18 minute read

REAL ESTATE

Jenny Thorson

Realtor Realty One Group Homelink Corona, CA

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Corona, CA — Jenny Thorson is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Realtor for her excellence in the Real Estate field and in acknowledgment of her work with Realty One Group Homelink.

Ms. Thorson is a realtor with Realty One Group Homelink, a full-service residential real estate firm in Diamond Bar, CA. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Ms. Thorson’s day-to-day duties include liaising with clients investigating properties for people looking to buy a home, and helping others get their homes listed for sale. To make it easier for clients, be they purchasing or selling, she diligently checks out a property before showing it so that she always has the best, most up-to-date information to present.

Additionally, Ms. Thorson has a great love of interior design. She notes that her hobby has been beneficial for finding and showing houses to clients, which is her favorite aspect of her job. Standing out in her field for her patience, Ms. Thorson is known for the careful and personalized treatment that she brings to each transaction treating every client like they are a close friend. She considers herself fortunate that her business has not flagged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and excelled instead. She recently closed a deal for more than $22 million in a commercial building transaction.

Looking toward the future, Ms. Thorson plans to pursue continued growth in her career as a real estate professional, always being better than she was the day before and moving into working with increasingly large transactions.

Completing the vast majority of her education in China, Ms. Thorson earned a degree in public relations before coming to the United States and embarking on her career as a realtor with RE/MAX in 2003. During her tenure with RE/MAX, she cultivated significant residential and commercial real estate expertise. She received several awards for her excellence, including the 100 Club Award, the Platinum Club Award, the Chairman’s Club Award, and induction into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Alongside her primary career responsibilities, Ms. Thorson holds professional membership in the National Association of Realtors to remain up to date with developments in her field. She is also very active with the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization that helps and supports women in business throughout the United States.

As an immigrant, Ms. Thorson is passionate about helping other immigrant women excel with their business endeavors in the United States. She hopes to continue working with the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce to further that goal. In addition, she is involved in her community through volunteer work with her local church, which runs a program that provides food to homeless individuals every Saturday.

Having accomplished much throughout her career, Ms. Thorson is incredibly proud of her work helping her clients find their ideal property or get the best price for the one they are trying to sell. She considers her most significant achievement to be her clients’ satisfaction. She finds it incredibly gratifying when past clients call her to thank her following the conclusion of their sale.

To young and aspiring professionals looking to enter the field of real estate, she would advise them to work hard, be patient, do their utmost for the client, and avoid trying to take shortcuts. Above everything, Ms. Thorson hopes to cultivate a legacy as someone who helped people make suitable investments and find their dream homes.

On a personal note, Ms. Thorson attributes much of her success and hardworking spirit to her parents, Shocai and Jin Quing, especially her father, who is very serious and maintains keen attention to detail in his work. Ms. Thorson met her husband while still living in China, and they were married in 1995. Together, they are the proud parents of one son. Incredibly proud of her son, who has excelled in school as an honor student and as an accomplished swimmer, Ms. Thorson hopes to be a good role model for him and inspire him to be a hard worker and do his best the same way her parents encouraged her.

For more information, visit homelink. myrealtyonegroup.com/real-estateagent/25812/jenny-Thorson.

Carol Ann Fleres

Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Brick, NJ

Brick, NJ — Carol Ann Fleres is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Pinnacle Realtor for her excellence in the Residential Real Estate field, acknowledging her work with Berkshire Hathaway.

Ms. Fleres has been a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway for 12 years, with a primary focus on residential real estate. Before this position, she worked with Zack Shore Realtors, serving the real estate needs of those who love the New Jersey Shore. Previously, she owned her own employment agency, also located in New Jersey, for a total of 25 years. She is currently a certified senior real estate specialist, a seller’s real estate specialist, and she holds a green designation.

In pursuit of higher education, Ms. Fleres earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

Ms. Fleres has received numerous professional awards for her work in real estate, including being named in Top Agent Magazine in 2018 and being honored with Five Star Real Estate Award five times. She previously served on the board of directors for the Meadowlands Chamber in Lyndhurst, NJ.

She sold her first house as a favor to a friend and found that she enjoyed the experience a great deal. Since launching a career in residential real estate, Ms. Fleres has built quite a reputation for herself as a Top Realtor with many career highlights. She loves assisting the elderly as an advocate, and her passion is helping them meet their real estate needs in any way that she can.

Among her professional memberships and affiliations, Ms. Fleres is a National Association of Realtors member.

CWW Member Profiles

Frank F. Rego, Jr.

Owner, Managing Partner All Phases Renovations Inc Portsmouth, RI

Portsmouth, RI — Frank F. Rego, Jr., is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Distinguished Executive in the Real Estate and Hospitality fields, acknowledging his work with All Phases Renovations, Inc.

