SuccessPitchers | Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate 2022

1. www.successpitchers.com P T C H E R S VOL 08 | ISSUE 04 | 2022 1 T O P Women of Distinction in REAL ESTATE 2022 Sherri Murphy Sherri Murphy A Renowned Regional Expert in the Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate Market while Specializing in the Luxury Home Sales

4. EDITOR’S CHOICE Evolving Role of Women in Real Estate A while back, Jay Newton-Small wrote an essay about how having more women on Wall Street could have stopped the financial crisis of 2009. The post also made the argument that women are less inclined than men to take significant risks that could have disastrous consequences. Across the majority of industries and sectors worldwide, this is gradually proving to be true. This new generation of women has been growing in the male bastion across industries for some time. To establish their dominance in this traditionally male-dominated industry, they are overcoming every obstacle and setting the bar high. Women who want to build successful and meaningful careers in real estate can count on this wind of change to be a ray of hope. Since real estate and construction have historically been run by families, it is one of the last of these industries. Long working hours, frequent site visits, and extensive travel are necessary in the labour-intensive brick, cement, and concrete sector. The women in the industry did face difficulties managing the stresses of the job, but they persisted. Women have advanced beyond the traditional role of being homemakers to become the main decision-makers who set the agenda. In the real estate industry, women were typically restricted to administrative and other support positions. Fewer women are filling critical positions in society due to a lack of security measures and inadequate infrastructure. The climate has changed to be inviting to women thanks to the sector's evolution and subtle changes. The 21st century has seen an increase in the number of women in positions of authority, from homemakers taking care of their families' needs to CEOs of Fortune 500 firms. While there is progress being made in the pipeline of female executives in senior positions, there is still a long way to go before the utopian threshold is reached, or even comes near. In its latest edition "Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022", Success Pitchers has compiled a list of pioneering women leaders in a real-estate who have all faced adversity in their lives and still break the glass ceiling of traditional real- estate norms. The cover is featuring Sherri Murphy Agent at The Ultimate Real Estate Group. Sherri Murphy has been obsessed with real estate, particularly single-family houses and new construction, since she was a child. Sherri's parents suffered financially as she grew up. Her uncle and grandfather were home builders, and they hired Sherri's parents to clean up the construction sites in between stages. She says, "I remember going with them and helping them by cleaning up trash and scraping stickers off the windows and cleaning them, etc. So, I became familiar with each phase of the construction process." She aspired to be an architect and interior designer by the time she graduated from high school. Her parents, on the other hand, advised her to attend college and pursue a career as a secretary or something more secure. In this special edition, let us share similar, inspirational tales and interviews with many such dedicated leaders in order to raise awareness about their contributions to making the world a better place. Let's Begin Gavin Smith

6. Cover Story 08 Sherri Murphy A Renowned Regional Expert in the Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate Market while Specializing in the Luxury Home Sales Becky Oxton 16 Supporting Estates with Effective and Efficient Management of Assets and Administration Diana Pittro 20 Delivering Resident Satisfaction with Property Management Excellence

7. C O N T E N T S Rachel Bodner 26 Passionate to Assist Clients in Residential Real Estate with Professionalism, Integrity, and Efficiency Rebecca Ferguson 30 Committed to Providing the Elite Group of Brokers Very Best Leadership, Support and Guidance Renata Kinde-Czyz 34 Motivating People to take Action and Making the World a Better Place Susan Semmelmann 38 Transforming Home Dreams into Magnificent Reality Tonya Brandon 44 Forging Equity that Routes from Hope to One of Transformation Tyraa Nicole Caldwell 48 A Real-estate Maven

9. P T C H E R S ABOUT US Demonstrating to be a thorough guide when it comes to the business knowledge, Success Pitchers is leading the way. We want to be the ‘sans pareil’ of industrial knowledge, while transforming and upgrading ourselves with each and every issue. By standing solid as an arc between businesses and clients, we share accomplishments and challenges while also seeking to determine the perspectives of entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and innovators who drive business throughout the world. As a leading media brand, we are devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we utilise our numerous platforms to help the world rebuild with equity at the forefront. Our experienced market research and editorial teams ensure that our content and experiences represent the varied populations we serve and allow our clients to access various innovative and creative approaches for creating value in their respective business environments. “We encourage readers and users to think outside the box, to start dialogues, and to shape the future of business.” OUR TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Gavin Smith ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR Philip Walker SALES MANAGER Adam Morgan BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tony Baker FOR EDITORIAL ENQUIRES | editor@successpitchers.com ADDRESS 16192 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

10. Cover Story Sherri Sherri Murphy Murphy A Renowned Regional Expert in the Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate Market while Specializing in the Luxury Home Sales

11. Sherri Murphy Agent The Ultimate Real Estate Group

12. W buyer consultations and listening to their requirements and aspirations. This allows Sherri to sell quickly for top cash or discover the perfect house for her buyer at the appropriate price, all while not missing anything on the market. Sherri's expertise encompasses residential, new construction, and luxury home sales, as well as REO and short sales, property management, and mortgage lending, allowing her to provide a good and stress-free experience for her customers while developing long-term connections. Working with Sherri will be an unforgettable experience, and you will gain a lifelong realtor and friend. ith over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Sherri Murphy understands the value of meeting with her customers for listing and A Tale of Commitment and Grit Sherri Murphy has been obsessed with real estate, particularly single-family houses and new construction, since she was a child. Sherri's parents suffered financially as she grew up. Her uncle and grandfather were home builders, and they hired Sherri's parents to clean up the construction sites in between stages. She says, "I remember going with them and helping them by cleaning up trash and scraping stickers off the windows and cleaning them, etc. So, I became familiar with each phase of the construction process." She aspired to be an architect and interior designer by the time she graduated from high school. Her parents, on the other hand, advised her to attend college and pursue a career as a secretary or something more secure. Sherri obtained a job with Finance America in 1983 and enrolled in a Branch Management Training program in Houston. She soon grasped the financial side of the business at the Bank of America-owned company, which specialized in home renovation loans. Then came the oil crash of the 1980s, which resulted in the foreclosure of hundreds of properties. Sherri accepted a position as an asset manager with a PMI company. She was in charge of selling the foreclosed homes that they had fully insured, approving modifications to boost the property's value, and negotiating contracts when they were sold. She needed her real estate license in order to get this job, so she went out and got it right away. During real estate school, she recognized that it flowed effortlessly to her and that she was born to pursue this sort of work.

