North Shore Real Producers - December 2022

Working with Dave has taken all of the guess work out of determining insurance coverage and needs for our family—we had previously enrolled in a corporate option, thinking that our best interests were protected; however, Dave’s analysis and insights not only saved us on premiums, but offered us more coverage. He holds the insurance for our home and our vehicles, continually updating us on policies and rates …without hesitation, I would recommend Dave for his knowledge, response rate and genuine customer service.

- Maureen Marblehead, MA

We have worked with Dave Bruett for only a few years and can confidently say we would never change. Dave's professionalism and responsiveness sets him apart from the other agents we have worked with. His expertise and thorough guidance provides us the confidence that we are making the right decisions for all our insurance needs. He is our 'go to!'

- Nora Marblehead, MA

Dave is so customer focused he makes things easy when it comes to insurance. Whether it is setting up a new policy, answering my questions promptly, helping get a claim filed or any other insurance related issue he is always right on top of it. I do all my personal insurance with him and when I started my own business a few years ago he set all that insurance up for me as well. Dave is the best!

- Sam Salem, MA

Heather Johnson Ad Strategist

Maeve Sherwood Social Media Manager

Corey Stein Photo + Video Production

Corey Stein Films

Michelle Morello

Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio

Geneva Eilertson Marketing Coordinator

Dr. Brian Ramsey Sr. Writer

Talman Hauch

Dan St. John Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio

Home Matters

HOSTING HOLIDAY GUESTS

Does hosting guests for the holidays seem like it will require an overwhelming amount of preparation? You could spend the entire holiday season worrying over the comfort of your guests. Or, by following a few simple suggestions and planning ahead, you can spend time relaxing and enjoying the festivities and their company!

Tidy Up Outside

Make your guests feel welcome by creating an inviting atmosphere before they even come inside. Designate space for your guests to park. Check to make sure your house number is easy to see, even at night. Free your driveway, sidewalk and front access of any clutter that may be unsightly or cause guests to trip. Last, ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit for guests arriving after dark.

Tidy Up Inside

Make common areas in your home, such as the entryway, living room and kitchen, feel inviting by decluttering them. Put away any shoes, jackets, toys or mail. Make sure to thoroughly clean your kitchen and bathrooms, as these rooms are sure to get quite a bit of use by your guests.

Think Like a Guest

When preparing for company, think of what you may need if you were the guest. Provide clean sheets and towels as well as extra pillows and blankets. You may also provide extra toiletries in your guest bathrooms, such as toothbrushes, soap and shampoo. Have extra toilet paper and a plunger stocked in all bathrooms so that everyone can avoid any potential embarrassment.

A few days before having houseguests, inquire about favorite snacks and

drinks and stock up on those items as well as coffee, tea, creamer/sugar and simple breakfast items, like cereal, milk, juice, fruit and granola bars.

Communicate Do any of your guests have circumstances that require specific accommodations, such as allergies or difficulty climbing stairs? Be sure to ask these questions ahead of time to prepare well and make everyone feel safe and comfortable. When your guests arrive, be sure to communicate any information that may be helpful to them, such as how to operate thermostats and any itinerary or timesensitive plans for their visit.

Taking the time to clean up, communicate and prepare ahead of time can make the difference between a stressful holiday season or treasured time well spent with family and friends.

Get Outside/Stay Active

Featured Agent: Kristin Bouchard

By Shauna Osborne and Megan Weatherly Lynn

MARK BUSA INSPECTOR SPOTLIGH T

Mark's extensive experience in remodeling and renovation has led him to become a home inspector.His experience as a craftsman and owner of an antique home motivated him to pursue the industry of home inspections. In Mark's role as an inspector, his keen eye for details is certainly a very valuable asset.

Additionally, he provides recommendations on how to remodel each home based on its unique features. One of Mark's greatest accomplishments is his two daughters, who he adores. He dedicated his continuous attention to detail from his first job as a craftsman to one of his employers. Aside from inspections, he enjoys his sense of humor with family and friends. In every home inspection, he finds a way to make

feel

to ease what can be a stressful process. After years of experience, Mark advises his younger self and youth alike that it is never too late to start being passionate about something you love. After a long day at work, Mark loves spending time with Will and Grace, his two dogs. Is there a furry friend in your life? Make this an inspection you will never forget by mentioning your furry friends during your inspection with Mark!

