Inman News is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2014 Innovator Awards in five categories. Winners chosen from the list of finalists below will be announced during the Real Estate Connect conference in San Francisco, which takes place July 16-18 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
This year’s award categories are:
- Most Innovative Real Estate Agent
- Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise
- Most Innovative MLS or Real Estate Trade Association
- Most Innovative Real Estate App, Tool or Vendor
- Most Innovative Use of a New Technology
An additional annual award, the Innovator of the Year Award, recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of real estate innovation. This award, which is not open to nominations, will be announced at the Real Estate Connect conference.
Lindsay Bergeron, founder and associate broker, Military Movers Real Estate LLC, @lindseybergeron
Lindsay Bergeron is out to be the go-to broker for military families. She’s planning to turn her Alaska-based brand, Military Movers Real Estate, into a national franchise.
Brandon Doyle, Doyle Real Estate Team, Edina Realty, @DoyleRealtor
Brandon Doyle, who has a degree in real estate degree from St. Cloud State University, says he enjoys helping first-time home buyers, and using the latest technology to market his team’s listings. Lately he’s been using drones to shoot aerial photography that can be incorporated into MLS listing detail pages.
Gary Gold, executive vice president, Hilton & Hyland, @soldbygold
Gary Gold is a marquee name in Beverly Hills real estate and one its most successful technology marketers. He’s an internationally recognized marketing and luxury real estate expert in Beverly Hills real estate, Bel Air real estate and Sunset Strip real estate.
Anthony Lolli, founder and CEO, Rapid Realty, @Anthony_Lolli
A colorful character who casts himself as the embodiment of the American Dream and gives raises to employees who have themselves tattooed with company’s logo, Anthony Lolli launched New York City-based Rapid Realty as a franchisor in 2009, and is now in cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and San Diego.
Brian Murray, agent, Houlihan Lawrence, @BrianSMurray
Brian Murray produces listing videos that transform home tours into short stories. His portfolio includes a spoof on a Nike commercial and a home tour starring golden retrievers.
Mauricio Umansky, CEO, The Agency, @MauricioUmansky
One of California’s leading agents by sales volume, Mauricio Umansky has expanded from his Beverly Hills base, opening offices Shanghai, Cabo San Lucas, Venice, Marina del Rey, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
Zach Schabot, CEO, Go Realty, @zachschabot
Go Realty is known for its responsive website, blogs, videos, community outreach, and creative use of social media including Pinterest and Vine. Zach Schabot is the author of “My Brand New Home,” an interactive children’s book designed to teach kids about the homebuilding process. He’s also developed a free agent app, “GoConnect,” with comprehensive transaction checklists.
Raj Qsar, founder, The Boutique Real Estate Group, @RajQsar
Raj Qsar employs an in-house production team to create storytelling videos that creates a better experience for buyers and sellers. He has also digitized the entire real estate experience for his agents, in-house staff and also for their clients. The Boutique is recognized as an International Luxury Real Estate Brokerage has has won awards and distinguished accolades year in and year out and they continue to make their mark on the real estate industry.
Nick Segal, founding partner, Partners Trust, @nicksegal
As founding partner and president of Partners Trust, Nick Segal says he’s out to create a company that “strives to raise the bar of professionalism at every touch point of a real estate transaction.”
Hans and Steve Wydler, The Wydler Brothers
The Wydler Brothers team functions as a high-end boutique within Long & Foster Real Estate, allowing the small team to combine hands-on, high quality and professional service with the marketing horsepower and resources of Long & Foster. Their use of branded Starbucks cards, and of drones to produce neighborhood video tours, are examples of their innovative approach.
