ST. LOUIS METRO EAST CONNECTING. ELEVATING. INSPIRING - JANUARY 2022 - N2 Pub
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
S T. L O U I S M E T R O E A S T
C O N N E C T I N G . E L E VAT I N G . I N S P I R I N G .
COVER FEATURE
STORIES OF 2021
JANUARY 2022
2 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 3
TAB LE O F
CONTENTS
14 16 18
March April Realtor
Cover Cover Education:
Feature Feature Where
2021 2021 Has Miss
Manners
Gone?
20 22 24
May June Cover July
Cover Feature Cover
Feature 2021 Feature
2021 2021
28 32 36
August September Interna-
Cover Cover tional
Feature Feature Network-
2021 2021 ing
Week
2022
38 42 46
October November Upcoming
Cover
Feature
Cover
Feature
Events
Metro
Home & Business | Local & Long Distance | Packing Services & Supplies | Storage | Junk Removal
2021 2021 East Trained, Uniformed, & background-Checked movers
Serving St. Louis since 1994
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at
nick.najjar@realproducersmag.com 314.529.1088
twomenstlouis.com
DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain
solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the St. Louis Metro East Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or
the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 1114248
4 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 5
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate
PREFERRED PARTNERS affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These
local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support
these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
ACCOUNTING, CONSULTING & Midwest Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning River Cities Home Inspection Services MAID SERVICE Neo Home Loans POWER WASHING
TAX SERVICES Charlie Thomas Tony Darr Maids My Way Eric Vavere Essenpries Carpet Care
The Trinity Tax Solutions, LLC (618) 719-7741 (314) 648-9554 Anne Nowak (314) 530-8363 Wyatt Essenpries
Alicia Meyer MidwestCarpet-DuctCleaning.com Rivercitiesinspect.com (618) 206-6243 NeoSaintLouis.com (618) 795-8118
(636) 345-4025 MaidsMyWay.com Facebook.com/EssenpriesCarpet
TheTrinityTaxSolutions.com CLOSING GIFTS HOME WARRANTY The Kerpan Group
Cutting Edge Gift Choice Home Warranty MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION @ Benchmark Mortgage RADON MITIGATION
AIR DUCT CLEANING Eric Chandler David Specter / Britain Lenz Absolute Clean Nathan Kerpan Advanced Radon Mitigation LLC
Midwest Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning (336) 437-2102 (314) 707-3441 / (314) 797-9636 Scott Ross (314) 551-9587 Brian Hagler
Charlie Thomas CuttingEdgeGift.com ChwPro.com (618) 402-8225 BenchmarkMidAmerica.com (618) 910-2034
(618) 719-7741 AbsoluteCleanFloors.com AdvancedRadonMitigationLLC.com
MidwestCarpet-DuctCleaning.com COMPUTER REPAIR Home Warranty Inc. Wells Fargo Mortgage
Computer Specialists Adam Perkins Disaster Restoration Pros Cherity Freeze ROOFING & GUTTERS
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Matt Johnson (309) 363-5001 Jerrod Stewart (618) 641-2202 1st Source Contractors
Greater Gateway Association (618) 377-0577 HomeWarrantyInc.com (314) 391-2564 CherityFreeze.com Brad Miller
of Realtors CSINET.cc adamperkins@HomeWarrantyInc.com MyHomeDamage.com (618) 767-6363
Kyle Anderson MOVING & STORAGE MyReRoofer.com
(618) 692-8300 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Home Warranty of America, Inc. Mold Man St.Louis Two Men and a Truck
GatewayRealtors.com Northwestern Mutual Heidi Goff / Liane Luckett Travis Boyer Cathleen Jones Creekside Exterior Solutions
David Wenge (314) 562-5099 / (708) 205-5193 (314) 282-9791 (314) 963-7766 Steve Creek
BANKING - MORTGAGE (618) 980-7909 HWAHomeWarranty.com MoldManUsa.com TwoMenStLouis.com (618) 791-4143
First Mid Bank & Trust DavidWenge.nm.com CreekSideExteriorSolutions.com
Marc Kamp INSURANCE MORTGAGE PAINTER
(618) 655-7214 FOUNDATION REPAIR AAdvantage Insurance Group Caliber Home Loans Ward’s Professional Painting St Clair Sheet Metal & Roofing
FirstMid.com Disaster Restoration Pros Sam Fink Bryan Bergjans Austin Ward Kyle Rausch
Jerrod Stewart (618) 692-4440 (469) 470-3213 (618) 550-6141 (618) 566-2304
Regions Bank (314) 391-2564 AAdIns.com CaliberHomeLoans.com StClairRoof.com
Shannon Wills MyHomeDamage.com PHOTOGRAPHY
(618) 741-8052 State Farm Great Mortgage BTPhotography SEWER/ DRAINAGE SERVICES
www.Regions.com/Locator/MLO/ LS Waterproofing Jessica Zurliene Brad McCartney Alison Hillman Sewer-Oscopy
mortgage-loan-officer-Shannon- Karl Sparks (618) 537-4441 (618) 799-1551 (314) 285-2879 Chris Schad
Wills-East-Alt (618) 372-3932 InsuranceWithJess.com GreatMortgageCompany.com/ BTPByAlison.com (314) 703-3608
LSWaterproofing.com BMcCartney SewerOscopy.net
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSURANCE - LIFE AND LONG Harris Photography & Design
BNI MidAmerica Midwest Basement Tech TERM CARE Great Mortgage Dane Harris SIDING
Victor Muzquiz Christy Jones Northwestern Mutual Todd Wemhoener (618) 781-1500 1st Source Contractors
(314) 304-5409 (618) 372-7077 David Wenge (618) 978-3456 HarrisPhotoandDesign.com Brad Miller
BNIMidAmerica.com MidWestBasementTech.com (618) 980-7909 GreatMortgageCompany.com/ (618) 767-6363
DavidWenge.nm.com TWemhoener Ridgeway Portrait Design MyReRoofer.com
CARPET CLEANING HOME INSPECTION John Ridgeway
Essenpries Carpet Care Pillar To Post JUNK REMOVAL Homestead Financial Mortgage (618) 288-9000 Creekside Exterior Solutions
Wyatt Essenpries Josh McDanel Two Men and a Truck Jayson Hardie / JR Obrecht RidgewayPortraitDesign.com Steve Creek
(618) 795-8118 (618) 494-8900 Cathleen Jones (636) 256-5712 (618) 791-4143
Facebook.com/EssenpriesCarpet PillarToPost.com/JoshMcDanel (314) 963-7766 HomesteadFinancial.com CreekSideExteriorSolutions.com
TwoMenStLouis.com
6 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 7
Illinois Title & Escrow
PREFERRED PARTNERS
SIGNS & GRAPHICS WATER REMOVAL
Digital Art Z Maureen Donato Midwest Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning
Chris Ebl (618) 257-8700 Charlie Thomas
(618) 651-1500 IllinoisTitleandEscrow.com (618) 719-7741
DigitalArtZ.us MidwestCarpet-DuctCleaning.com
Professional Title, Inc
STAGING Carolyn Maynard WATERPROOFING
Transititions Home Staging (618) 257-8888 Disaster Restoration Pros
Irene Enger Professional-Title.com Jerrod Stewart
(618) 409-3027 (314) 391-2564
TransitionsStaging.com TV MOUNTING MyHomeDamage.com
Computer Specialists
TITLE & ESCROW Matt Johnson LS Waterproofing
Benchmark Title Company, LLC (618) 377-0577 Karl Sparks
Wendy Cromer CSINET.cc (618) 372-3932
(314) 402-6626 LSWaterproofing.com
BenchmarkTitle.net UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Essenpries Carpet Care Midwest Basement Tech
Doma Wyatt Essenpries Christy Jones
Michelle Null (618) 795-8118 (618) 372-7077
(314) 330-7340 Facebook.com/EssenpriesCarpet MidWestBasementTech.com
Doma.com
WINDOWS & DOORS
Creekside Exterior Solutions
Steve Creek
(618) 791-4143
CreekSideExteriorSolutions.com
WE PROVIDE A
D
SOLID QUOTE
CE
RA
TO MITIGATE
N
AND SEAL UP.
