Earlier this week I was ‘installed’ as the 2012 President of the Kauai Board of Realtors. It was the first time in many years that the Kauai Board of Realtors has had an evening event, and open to guests. At Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua, we had quite the party. Over 170 people were in attendance, with executives from the Hawaii Association of Realtors visiting from Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, along with a few other Realtors from other islands.
I’m constantly asked why I volunteer at the Board of Realtors. Unfortunately there’s a perception that it leads to reduction in income, and that it takes so much time. Both perceptions are misguided, if not totally false. I could be guilty of drinking the indoctrination Kool-aide, but so far my short career of volunteering has brought only successful political action (which has greatly benefited our local community) and an increased ability to conduct business that I would have otherwise avoided or never had access to in the first place (especially in the case of short sales and REOs). Keeping track of current legislation by being on the front lines has helped my career immensely, both as a salesperson and a business-owner.
The entire process builds equity. It adds value to the organization, the political process and, ultimately, to the community. Yes, it takes time. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s downright annoying. But if we’re going to have an organization that serves our community, educates itself (and the legislature) and stands for home ownership… then sometimes there’s going to be tension and disagreement. Sometimes tension and disagreement gets s**t done.
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
December 18, 2011
As President of the West Hawaii Association of Realtors (for the second time) on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, I remind my Board of Directors all the time that disagreement is encouraged and welcome. When everyone agrees with me out of the gate, I know there is a problem. REALTORS are a diverse population group, and we serve a diverse population of members, and clients. Thus it stands to reason that we would – and should – have differing opinions. The most important thing, then, is to encourage members – especially BOD members – to share those differences aloud. And now, of course, the stuffed rooster has come home to Kauai such that you have a way to interrupt tension and disagreements that careen out of control – without hurting anyone and I promise it will make everyone crack up! Best of luck to you this year – know that I am here for support and understanding regarding your new “job” in a way most others can not offer you, but I do require – ahem – “compensation” for my time! Hee. Kidding. We both know that “compensation” for doing volunteer work is deeper and wider than anyone who isn’t willing to give will ever know. Imua, Mr. Top 100 Inman News Influential!!
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
December 18, 2011
As President of the West Hawaii Association of Realtors (for the second time) on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, I remind my Board of Directors all the time that disagreement is encouraged and welcome. When everyone agrees with me out of the gate, I know there is a problem. REALTORS are a diverse population group, and we serve a diverse population of members, and clients. Thus it stands to reason that we would – and should – have differing opinions. The most important thing, then, is to encourage members – especially BOD members – to share those differences aloud. And now, of course, the stuffed rooster has come home to Kauai such that you have a way to interrupt tension and disagreements that careen out of control – without hurting anyone and I promise it will make everyone crack up! Best of luck to you this year – know that I am here for support and understanding regarding your new “job” in a way most others can not offer you, but I do require – ahem – “compensation” for my time! Hee. Kidding. We both know that “compensation” for doing volunteer work is deeper and wider than anyone who isn’t willing to give will ever know. Imua, Mr. Top 100 Inman News Influential!!