13. Cover Story Pennsylvania. She subsequently learned about various types of leases and how to handle various types of properties, as detailed previously. Sherri got the properties profitable again within a few years, and they were sold for a handsome profit. Sherri had been in New Jersey for about 6 years at the time they sold the majority of them, and she was weary of shovelling snow! As a result, she relocated back to the Dallas-Fort Worth region of Texas. • The economy eventually began to improve, but now there were failed savings and loans. The Resolution Trust Corporation, or RTC, was established by President, George W. Bush, to aid these institutions over a five-year period. Sherri submitted an application and was recruited as an asset manager in New Jersey. This time, however, she was selling property portfolios on the open market (Wall Street). , throughout the East Coast. They included multifamily, industrial, retail, office space, multiuse space, hotels, malls, and hotels, among other things. She happened to run into a commercial real estate firm that also handled property management. They bought a significant number of failed mixed-use properties at a low price with the intention of turning them around and selling them at market value. Sherri states, "They offered me a job as a property manager over the portfolio and I accepted, knowing my career with the RTC was not going to last forever." In order to manage these properties, I had to have my real estate license in each state that the properties were located." She promptly earned her license in the states where the properties were situated, including New Jersey, New York, and New York Success and Back to Home • When Sherri was seeking to come back to Texas, she interviewed with several firms and was eventually employed by a small mortgage company for loss mitigation, but she was eventually moved into sales as an in-house loan officer. The department's boss soon departed and went to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, persuading Sherri to accompany her. Sherri worked as a mortgage loan officer for around 8 years, specializing in one-time close construction loans and closings with builders. She enjoyed working with the contractors, but she missed being in the real estate industry. She recalls, "I ended up taking a few years off to be at home with my three children, who were Making Moves

14. Cover Story dead end where she was. She asserts, "I was doing as much as I could as one person. I knew there was more business, but I could only handle so much. I decided to leave the team and pursue bigger things with Coldwell Banker Realty.” Sherri immediately started setting herself up to build a team of agents. When trying to decide what the team would be, she looked back on her reviews from past clients, and they all had one thing in common; "I gave them the ultimate real estate experience." And there, The Ultimate Real Estate Group was born. The company's aim is to provide clients with the greatest experience while maintaining integrity, empowering them to make educated decisions by providing them with the information they require and guiding them with its skills and knowledge so that they become lifelong clients. Sherri opines, "Our service does not end at the closing. We continue to provide real estate services to them, including home evaluations, maintenance reminders, etc. for as long as they are in their home." very active and involved in numerous sports, band, cheer, etc." Sherri spent a lot of her time fundraising for these organizations and doing philanthropic work with the National Charity League, a mother-daughter group, during this period. By 2015, she was ready to return to work, and a former co-worker at Wells Fargo was working as a branch manager for a small mortgage company. To grow the business, the branch manager appointed her as the branch's Marketing Director. Then Sherri was snatched up by a broker at a Keller Williams Realty brokerage and promoted to Market Center Administrator of two offices an hour away. Sherri presently has two agents on her team that can sell houses and deal with customers ranging from first-time buyers to downsizers. She also works with these sorts of customers, although she has a number of luxury certifications and her clientele is mostly in the luxury sector. • Sherri's mother grew ill and became disabled, and she wanted to be close to her to help with her care. She applied to a small real estate team near her mother and was employed as the Listing and Transaction Coordinator for an office with 7 to 9 agents. She had let her real estate license in Texas expire when she came to New Jersey, so she took classes to reclaim it during this period. She recalls, "One day, the office manager came to me and said, "You need to be in sales"." She further adds, "The brokers tried to convince me to do it, but I had just gone through a divorce and had just purchased a home six houses down from my mother so I could be closer to her to help her. I sank every penny into that house and literally had no savings to fall back on. I told them I needed to think it over." For a week, everywhere Sherri turned, there was a sign pointing in that direction. She prayed hard about it and asked God for one more BIG sign, and boy did God deliver. She recalls, "I got a sign that I couldn't deny." I went back to the brokers a week later and told them I was literally jumping off a cliff without a parachute or net to catch me, so failure was not an option." Sherri was given a goal of closing $5 million in the next 10 months. Sherri made a profit of almost $12 million and never looked back. She'd discovered her calling and her passion. She awoke every morning eager to meet new people and sell a house. • New Beginnings; The Ultimate Real Estate Group A couple of years later, Sherri felt like she had reached a Joining Sales Pandemic Effects When the epidemic struck, the market in Texas soared.