DO
VA
ALL WORK IS
N
GUARANTEED
AD
TO REDUCE
RADON GAS
LEVELS.
MITIGATION
In-Home Radon Gas Entryway Evaluations
Professional Licensed Mitigator
(618) 910-2034
Ask for Brian "Keith" Hagler
SAVING LIVES ONE MITIGATION AT A TIME
8 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 9
MEET THE METRO EAST REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
“WORD OF THE YEAR”
Why keep doing a resolution
that you won’t stick to?
I was first introduced to the word of the year concept Step Six: Post it.
publisher’s note
back in 2019 when I met Amy Latta at an event put on Then write your word on a post-it note and stick it to your
by Leisa Jenkins. Having a word of the year is a really bathroom mirror or anywhere else you’ll see it every day. Could
Nick Najjar Dianne Collins Matt Gilbert Susan Harris
Publisher Co-Publisher Publishing Assistant Assistant
great way to stay focused on what you want out of this be your screens saver, computer wallpaper. Tell your family or
new year of 2022. friends what your word is. Order a t-shirt with this word on it!
This will help give you self-awareness and accountability.
Why keep doing a resolution that you won’t stick to?
Choosing a word of the year will keep you focused, Some of my past words have been release and forgive. For 2022,
centered, will help guide you in decision making, bring my word is will be grace.
you joy and also keep you in a positive mindset. Living
this word will give you permission to make the right Thank you for supporting Real Producers and
decisions for yourself. being on this journey with us. Feel free to
send us your word of the year.
Step One: Identify
April Anne Layacan Dane Harris John Ridgeway Karen Jenkins Identify what changes you feel you need to make, or Cheers to 2022!
Executive Assistant Photographer Photographer Photographer what areas of your life need some attention. Your Dianne Collins
word of the year sets an intention, a theme, for how
you want your year to flow.
Difficult jobs done
Step Two: Brainstorm
Grab a piece of paper. At the top write down every- immediately...
thing that went well over the past year. At the bot- Impossible jobs take a little longer!
tom, write what you would like to change. Keep in
We can work on projects of any scope and size
mind, “life” is a balance of work, family, friends, love,
within the scheduled time and pride ourselves on
personal growth, hobbies, travel, faith, finances, and completing projects that most contractors feel are
self-care. impossible to carry out!
Alison Hillman Brian Ramsey Linda Jarrett Mark Stallman
Writer & Photographer Writer Writer Writer
Step Three: Review and reflect
What feelings are popping up? What do you want
more of or less of in your life?
Step Four: Words
Choose one to five words that really speak to how you
want your year to feel. Nouns, verbs, anything works.
Words that feel positive and hopeful.
Step Five: Let’s choose the word
MaryJo Schaper Zach Cohen Chris Van DeHay George Collins Review them all together, then narrow it down to ONE
Writer Writer Videographer Mascot
that you know in your heart and mind you need more
of. That is your word of the year.
99 E. 1300 Ave.
Mulberry Grove, IL 62262
C: (618) 791-4143 Steve Creek, Owner
F: (618) 326-7654 License No. 104.016709
swccreek@yahoo.com
10 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 11
NEVER LET MOLD KILL YOUR DEAL!
CERTIFIED MOLD INSPECTIONS
• Mold Inspection includes Air
Testing with 24 Hour Lab Results
• Supra & ShowingTime Access
• Professional Home Inspection
Type Report Included
• Non-Alarmist Inspectors
Call us First!
(314) 391-2564
myhomedamage.com
12 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 13
Caleb’s struggle led him to put aside his my like-minded vision, passion, and
march cover feature 2021 SOMETIMES YOU WIN, AND
SOMETIMES YOU LEARN. work for five months. He began travel-
NIDA DOGAN JOINS THE TEAM
A year after Caleb began as a real estate motivation for success allowed me to
Article by Zach Cohen
Photos by John Ridgeway
--NIDA DOGAN ing anywhere he could, visiting friends, agent, Nida Dogan joined him. The pair dream in ways I have never imagined.
national parks, and new cities. He con- have become – to use their own words – My family came to the United States
In early 2018, Caleb Davis was siders it a spiritual journey. a “dynamic duo.” Nida officially became to chase a successful, financially-free,
at a crossroads. Six years into a partner this past October. and joyful life. Now, my dream is to
his investment career, he was at “I thought, ‘Let me just start traveling,’” make their dreams come true and,
a point of reckoning. Caleb says. “I went to New Orleans, the “I was a kitchen and bath designer at along the way, build a business that
Ozarks, Vegas, the Caribbean. Travel Home Depot and a bartender,” Nida can inspire others to do the same.”