With an extensive background in hospitality, forensic accounting, and hotel consulting, Mr. Rego is the owner and managing partner of All Phases Renovations, Inc., servicing Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The team at All Phases Renovations has over 35 years of experience in home restoration, landscaping enhancements, sunrooms, decks, and patios.

In pursuit of higher education, Mr. Rego earned a Bachelor’s degree at Johnson & Wales University, a private university with its main campus in Providence, RI.

Over the years, Mr. Rego has served on numerous boards and committees. From 1999 to 2000, he was Vice-President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. He served on the board of directors of the Warren County Chamber of Commerce (2001), the Merrimack NH Chamber of Commerce (2002), and the North Conway Chamber of Commerce (2003). From 2004 to 2009, he was a chairman and board member of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys, a board member of the Tourist Development Council for Monroe County, FL (2005-2009), and a Mel Fisher Maritime Museum board member (2006-2007). He served on the advisory board of Baptist Health Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon, FL (2006-2007). He was also the co-chairman of the Governor Charlie Crist Education Fundraising Committee in Florida.

Among his professional memberships and affiliations, Mr. Rego is a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society and Rotary International. In addition, he has actively raised funds for orphans and sick children, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. He has raised funding for hospitality training and educational scholarships. Mr. Rego has also been involved with HOSTA Hotel Management School and the Josef Hotel and Restaurant School in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Cay Clubs for International Development, IMG Academies in Crested Butte, CO, Johnson & Wales University, and the University of Rhode Island.

Among Mr. Rego’s awards and accolades are the Distinguished Worldwide Humanitarian Award (2022), a Businessman of the Year Award conferred by the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce (2003, 2002); the Certified Master Chef Award; and the Founder’s Award from Johnson & Wales University. Recently, he was a featured member of Marquis Millennium Magazine’s Marquis Who’s Who (2022).

In his spare time, Mr. Rego enjoys spending time with his family.

Mr. Rego dedicates this recognition to Dr. Caroline Cooper. He also wishes to acknowledge the loving support of his parents, Arlene and Frank Rego, Sr.

Jon Spheeris

Realtor Spheeris Team Coldwell Banker Elite Oconomowoc, WI

Oconomowoc, WI — Jon Spheeris is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Distinguished Broker Realtor in the Real Estate field, acknowledging his professional excellence with Spheeris Team Coldwell Banker Elite.

With more than 45 years of experience to his credit, Mr. Spheeris has excelled as an owner and broker with Coldwell Banker Elite in Wisconsin since 2014. Prior to this, he was the owner and real estate agent with Prudential Absolute Realtors between 1976 and 2013. He previously pursued a formal education at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, completing undergraduate coursework between 1968 and 1972. Moreover, Mr. Spheeris obtained his license as a real estate agent in the state of Wisconsin.

In his present responsibilities, Mr. Spheeris helps clients in the region between Madison and Milwaukee known as Lake Country. Often catering to wealthy clients with homes, lake homes, and equestrian estates ranging in the millions, he has been additionally active in beautifying and improving various aspects of the city of Oconomowoc, including the downtown area. Furthermore, Mr. Spheeris is proud to have sold homes for the Miller Brewer Company heirs on Oconomowoc Lake, as well as his sale of the Majorie Montgomery house on Lac la Belle. In addition, he listed and sold Ten Chimneys, the national historic landmark, home of the Broadway actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine.

In addition to his primary vocation, Mr. Spheeris remains affiliated with various organizations concerning his areas of expertise. He is a member of both the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) and the Metro Milwaukee MLS. As a testament to his professional excellence, he has been honored as a realtor emeritus by the WRA. Likewise, Mr. Spheeris’ efforts to rejuvenate Oconomowoc have been recognized as the Citizen of the Year. In addition, he is among the Top 1 Percent of realtors in the country.

Among his professional memberships and affiliations, Mr. Spheeris is a member of the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA).

Attributing his success to his passion, diligence, hard work, and professionalism, Mr. Spheeris plans to continue working and developing subdivisions in addition to the 38 subdivisions in the area within the coming years. He was initially drawn to his career as his father and grandfather owned commercial buildings and apartments during his formative years. He was drawn to lake properties and estates and started a boutique real estate company to set himself apart from the larger real estate companies.

Outside work, Mr. Spheeris is a dedicated family man, and he is passionate about raising and showing horses as a favorite hobby, American Saddle Bred horses.

Mr. Spheeris wishes to dedicate this recognition to his wife of 31 years, Lucine Spheeris.

For more information, visit www.cb-elite.com.

Bobbi Price

Realtor The Platinum Group Realtors Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, CO — Bobbi Price is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Pinnacle Realtor for her excellence in the Residential Real Estate field, acknowledging her work with The Platinum Group Realtors.