16. Cover Story help first-time buyers, first-time sellers, and homeowners maintain their homes. She says, "We will be able to give these to our clients at our consultations to assist them during the process." Sherri will be seeking to start a couple of other companies to supplement the company's offerings, such as storage units, staging, and Airbnbs for transferring customers or clients between homes. Leader's Perspective • What is the best way to build a great team? Getting to know the person you want to bring on board is the best way to build a team. Make sure they have a "Why" for doing what they do and for being on the team. Define their role clearly and keep them motivated with coaching and education. Help them set goals and measure their progress. To be on my team, they must possess certain traits like integrity, honesty, experience, and a willingness to serve others. And they must be willing to work as a "team". There is no "I" in a team. Companies began transferring their headquarters to the area, resulting in a large influx of people to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Sherri recalls that when families were no longer required to return to an office and could instead work from home, it forced them to reconsider their living spaces. As a result, many people began looking for new residences to fit their changing lives. Because so many individuals moved to the neighborhood, supply and demand were uneven, resulting in skyrocketing prices, bidding wars on properties, and an unusually tight seller's market. • "Performance Culture" for my team is all about providing the ultimate customer service and providing real estate services to the client beyond the closing. It is also about building a relationship with the client. Most of my reviews from my clients state that I am like family to them, or that they have a friend for life now. This proves to me that I have done my job by providing the best service to them as their real estate professional and advisor and making them feel special in the process. Everyone wants to feel special and loved. And we do a great job of this by the little things we do for the client through the process and beyond the closing. What does "performance culture" mean to you? Combining Passion with Leadership Sherri is motivated by her enthusiasm for serving her clients and assisting her team members in being successful. As team leader, she ensures that team members are kept up to speed on industry and market developments, as well as coaches them on how to be successful. Sherri defines success as the team achieving its annual goals and the agents having a successful career and a balanced life while being fulfilled by the work they perform in servicing their clients. A View for Women Realtors Sherri's advice to the next generation of female leaders is to never give up on your dream. She asserts, "Use your time wisely as it is your worst enemy, and remember that you must work hard and be consistent." She further adds, "If you fail at something, don't think of it as a failure. But instead, think of it as knowledge gained and keep moving forward." Sherri shares that a quote she remembers keeping in front of her when she was at Finance America said, "You never fail until you stop trying." Future Vision The Ultimate Real Estate Group's long-term goals are to expand to at least 5 full-time agents and 1 full-time assistant. Sherri is working on a series of publications to

17. 1 Year 12 Issues 6 Months 6 Issues 3 Months 3 Issues 1 Month 1 Issue P T C H E R S

18. NAME- Becky Oxton DESIGNATION- Director & Owner COMPANY NAME- Sunrise Estate Services COMPANY URL- sunriseestateservices.ca

19. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Becky Oxton Supporting Estates with Effective and Efficient Management of Assets and Administration S customers in need of services. They also provide direction to clients to assist them with the steps to undertake and choices that can be made. She claims that while many firms provide some of the services offered by Sunrise Estate Services, only a handful are willing, ready, and able to provide all of the services that consumers may demand when needed. In talks with coworkers, Becky saw that there was a niche market where services could be supplied to assist people and customers in stressful situations, as well as to fill a hole in the industry where services are not widely available. unrise Estate Services was founded by Becky Oxton with the intention of being a full-service estate services firm and a one-stop shop for Before launching Sunrise Estate Services in 2015, Becky worked in law enforcement for 7 years as a community peace officer in several locations across Alberta. As a peace officer, she was in charge of enforcing traffic regulations, local ordinances, and some provincial statutes. As a Community Peace Officer, she administered and instructed the D.A.R.E. program in all of the municipality's schools as well as developed and instructed education programs for youth, students, and citizens. Becky assisted in forming groups and committees with a focus on community building and networking. Below are highlights of the interview: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I am someone who wants to make a difference; I want to | 17 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

20. make a difference with individuals, with businesses and with communities. I am a person who aims to reach my full potential, I am a person who knows what I am capable of, and I want my light to shine. personal content and are committed to keeping the maximum amount of content out of landfills by selling and donating content. We ensure that all content is gone through, and personal documents and photos are returned to the family. We sort, organize, inventory, and appraise the content and host online auctions to sell the content of the estate. Tell us more about the company. Having to dispose of a loved one's estate can be emotionally stressful and painful. Sunrise Estate Services is here to help families and personal representatives liquidate the estate quickly and efficiently, while respecting the needs of the family in a compassionate manner. Sunrise Estate Services is committed to providing a variety of services to best meet the unique needs of each client and their property. We value that each client, and their family have spent a lifetime collecting treasures, and we strive to ensure they are treated in a respectful, honest, and compassionate manner. We are a full-service estate sale company and provide property management services, lawn care, snow removal, minor repairs, coordination for repairs and demolition. As we strive to be a one stop shop, I have become a certified appraiser, a certified move coordinator, a licensed auctioneer, and am proficient at problem solving to ensure that the client's needs are met. Sunrise Estate Services will take care of any job big or small. Who is your target audience? How do you help them as a professional? Our clients are individuals who require assistance in liquidating the content of estates as well as personal representatives of estates and wealth management Sunrise Estate Services assists families and personal representatives by liquidating estates through online auctions, estate sales, disposal, and donations. We are the step before hiring a realtor and putting the property on the market. We aim to achieve the highest value by selling | 18 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

21. companies. As a professional we can do as much or as little as a client requires and will ensure that the wishes of the deceased are met in a respectful and courteous manner. goal number one. We can train, provide educational opportunities, mentor and work with staff to complete the work, but we cannot teach people to care. What gets you up in the morning? What are your responsibilities as the founder of the company? Helping people gets me up in the morning. I strive to be a person who can assist others by providing services, coordinating and finding solutions for them to be able to complete the tasks that are required to assist them in moving forward. What does "performance culture" mean to you? Performance culture means to me needing workers who are dedicated to getting results and achieving the goals of the client and the company. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? You can do and be absolutely anything you want to be. There will always be people who do not value you, your experience or education. Do not let them set your worth. Do not allow others to set expectations or limitations on you. You are enough exactly as you are. The responsibilities as an owner and operator of Sunrise Estate Services are vast. From human resources, estate services specialist, appraiser, move coordinator, auctioneer, technical support, accounting, invoicing, scheduling, consulting, forming relationships and partnerships, coordinating professionals, customer service, providing estimates, setting up auctions, marketing and everything in between. What are your future plans to sustain your and the company's success? The future plans to sustain our success are to continue to provide a high level of service to our customers and clients. We will continue to grow our network of partnerships with other local businesses to ensure the needs of the clients are met. We will continue to adapt to changing markets, trends, and technology, using all means to stay relevant and trail blazing in the estate services industry. We will continue to support our community through volunteering and partnerships. What is the best way to build a great team? The best way to build a great team is to find like-minded individuals who are motivated by helping others. In a business that assists individuals and families who are grieving and in high-stress environments, it is imperative to remember that, first and foremost, we are all human and can all work together to make situations better. Finding employees who care about each other and the company is