“It all started at 21 years old,” gave me freedom. It gave me ambition reflects. “My dad flipped a few houses
Caleb begins. “I was working and drive to be more than what I was growing up and dabbled in real estate. I FULL CIRCLE
construction. I was a mon- because I saw possibilities outside of got to see him and his real estate agent Today, Caleb and Nida’s team consists
ey-hungry kid that wanted to the Midwest.” friend working together. During that of six agents and two administrators
build something special.” time, I got to help with projects which and is growing. Their focus is “people
Caleb also gained insight into his true led to my passion for design.” over profits,” a nod to the insights
Caleb worked hard and saved desires...and how they could manifest that Caleb gleaned in his time away
enough to buy a house. Soon in business. As Nida got older, she went to college from real estate.
after, he bought another and and earned a degree in art and design.
another. His investing busi- “I found a deep passion for helping Yet, after college, she failed to land a “I’m in a much better mental state
ness took off, and he had all of others,” Caleb says. “I realized that in job that could match her passion. today. I still deal with mental illness.
the appearances of success: a investing, I was focused on what helped It doesn’t just disappear. But it’s
beautiful house, a flashy car, me. I needed a change. I went through a “I was a kitchen and bath designer at never going to come back the same
and an excess of funds. On the change of heart in life...in my desires and Home Depot, but I didn’t feel like I was way,” Caleb says. “Remember, never
inside, however, Caleb was goals. I wanted to help people instead of growing there and wanted to learn give up. To me, that’s my mantra.”
struggling, and he sunk into a helping myself. more,” Nida says. “I started to bartend to
deep depression. know my community,
“As a result, I found my way into real and I began to get
In some circles, it is said that estate sales.” to know a lot of the
depression is a sickness of the influencers/leaders.”
soul, a misalignment of action, IN SERVICE TO OTHERS
and the heart’s desires. For In December 2018, Caleb officially Nida was re-intro-
Caleb, this seemed to apply. launched his real state sales career. He duced to real estate,
did so with the belief that his knowledge and with the encour-
“I started dealing with mental could help others build wealth through agement of her
illness,” Caleb says humbly. “I real estate. husband, decided to
got depressed and suicidal. It dive in.
was scary and lonely. I was too “Being an agent, I felt like I could give
afraid to admit to people that I people better outcomes. It opened up “I was scared to
was sad because I was 25 and tools. My motto is to help people build take that big leap,
seemed like I had everything. wealth. We’re not just here to sell them but once I did, it
I had a nice house, made a ton a house.” exploded,” Nida
of money, drove a Porsche, but says. “I started as
&
inside, I was in a dark place.” In 2020, only Caleb’s second year in a solo agent. I had
the business, he and his team will close the drive and vision,
around $27 million. Their business is but I didn’t have the
primarily referral-based, and he still guidance to succeed.
CA L E B DAV I S NIDA DOGAN focuses on investing. I wanted to build
a business, but I
KELLER WILLIAMS MARQUEE “We offer 100% financing for purchase couldn’t do it alone.
and rehab for fix and flips for our inves- That’s when I met
tor clients. I am the Illinois expansion of Caleb. Finding a
PEOPLE OVER PROFITS Three Doors,” Caleb explains. team [that] shared
14 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 15
april cover
feature 2021
Article by Zach Cohen
Photos by John Ridgeway
jennifer
and
hannah
They’re building trust in me,
From Nursing to Real Estate: Working from the Heart and I’m building trust in them.
Back in 2005, Jennifer Faulkner was “My kids are spread out 12 years. focusing on helping the person in front of
16 years into her career as a nurse When I had my youngest in 2004, I her instead of statistics or awards.
at St. Louis University Hospital. She had some time off, and I thought, ‘If
cherished her work in the medical there was the time to make a career “In my career, I always put my personal
field, yet, after a decade and a half, change, this was the time to do it.’ [My needs second to those I’m assisting. My raised by me, she understands. She’s Above all else, Jennifer’s vision is to
she wondered if she had a future in an husband’s] parents retired, and we had personal life is structured around my a self-starter. It’s been great to have keep serving her clients to the best of
uncertain industry. some flexibility with child care.” clients,” Jennifer says. that relationship.” her ability. As Emily and Kristin get up
to speed, ideally, Jennifer will be freed
“Health care changed during those Jennifer got her license intending to Jennifer admits that she cares for her Into the Future up to not only expand the business but
years,” Jennifer recalls. “St. Louis transition from nursing to real estate clients “perhaps to a fault.” She’s com- In 2020, Jennifer closed just over $30 take a little more time off.
University was a non-profit when I first over two years. Within two months, mitted to doing what it takes to help her million individually. She also recently
started there, and they sold out to Tenet her real estate business had acceler- clients achieve their dreams, regardless added two new team members – Emily Jennifer has been married to her
Healthcare. Things changed from the ated to the point where she could no of her personal desires. Frick and Kristin Campbell. This fits husband, Steve, for 30 years. Hannah
way I learned and wanted to practice longer hold both positions. into Jennifer’s larger vision of building is their oldest, followed by Jacob and
in my health care career. There were “I’m good at reassuring people in times a team and easing some of the burdens Jack, who still has two more years left
shortages. I felt like the level of care “My success in real estate was of uncertainty. When you’re moving, it on herself. of high school.
started to not be as good, and I wasn’t instant,” Jennifer smiles. “I had a can be a very big burden. I’m providing
really comfortable with that.” great business very quickly.” comfort people need in times of stress.” her mother in 2016. With two chil- “Still, I am involved in every trans- “2021 – this is a transitional year.
dren under three years old, Hannah action,” Jennifer clarifies. “I always We brought these lovely girls on,
Jennifer had long held an interest in In-Service Others The Mother-Daughter Duo helps buyers and sellers but primarily will be. But, for the past three to five but my available time for training is
real estate. But, with a college degree The throughline between nursing and In 2015, Jennifer’s daughter, Hannah, focuses on marketing. years, I have not been able to take still limited. For the most part, this
in nursing, she never considered the real estate is care. Jennifer believes joined her in real estate. A graduate a breath. I said, ‘Either I’m going to will be a year for Emily and Kristin
realistic possibility of becoming a that the skills she learned as a nurse of Kent State University and a former “She’s a huge asset to the team,” have to quit, or I need to add some to learn how we do business and my
real estate agent. That is, until life – specifically, the people skills – have Division I athlete, Hannah initially Jennifer smiles. “It’s been great. people to assist with some of these personality,” Jennifer says. “They’re
circumstances encouraged her to helped her become a successful real launched her real estate career in She knows my expectations, which tasks I can assign.’ I’m sticking with building trust in me, and I’m building
make a shift. estate agent. She is service-oriented, Florida before moving back home to join sometimes are unrealistic. Being the things I need to be doing.” trust in them.”