PREFERRED PARTNERS

ATTORNEY

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community *Please place Index on a left hand page and Tarpey Insurance ad opposite this article on the right.

Tiernan Law

Capano & McGloin, LLP

Lisa J. McGloin (781) 599-1010 CapanoMcGloin.com

Dalton & Finegold, LLP

Christina Petrucci (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com

Gilmore & Gilmore, Attorneys at Law Rachel Hollingsworth (978) 777-3480 GilmoreGilmore.com

ATTORNEY/TITLE COMPANY

Anthony G. Keck & Associates

Anthony Keck & Julie Rubenstein (978) 745-3353 Salem-Law.com

Cherry Tree Legal, PLLC Brendan L. Ward, Esq. (781) 496-2013 www.cherrytreelegal.com

Hallett Closing & Title, LLC David Hallett (781) 797-0088

Parry & Parry, P.C. Denise Parry (978) 346-0005

Simple Title Closing & Escrow PLLC

George Megaloudis (978) 539-7500 simpletitle.us

Sean Tiernan (617) 791-3538 Tiernan-Law.com

ESTATE SALES

Blue Moon Estate Sales Jonathan Mandell (781) 698-7379 BlueMoonEstateSales.com/ MerrimackValley

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Northwestern Mutual Martin Connolly (781) 224-1623

HOME INSPECTION

Indian Rock Inspections, LLC Brett Maloney (978) 766-0366 indianrockinspections.com

R.J. Home Inspection Adam Wright (800) 253-4402 rjhomeinspection.com

Vector Home Inspection, LLC Glenn Grutta (978) 705-1007 vectorhomeinspection.com

HOME RENOVATION

Curbio (810) 300-9432 Curbio.com

HOME STAGING Staged Occasions Tara Konaxis (978) 885-0125 stagedoccasions.com

HOME STAGING & DESIGN Relux Decor Ashley O’Shea (978) 979-6532 ReluxDecor.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

Tarpey Insurance Elizabeth Kent (781) 246-2677 tarpeyinsurance.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

David Bruett Insurance Services David Bruett (978) 594-5308 davebruettinsurance.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Living Swell Diana James (781) 990-5150 livingswellmarblehead.com

MORTGAGE / LENDER NewFed Mortgage Brian D’Amico (781) 241-1225 newfed.com

MORTGAGE LENDER Academy Mortgage Adam Moore (978) 697-6019 AcademyMortgage.com/ about-us/team/adammoore

CrossCountry MortgageLiz & Mike Team Liz Ryan (978) 237-4431 ccm.com/liz-ryan

NRL Mortgage Anthony Lapolla (978) 209-0916 www.AnthonyAtNRL.com

Salem Five Mortgage Company Brian Mahoney (978) 479-1571

MOVERS

Humboldt Storage & Moving Jim Sullivan (781) 821-8777 Humboldt.com PHOTOGRAPHER Lightshed Photography Studio Dan St. John (978) 854-5348 lightshedphoto.com

PUBLIC ADJUSTING SERVICES

Panakio Adjusters, Inc. Melissa Sherwood (781) 592-7575 panakioadjusters.com

RE TRANSACTION COORDINATOR

Real Estate TC Services Jessica Martinez (978) 770-2964

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Corey Stein Films Corey Stein (781) 479-7774 CoreySteinFilms.com

NOTE publisher’s

I’m very excited about this issue. I’ve had a vision for this December cover for over a year now, and it’s so rewarding to see it come to fruition.

The very first time I met Devlyn Brackett and Tom Janis of the Brackett Janis Group, Engel & VÖlkers, it was in September 2020, and all my meetings at that time were over Zoom. Tom and Devlyn agreed to meet with me one eve ning, and it might have been the most fun I’ve ever had during a meeting.

I recall us each having an adult beverage in hand because, after all, it was cocktail hour! I was warmly welcomed by the dynamic duo as if we’d known each other for years. We shared our work histories, told sto ries, made lots of jokes and laughed ... a lot. Even our respective pets made appearances on screen as well.