22. Diana Pittro Executive Vice President RMK Management Corp.

23. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Diana Pittro Delivering Resident Satisfaction with Property Management Excellence ased on over 30 years of experience in the multi- family housing industry and involvement in the Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA) and National Apartment Association (NAA), Diana Pittro's leadership enables RMK to maintain its focus on resident happiness and property management expertise. B Below are highlights of the interview: What was the idea behind joining real estate industry? I did not set out to be in the real estate industry. Like a lot of people, I fell into it. I was a single mother. I wanted a job that included some growth, and I wanted to use my skills that I had learned in the education arena and customer service industry. I majored in education and became a flight attendant right out of college. This industry allowed me to challenge myself, learn new things, and test my patience and skill set. I started out at the bottom, so I have performed every role there is, including cleaning and maintenance, and I feel like what I have learned has been why I have a strong desire to improve the lives of those people who work so hard in our industry. I love the industry and my teams. Mrs. Pittro is RMK Management Corporation’s Executive Vice President. She was on the board of the National Apartment Association for 13 years and was President of the National Apartment Association Education Institute for two years, the Vice President of Region 3's Board of Directors, and a member of both the Chicagoland Apartment Association. Diana went to college at Cal State Fullerton and has been designated as an Accredited Resident Manager. She also served on the Rasmussen Colleges advisory board and was named Property Supervisor of the Year by the Illinois/Chicago Apartment Association. In 2001, she was named the Chicagoland Apartment Association Supervisor of the Year. Tell us more about RMK Management. RMK Management Corporation is a Chicago based real estate management company that proudly manages 31 Diana is now in charge of all management, marketing, and operations, as well as capital plans, for the RMK Management Corporation portfolio in the Midwest, which comprises 6,738 units for both third-party investors and self-owned and managed properties. She is in charge of RMK's day-to-day operations and has been involved in all due diligence initiatives for the firm and its owners. Diana joined RMK Management Corporation in 2002. | 21 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

24. Multifamily owners are looking for a professional property management company, and we have a proven and dedicated team of professionals in place to handle all of your management or due diligence needs. We have been in the Chicago market longer than any other management company and have strong relationships in place with industry professionals, suppliers, real estate industry peers, consultants, lenders, and other brokerage and development professionals. We are directly involved with the legislative issues facing our industry at the local and national level through the National Apartment Association, Chicagoland Apartment Association, and Apartment Building Owners and Managers Association. What are the major changes happen in real estate industry since pandemic? properties totaling 6,738 units throughout the Midwest. With a deep commitment to superior customer service, we are a recognized leader in innovation. Our genuine interest in preserving the integrity and value of our communities sets us apart, allowing us to consistently deliver excellence year in and year out for 40 years. We have the industry awards to prove it, but most importantly, we have the respect of our residents and peers. The company's portfolio spans a range of apartment types, from high-rise and mid-rise buildings to two- and three- story walk-up apartments, garden apartments, and affordable housing. RMK also develops, builds, and renovates communities. The Illinois communities are located in Waukegan, Palatine, Schaumburg, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Evanston, Wilmette, Chicago, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Antioch, and Glen Ellyn. Communities in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and Edina; Wisconsin communities are located in St. Francis and Madison, and the Indiana communities are located in Indianapolis and Merrillville. We are seeing renters prioritize workspaces both in their apartments and in common areas. For example, one of the newest properties in our management portfolio, 21 East Chestnut in Chicago, has newly renovated conference rooms, private booths, and dedicated Zoom rooms, which provide extra workspaces outside a resident's apartment for privacy from roommates or a change of scenery. Competition among rental communities for the best outdoor amenities is also increasing. Residents love our properties with heated outdoor pools and resort-style sundecks with nice lounge chairs. Other popular outdoor amenities are seating areas with fire pits, dining areas with grill stations, Who is your target audience? How do you create services that align with what they're looking for? | 22 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

25. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? courtyards with activities like a giant chess set, and dog runs. A challenge we had before COVID-19 that was exacerbated by the pandemic involves packaging and mailrooms. Training, staffing, having adequate space to hold packages, and delivery of packages is an everyday challenge. The pandemic and working-from-home have caused a large increase in fresh food, meal kits, and package deliveries in all of our communities. We have had to adapt staff roles in order to deliver packages and manage them, sometimes having to make sure things are refrigerated and delivered properly. At some properties, we are redesigning and enlarging package rooms, and our new-construction projects are all designed with larger mailrooms and refrigeration. This is a major operational challenge for communities right now. We are exploring various third- party companies to help aid and assist in this endeavor at some properties. Don't get caught up in the old clichés or standards... today is a new day. Don't be concerned about competing; instead, sell the value you bring.Believe in yourself, be willing to fail, and be smart enough to admit it and then fix it. Don't get worried about salary and position. If you are doing a great job, believe me, it is noticed. It's hard, it's not 9-5 and it's not always fair, but you are building your reputation and the best thing is for people to consider you hardworking, honest and fair. What are your future plans to sustain the agency's success? We must constantly be willing to try, to fail and to learn. I feel that success in our industry requires patience and flexibility. Every day, every goal, every owner is different. Our teams are the success story of RMK. Much of our growth continues to be repeat business. Most of our calls are not solicited and I believe that our credibility and reputation continue to sustain our growth. Kindly describe how you will specifically know what success looks like for you. To me, success is when my teams perform to the satisfaction of their owners and themselves and achieve their objectives.When I hire someone, I want them to go as far up the ladder as they want to. I want to see them get promoted and go on to bigger and better things. Many people do not survive in this industry. We work hard, we play and have fun. | 23 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

28. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Rachel Bodner Rachel Bodner Passionate to Assist Clients in Residential Real Estate with Professionalism, Integrity, and Efficiency R "THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE YOU DESERVE"! achel Bodner is an Accredited Buyers Agent, a Relocation Specialist, and a New Homes Specialist. She works hard to give every client Below are highlights of the interview: Describe your background and what did you do before you joined Coldwell Banker Realty? I have a degree in Marketing and Management and was a buyer for a few top retailers for a number of years prior to starting my real estate career. As a full-time Realtor, Rachel strives to assist her clients in the sale and purchase of residential real estate with professionalism, integrity, and efficiency. She says says, "Whether this is your first time or you have bought and sold many homes, I will work diligently to make the process smooth and less stressful for you and your family.” What was the idea behind joining real estate industry? I had always thought that I would like to be a realtor since I wanted a job that I could pave my own way and be rewarded for my hard work and work with many different people. When I left retail, I was offered jobs with vendors in the industry, and I told them that I was going to stay home and raise my children, and when the youngest one was in first grade, I was going to go into real estate. This was planned for about seven years before it actually happened. Now, almost 20 years in real estate, I have not looked back! Tell us more about Coldwell Banker Realty. Coldwell Banker is one of the largest, oldest, and most successful firms in New England and across the country. I have chosen to stay with them my entire career due to the support I have received both from the people and all of the tools that they provide. It also doesn't hurt that we have a market share in all of the towns that I cover. Who is your target audience? How do you create services that align with what they're looking for? My target audience is anyone looking for a home or looking to sell their home. I may have worked with a seller for many years prior, just giving them tips on what they could do to increase their value when they are ready to sell. With buyers, I explain the process and will work with them for as long as it takes to find and secure their home. | 26 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

29. Rachel Bodner Realtor, Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Realty Group | 27 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

30. What are the major changes happen in real estate industry since pandemic? We have seen a large migration out of the cities to the suburbs. This has really helped the metro west towns where I serve since people can live further outside of Boston and still do their jobs. Kindly describe how you will specifically know what success looks like for you. Success for me is when I have clients thank me for my services. It truly is. This is a people business and I really love it when I help people achieve their real estate dreams and they are happy with the outcome! My motto has always been: "For the Outstanding Service you Deserve" and I work hard to achieve that every day. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? Find what you love to do and go for it! If you love what you do, you will never feel like it is a job and it will be easy to be successful in it. What are your future plans to sustain agency's success? I plan to keep doing what I love by staying on top of the most recent trends in the industry to help people achieve their real estate dreams. As they always say: "If you love what you do you will never work a day in your life..” | 28 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

32. Rebecca Ferguson Managing Broker Kentwood Cherry Creek | 30 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

33. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Rebecca Ferguson Rebecca Ferguson Committed to Providing the Elite Group of Brokers Very Best Leadership, Support and Guidance anaging Broker for Kentwood Cherry Creek, M advice to the elite group of brokers with whom she collaborates. As a result, the Cherry Creek office's brokers are consistently able to give their clients a superior home- buying or home-selling experience. pursue my dreams and received my real estate license in Missouri. I launched my career working with the top brokerage in our market, Realty Executives Fort Leonard Wood LLC, and in my first two years as an agent, was recognized as the top producing agent within the company. I was so busy working with buyers and sellers that I soon realized I needed to duplicate myself and started my first real estate team. With that support, I was able to more than double my production while at the same time training new agents with the tools they would need to find success in this business. Two years after starting with the brokerage, I was offered the opportunity to take over as the Managing Broker. I continued building my team, worked with buyers and sellers, and began managing the agents in my office, This is when I learned that I am passionate about developing agents and helping them build their business and achieve success. I discovered that I would rather see my agent's names in the top 20 rankings rather than mine—this gave me a significantly deeper sense of satisfaction and a feeling of success. Rebecca Ferguson is dedicated to consistently providing the greatest leadership, support, and Rebecca's primary responsibility is to support the agents in her office in any way she can, including by mentoring, educating, rewarding, and making sure she is always on hand to assist them. She focuses on bringing intriguing and pertinent speakers to workplace events, bringing engaging content to sales meetings, and offering seminars and training that she thinks are essential for continuing success in real estate. Below are highlights of the interview: Tell us about your journey. Share your background and what did you do before you joined Kentwood Real Estate? Why did you choose to become a managing broker? My career in real estate began following my graduation from the University of California, Santa Barbara with the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad, CA. I worked directly with the agents executing real estate contracts between the buyers and the resort. Almost immediately I discovered a genuine desire to learn as much as I could about real estate and found great enjoyment supporting the agents I worked with every day. Although I truly love working with buyers and sellers and helping families transition to the next phase of their lives, training and developing agents is my true passion. I am a problem-solver, and I genuinely love advising agents and their clients through any challenges that may arise. The Kentwood Cherry Creek agents are some of the very best in real estate and are leaders within our market, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with them every day. One can either be a hero or build heroes, and as the Managing Broker I have the opportunity to build heroes every day. Over the next few years, my career expanded into various aspects of sales, but my love of real estate and desire to return to this field continued to grow. In 2015, I decided to | 31 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