16 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 17
happen in our industry. We are all fortu-
realtor education nate to work in an industry with so many
By Mark R. Stallmann
outstanding professionals who go above
and beyond to help their clients fulfill
their dreams of homeownership.
Their outstanding work, far too often, is
Where hampered by agents who don’t practice
common courtesy and manners. Agents
Has who fail to cancel appointments when
their buyers change their mind. Agents
Miss Manners
who don’t return calls from other agents
with questions about their listings.
Agents who don’t even acknowledge
requests for feedback. I am sure that
Gone? every one of you could add examples to
this list.
Who? Some of you are probably Let’s be clear on a couple of things! One final note about social media. I
asking when you read this headline! It is the seller and not you and I that cringe every time I see an agent rant
Miss Manners was a newspaper make decisions about their prop- about someone in our industry on social
columnist who was a guide to manners erty. As an agent, you are hired to media. It seems that real estate agents
for our parents and grandparents’ assist the sellers with marketing and and many others in our society forget
generations! You may not remember selling their home. An agent’s job is that social media is not just a private
Miss Manners, but, hopefully, like me, to provide the seller with options and chat room with our friends. It is a wide-
your parents taught you manners at recommendations on how to market open public platform where comments
an early age. their home to receive the maximum and posts may live forever. While no
offer. It is the seller’s choice and one mentions the other agent by name,
I thought of Miss Manners recently not the agent’s to decide how offers which would be a clear violation of the
when I saw a Facebook post about an should be handled. code of ethics, the complaints reflect
agent failing to follow the guidelines negatively on all of us in this profession!
they outlined in the MARIS listing The seller, of course, has every right If you must comment, consider limit-
for offers to be accepted and acted to change their mind on how offers ing your comments to closed industry
on by their sellers. It seems that the are handled and accept the offer when groups! Or, better yet, keep your com-
sellers accepted the first offer they it came in. It is, however, incumbent ments off the internet!
received without waiting to act after on the listing agent to at the very
the deadline that had been adver- least let the agents who have shown My friends, I know we can do better! I
tised in MARIS. Or, without letting the home know that the rules have feel very blessed to work with so many
the other agents know that the rules changed and give them the opportu- outstanding professionals who are dedi-
cated to their clients! Working together,
Offering solutions that benefit the
had changed. nity to see if their clients were ready
to submit an offer! practicing common courtesy and good seller, buyer and the realtor!
As I read the post and comments, manners with everyone we will all be CERTIFIED INSTALLERS • TRANSFERABLE GUARANTEES
I began to wonder about what has Giving agents a chance to let their more productive and better serve our 24/7 ANSWERING SERVICE • PROMPT REALTOR SERVICE
happened to common courtesy and clients know the rules have changed customers and clients! As keepers of the
Afraid to show the basement or crawlspace?
etiquette in our industry. I will leave is not about license law or rules, it is American Dream, we must rededicate
it to others to decide if the agent’s about common courtesy! It is about ourselves to the Golden Rule! WATERPROOFING SETTLEMENT CORRECTIONS
BOWED WALLS CRAWLSPACE SOLUTIONS
actions rise to the level of a viola- professionalism! It is about basic WALL CRACK REPAIRS CONCRETE RAISING
tion of Article 12 of the REALTOR® manners! It is about the Golden Rule, My family and I wish all of you and your SUMP PUMP SERVICES HEALTHY HOME SOLUTIONS
Code of Ethics, which requires truth “Treating others the way you would loved ones a very Happy New Year!
in advertising. The agent’s actions, want to be treated.” Call today for a real estate inspection, free estimate,
however, clearly showed a lack of Mark R. Stallmann
or to set up for a free information seminar!
common courtesy or respect for their I would love to say that this was an Stallmann & Associates
fellow agents. Miss Manners would isolated incident and non-profes- Mark@MarkStallmann.com Belleville Edwardsville Alton/Godfrey
not have approved! sional, ill-mannered practices rarely 314-324-9707 | 314-266-9094
233-2911 655-1441 466-1240
18 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 19ANGIE DANIELS
Life has a way of putting you
where you’re supposed to be.
“I’m a big communicator. If you text me right
may cover now, I’m going to text you back right now. If
feature 2021 I’m in the middle of dinner and you text me,
Article by Zach Cohen
at the minimum, I let you know, ‘I’ve received
Photos by John Ridgeway and will get back to you within the hour.’
Communication for me is 100% why I get
return business,” Angie says. “In this day and
age with immediate results for everything,
IN THE EARLY 2000S, ANGIE nobody will wait on you. And I also realize that
DANIELS WAS ON A PATH being a great REALTOR® means being a great
TO BECOMING A TEACHER. listener. I’m not selling my accomplishments
AS AN EDUCATIONAL and awards. I’m focusing on their wants and
REQUIREMENT, SHE needs and then figuring out how I can best help
ENTERED THE JUNIOR them achieve those things the fastest.”
ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM.
Outside real estate, Angie lives a
“I went in front of a classroom rich life. She enjoys traveling with
of little ones to explain earn- her husband, Chad; one of their
ing money and paying taxes,” selling or buying, it can be an overwhelm- favorite destinations is Las Vegas,
Angie remembers. “It was there ing time, and I want them to feel that I’ve where their son, Devin, lives.
I realized being in a classroom got them. Their daughter, Jenna, still lives
was not for me. I left there at home and is attending estheti-
thinking, ‘I could not do “The way you handle situations is super cian school.
this every day.’” important. Any problem is workable,”
Angie continues. “Yes, after I get off the In addition to travel, Angie enjoys
Angie reassessed Leading phone, I may cry or yell, but my clients never staying active, working out, going hik-
her situation. know that. Keeping an empathetic, professional ing, and dinner and drinks with friends.
While she fin-
With attitude just makes the road a lot less bumpy. It’s a roll-
ished her asso- ercoaster, but it’s always interesting. I wake up and think,
ciate’s degree,
Gratitude ‘So many things can happen today.’”