But in the past two years, and again at our photo shoot for this issue, I’ve come to realize that this is what Tom and Devlyn do. It’s who they are, and it’s why they’re so successful. They are true professionals and perfectionists who have mastered their craft and

continuously search for ways to serve their clients better. And I’ll save you the suspense; they throw great parties!

I first approached Devlyn about my idea that I just couldn’t seem to get out of my head. I told her I see you in a red, sequined dress and Tom in a black tuxedo in front of your trademark red ribbon door on closing day. With zero hesitation, Devlyn said absolutely, let’s do it.

Needless to say, our subjects nailed it! And not to take anything away from Lightshed Photography Studio’s, and North Shore Real Producers’ own, Michelle Morello, who did beautiful work with this issue, but our subjects managed to master their modeling craft as well.

We’re arguably delivering the best issue that we’ve produced in two years, and it starts with our fan tastic cover! Thank you again to Devlyn and Tom for helping to see my vision for this issue but also for taking the task seriously, humorously and, as always, professionally to pull it off!

Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season for everyone!

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher

North Shore Real Producers

JEFF TERLIK

KELLER WILLIAMS

FINDING THE

RIGHT

PLACE FOR YOUR PASSION

rising star

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Senior Writer Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

Jeff Terlik has always had a passion for providing a high level of service for the client/customer. He chose to study business administration with a minor in Hospitality at the University of New Hampshire, and after grad uating, he entered the hospitality industry at Wentworth by the Sea. Unfortunately, the schedule was grueling, and there was little upward mobility, so Jeff pivoted his career.

Real estate has always been on Jeff’s mind, as his mother has achieved success in it for over 25 years, and his brother is in commercial real estate. He took the licensing test in his sophomore year at college, and when he made the change to work with his mom, he shadowed her for a few months. He has been in real estate for six years now, and he cannot imagine anything else.

Jeff knows that families are making one of the greatest financial decisions

in their lives, and the fact that they would trust him and rely on him is quite fulfilling. He finds his labors satisfying, and he loves the details of helping either sellers or buyers. Whether he is helping to prepare a home for showing by putting the pieces together or strategizing about how to maximize the sale or even networking with various people to get an offer accepted, it does not really seem like work to him.

Terlik notes that his early start (age) was interesting, and he knew that he did not have a lot of experience, but he was confident of his agency and the support that he had behind him; he focused on and empha sized those advantages.

Working in real estate requires much patience, and Jeff defines success in it as staying resilient and engaged while forming great relationships. “It is important to never become easily deflated or diffused,” he says, “and I have worked hard to develop habits that keep me on task and optimistic.” Joining his mother’s business was a game-changer for him, and he has enjoyed learning about all aspects of the business. He particularly enjoys new construction.

Recently, Jeff purchased a two-family investment property in Beverly Cove, and he thinks that being a landlord is great. He lives in the upper part and rents the lower part to recent graduates of Endicott College. He also enjoys spending time with his Boston

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NEVER BECOME EASILY DEFLATED OR DIFFUSED.

Terrier puppy, Ruby, and they like to hike around and see the great sites of the parks and neighborhoods of Beverly Cove. Jeff enjoys being active, the outdoors and yoga too.

Terlik has learned that the best agents always act and look professional. They are polite, detail-oriented, and give a high level of service with good communication and support teamwork. Jeff loves solving prob lems (putting out fires) through his experience and knowledge, and he has a reputation for being available for his clients. He likes to approach his business in a proactive sense, and he tells newer agents to find a mentor and maybe even a team to join for support, but he knows that the work is about relationships.

Going forward, Jeff is excited about the possibilities. He says that a lot of people have remarked about him working with his mom — family can sometimes be difficult, but he enjoys it. It works as they have focused on their proper lane and try to leverage their skills for the clients’ benefit. “We have consistently increased our sales production each year, and I am licensed to sell in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, plus I have referred business to other parts of New England and Florida,” he says.

Jeff’s overall strategy is to keep it all very simple, which is easy when you find your passion meeting your skill set.

