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CRB Briefcase

By CRB, Real Estate Business Magazine, December 2006/January 2007

Richard Mendenhall and Bonnie Sparks

Richard Mendenhall, CCIM, CIPS, CRB, GRI (left) and Bonnie Sparks, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI

Two Industry Leaders Honored at CRB Special Event

Council members and industry colleagues gathered during the 2006 REALTOR® Conference & Expo at an event celebrating the accomplishments of Hall of Leaders inductee, Richard Mendenhall, CCIM, CIPS, CRB, GRI and the installation of Bonnie Sparks, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI as the 2007 Council President.


Richard Mendenhall speaking at a podium

Second-generation CRB Richard Mendenhall accepts his induction into the Hall of Leaders.

Richard Mendenhall Joins Hall of Leaders

Mendenhall, CCIM, CIPS, CRB, GRI is a second-generation CRB, Past President of the National Association of REALTORS® and a true leader in the industry. Bruce Aydt, 2006 President-Elect of the Missouri Association of REALTORS® and friend and colleague of this year's inductee, did the honors of presenting the prestigious award. He spoke of Richard's strides in the industry, infectious spirit and his commitment to lifelong learning. He shared his own story of what an inspiration Richard has been in his own life and how he is an inspiring leader to the entire real estate industry. He spoke of Richard's sense of community and unwavering support of his family, friends and colleagues.

Bruce Aydt speaking at a podium

Bruce Aydt presents the prestigious award.

The Hall of Leaders Award was established to honor CRB Designees whose significant contributions continue to shape and influence the real estate industry locally and nationally. Past inductees include Ebby Halliday, CRB, CRS, LTG, Ebby Halliday REALTORS®, Joseph F. Hanauer, CIPS, CRB, CRE, Combined Investments, L.P, Dave Liniger, CRB and Gail Liniger, ABR, CRB, RE/MAX International, Inc., Art Godi, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, Art Godi REALTORS®, William A. Watson, CRB, GRI of Watson Realty Corporation and J. Lennox Scott, CRB of John L. Scott Real Estate.

Richard Mendenhall and William Furst Jr. pose with Hall of Leaders award

Richard Mendenhall (left) and Immediate Past President William Furst Jr., CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, celebrate at the Hall of Leaders Award ceremony.

Bonnie Sparks-Gray Installed as 2007 CRB Council President

Drexanne Evers, ABR, ABRM, CRB, installed Bonnie Sparks-Gray, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI. A Council Past President and Master Instructor, Evers highlighted Bonnie's career and contributions with a combination of humor and accolades. She applauded her years of success in the real estate industry as a broker/owner, trainer and Master Instructor for the CRB Council. Evers concluded her remarks by acknowledging Bonnie's commitment and contributions to both the industry and the Council.

Drexanne Evers speaking to Bonnie Sparks-Gray at podium

Bonnie Sparks-Gray (right) is installed as 2007 President.

After her installation, Bonnie commended the efforts of the Board of Directors, Council staff and volunteers for the positive strategic direction of the Council. She expressed her excitement and enthusiasm for the CRB Council as it continues on the path of growth and becoming the SOURCE for managers, brokers and owners.

Bonnie Sparks-Gray speaking at podium

Bonnie Sparks-Gray commends the efforts of Council staff and volunteers.

Bonnie Sparks-Gray began her real estate career in Iowa in 1976. Throughout her career she has been involved in real estate sales and management as well as real estate training, education and consultation. Currently she is President of the Real Estate Brokerage Division of Mel Foster Company, the largest independently-owned brokerage company in the state of Iowa and the fourth largest in Illinois.

She is also owner of Bonnie Sparks Seminars of Bettendorf, Iowa and a Master Instructor for the CRB Council. Prior to joining Mel Foster, she served as a Vice President and Director of Education for Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors, Inc.

She was named the 1993 National Association of REALTORS® Educator of the Year and the 1994 REALTOR® of the Year for the state of Iowa. She is involved on various committees within the Council and the real estate industry and volunteers her time locally and nationally. Additionally, Bonnie has been involved in course development and contributing articles to various real estate outlets.

Sparks-Gray holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa.

CRB Day During the REALTORS® Conference & Expo

The Council sponsored several educational sessions for brokers and managers as a part of CRB Day during the 2006 Convention. Share the valuable ideas presented by purchasing an audio tape, audio CD, or MP3. Visit www.playbacknow.com for a list of available CDs and tapes or call 800-241-7785 to place your order today!

Ahead of the Curve: Best Fresh Ideas for Management

(ID #216-73)

Revitalize your office! Managers and broker owners will learn the best emerging trends for increased productivity, profitability and agent retention. You will be able to increase and manage productivity, effectively recruit staff, efficiently manage time and implement the top three emerging leadership trends that retain your best producers. Speaker: Carla Cross, CRB.

Anchoring Agents: Keeping You Centered in a Changing Consumer Market

(ID #216-79)

Sink or Swim? There is an increasing collection of real estate research tools agents must keep abreast of in order to meet client expectations. This session will allow you, the broker, to recognize and use the available tools to stay afloat in today's real estate market. Identify changing consumer demands created by information online, identify appropriate resources needed to stay informed of industry trends, and use technology to provide clients with a complete home buying/selling experience. Speaker: Sherry Chris.

How to Start a Real Estate Office from Scratch

(ID #216-84)

Prepare for success! Whether you are a newly organized brokerage or about to launch your brokerage, be sure to structure your real estate office the right way. Be a better decision-maker during this transitional time through a keener understanding of the start-up process. You will be presented with 3 simple strategies to help in the transition from sales person to broker/manager; and given 10 key steps in starting your real estate brokerage. Speaker: Cliff Perotti, CRB, e-PRO, GRI.

Kudos to these CRB Designees on their achievement as REALTOR® of the Year

Since 1956, the National Association of REALTORS® has been honoring the state REALTORS® of the Year at the Annual Convention in November. The program is designed to give recognition to REALTORS® who have served not only their profession, but also their communities.

  • Jim Furr, ABR, CRB, Arkansas
  • R. Scott Case, CRB, CRS, Iowa
  • Milton O. Seigrist, ABR, CRB, Kansas
  • Dot Miller, CRB, GRI, Kentucky
  • Bill Trask, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI, Maine
  • Rita M. Griess, CRB, CRS, GRI, Nebraska
  • Henry W. Fries, CRB, New York
  • Scout Louser, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI, North Dakota
  • Bonnie J. Boyd, ABR, ABRM, CRB, GRI, Ohio
  • Sam Rader, CRB, GRI, Oklahoma
  • Rafael Munoz, CRB, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, Puerto Rico
  • Donna O. Smith, CRB, CRS, GRI, South Carolina
  • Claire Wallace, CRB, Vermont
Map of united states highlighting Nevada

New CRB Chapter

Welcome Nevada!

Nevada joins 13 other CRB Chapters across the country. This growing network offers education, events and CRB promotion activities.

By joining your local Chapter, you're increasing many times over the number and range of benefits, referrals and networking opportunities you receive.

Members only feature

The rest of this page is only available to members of the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers. If you are a member, please sign in.

If you are not a member and are interested in becoming one, please read the membership information.

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I was thrilled with the coursework and began implementing ideas immediately! I was so devoted that I became a CRB instructor in 1989. The resources, networking opportunities, and coursework applications have made the CRB Council my SOURCE.

Bonnie Sparks-Gray, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, Mel Foster Company, Davenport, IA, 2007 CRB Council President