LEADING WITH GRATITUDE
Angie has a long marriage that she is very proud of; Angie
she decided not to and Chad married young and they’ve grown up together.
continue pursuing a Angie recognizes the gravity of her work. Her decisions
career as an educator. are pivotal in others’ lives; she can be the hero in a “I am truly grateful that we’ve both always held the same
She was already married situation or the villain. priorities of having a tight family. Nothing comes before our
with two kids and wanted a job kids and marriage,” Angie says. “This year, we will celebrate
that allowed her to be present “Giving clients bad news is the worst part of it all. It our 25th anniversary.”
for her kids’ school parties and “No two days are ever the same, and that excites me. I can’t makes you wonder, ‘Did I give them the best advice?’ And,
sporting events. She wanted to earn a living sit at a desk or in a cubicle Monday through Friday, nine to ‘Could I have done something differently?’ I’ll never get As Angie reflects on her past and looks into the future, she
but didn’t want to miss any of her children’s five. I just wouldn’t be happy doing that,” Angie says. “I like used to telling my clients, ‘The seller accepted another feels immense gratitude for the life she’s living.
special moments. to meet new people and hear about their goals and plans. It’s offer,’ but I know I always have their best interest in mind.
very rewarding to be even a small part of such an important “I was raised by a single mom,” Angie explains. “She raised
“I thought, “What about real estate? time in their lives.” “I think that other REALTORS® need to realize it’s not me and my two older brothers by herself. Ironic, to my
REALTORS® seem to have flexible schedules at all about us. It’s not about our goals, It’s about our knowledge, she never owned a home. We always had a clean,
Coldwell Banker
Brown REALTORS®
and a lot of free time (I found out quickly that’s FOR THE LOVE OF REAL ESTATE clients. Today we can be on top of the world/market, and loving home, but she sometimes worked three jobs, and we
not the case).” Angie has a love for spontaneity and excitement, yet, her tomorrow the bottom drops out, and your phone stops lived in an apartment a lot of times.
work ethic is thoroughly grounded. It’s this combination ringing. So treat people like it’s your first day on the job.
Angie had a friend that had started in real estate that has helped her achieve such success in real estate. She Never forget that nervous-anxious-excited feeling you “Growing up on this path when my mom – my number one
six months prior. She gave her a call to pick her believes it’s her job to keep her clients informed yet calm, felt when you earned that first listing or you got your influence – never owned home is pretty ironic and kind of
brain and was intrigued. In late 2003, Angie and will often bear the burden of stress so her clients don’t first contract closed.” cool. My son in the military doesn’t know where he’ll be in
decided to give real estate a go. have to. three years. My daughter also talks a lot about where she/
LIVING HER DREAM we will end up in the future. I always tell them, ‘Life has a
Almost 20 years later, Angie is just as in love “I will carry some of the weight to minimize their stress to 2020 was Angie’s best year to date; she sold $13.2 million way of putting you where you’re supposed to be. So, just be a
with her work as she was on day one. help them reach their goals,” Angie says. “Whether they are individually. Her success is largely built off repeat business. good person, work hard, and it’s all going to work out.”
20 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 21june cover feature 2021
Article by Zach Cohen
Photos by John Ridgeway
Jenny
Wisniewski
Landmark Realty, Godfrey
Coldwell Banker Gundaker
HARD WORK PAYS DIVIDENDS
I know the price of success: dedication,
hard work, and an unremitting devotion to
the things you want to see happen.
- Frank Lloyd Wright
As a teenager growing up in North because you never get to take a day purchased an investment property Keeping it Simple 2020 was Jenny’s best year yet. She be responsible for everything. [As]
County, Jenny Wisniewski forged the off. I like that, most of the time.” and hoped to once again work real “I love the business,” Jenny says. “The closed 62 transactions for approx- Grandma, you get to enjoy the kids.”
work ethic that has propelled her to estate part-time, this time, to fund fast pace…I love meeting people and imately $7 million. Today, she also
professional success. When she was Real Estate: Second Time’s a Charm additional investments. getting to know people. Closing on a owns five rental properties. Jenny’s family has landed in Potosi
just 15, Jenny approached her mother Two decades ago, Jenny got her real house, helping first-time homebuyers.” and often spends the weekend
about getting a work permit. estate license. At the time, her chil- It didn’t take long for Jenny to remem- “Save lots of money because it defi- there, riding four-wheelers and
dren were young and she was working ber the lesson she learned the first time Jenny has followed a simple path to nitely takes money to make money,” enjoying the lake.
“I wanted to get out of the house full time as a bill collector. She hoped around: real estate is a full-time gig. success. She answers calls and emails Jenny offers. “Be prepared to work
and do something,” Jenny remem- to sell real estate part-time to make promptly, communicates well, and hard. Sales don’t usually drop in your Right Where She’s Meant to Be
bers. “I asked my mom if I could get some extra money. “I started putting more and more remains committed to getting back to lap. You have to work for it.” Jenny has spent her entire life in
a job; it was my idea.” Jenny has effort into [real estate],” Jenny her clients. Drawing on the lessons she the St. Louis area, and she has no
held a job since that time. As she “I had my license, but I didn’t do a reflects. “Then, all of a sudden, I got learned working at the restaurant, she Family First plans to go anywhere. Her family
got older, she landed work in the whole lot with it,” Jenny remembers. so busy I had to keep cutting my hours values hard work. Outside real estate, Jenny’s life is all all lives locally, and she has a job
restaurant industry. “I had a full-time job, and [selling real at the restaurant.” about family. She and her husband, she enjoys.
estate part time] just didn’t work out.” “I’m a hard worker. I respond to calls, John, have five kids, ages 15-30, and
“I’ve always worked a few jobs at After a year balancing real estate and texts, and emails. I get back to people. five grandkids. “We’re going to stay here forever,
a time. I’m kind of a workaholic, I Twenty years came and went, and her work at the restaurant, Jenny dove I answer their questions, guide them close to the kids, the grandkids,”
guess,” Jenny says. “I don’t like to sit in 2014, Jenny revisited the idea into real estate full time. through the process,” Jenny explains. “My first grandbaby being born was Jenny says. “I see a lot more years
still very long. So, this is a good job of selling real estate. She had just “My responsiveness and dedication the coolest thing ever,” Jenny says. of hard work ahead. I think my hus-
separate me from other agents.” “Having grandkids...it’s a lot different band wants to retire in eight or nine
from being a parent, where you have to years, but I never will.”