34. work with the most dynamic, passionate, and professional agents every day. While I am tremendously grateful for this role, I am also humbled daily that I get to lead such an extraordinary team of real estate professionals. What advice would you give to the emerging leaders and enthusiasts considering a career in real estate? Start now! This is the best job in the world and although it is not easy, it is worth it. Every hurdle, every challenge and every obstacle will grow you both professionally and personally. This business takes perseverance and patience and when done with passion, will provide tremendous rewards. There is unlimited opportunity in the real e4stte industry and the only person who can decide how far you will go is you. That is powerful! Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. Where do you see yourself and the firm in the upcoming years? I thrive on being around other people, and most everyone I know would refer to me as an extrovert. I enjoy working hard and finding opportunities to continue to learn and expand my real estate knowledge. I also enjoy networking, whether for business or my personal life. I am always eager to grow my relationships. More than anything, I love spending time with my two children, travelling and exploring. I am constantly on the go, and I love that! When it comes time to wind down, it is with family and friends, usually gathered around the table over an amazing dinner and a great bottle of wine! Kentwood will continue to set itself above the rest by doing what we have always done – aligning ourselves with top- tier agents and providing unparalleled service to our clients. In today's rapidly evolving market, Kentwood excels at being one step ahead by ensuring our agents as well as buyers and sellers are educated and prepared, secure in their investments and able to address the changes without fear and uncertainty. We will continue to be leaders within our market and our community. What changes do you wish to bring to society? I hope to use my position and any influence I have to encourage inclusivity and equality, both in my career and personal life. I have always been passionate about creating opportunities where there is a place for everyone to succeed, and the real estate industry provides the opportune environment for just that. Myself, along with all the leaders within Kentwood, are determined to continue building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone on our team as well as provide opportunities that are available to every person in our community. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far? Becoming the Managing Broker for the Kentwood Cherry Creek office has undoubtedly been what I would consider my greatest achievement thus far. I have the opportunity to | 32 | AUGUST 2022 spitchers.com www.succes

36. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Renata Kinde-Czyz Motivating People to take Action and Making the World a Better Place A sustainable because it helps maintain the integrity in which it works, creating a setting in which the business may flourish. , Renata Kinde-Czyz, Managing Director of METRO PROPERTIES Poland, plans to make all managed assets environmentally sustainable over the next 15 years and educate staff, tenants, and consumers on how to lessen their influence on the environment and its resources. Staunch Journey Renata found herself at a crossroads following her graduation from the University of Oslo in Norway. The University of Cambridge offered her a scholarship and an invitation to pursue a doctorate in literature. Since she enjoys intellectual inquiry, it was really appealing. However, her nature suited a job in business better. She loves a challenge, is infamously curious, enjoys creating visions, and is constantly looking for ways to improve. The business world won. n environmentally aware company thinks about its impact on society and the environment in addition to its financial performance. Such a business is Prior to working for METRO PROPERTIES in Poland, she was employed by ITT Multicomponent American affiliate in Oslo, Norway. She was in charge of selling electronic components to important clients. This was a lesson in customer focus and company procedures for life. She managed, and she even received a promotion. Later, she made the decision to pursue an MBA. She started her own firm, got a job teaching English at Unilever, and arranged deals between Polish and Swedish businesses to pay for her studies. It helped that she spoke Norwegian and could speak Swedish. She later rose to the position of deputy centre manager at the KLIF shopping mall and developed a passion for managing commercial real estate. She was hired by METRO because of the job. She spent 25 years with METRO, and during that time, she was promoted in 2005 to the Board and in 2012 to the position of Managing Director. METRO PROPERTIES The real estate division of METRO AG, METRO PROPERTIES, combines extensive expertise in both wholesale and retail. It is in charge of the asset management of 24 Makro stores, as well as the property management of 9 M1 Shopping Centers and 4 Retail Parks. The team holds more than 600 long-term and more than 1,000 short-term contracts, and manages almost 800,000 sqm of GLA. Both | 34 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

37. Renata Kinde-Czyz Managing Director Metro Properties

38. asset management and property management are under Renata's purview. She believes it was a natural progression to become an expert in asset management. She first took on the property management of a single shopping centre before expanding to the entire portfolio. In 2004, the company started working with Apollo Rida as a Master Lessee for M1. Over the past 20 years, the team has created and put into place initiatives for the centres that have raised their value. As well as GE, Pradera, Octava, and other asset management/investment fonds, they have worked for them as well. Right now, the company is working with Redefine- EPP's Polish subsidiary. a process of constant improvement, which is in their DNA. There is no way she could have had a job that was more exciting. She was able to observe and take part in the entire life cycle of many assets. It is a really rewarding experience when the assets become more valuable and appealing as a result of the contributions. Finding the best plan is like winning a prize in the process. In Renata's opinion, there are no such things as poor assets only poor strategies. She believes that her experience in property management really benefits her asset management duties. Understanding business operations, tenants, and the facility management market enables the development of strategies that are specifically tailored to boost revenue or draw in tenants and investors. Roles and responsibilities Today, as Managing Director, Renata Kinde-Czyz is responsible for the management and overall outcomes of two companies: METRO PROPERTIES in Poland and METRO PROPERTIES Real Estate Management. She considers herself a leader who coaches the company toward sustainable growth. When it comes to the clients, employees, and tenants, sustainability serves as their compass. Due to the changing environment, sustainability is Innovative Ideas Renata is the proud mother of two gorgeous kids, whom she adores very much. On the other hand, she enjoys imagining the future, including prospective commercial assets and their clients. She enjoys foreseeing trends and making adjustments to move things toward the ideal. "Now is the | 36 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