With 45 years of experience to her credit, Bobbi currently excels as a realtor operating within the Platinum Group Realtors. Previously working as a theatrical agent and an herbs and vitamins salesperson, she decided to parlay her stellar work into the real estate field, through which she has averaged around $25 million in annual sales.

Affiliated with the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, Pueblo Association & Denver Association, Bobbi has been actively selling Real Estate in El Paso, teller, Pueblo, Douglas & Elbert counties since 1977. As a testament to her stellar professional efforts, Bobbi has been honored many occasions, including as First in Closed Transactions and Volume for a Single Agent annually since 1996, she was also honored as the Realtor Salesperson of the Year in 1993 for the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, the latter of which she fondly recalls among the highlights of her career. Recognized as the 1978 Ken Reynold’s Realtors Rookie of the Year, she was presented with the Diamond Award from Prudential Real Estate Affiliates between 1992 and 2009, the Chairman’s Platinum Award annually since 1995, and the Legend Award for 15 consecutive years, among other notable accolades. Furthermore, she was celebrated among the Top 20 Most Influential People by the Colorado Springs Business Journal. She is also a Charter Member of the Elite 25 of Colorado Springs and also of Peak Producers.

In light of this recognition, Ms. Price gives special thanks to the partners at the Platinum Group Realtors, Dean Weissman, Mike McGuire, Ed Beher, Steve McFarland, her granddaughter, Jade Baker, who is also her business partner, her daughter Lore, who has been her personal assistant for over 30 years, as well as her mentor Pere McGregor.

Bobbi has no plans for retirement at this point, but sometime in the far future will be turning over her career to Jade whole not missing a beat! CWW Member Profiles

Kimberlie Slade

Realtor Sarasota Real Estate Group Venice, FL

Venice, FL — Kimberlie Slade is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Pinnacle Realtor for her excellence in the Residential Real Estate field, acknowledging her work with Sarasota Real Estate Group.

In 2010, Ms. Slade joined Sarasota Real Estate Group as a realtor, doing business as SarasotaOne.com, of which she has prospered as a co-owner since 2011. As an experienced realtor, she serves the Venice area (which encompasses Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties). She has been honored as a Best in Customer Service agent for the last several years and as a Mentor of the Year in 2013. Ms. Slade is certified as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. She is also certified with At Home with Diversity (AHWD), Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and with the Performance Management Network (PMN) by the National Association of Realtors.

In pursuit of higher education, Ms. Slade obtained a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1999 from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, OH. Excelling as a special education kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher, she completed coursework in real estate. Ms. Slade provided superior service as an office and building administrator from 1999 to 2005 with the Venetia Bay Executive Center. She served with the Women’s Council of Realtors from 2001 to 2009 as Florida District XII Vice President. From 2010 to 2011, she was the council’s Florida State District Vice President, and from 2011 to 2012, she was the council’s Florida State Governor.

With 23 years of experience in her field, Ms. Slade attributes her success to the fact that she likes people and loves what she does every day. Although she loved teaching, teaching pay was not great, and she needed to change careers to make ends meet, so she pursued real estate. She considers her career highlight becoming a member, eventually attaining the state governor position in the Women’s Council of Realtors, which helped her immensely in business. Her goal in the coming years is to possibly retire but continue mentoring and consulting.

Among her professional memberships and affiliations, Ms. Slade is a National Association of Realtors member.

Leila Keene, GRI, CRS

Real Estate Broker Baird & Warner Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL — Leila Keene GRI, CRS, is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Pinnacle Broker for her excellence in the Residential Real Estate field, acknowledging her work with Baird & Warner.

Ms. Keene has been a full-time professional realtor since 1991, specializing in the sales and marketing of homes throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

She comes to real estate from a career in corporate computer sales, having focused on the sales and servicing of customdesigned software to financial institutions. Traveling throughout the country, training management in the application of financial software, she honed important skills in communication and marketing; she also developed the ability to explain complicated subjects in a patient and easily understood manner. Those skills, along with her in-depth understanding of the real estate market, have helped her to ensure success for hundreds of home buyers and sellers.

Consistently outstanding in her field, Ms. Keene has received numerous awards in recognition of her exemplary performance on behalf of clients from Baird & Warner and the Chicago Association of Realtors.

Ms. Keene believes that one of the keys to success, both for herself and her clients, is a continuously updated education. She takes many classes and seminars to increase her effectiveness and has earned two of the real estate industry’s most prestigious professional designations; GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). As nationally recognized designations, they are earned through a rigorous course of study, as well as demonstrated professional experience.