22 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 23For seven years, John worked with and had our second
nuclear power on submarines. Near the child, Julia. We toured
end of his time in the Navy, he met his a lot but didn’t save
wife, Janet. John was the best man for his any money. We saw
friend’s wedding, and Janet was the maid Scotland and Whales,
of honor. The two hit it off and started a Spain, Italy, Germany,
long-distance relationship. the Netherlands,
Amsterdam. It was a
“Back then, we did this thing called great adventure.”
writing letters to each other on paper
and pen,” John quips. “I would call when In England, John
I was in port on one of those things on stayed at home to care
the wall. And we started talking. We got for the kids while Janet
along great and kept long-distance dating worked at the local Air
for a while.” Force base. As Jenna
and Julia approached school age, the
Eventually, the pair got engaged. As John family returned home to the U.S., land- homes, and I get to meet new peo-
and Janet discussed having kids, he rec- ing in St. Louis. ple all the time. That’s what keeps
ognized that it was time to leave his days it going.”
with the Navy behind. John and Janet John stayed home with Jenna and
eventually landed in San Antonio, where Julia until Julia entered junior high John has found success by focusing
John got a job with Praxair. The couple school. Around that time, he began to on the needs of his clients rather
stayed there for seven years, and during consider going back to work. than his own sales goals. It’s a
this time, welcomed their first daughter, simple strategy that has proven to
Jenna, to the world. “When we were in San Antonio, I did be successful.
complete my degree at the University
“Then she was given an opportunity to go of Texas-San Antonio in architecture. “I always ask people what they are
to England. It was a promotion, and we’d I had long enjoyed seeing differ- looking for in a real estate agent
get to see the world. We went over there ent buildings. I got my degree and because it’s all about them, not me.
thought, maybe one I can get your house bought or sold
day I’d be an archi- no matter what you want to do. The
tect,” John reflects. key is, I make it about the client.
John Grissom
I make it about what they want. I
As he began to want to make you happy in finding
consider going back your dream home,” John says. “And
to work, real estate that’s what I enjoy: talking to peo-
entered John’s aware- ple, getting to know people so I can
ness. He looked into it, help them find that perfect home.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties and it seemed to be a
perfect fit. As John looks ahead, he sees the
Growing up on the west side of Houston, seller’s market continuing on for
july cover Texas, John Grissom lived a fairly typical Over the past eight some time, but he also seeds a turn-
feature 2021 southern upbringing. He played football, years, John has ing point around the corner.
spent time outdoors fishing and swimming, steadily grown his
Article by Zach Cohen
Photos by John Ridgeway and was involved with Boy Scouts. After business. In 2020, “I think we’re at a high point… It’ll
graduating high school, John headed off to he was in the top 2% be a seller’s market for a while, but
college at the University of Houston. of small teams at it’s turning,” he says.
Berkshire Hathaway.
From the Navy “But I had no direction,” John reflects. “So, In the meantime, he’s looking to
I enjoyed my three and a half years at the “It was a very good expand his team and continue doing
to Real Estate: University of Houston. After they asked me to year last year. I’m what he loves most: serving the
BUILT ON take some time off and find myself, I joined the doing well,” John person that’s at his doorstep.
Navy. My dad had been in the Navy, and being smiles. “I get to see
CHARACTER a patriotic family, it was good for me.”
24 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 25BEFORE MINUTES LATER THE NEW APPROACH TO
YOUR MORTGAGE
At Neo, we empower you with financial literacy and
help guide your journey to financial freedom.
Enhance Your Client
Value Proposition:
• Business Building Platform
• Referral Focused Strategies
A Trusted Name throughout Belleville, O’Fallon, • Long-Term Advisory
Mascoutah, Edwardsville and surrounding communities Approach
for your Water Damage Restoration, Water Extraction, • Unparalleled Cobranded
Scott Ross, Owner Fire & Mold Removal and all floor cleaning services. Client Gifts
618-402-8225 | www.absolutecleanfloors.com
Contact me today!
Tom Lubiewski Relocation Technology | Annual Financial Reviews
(314) 780-4800 Perfect Mortgage Promise | Home Maintenance Concierge
THE PREMIER
Tom.L@NeoHomeLoans.com
NMLS 739314 Monthly Real Estate Wealth Digests
Mortgage Advisor, Branch Manager Purchase Loans | Refinance Loans | VA Loans | FHA Loans
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE 3401 Technology Drive, #140
Lake St. Louis, MO 63367
Conventional Loans | Jumbo Loans | Down Payment Assistance
Long Term Advisory | Fast Close | Five Star Service
www.NeoHomeLoans-Tom.com
AGENCY SERVICING NEO Home Loans is a division of Celebrity Home Loans, LLC | NMLS # 227765. Equal Housing Lender. For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org | www.celebrityhomeloans.com | Please review our Disclosures & Licensing information. Celebrity Home Loans,
LLC has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. For further information about Celebrity Home Loans, LLC, please visit our website at
ILLINOIS, MISSOURI &
www.celebrityhomeloans.com | www.NeoHomeLoans.com. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Applicant subject to credit, acceptable appraisal, title, ad underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved. Other
terms and conditions apply. Contact Celebrity Home Loans, LLC for more information and up-to-date rates.
THE ENTIRE MIDWEST
Call (618) 772-8480
a house is not a home
Sam Fink
78 S Main St
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
www.aadins.com
Your Home. Your Office.
Technology is rapidly changing the way we
live. And when it inevitably breaks down, or
needs to be upgraded, we're your
one-stop-shop!
• PC Tuneups Harris Photography and Design specializes in
• PC Diagnostics real estate photography, video, and drone. We
• TV Repair pride ourselves on having affordable prices and
• Game Console Repair even free drone services in many of our packages.
• Data Recovery All images are high quality, videos are in HD, and
• Network Cabling we are drone licensed and insured.
And Much More!
Call us today at 618-781-1500!
Computer Specialists
26 • January 2022 (618) 377-0577 • CSINET.CC
@realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 27“I’m always looking for something new to do. Can I build “My husband bought a Mac “At this point, I’ve built up a nice referral system.
august cover feature 2021 this? Can I do this?” Lori Reid-Gardner begins. and decided to learn And it helps that I’m a native. My primary market
Article by Zach Cohen
everything about Apple is Litchfield, but I am multicounty,” Lori explains.