39. future," she said, therefore pursuing post-diploma work in "Service Design." This methodology makes it possible to create distinctive, cutting-edge services and procedures. The company has a good history of designed innovations, such as the IMall app for tenant and M1 customer communication, bots that perform monotonous tasks, community engagement and promotion initiatives, digitalized corporate operations, and others. Social Contribution For the past 15 years, environmental awareness has been the company's top goal. As part of the company's effort to make M1 retail centres environmentally sustainable, they have provided education about resource conservation to all stakeholders, including customers, tenants, and staff. They recently received the best grades— “Outstanding” in building management and “Excellent in asset performance—for their BREEAM-in-Use certificates. They are friendly with the local communities. For this reason, in addition to just fun events, they also organise educational, cultural, and cutting-edge technology events. However, they also desire the prosperity of local communities, which is why they support local artists, craftspeople, producers, and organisations. People ought to take pride in their homes. engagement level rate of 93 percent. They often say that "We do not limit our challenges. We challenge our limits". As a result, the team enjoys excellent outcomes, including a 99.1 occupancy ratio, enduring connections with business partners, and a stellar reputation. She was thrilled to win the title of "Top Woman in Real Estate" this year, which made her feel especially proud. She had the impression that her 25 years of effort had been greatly valued. The main tenets of the nation's "Be Kind" programme, which was started just before the pandemics, are to promote compassion, respect, and empathy. Being kind to one another was especially vital during pandemics because it was so difficult. The team will continue this effort and offer a venue in M1 retail malls for people to get involved and aid those in need, whether they are gifted youngsters, regional artists, lonely mothers, or anybody else. Renata and her team wish to raise awareness among the public, inspire participation, and inspire a better future. A nicer world results from kinder people. Advice to enthusiasts It is always preferable to inspire others to change rather than to inspire yourself to change. Renata advises innovating and maintaining an open mind. Additionally, she suggested that emerging leaders take advice from others and strive for the success of their clients and businesses. She wants leaders to make thoughtful decisions and stick to their own course because doing so makes one passionate and joyful. She plans to bring new services, new technologies, and new leasing formats to the commercial real estate industry. Achievements Within her own family, Renata values her children as her greatest accomplishment. They are two admirable and motivating people. She enjoys listening to their opinions and views about the world today and in the future. New innovations in technology and fashion also captivate them. In general, she believes that older generations have a lot to learn from younger ones. Professionally, Renata is most proud of the team of experts she collaborates with on a regular basis. With this team, she has accomplished the seemingly impossible numerous times with great success. A recent check confirmed their

40. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 SUSAN SUSAN SEMMELMANN SEMMELMANN Transforming Home Dreams into Magnificent Reality Y home and noted its beautiful design. It's easy to believe that a strong sense of style and a healthy décor budget are the only ingredients needed for a fabulous outcome, but in truth, the process is much more intricate and involved. Interior designers provide their expertise to ensure that a space has beautifully cohesive design and proper functionality, while ensuring that the client's goals are fully met and exceeded. Susan Semmelmann, owner of Susan Semmelmann Interiors, has years of experience and skill to offer her clients. With an ever-expanding signature product line, in-house manufacturing, endless style and décor options, and an out-of-the-box mindset fostering creativity and one-of-a-kind solutions, her firm provides everything a design client can imagine. ou've probably enjoyed the work of the construction and interior design industries if you've ever stepped into a gorgeous hotel or stately earned years of experience in the art of construction detailing; incorporating design aspects into the foundation stages of a structure. From the foundation to the finishing touches, designing a home from the ground up is a passionate pursuit for Susan. It's also the fulfillment of her clients' dreams, and she feels honored to be trusted with the place they call home. Giving back to those around her is a common thread that runs through everything she does and everything her firm represents. Susan Semmelmann Interiors was born out of a realization that Susan had a desire and a vision for a company that only she could fulfill: to write a new story with a heart of giving at its center. Susan and her team are on a mission to be givers who are gracious and generous with their time, talents, and resources. It's also important to them that they are authentic and relational with clients, co- workers, and business partners and are major contributors of beauty to the world in many ways. Susan launched her brand because she didn't want to be restricted in her potential to create a platform encompassing positivity, polished design, and charitable pursuits. The firm's mission statement has always been "The spirit of living is in the giving.” Susan has worked in the construction and design industries for 25 years; her professional pursuits in these areas have always been a natural match for her. She and her husband ran a construction company for many years, which shaped her passion for all things design. During this time, she Ensuring the business ship is sailing straight Susan Semmelmann wears multiple hats as the founder of Susan Semmelmann Interiors. She oversees day-to-day operations and ensures that the business is operating smoothly. The firm provides complete design services from start to finish. Construction detailing services include all areas of building and design, from restoring an existing home to taking customers through a new build from the ground up. Susan is responsible for client delivery and satisfaction, managing the team's logistics in connection to workflow, and casting a vision for the company's future growth and development. On the one hand, she has a bird's- | 38 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

41. NAME- Susan Semmelmann DESIGNATION- Owner COMPANY NAME- Susan Semmelmann Interiors COMPANY URL- semmelmanninteriors.com | 39 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

42. eye view of the company's logistics, but her preferred perspective is with her clients and team on the ground. She loves the energy of being in front of her clients versus sitting at a desk behind a computer. was built with innovation in mind. Their expertise can quickly transform a design concept from CAD to reality. On a more practical note, the company understood that by opening the facility, they would be able to better ensure that their clients would have access to the items they need in a timely manner. "I choose not to have my own office because you won't find me sitting at a desk. If I'm at work, that means I am on the move from project to project, making sure my clients are happy, and jobs are running smoothly – the only way to do that is eye-to-eye and shoulder-to-shoulder. "Susan says. Susan states, "We stood in a client's kitchen and sketched a gorgeous copper range hood on a napkin. It went from napkin sketch to CAD system to manufacturing, and voila! A stunning, one-of-a-kind range hood was born! How fun is that? If our clients can dream it, we can do it. “ Innovation perspective The cornerstone of cutting-edge design is innovation! Susan Semmelmann Interiors is continually looking ahead while remaining grounded in what they know about the foundation and framework of good design. Susan Semmelmann Interiors Collection of furnishings, bedding, and drapery are all made in-house, allowing clients to have a completely customized design experience if desired. The finest textiles are sourced directly from mills, with limitless customization options. The firm's manufacturing facility The primary factor in success "If people are recognized, valued, and affirmed, they flourish, and at Susan Semmelmann Interiors, we are a "people first" company." --says Susan. One of the most important aspects of Susan's achievement is her work ethic. Her eagerness to immerse herself in the industry and learn has given her a distinct advantage. To | 40 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