HOSTING HOLIDAY GUESTS

By Shauna Osborne and Megan Weatherly Lynn

Does hosting guests for the holidays seem like it will require an overwhelming amount of preparation? You could spend the entire holiday season worrying over the comfort of your guests. Or, by following a few simple suggestions and planning ahead, you can spend time relaxing and enjoying the festivities and their company!

Tidy Up Outside

Make your guests feel welcome by creating an inviting atmosphere before they even come inside. Designate space for your guests to park. Check to make sure your house number is easy to see, even at night. Free your driveway, sidewalk and front access of any clutter that may be unsightly or cause guests to trip. Last, ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit for guests arriving after dark.

Tidy Up Inside

Make common areas in your home, such as the entryway, living room and kitchen, feel inviting by decluttering them. Put away any shoes, jackets, toys or mail. Make sure to thoroughly clean your kitchen and bathrooms, as these rooms are sure to get quite a bit of use by your guests.

Think Like a Guest

When preparing for company, think of what you may need if you were the guest. Provide clean sheets and towels as well as extra pillows and blankets. You may also provide extra toiletries in your guest bathrooms, such as toothbrushes, soap and shampoo. Have extra toilet paper and a plunger stocked in all bathrooms so that everyone can avoid any potential embarrassment.

A few days before having houseguests, inquire about favorite snacks and

drinks and stock up on those items as well as coffee, tea, creamer/sugar and simple breakfast items, like cereal, milk, juice, fruit and granola bars.

Communicate

Do any of your guests have circumstances that require specific accommodations, such as allergies or difficulty climbing stairs? Be sure to ask these questions ahead of time to prepare well and make everyone feel safe and comfortable. When your guests arrive, be sure to communicate any information that may be helpful to them, such as how to operate thermostats and any itinerary or timesensitive plans for their visit.

Taking the time to clean up, communicate and prepare ahead of time can make the difference between a stressful holiday season or treasured time well spent with family and friends.

partner spotlight

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Senior Writer Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

— John Wesley

There is a stellar amount of good going on at Gilmore & Gilmore LLC and a plethora of great too, and this firm can aptly be described as “a small-town firm with big-city experience.” The firm was launched over 50 years ago by Attorney Richard S. Gilmore, Sr., and they have been in the same loca tion now for 35 years. Rick Gilmore and Rachel Hollingsworth are a dynamic team, both professionally and personally, and they labor diligently to continue to raise the bar (see what we did there) or benchmark of quality service so that closings are on time and accurate.

Gilmore & Gilmore is known in the community for the quality of their legal work, and people also know that they are completely supportive of their community. The firm’s team is professional and friendly and boasts some significant experience. Although they are responsible for a broad spectrum of legal services such as Probate, Personal Injury, Business Formation and Estate Planning, agents are particularly appreciative of their effectiveness in closing transactions.

The fast-paced and hurried life of an agent seems to push the process of closing deals to a frenzied pace, but Rick and Rachel and their team find great satisfaction in being known for

their efficiency, accuracy and ability to schedule closings in a timely fashion.

Agents appreciate their commitment to setting proper expectations and their tendency to overcommunicate so that all parties are on the same page. First-time buyers love the fact that Gilmore & Gilmore walk with them hand-in-hand through a totally new process with ease and that they seem to be thrilled with the opportu nity to respond to endless questions while offering formative solutions.

Rick notes, “we love the relationships we forge with these clients, and we

want to become their attorneys for life.” Rachel also explains that they are passionate about educating the community (agents and clients) about matters that are important in the real estate process.

“We provide up-to-date legal informa tion,” she says, “and we love to teach and train people about the process of buying/selling a home so that they are prepared to make informed decisions on such a momentous opportunity.”

For Rick and Rachel, success is knowing that their firm is full of happy and healthy people and that the firm

is a very positive place. The couple works hard to achieve a work-life balance, and they constantly encourage their staff to do so as well. Rachel describes the goal and notes that setting clear expectations is key. They work to find professional and personal margins in their lives, and she quips that they often have to force team members to take their vacation days.