LORI
Photos by John Ridgeway
Throughout her life, Lori has proven she has a penchant computers. I never “I am a full-time agent. There aren’t many full-time
for being a creator. She has built a career as a teacher, taught again,” Lori agents in our area. So that really sets me apart.”
she ran a technology consulting organization, and she laughs. “We started
even co-owned a custom drum company. Her latest a tech consultancy, RUNNING INTO THE FUTURE
venture is not only her most lasting, but the one she has and he became a One of Lori’s big goals in 2021 is to run the Chicago
become most passionate about: real estate. developer.” In the marathon. It’ll be her third marathon in her life; she
meantime, Lori’s ran the first at 24 years old, the second at 34, and
Lori has been selling real estate for 13 years now. She sister, Jennifer, will run the third at 44.
began her career amid the Great Recession, and despite was thriving as a real
REID-GARDNER
the early challenges, has built her business into one of estate agent. When Lori “I am a very path-oriented person,” she says. “I love
the area’s most consistent. went to an awards banquet putting the miles on my calendar for my training. I
with Jennifer, the business do this training program where you have to run X
REWIND: THE ROAD TO REAL ESTATE piqued her interest. number of miles on specific days, and I love putting
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Lori those miles in the calendar and knowing I’m going
moved to Chicago, where she taught elementary school. “They were announcing teams, and I thought, ‘Wow, I can to tick them off. I’m very task-oriented like that.”
Century 21 When she started a family, she returned home to
Litchfield, IL, where she picked up her teaching career.
do that. Let’s do that,’” Lori remembers.
Running is an essential part of Lori’s mental health,
Reid Baugher Realty However, when her then-husband found a passion for Lori and Jennifer shared a bedroom throughout their as well as her physical health. She uses the time on
computers and programming, her life took an unex- childhood and have always had a tight-knit bond. At the the road to plan, work through issues, and manage
RUNNING INTO THE FUTURE pected turn. time, they both had young children, and the idea of sup- frustrations. She describes her running practice as
porting each other in business was promising. So in 2008, “cathartic.” She’s also running for a charity, Team
Lori got her license and joined her sister in real estate. Paws Chicago, this year.
FUN FACT INTO THE UNKNOWN
Lori and her ex-husband owned a drum company called As Lori looks ahead, she sees wide open roads. Her
C&C Custom Drums for a time. daughter, Charlotte, is now 16 and finishing her
sophomore year of high school. As the real estate
“Fall Out Boy and The Flaming Lips used their drums. market booms, she’s had an amazing run. Yet, she is
They make these beautiful abalone-coated drums. I just unsure what the future holds.
have that entrepreneurial spirit,” Lori says.
This year has been amazing, but I know this can’t
FINDING HER FOOTING last forever. It’s crazy what homes are selling for,
Lori launched her real estate career amid the industry’s multiple offers, escalation offers,” Lori says. “My
most trying times in recent memory. She didn’t close her daughter graduates high school in two years, so I
first deal for five months and only closed about $2 million truly don’t know where I’ll be after she graduates.
her first year. I’m just seeing what happens.”
“It was tough,” Lori reflects. “I remember thinking,
‘I guess it’s good that I’m getting in when it’s horrible
because I can only get better from here.’”
Steadily, Lori built her business. She and Jennifer con-
tinued to build their team, and in 2011, they set out to
become brokers. Both women got their broker’s licenses,
but ultimately, the pair decided that Jennifer would take
on the role of a managing broker.
Over the years, Lori’s business has continued to flourish.
In 2020, she closed $14 million individually. A large part
of the success Lori has been able to achieve is due to the
support she receives from her assistant, Marella Vlasich,
who possesses 14+ years of real estate experience.
28 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 29
The process of getting a
home ready to sell can be an
extremely daunting task.
Our team is here to help!
• •
• •
Your home is more than a •
“
•
house right now... • •
I've seen Irene's
hard work pay off.
It's your workplace, school, restaurant and daycare. Serving Our Customers Since 2003
She does a beautiful job
and puts in the effort
”
There's never been a better time to have us sanitize
needed to get the home
and deep clean your everything. looking its best.
• ' - Sue S., Broker
/ IRENE EGNER
Licensed • Bonded • Insured | IL Lic. #104.016200 (618) 409-3027
www.TransitionsStaging.com
| HOME STAGING • ORGANIZING
Don’t let this happen to your buyer!
Inspect those Sewer Laterals!
$25 OFF First Sewer Inspection
Make sure your client mentions St. Louis Real Producers to take advantage of this offer.
Sewer Inspections & Clean-outs
CHRIS SCHAD - OWNER
314.703.3608
SEWEROSCOPY@GMAIL.COM
WWW.SEWEROSCOPY.NET
30 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 31september cover
LEADING WITH CHANGING WITH THE TIMES
feature 2021 COMMUNITY The last two years have been unlike
Article by Zach Cohen Sandy has lived in any other market Sandy has experi-
Photos by John Ridgeway Vandalia — a small town enced. In Vandalia — normally, a slow-
about an hour outside paced town — a frenzy has taken over
St. Louis — for her the market.
entire life. While she’s
had fleeting thoughts of “In 32 years, I have never seen a mar-
relocating, it’s never been ket like there is now. There just aren’t
a serious consideration. enough properties for people,” Sandy
Vandalia is home. says. “Our inventory here is about 80%
less than it was a year ago. I’m just
“It’s a welcoming town. It trying to do my best for my clients. I’m
was someplace I wanted working longer hours so my clients get
to stay. I felt comfortable what they need. It’s a different pace
raising my daughter, than what we’re used to here.”
Amy, here. Our commu-
nity has tried, over the Sandy hopes that the market begins
years, to put in different to balance itself out in the upcoming
things that improve months. She’s ready to return to more
our quality of life — we normal market conditions, where buy-
updated our pool, have ers aren’t under so much pressure.
a new junior college,
built a YMCA, and have a “It’s a bit worrisome because I don’t
movie theatre. We have want people to be overpaying for
SANDY
many great businesses properties that they may not be able
right here. But if I want to resell for the same amount in a few
to drive to St. Louis, years…It’s not in balance right now,”
I can; it’s just an hour Sandy says.
away. I feel very com-
MICHEL
fortable here, and I plan to stay. My parents are here. My
daughter is here. I can’t imagine living anyplace else.”
I’D LIKE TO THANK THE PEOPLE
THAT HAVE GONE BEFORE ME.