43. stay on top of corporate strategy and best practices, it's also critical to be flexible and teachable along the way.Her thoughts on the company's trajectory are that "I never want to arrive; if I arrive, I may stay there; I always want to grow and keep pressing forward.” hearts, and assisting them in realizing their home design dreams and goals. Susan Semmelmann Interiors also has the privilege of supporting charities close to their hearts, such as A Wish with Wings and Raquel's Wings for Life. The company sticks to the note that "Home is a sanctuary. Family is everything. Faith is the foundation. Giving is the response.” Faith, family, and friendship form the foundation of the company's culture. The group is tight-knit and always looks out for one another's best interests. They collaborate with one another, and it is understood that no one is above or below any task. This mentality fosters trust and camaraderie, which they pass on to clients and the community. Every team member contributes to the overall environment by bringing different abilities and talents to flesh out the big picture of what the firm has to offer. "Put your head down and work! Take every opportunity to learn and grow; ask to shadow an expert, find a mentor, hire a coach, and learn the fundamentals of business. " - Susan advises upcoming interior leaders. Future outlook It's what motivates Susan to get out of bed every morning; the honor of sitting across from her clients, hearing their

46. Top 10 Women of Distinction in Real Estate, 2022 Tonya Brandon Forging Equity that Routes from Hope to One of Transformation T foundation for success. Her high ethical standards and her ability to remain calm under pressure have an impact on how Tonya Brandon, Senior Managing Director at CBRE Group, Inc., makes sure that everyone involved will benefit. She has the ability to take decisive action and focus on the goals, which allows her to remain calm in the face of unforeseen circumstances and the emotions that clients and team members frequently experience in trying circumstances. he intention and passion for encouraging others to achieve favourable and transformative results within organisations and communities serve as the CBRE offers: CBRE offers facilities management, project management, transaction services (including real estate sales and leasing), consultancy, and valuation services for occupiers. CBRE offers a variety of services to investors, including capital markets (property sales, commercial mortgage brokerage, loan origination and servicing), real estate leasing, investment management, property management, valuation, and development. Responsibilities and Roles As the global account leader for 500 team members spread over 23 countries for one of CBRE's most important financial and wealth management clients, Tonya presently works in the Occupier business division. She is in charge of organising and enabling various professional teams to find, create, and convert high-performing and resilient facilities; making the best use of resources; and innovating in terms of processes. The ability to provide knowledgeable counsel and resolve challenging issues while utilising and enlisting the talent of others has always been what she is most inspired by. It has been possible to succeed in relationship management, team building, issue solving, operational excellence, and organisational effectiveness through a career in commercial and corporate real estate. Project management, integrated facility management, contract governance, compliance, energy & sustainability, workplace experience, and supply chain management are among the key functional areas. Tonya Brandon had a number of leadership positions at CBRE, and before joining, she worked for municipal and state governments in project management positions. Over the course of her 27+ year career, she has frequently been asked to lead teams through difficult situations or solve complex problems—whether it be achieving aggressive cost optimization targets, meeting deadlines, navigating acquisitions and the associated cultural change management, or sustaining facility operations through the pandemic. CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. is an American provider of services and investments in commercial real estate. Its headquarters are in Dallas, Texas. It is the largest commercial real estate services and investment company in the world and is 122nd in the Fortune 500 (based on 2021 revenue). Both real estate investors and occupants can benefit from the services Equitable Society Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget | 44 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

47. Tonya Brandon Senior Managing Director CBRE Group, Inc. | 45 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

48. “Leaders don't create more followers; they create more leaders.” -Tom Peters Award for Leadership-2015, Charlotte Business Journal's "Top 25 Women in Business in 2013" Award, and Charlotte Business Journal's "40 Under 40 in 2011" Award. what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Tonya Brandon has been most inspired to help others by these words. Being a servant leader, which starts with the innate desire to serve, directs how she interacts with others both inside and outside of her business. She aspires to an egalitarian society where everyone can participate and flourish in both their professional and personal interactions. Where equitable objectives foster circumstances that enable everyone to realise their potential, In other words, equity creates a road from optimism to one of change. Futuristic Advice When Tonya Brandon thinks about the future, she concentrates primarily on client care and outcomes because that is where she has a passion and the ability to produce results. Using her track record of success and years of experience in account management, operations, supplier partnerships, and strategy, Tonya can add depth and dimensions to CBRE's Client Care platform and outcomes for her team and customers. Achievements While Tonya Brandon has achieved great success on behalf of the clients, she considers the most significant professional achievement to be advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion inside CBRE. One of the first business resource groups in the commercial real estate sector for black professionals, the company's Black Excellence Employee Business Resource Group, which she chairs, is celebrating 19 years at CBRE. The group has grown to include over 1400 members from all CBRE business segments and has broadened its focus to become a model for other initiatives in the real estate industry. Additionally, Tonya is a member of the Diversity Advisory Council and the Women's Network Advisory Board for CBRE. Tonya would advise emerging leaders and enthusiasts interested in a career in real estate to remember that everything is possible! And if you are willing to change during your journey, it is particularly achievable. One can pursue and succeed regardless of whether they have studied or worked in the fields of law, architecture, design, financial management, or building construction. Tonya has been lucky to hold positions in a variety of capacities during her path, and it was crucial to keep an open mind and be willing to change when a new door opened, a tap on the shoulder occurred, or she simply felt like she was ready to advance beyond the existing position. She has received the following recognitions: Career Mastered Top 50 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award – 2022; CREW Charlotte Chapter – Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Award – 2021; CoreNet Chapter Service Provider of the Year Award – 2020; GWS Account Perseverance Award, East Division – 2020. She has also been named in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Times "50 Most Influential Women" – 2018 & 2014, in the Real Estate Forum "Woman of Influence" Recognition – 2017, in UNCF's Maya Angelou "Women Who Lead Award" – 2016, in A heading forward for the recognition of the CBRE GCS | 46 | AUGUST 2022 www.successpitchers.com

50. NAME- Tyraa Nicole Caldwell DESIGNATION- Entrepreneur COMPANY NAME- Home365 COMPANY URL- home365.co