Rachel is passionate about the quality of life that she and the staff live. Not long ago, an extended illness and personal tragedy in her life brought her face-to-face with a new perspective: life can be short; make it a priority. Rick explains, “we ask the team to take their birthdays off, and we cover for one another when people need to attend their children’s events.”

Rick has two sons, Zach (18) and Tyler (16), who are very involved in baseball, soccer and skiing. He and Rachel have two furry friends: a black Lab named Myles and a Pomeranian named Sparkle, who is the office mascot. The couple loves to play golf and travel, and they own properties that they use as Airbnbs. Rachel says that she hopes to own and run a bed and breakfast on the water someday too.

Both Rick and Rachel are involved in their com munity, serving on various boards for the Boys and Girls Club in Merrimack Valley, Friends Forever USA, Awesome Georgetown and the Danvers YMCA and Rotary. Rick would love to go on an African Safari sometime, while Rachel would enjoy a hut in Bora Bora. If they had to pick any job in the world

and be successful, she would be a kindergarten teacher or Supreme Court Justice, and Rick would have expanded his brief stint as a certified Major League Baseball agent.

It is easy to see why the team follows this duo and why clients love to work with them; they exude energy and make things fun. Yet, behind the pleasurable experience, there is a keen sense of a balance between collaboration and advocation. Gilmore & Gilmore is committed to strongly advocating for its clients, and they also recognize the professional need to work with all the involved parties to reach mutually agreed-upon solutions and provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

With offices in Danvers, Newburyport and Boston, Gilmore & Gilmore is close or just a phone call away. You can reach them at 978-777-3480 or visit their website at gilmoregilmore.com.

We love the relationships we forge with these clients, and we want to become their attorneys for life.

healthy living

Sweet Dreams for the Holidays

By Shauna Osborne

The holiday season is a beloved time for many, eagerly looking forward all year to those treasured times of togetherness, food and fun. All this merrymaking, however, comes with its own set of stressors, which have been shown to lead to weakened health management behaviors during the holiday months. As we head into the throes of bustling December, it’s important to practice healthy sleep habits to help preserve your immune system and emotional well-being.

Pace Yourself and Adjust Expectations

Avoid overloading the calendar with social obligations, and practice saying “no” to commitments that don’t inspire joy or feel too overwhelming. Try to plan ahead, ask for help where needed, and pace holiday activities like decorating and gift-buying and wrapping to cut down on last-minute rushing.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Strive to follow the rules of good sleep hygiene during the holidays. Avoid caffeine, large meals and too much alcohol before bed. Ensure your resting space is quiet, dark and at a comfortable temperature

While the weather outside may be frightful, it’s a perfect time for enjoying outdoor activities.

and power down all electronics, as they emit a light similar to daylight that confuses our bodies’ production of melatonin — the hormone that promotes sleep.

Get Outside/Stay Active

While the weather outside may be frightful, it’s a perfect time for enjoying outdoor activities such as taking a brisk walk or hike, skiing or even building a snowman, depending on where you live. With daytime hours shorter during the winter, it’s crucial to take advantage of what little light is available to keep circadian rhythms in check.

This holiday season, resolve to make merry with friends and family, enjoy the season to its fullest and practice good sleep habits for a bright and promising 2023!

featured agent

By NSRP Senior Writer Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

KRISTIN BOUCHARD

— Churchill Properties

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

If you follow the storied pro fessional career of Kristin Bouchard, you will need a legal pad of paper and a good pen to keep up. Real estate is her second career. Cosmetics came first. After high school, Kristin, like most her age, enrolled in college. She quickly determined it was not for her. “I like to say I spent 10 minutes in college in 1983.”

A friend told her to interview for a position at Peabody Filene’s (now Macy’s), where she found her first rejection; they said she was too young and did not hire her. One month later, she found out the position was not filled, so in true Kristin spirit, she prepared round two — going back to interview again. This time she was hired to represent Chanel Cosmetics for $4.70 per hour, which was half what she earned at her prior job. “I saw growth in this industry and a future.”

After being offered the job, Kristin out sold the Boston store, and the buying office took notice. “I remember the buyers driving out from Boston to see why my sales were so high.” Kristin began a long process of impacting and training other salespeople.

