LAP Testimonials

HGAR Leadership Accelerator Program

Leadership Accelerator Program Testimonials

 

 

“LAP did a lot for me, for starters, it gave me a platform to grow and get involved within HGAR and promote HGAR's mission. One of my goals is to promote a positive message for this industry and why we Realtors aren't doing this business only for the money, rather we are here to help families make their move with ease.”

Emran Bhuyian
Emran Bhuiyan
Real Estate Salesperson
Exit Realty Premium

Vlora Sejdi
Vlora Sejdi
Real Estate Salesperson
HomeSmart Homes & Estates

 

 

“LAP exposed me to wonderful trainings, especially in public speaking (my favorite class). It also introduced me to the association and taught me a lot about what it really is and how it helps members. “

 

 

“LAP empowered me to be a leader in the industry and introduced me to an amazing group of colleagues which I otherwise wouldn't have met.”

Eboni Navas
Eboni Navas
Real Estate Salesperson
Julia B Fee Sothebys International Realty

Mackenzie Forsberg
MacKenzie-Forsberg
Real Estate Associate Broker
Genesis Realty Group LLC

 

 

 

"I used the tools I learned in LAP to best represent myself, my firm, and the association."

 

"I was thrilled to be accepted into the Leadership Accelerator Program's (LAP) inaugural class as an ultimate opportunity to work ON my business while working IN my business.  Being a sole practitioner Real Estate Broker I long ago decided to rely on my professional association (HGAR) and community of professional peers to develop my knowledge, skills, and resources as a REALTOR®. After 15 years of growing my business that way the LAP was both a new way to build on that practice and give something back by participating in the development of this new concept in the short term and assisting the HGAR community in various ways over the long term. Meeting and collaborating for a full year with the group of like-minded HGAR members who composed my LAP class was invigorating and inspired me to think outside the box about where to take my own business and how to contribute to the broader needs and goals of our profession."

Allison Jaffe

Allison Jaffe
Real Estate Broker
Key Real Estate Services, LLC

Ismail (ish) Kolya
Ismail (Ish) Kolya
Real Estate Associate Broker
Exp Realty

 

"As a member of the inaugural class of the Leadership Accelerator Program at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS, I had the honor to participate in a year-long journey featuring diverse topics of local and current interests, hear and speak to a varied group of professionals both in the public and private sector, and examine the various parts of management and leadership at the Association as well as local, state and federal levels when it comes to real estate. My fellow classmates and I were also involved in the creation of a new system whereby the Association can engage with and provide additional support to new members as they join and navigate through the first year of their real estate careers. Overall, it was a valuable experience with solid opportunities for learning, growth and networking."

 

 

"The Leadership Accelerator Program had a wonderfully positive impact on my professional and personal life mostly because I've had the opportunity to see our association through the eyes of our leaders, our staff and agents who work in other areas of the Hudson Valley that I don't normally have a chance to work with, and overall, making me a more well-rounded person which rubs off on the others around me."

Layla Boyles
Layla Boyles
Real Estate Associate Broker
Century 21 Realty Center

Darin Nan Palumbo

Darin "Nan" Palumbo
Real Estate Salesperson
Green Grass Real Estate Corp.

 

 

"I learned so much about my strengths and weaknesses from our Leadership Accelerator Program group project and enjoyed hearing the other participants' points of view. I also learned that even though we have distinctive personalities and opinions, there was organic cohesion in the group and I enjoyed watching it happen."

Dean Bailey, Real Estate Broker, Dean Bailey Agency
“Before LAP, I held three MLS Director positions for the MLS Board. LAP reignited my spark for involvement. I’m currently on the DEI Committee and Broker/Owners Committee. The camaraderie from my LAP classmates is astounding."

Cheryl Williams, Real Estate Salesperson, Corcoran Legends Realty
“The support is fantastic! I can now be part of the decision-making. It enabled me to come out of my shell. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime."

Lisa Graziano, Real Estate Salesperson, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty,
“LAP dove deeply into the processes and goals of HGAR and then introduced us to some spectacular speakers. LAP allowed me to observe and participate in the inner workings of the association."

Tana McGuire, Real Estate Associate Broker, Exp Realty
“Since graduating from LAP I now am an active member of the RPAC Fair Housing Committee and Member Day committee. I try to get younger, newer agents involved within HGAR and LAP because of the effect it has had on me.”

Ralph Gabay, Real Estate Salesperson, McGrath Realty Inc.
“LAP supported my development as a leader in my company and in the RE community. Currently, I am educating a number of new agents who joined during the pandemic and
have not been through major shifts in the market.”

Akino Morgan, Real Estate Associate Broker, Clarke Realty & Associates LLC
“After LAP my confidence increased with the great knowledge obtained and experiences with amazing leaders. There were many exceptional courses on the foundation of being a leader."

Tracey Scaro, Real Estate Salesperson, ERA Insite Realty Services
“LAP helped me build confidence in my professional skills and taught me some great methods for managing groups of people. LAP also helped me network with many other successful professionals in our field.”

Carly Heneghan, Real Estate Salesperson, Weichert Realtors
“LAP made me grow as a person in several different ways. I learned about new tools and new perspectives as well as stepped out of my comfort zone. LAP program definitely helped me become more comfortable sharing my thoughts in a confident manner.”

Tiffany French, Real Estate Salesperson, Clarke Realty
“LAP connected me to more people and committees within the association. LAP certainly Piqued my interest and willingness to participate in Lobby Day going forward.”

Dianne Defalco, Real Estate Associate Broker, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
“LAP Opened my eyes to all our boards offers us and inspired me to become more involved. Eventually I would like to be an instructor for HGAR.”

Adam Cherko, Real Estate Salesperson, Exp Realty
“LAP showed me the different aspects of how the association functions. With LAP tools I am still continuing to grow and learn as much as possible to better serve my clients' needs. I do plan applying to leadership within HGAR in the future.”

Julie Piazza, Real Estate Associate Broker, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
“I had minimal participation before LAP. After LAP I was certainly much more involved. I attend as many HGAR events as possible. As an LAP alum and growing leader my focus is to one day be an instructor for the board.”

Anthony Ruperto, Real Estate Broker, Ally Realty
“The leadership skills and qualities that I’ve been able to grow through LAP have been impressively helpful in my leadership roles at the association as well as in my real estate career.”

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