Local Realtors award the best of '06 / LJWorld.com

Archive for Saturday, January 13, 2007

January 13, 2007

Jayhawk Trophy winners Friday were, from left to right, 2006 Salesperson of the Year Randall Russell of Century 21 Miller and Midyett; 2006 Realtor of the Year Mary Jones of Coldwell Banker McGrew Real Estate; and 2006 Distinguished Service Award winner Mark Buhler of Stephens Real Estate.

Her evening would have been memorable just accepting the gavel and the 2007 presidency for the Lawrence Board of Realtors.

But Friday night, Mary Jones of Coldwell Banker McGrew Real Estate also - to her surprise - received the 2006 Realtor of the Year award during the Lawrence Board of Realtors Installation Mixer at Maceli's.

"I'm speechless," Jones said. "Thanks so much for the award. I couldn't do it without everybody in this room."

During an introductory speech, Deborah McMullen, of Coldwell Banker McGrew and a 2004 board president, lauded Jones for her community service, including coordinating Douglas County Toys for Tots for 10 years.

Randall Russell, of Century 21 Miller and Midyett, was about as equally shocked when he was named 2006 Salesperson of the Year.

"It's been a long, tough year. I'd like to give everybody a word of encouragement because I think this is going to be a good year for us," Russell said.

Charles Gruber, of Hedges Real Estate and the 2004 top salesperson, said Russell was the most sought-after agent in his agency.

"In a business this competitive, that really says something about this man," Gruber said.

And for his long list of service to the real estate business and community in Lawrence, Mark Buhler, a former state senator, was given the 2006 Distinguished Service Award.

"Nobody works harder in this town than you all, and I'm really honored to be given this award," said the broker and sales manager at Stephens Real Estate.

Photo by Rachel Seymour

The 2007 realtor officers and directors from left to right, Tom Harper, Thomas Howe, Judy Brynds, Randy Barnes, Mary Jones, Steve Berger, Valerie Grose, Bob Kocour, Sandy Garber, Rob Hulse, and Nancy O'Brien, Friday at Maceli's Restaurant gathered for Lawrence Board of Realtors Installation Mixer.

Cheri Drake of Coldwell Banker McGrew Real Estate won the award for top 2006 producer, as she was alone in the $8 million club.

Jones took the gavel from 2006 board president Rob Hulse of Stephens Real Estate.

"He did a great job, and he kept the membership involved and informed," Jones said.

She said during the next year she expected sales to pick up and also warned the members to be on their toes as the group would deal with several "local, state and national issues" in the next year.

Jones also said the board hopes to finish its expansion at its staff building this year.

Other members of the 2007 board of directors are Thomas Howe, president-elect; Hulse, past president; Randy Barnes, secretary; Tom Harper, treasurer; and directors Judy Brynds, Sandy Garber, Bob Kocour, Steve Berger, Nancy O'Brien and Valerie Grose.