Kristin was promoted to go on the road to “all” the Boston area department stores and train counter personnel how to sell. “I never thought I was all that great at painting faces, but I loved working with people and giving advice.”

One fateful day Kristin was at Neiman Marcus when an executive was in from New York representing Orlane Cosmetics. “They were looking for an account coordinator and asked me to interview.” She landed the job after a second interview in New York the next day. “I was 22, and my friends were not out of college; suddenly, I have this career starting,” she remembers.

After a short time, Kristin was pro moted to account executive covering Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, and parts of New York. Her position was all about hiring top salespeople and covering all national accounts, including Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor and more. “Many of the stores are now gone.”

At 26, the President of Orlane Cosmetics promoted her to VP of the cosmetics division, giving her a national title to cover all stores in the USA domestically. “I was in my early twenties, and I had stayed at every Four Seasons Hotel in the world; it was exciting for a young girl from Peabody.”

At 28, She met her husband Paul and returned to Boston to continue her cosmetic career. Kristin worked for Givenchy, where she won account executive of the year and a trip to Paris. “It was a lot better than college for me at the time.” At one point, one of the stores she oversaw was number one in the USA. I finished up my cosmetic 19-year career as a regional vice president for a division of Estee Lauder. The travel was becoming con suming, and it was time to pivot.

Kristin was intrigued by real estate. After taking her test, she drove straight to Coldwell Banker and asked for a job. She remembers asking the broker if she would be good at it, and

her response was, “I really do not know.” She won Rookie of the Year (2005), and the rest of her real estate career reads close to her first career — lots of success.

Kristin loves her work but says it is a hard business, much like a roller coaster. One of her most memorable sales was for the estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Updike. Several agents interviewed with his stepsons and widow to try and land the listing. At first, the family could not decide who to hire. “I called the sons

and offered to fly to New York City and take them out for breakfast. My husband thought I was crazy. They accepted the offer, and I flew in.” Kristin met all three sons at Rockefeller center. The family had a membership on the club level. After breakfast, she landed the listing. “Each son shook my hand and said they liked my style and motivation.”

For Kristin, success is about being willing to do anything. “You have to be able to jump in the trenches and make things happen even if the job is undesirable.” Kristin has observed that the best agents are knowledge able, responsive, and responsible.

Kristin has been described as caring, compassionate, and creative. She is very determined too — once working with a gentleman for four years to find the right home. He let her go at one point and went with another agent for a time. “I continued to watch for his dream home, and when it was avail able, I called him and had my largest sale in the summer of 2021 for $5.5 million. This was a private sale.”

Bouchard revealed her amazing sense of completion when at the age of 47, she went back to college, and at 50 years old, she walked with the tradi tional college students half her age and earned her business degree with honors — summa cum lade (4.0) from Endicott College.

From cosmetics to real estate, it has been a long, successful journey.

YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO JUMP IN THE TRENCHES AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN EVEN IF THE JOB IS UNDESIRABLE.

Whose story should we tell next?

Nominate a REALTOR®, agent, or broker to be featured in an upcoming issue. Email the publisher of this magazine to let us know why your nominee deserves to be featured.

Real Producers tells the stories of the top real estate agents in this market.

BRACKETT JANIS GROUP ENGEL

& VÖLKERS

The Red Bow Treatment!

cover feature

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Senior Writer Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

There are teams — you know, where people are connected under one label or title, and then there are teams that seem to move in an incred ible tandem motion where they look like one. Meet Devlyn Brackett and Tom Janis. Clients often ask them if they are married — which is a no — but they finish one another’s sentences, and they are often heard saying, “I know where you are going with this.”

Devlyn and Tom are wise enough to know what their strengths are, and they leverage their skill sets so that the client receives the most bene fit. Brackett wanted to go to college and study writing, but her grandfather, who was paying the bill, suggested business. After pursuing a degree in business, Devlyn began her career in real estate by working in an administrative capacity for a boutique firm. She loves the administrative details, and Tom says that she is a great thera pist — a real voice of reason.