Sandy is deeply committed to her community. She stays
involved through her church, involvement with RPAC, INTO THE FUTURE
and attendance of city council and chamber of commerce Six years ago, Sandy sold her brokerage in an effort to
meetings. She has served as president of the Vandalia create more time in her life. Although she’s been as busy
Chamber of Commerce, President of the YMCA of Fayette as ever the past two years, this time has also served to
REMAX ALLIANCE County, and has been the President of the Greater Gateway remind her just how much she loves her work.
Association of REALTORS® twice.
“I love that feeling when a client comes in and they are
“I’ve always been very passionate when I am serving in buying their first house. They have lots of questions and
“I love anything and everything to do with houses,” Sandy started in 1990, when the state of the real clubs or committees. I’m very involved in my community,” I get to walk them through the whole process. We’re
Sandy Michel begins with a smile. “I like to watch estate business was quite different from today. Sandy says. “Whatever I’m involved in, I’m all in.” doing more of that than ever before…and I really enjoy
HGTV, I have bought and sold a few houses myself, “The business was a lot less complicated,” Sandy doing that.”
and I enjoy remodeling homes. I enjoy flea markets. remembers. “Things were simpler.” Sandy believes that her community involvement makes her
So maybe I am just a little boring. I sell houses all a better agent. The community serves her, and she, in turn, When she does have downtime, Sandy enjoys going
day, then watch that stuff at night (laughs). I really For example, Sandy remembers contracts that serves her community. It’s an act of genuine reciprocity. out to the movies, surfing local flea markets, traveling,
enjoy it.” were a single page long; today, that’s far from the watching Chicago Bears football, and spending time with
case. However, Sandy has been able to shift and “I’d like to thank the people that have gone before me,” her family.
After over three decades in the real estate business, change with the times, finding success in varying Sandy says humbly. “I’ve had some wonderful mentors
it’s a wonder how strong Sandy Michel’s passion for market conditions. Today, she is a managing bro- on the Greater Gateway Board and in my community that “As far as free time, it’s not going as I thought it would,
her work remains. She spent seven years as a loan ker at Remax Alliance helped put me on the right track. I wouldn’t be where I am but I’m okay with that. I love my job. I have great friends
processor before becoming a REALTOR®, at the today without those people.” and great family, and I’m incredibly blessed by that.
suggestion of her father.
32 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 33Schedule your
618-795-8118 appointment today!
201 West Pointe Drive, Suite 1
Swansea, IL 62226
618-257-8700
1005 Plummer Drive, Suite B
Edwardsville, IL
(618) 659-8700
Carpet Cleaning | Gutter Cleaning | Power Washing
Upholstery | Mat Rentals | Residential | Commercial IllinoisTitleandEscrow.com
www.Facebook.com/EssenpriesCarpet
From weddings, to families, graduations, and branding...
I capture your story; no matter what chapter.
Alison Hillman been.there.photography
btpbyalison.com • 314.285.2879 • hello@btpbyalison.com
Call Us for First-Class
MISSOURI MOTOR FUEL TAX Roofing Solutions
Are you wondering if tracking your gas is worth it? Your clients can bank on our roofers and sheet metal
specialists to provide the roofing and gutter services
they need at competitive prices.
Message us today Residential & Commercial CALL US TODAY!
to learn more and to Alicia Meyer, EA • (636) 345-4025 FREE ESTIMATES! Illinois
618-566-2304
Missouri
314-457-4877
receive a spreadsheet alicia@thetrinitytaxsolutions.com
St Clair Sheet Metal & Roofing | www.stclairroof.com
for tracking. www.thetrinitytaxsolutions.com
34 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 353. Write notes on business cards. While With these tips in hand, we look here in the bi-state area, BNI Mid
most people prefer to use their forward to seeing you and helping you America members exchanged more
phones to exchange business infor- grow your business through the power than 37,000 referrals worth over
mation, you might still receive cards. of networking. $40 million!
Write notes from the conversation
on the back of the card. It’s a great To receive more information about About International Networking
memory tool when you reach out the International Networking Week Week®: International Networking
next day to set up a coffee or meeting 2022, contact local organizer Virginia Week® is a global initiative that
to build the relationship further. Muzquiz at virginiamuzquiz@ encourages business networking
bnimidamerica.com. and relationship building among
4. Look for ways to help the connec- professionals who may otherwise
tions you meet, especially the new About BNI®: BNI® is the world’s not have participated. INW is an
ones. Instead of focusing on how a leading referral organization, with annual event that takes place the
new acquaintance can help you, look over 270,000 members in 73 coun- first full week of February.
for ways to give them the connec- tries. BNI members generate word-
tion they need. It helps build your of-mouth business for each other
credibility and trust. The help you through structured, results-driven
provide encourages them to recipro- groups around the world. In the last
cate when they have the right con- 12 months, the BNI global network
nection for you. So just ask, “Who generated over $17.5 billion (USD) in
can I connect you with that would revenue for member businesses. Right
make your life easier?”
Check out www.discoverbnimidamerica.com and www.internationalnetworkingweek.com for more information on events.
INTERNATIONAL More than a meeting...
More than a network...
Networking Week 2022
The area's most
Power of Networking powerful platform for
business development.
This year, BNI Mid America and Real 1. Plan ahead for the number of new 2. Choose topics ahead of
Producers magazine are joining forces contacts you want to meet. Wheth- time to research so you In 2020 BNI members in the
to celebrate International Networking er you are the type of person who always have a ready topic bi-state area have exchanged
Week, February 6-12, 2022. This likes to stand at the edge of the of conversation. St. Louis more than 37,000 referrals
year’s focus is “Introducing Visitors crowd by yourself or the social is known for the Blues
to the Power of Networking.” diva that talks with everyone, and Cardinals. Know how
worth $240,000,000
having a plan can help. It keeps they’re doing this season We've got referrals and
We’ll host a week of activities you accountable to yourself for not and the ups and downs
closed business for you!
designed to help build your network, only creating new contacts but also of pre-season activities.
locally, nationally, and even globally. making those connections more If your discussion topic
meaningful. Planning to meet new is a favorite hobby, you
To help you prepare, here are four connections also helps ensure you may want to know how to
tips to help you get more from your do not spend all your time with explain it simply to others
networking efforts. friends you frequently talk with. unfamiliar with it. For more information contact Virginia Muzquiz
virginiamuzquiz@bnimidamerica.com
(314) 304-5409
bnimidamerica.com
36 • January 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com St. Louis Metro East Real Producers • 37You can also read
