Cory Brewer

By Cory Brewer

Last week I spent some time with my local YPN planting trees at a nearby park.  Next week we are hosting an elegant networking event in ther 43rd floor penthouse at the newest condo tower in downtown Bellevue, Wash., complete with valet parking and a red carpet.  In the past 12 months, we have also hosted free clock hour classes, educational panels, and “get to know you” happy hours in a casual environment.

The reason for this blog post is a simple one:  Get involved!

You never know who you’re going to meet or connect with.  Our local network is focused on bringing REALTORS® together along with professionals from other industries (law, finance, etc.) to foster relationships and help one another grow our businesses.  We have taken many cues from other YPNs around the country, and their efforts have been a great inspiration to us.

So there you go — a shameless plug for YPN!

Keep up the great work, everyone.  There is something for everybody – and the more you get involved, the more you can help make it what you want it to be.  Invite your friends, invite your colleagues, and encourage them to attend your events.  From community service, to athletics, to education, to parties…be there or be square!

Cory Brewer is a REALTOR® in the Seattle area and Operations Manager at Windermere Property Management / LGA in Bellevue. Connect with Cory at www.wpmnorthwest.com.

Brian Copeland

By Brian Copeland

This week, I turn 40 and my future with you is, well, uncertain.  While we’ve never defined “under 40” as what the Young Professional Network’s age limit is, it has turned into an awkward elephant in the room no one is willing to talk about.  So, let’s talk about it.

We’ve heard “young and young at heart” as the basis for who we are and who we want to be.  Is this program of NAR about youth, leadership entry or new, bright attitudes?  I don’t know, but hopefully in this dialog today, I’ll have a clearer picture.

2012 YPN Advisory Subcommittee

What if YPN is in the middle of turning the statement “60 is the new 30” on its head?  What if 30 is the new 60?  Huh?  We’re in the middle of equipping, training and inspiring a new generation to have the knowledge, street-smarts and tatters of a seasoned veteran to this industry.

I look at REALTORS® like Tiffany Curry who is 32 years old.  Already, she has been the REALTOR® of the Year for one of the largest associations in America.  She has served as president of a major metropolitan’s Women’s Council of REALTORS® chapter.  She has chaired her local YPN, served on a heavy-weight NAR Presidential Advisory Group (PAG), and sat on numerous NAR committees.

I see Kenny Parcell. Kenny hovers below that 40 mark with a resume that would support the “30 is the new 60” hypothesis perfectly. He’s been his local president, state president, NAR Leadership Academy graduate, NAR liaison, and chair of several leadership groups.

Are these examples the exception?  They could be, but I would argue that this type of mentoring and nurturing is part of a new breed NAR has started to grow.  So, that leads me to the most troubling question, should we be called the Young Professionals Network? Continue reading »

Brooke Wolford

By Brooke Wolford

This year was truly amazing for my fellow YPN’ers.  I don’t think I have ever been so proud to be a part of YPN. The Young Professionals Network has grown so much and our presence has become very well known. Nobody can deny the fact that we are leaders in the real estate world.

I remember when I first got involved with YPN and having to explain to people what it was all about. Well, that’s no longer the case. Now anytime I mention YPN, I get this sort of celebrity-like feeling. People get excited about it. It’s inspiring what we have become.

We are actively involved in our industry. We’re rounding out the year with 227 YPN networks nationwide – that includes nearly 100 new groups formed in 2011. There are more YPN’ers involved in their local and national associations than ever. The leadership is amazing. We have this influence in the world and we are recognized for being able to share, mentor, and motivate people.  We are the definition of what leaders should be.

I can honestly say that in 2012, we will be unstoppable. We have a lot of potential. Not to sound cliché but the sky is the limit. We are the elite. Congrats to all on another fantastic year! Cheers and let’s rock 2012!

Brooke Wolford is a real estate practitioner with Coldwell Banker Burnet in Woodbury, Minn.  Follow her blog at adventuresinrookierealestate.com.

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