Tom, as a very young boy, used to grab the newspaper that came to his home one day a week (Thursday) and open it to the real estate section to see the various homes for sale. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in business, he worked for IBM for a decade and spent significant time with Dunn & Bradstreet as well. Devlyn says he is stellar with numbers and a good negotiator too.

This tandem team never has to choose who gets the leads, and they do not have to discuss who needs to accomplish a task. Each pulls their own weight, and they love to accomplish their busi ness together. For them, success is only achieved through a combined effort, and Devlyn notes that she realized later in her career that the first part was not really fun — having no one to pro fessionally share it with. Tom says that a proper culture, a purposeful brand and a ton of mutual respect are all key ingredients for the formula.

Devlyn and Tom have observed that becoming a corporate sponsor for a local museum was a game-changer for their partnership. It was a time when many businesses were pulling out of community involvement (financially), but that just made this team double down. Their commitment to the com munity is vital, and they enjoy support ing it both with finances and service.

Both Devlyn and Tom strive to do what the best agents are doing: knowing their product, bringing endless enthu siasm and treating their clients as if they were their own mothers. They know that it is important to do what they say they will do, and they each love the “extraordinary” aspect of the business. It is about being a servant,

and that is why they coined the phrase “Red Bow Treatment.” They want their service to be memorable and sacrificial and to be seen as a gift. They habit ually “show up” and listen well, and they are able to reap the rewards.

For those who are newer to the indus try, this team has sage advice. Find a good culture first! They challenge agents to realize that no question is too mundane to ask and to shop around for a mentor and great brokerage. They know that agents will contribute to the agencies as much as the brokerages contribute to the agents, so finding the right place is crucial. Teams are not for everyone, but Brackett and Janis have found a great way to demonstrate that they are better together.

Devlyn and Tom are pleased with their business strategy, and in time, they might organically increase their numbers, but it would have to be with the right members who fit the culture. They are optimistic about the future of real estate sales, and they are not fearful of the challenging market. They are used to taking people under their wings to help them become a better person and agent, and they are adept at developing people and chal lenging them to grow.

Brackett and Janis are known for their creativity and “outside the box” thinking to help clients through the process. They once posted two homes for over $4 million though the area

had not seen those prices yet. They hired a chef to come and fix a meal for their clients, who sat for three hours enjoying the meal and gazing at the ocean. The dinner was trimmed with all the accouterments of fine linens, china, crystal and such. The team also created an experience at the other home, and in the end, both sold for over $4 million.

Someday, regarding legacy, Devlyn Brackett and Tom Janis hope people remember them as ethical and kind people to work with and that they exuded a high standard by providing a great experience that matched high expectations. Along the way, they will always add — the Red Bow Treatment — a signature of their work.

ALONG THE WAY, THEY WILL ALWAYS ADD — THE RED BOW TREATMENT — A SIGNATURE OF THEIR WORK.

financial fitness

By Shauna Osborne Update employee and

payroll

records.

Now is a good time to do a careful audit of the human resources-type information you have for your employees, including addresses, phone numbers, payroll information, passwords and systems access.

Get the books in order. What better time to step back and observe the big picture?

Running a small business, especially in a demanding year, can make it easy to get caught up in the daily details. Run and evaluate major financial reports, such as a profit and loss statement (P&L), balance sheet and detailed cash flow report. Check in with your financial advisor or accountant with any questions or concerns; if you think changes may be in order, investigate different tax strategies together. Turn over relevant documents to your tax preparer (or make plans to settle them yourself).

Review this year’s goals and set new ones.

Once you have a clear snapshot of where your business is currently, you can take a look at the goals you set for yourself last year and analyze your progress. Did the business accomplish what you envisioned this year? Why or why not?

From there, you can use what you learned to set new goals for the coming year. Your business goals should be challenging, relevant, actionable, consistent and achievable. Remember, businesses that fail to plan plan to fail!

End-of-Year Tax Checklist for

SMALL BUSINESSES

As a small-business owner, the holiday season is probably one of your busiest times of the year, and taxes are likely the last matter you want to distract you from business priorities right now. However, the year’s end is a critical time to address several financial tasks to ensure your business’s taxes are in order and that you’re starting off the new year strong!

Did the business accomplish what you envisioned this year?

Why or why not?