Among her professional memberships and affiliations, Ms. Keene is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, where she helps shape the future of real estate in the area by serving on the Professional Standards Committee and the Data Technology Committee. In addition to her local involvement, she is a member of the Florida Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

For more information, visit www. bairdwarner.com/agent/105676-leila-keene.

Linda L. Scheller

Realtor Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC Saratosa, FL

Sarasota, FL — Linda L. Scheller, Realtor, is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Trusted Realtor for her professional excellence in the Residential Real Estate field, acknowledging her work with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC.

Having accumulated over 40 years of experience in the field, Ms. Scheller has thrived in the real estate industry, thanks to her integrity, strong work ethic, and consummate professionalism. She has operated as a real estate specialist at Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC since 2017, focusing on Sarasota County and Manatee County, FL. As a realtor, Ms. Scheller excels at educating her clients and guiding them through the buying and selling processes. Throughout the course of Ms. Scheller’s career, since 1981, she has held positions with several other notable companies within the real estate industry, including extremely specialized boutique businesses with a culture centered on customer service and professionalism: RE/MAX Alliance Group from 2011 to 2017; Main Street Realty International between 1998 and 2011; SafeLee Green, Inc. and Silver Moon Landscapes, LLP from 2007 until 2011; Field Development Manager, Park Square Homes from 2006 to 2007; and Project Manager, Castle & Cooke from 1996 to 2006.

Prior to embarking on her professional journey, Ms. Scheller received a formal education at the University of South Florida, completing coursework in business between 1974 and 1976. She is certified as a global luxury home marketing specialist, a residential specialist, a new home specialist, and in residential construction.

Furthermore, Ms. Scheller was rated as a Five Star Real Estate Agent in 2019 by Five Star Professional and held membership with Toastmasters Club 7327 between 2019 and 2022, in addition to the International Diamond Society, the Florida Realtor Association, and the National Association of Realtors.

Ms. Scheller has also been an active abstract artist/painter since her early twenties. Galleries and shows include the Robin Lavin Gallery, Miami; Morton Sinclair Gallery, Miami Beach; Future Art & Frame, Deerfield Beach; Ariel Gallery Color & Space, Soho, NYC; Stringfellows, Coconut Grove; Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce; Bakery Center Grand Opening, South Miami; Metro-Rail Grand Opening Coconut Grove; and Patrons of the Museum of Science, Miami. Publications include the Art-To-Wear Catalogue, Durango, CO. The apogee of Scheller’s artwork runs true to her philosophy; Change will come, it’s inevitable. Once this knowledge is felt, you can direct your energies where you want, allowing change to be a welcomed creative companion. This brings continuity to her work.

Known for her contributions as a civicminded citizen, Ms. Scheller served as the co-director of Tribuo, Inc. between 2007 and 2013, where she oversaw fundraising events for mental health awareness. Moreover, she contributes to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and conducts charity events with local churches in her community. Though she had not initially considered an interest in real estate, her passion for cooperating and working with others inspired her to pursue her current profession. She is grateful for the many opportunities she has had throughout her career to progress and grow.

Ms. Scheller looks forward to continuing her work as a realtor, and in the near future hopes to be able to mentor and guide future generations in her field.

In light of this recognition, Ms. Scheller thanks her daughters, Lauren and Alexan.

Sharon L. Chambers-Gordon

Real Estate Broker Windermere Lakewood Abode Lakewood, WA

Lakewood, WA — Sharon L. ChambersGordon is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Pinnacle Broker for her excellence in the Residential Real Estate field and in acknowledgment of her work with Windermere Lakewood Abode. Ms. Chambers-Gordon, a real estate agent in Lakewood, WA, specializes in residential real estate, particularly first-time home buying and selling. Passionate about working with clients and giving 100 percent in all that she does, she loves to focus on building and fostering excellent relationships. She enjoys working in the area of Tacoma, WA, and its surroundings.

In August 2002, Ms. Chambers-Gordon relocated from the South to the Tacoma area and has worked with Windermere Professional Partners for over five years. Before that, she served as the Director of the Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Fellowships and Scholarships at the University of Puget Sound for 15 years. She worked for more than 25 years with nonprofit organizations as a community advocate for students and parents, developing outreach and vocational programs. Her passion has always been education and social equity for housing and basic needs.

In pursuit of her higher education, Ms. Chambers-Gordon earned a Bachelor’s degree and then obtained a Master’s degree in Communication Studies and Organizational Development from the University of Alabama.

Alongside her current role at Windermere, Ms. Chambers-Gordon is the founder and CEO of Raising Girls, a nonprofit organization that provides personal hygiene products for girls in the community. She is a Palmer Scholars Mentor; a member of the American Leadership Forum (ALF); a volunteer with Girls Scouts of Western Washington; a member of South Sound 100 Women; a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors (TPCAR), and a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. In addition, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors with Hilltop Artists.