everyday tasks.
Then, attendees dug into the riveting reality of rural real estate with YPN Co-Chair Katie Crocco. From septic systems to soil, Crocco showed just how much goes into helping someone find their dream farm, and turns out, there’s a lot more beneath the surface.
The day’s sessions wrapped up with Columbus REALTOR® and investor Jim Ross, who shared 10 things attendees might not know about the central Ohio real estate market. Spoiler alert: Ohio State football games may not affect showings quite as much as we think.
After a full day of learning and networking, the group blew off some steam with an “Amazing Race”-style competition. From building haunted gingerbread houses to recreating awkward JCPenney-style group photos, attendees raced through a series of challenges that put both their creativity and teamwork to the test. The night came to a close with classic s’mores around a bonfire under the stars. But the Retreat didn’t stop there as ‘s’more’ fun was on the way.
The next morning started bright and early with a brisk lakeside hike before NAR’s YPN Advisory Board member Darnell Aponte took the floor to discuss the power of referrals and how REALTORS® can leverage them to grow their businesses.
The retreat wrapped up with an appraiser and lender panel featuring Christopher Lallier, Graham Nadler, and Katie Crocco, who discussed upcoming industry changes and gave attendees insight into what they can expect moving forward.
Overall, this year’s YPN Connect Retreat gave attendees the chance to reconnect with nature, reconnect with each other and reconnect with their industry. Between new ideas, new connections and plenty of fun times along the way, it was two days well spent at Salt Fork.
Interested in getting connected? To learn more about the Young Professionals Network, reach out to staff liaisons Julie Fort at julie@columbusrealtors.com or Ashley Packard at ashley@columbusrealtors.com.
