6 minute read
Welcoming our Next President, Denise Lewis
Be ready to Be One. Do One. Bring One.
Meet Denise Lewis, an inspiring leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, a deep commitment to service, and a passion for education and advocacy in real estate. From an early start in banking and marketing to building her own successful brokerage, Denise’s journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a drive to uplift others. As she steps into her role as the next President of Maryland REALTORS®, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a vision rooted in empowerment, professionalism, and community.
Maryland REALTORS®: What drew you to a career in real estate? What were you doing before?
Denise Lewis: I bought my first home at just 21 while working as the executive director for the president of a direct marketing company. Before that, I had started in banking and quickly climbed the corporate ladder in various small companies. I was fortunate to have been offered many opportunities.
But over time, I realized that I wanted to build something of my own—something I genuinely loved, even if I didn’t know what that was yet. The agent who sold me my first house when I was just 21 thought I’d make a great agent. Many years later, a friend who was a real estate agent, suggested the same thing. That validation sparked my interest. I got licensed in 2003 all while still working full-time in the corporate world. Eventually, I knew real estate was my calling. My husband made that leap possible—he kept things steady at home while I built my business.
MR: What is it about real estate that continues to attract you?
Denise: I’m that person who’s always curious about how others live—I want to peek inside every home I see! Whether I’m traveling or just walking through New York, I look up and wonder what the apartments are like inside. That curiosity led me here.
But once I got into real estate, I discovered how dynamic it is. Every day is different. I don’t see myself as a salesperson—my role is to educate and advocate. Whether I’m doing buyer consults or listing appointments, I bring the same passion every time. It’s incredibly rewarding to empower clients through knowledge.
MR: You’ve held many roles—REALTOR®, broker, past president of Carroll County REALTORS®, and now president of Maryland REALTORS®. What draws you to leadership?
Denise: Honestly, it felt like the natural next step. I’ve had amazing mentors who invested in me and encouraged me to grow. That tap on the shoulder—that moment when someone believes in you—can change everything. And I’ve been lucky to receive that kind of support.
MR: Reflecting on your experience, what does it take to be a good broker today?
Denise: I always joke, “I’m a broker, and I get broker and broker every day”—and I don’t just mean financially! Being a broker is a big responsibility. I run a small brokerage because I value a family-like atmosphere, but I hear this echoed at all levels: it is essential for our brokers to get more involved.
There’s a lot of noise and misinformation out there, especially now. If brokers aren’t plugged in, their agents will feel lost. Our challenge is to get them in the room. It’s about building relationships, setting expectations, and making sure we’re present and engaged in these conversations.
MR: Why is the Three-Way Agreement important?
Denise: It’s about education. Many brokers don’t fully understand the value of the Three-Way Agreement— how the local, state, and national associations all support each other. It’s foundational. And the benefits far outweigh the dues.
When you’re not in the room, you’re more likely to believe the noise outside. We need to do a better job showing members the true value they’re getting.
MR: Your motto is “Be one. Do one. Bring one.” Can you explain what this means for our members?
Denise: “Be one” means being the kind of professional others aspire to emulate—professional, compassionate, collaborative. We all need to play well together in the sandbox while still representing our clients with integrity.
MR: And “Do one?”
Denise: That goes back to 2015, when I attended leadership training in Chicago. The 2016 NAR President-Elect Tom Salomone brought in the professional boxer Evander Holyfield to speak about how the Boys & Girls Club changed his life. We were challenged to do something for our communities with the Boys & Girls Club.
I took what I learned in Chicago, and I said, “we’re getting involved.” After returning home, I discovered that, indeed, Carroll County had a Boys & Girls Club; just very few knew about it. I got involved, got our REALTORS® involved, and it became a passion project. I’ve served on its Board, including serving as Chair. Giving back to your community—doing something tangible—can be life-changing.
MR: Finally, “Bring one?”
Denise: You can tell people how great a conference is, but nothing compares to bringing them along. That’s how I got started—someone tapped me and said,
“Pack your bag.” That experience led me to people like JoAnne Poole, who showed me what true leadership looks like.
You are who you surround yourself with. Whether you’re in first grade or 65, that never changes. Being in the room with the right people made me who I am today.
MR: What will be your top priorities as Maryland REALTORS® President?
Denise: I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel. There have been great initiatives before me that deserve to continue and evolve. Chris Hill’s financial literacy initiative was incredible, especially its engagement with educators. Cheryl Abrams Davis’ Next Gen program is another one I’ve loved and want to grow and continue.
Broker engagement is big for me, especially helping small and medium brokerages access legal tools and resources. The Broker Portal (broker.mdrealtor.org) is a fantastic step in that direction. I want to make sure people know it exists—and that we build on it.
MR: What challenges do you see ahead in the industry?
Denise: Education remains a major hurdle. Too many professionals still don’t know what they’re doing, which hurts the rest of us. We’ve got to engage the right people, get them in the room, and keep them engaged.
And, honestly, our biggest challenge is the unknown. Just when we think we’ve cleared one landmine, another five appear. My goal for the year? Avoid those landmines—and help our members do the same.
