Facilitators

Sasha Tripp is a residential REALTOR® in Charlottesville, VA, and the Principal Broker and Owner of Story House Real Estate. Sasha also speaks and teaches internationally as a CRS Annual Sell-A-Bration Speaker, and webinar instructor, and she coaches agents at state and local association conferences nationwide- her experience and knowledge that she gathers from the other best real estate agents in the industry provide her company with invaluable marketing expertise, fresh ideas, and puts them on the leading edge of technology and marketing strategy.  She has been selected by REALTOR® magazine as one of the Top 30 REALTORS Under 30, was recognized on the list of Inman Top 101 Real Estate Influencers in the nation, and has been the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year (2016), Sales Associate of the Year (2012), and Rookie of the Year (2008).

Alexis obtained her Real Estate license in May 1978 and her Florida Broker’s license in 1980. She started as a new agent in 1978 and worked 39 years the same Real Estate Franchise prior to joining Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast in July 2017. 

Professional Real Estate Accomplishments Include:

• 46 Years Full-Time Residential Real Estate Specialist in the Greater Pensacola Area Over 6000 Closed Transactions
• Star Power 1st Annual Impact Award- 2022 – For having the most Impact on the real estate industry
• Lifetime Achievement Award – 2021 by RRC, Residential Real Estate Council
• Realtor of the Year – 2021, Pensacola Association of Realtors
• Women’s Council of Florida Mentor of the Year – 2021
• CRS of the Year – Florida RRC 2020
• Women’s Council of Realtors, Pensacola Bay Area- Humanitarian of the Year 2019
• ERA Real Estate International Hall of Fame – 2013
• Real Estate Experts Hall of Fame – 2013

Described by those who know her as honest, ethical, inspiring, knowledgeable, forward-thinking, laser-focused, team and relationship builder, unparalleled customer service and one who is too busy to bug you but never too busy to get the job done.

Richard Waystack, CRS is the Past National President of the Residential Real Estate Council (formerly CRS) a group of top-producing Realtors with over 30,000 members. Richard has spoken across the country for the National Association of Realtors, and the Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and South Shore Association of Realtors. He has been honored by the Cape Cod & Islands and the Council of Residential Specialists, as the REALTOR® of the Year, on two different occasions. Richard was the 2021 Massachusetts Realtor of the Year. He has been extensively quoted in a variety of media and is widely noted as a real estate expert and a valuable leader in various National, State, and Local real estate, non-profit, political and municipal organizations.

As the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) of NAR’s upcoming rebuild of ePro, 2023 RIS Media Newsmaker as an Industry Futurist, over 150 in-person & virtual speaking engagements around the world each year, including sessions for NAR, several state conventions, franchises, CRS, & other key industry events, Craig Grant is considered one of the most sought-after technology, marketing & cybersecurity speakers around.

Whether it be at an industry event, in the classroom, or online via Zoom or the  RETI.us  portal, one thing that fuels Craig is to help today’s real estate professionals embrace and get over their fear of technology so that it can work for them and not against them.

As his motto, “Advanced Real Estate Technology & Marketing Instructed at a Pre-K Level” states, Craig is able to take extremely complicated topics & present them in a way that the average non-technical person not only understands but is able to apply & improve their business.

Myself and my wife are Broker Owners of the Hamilton House Real Estate Group . My love for real estate goes beyond transactions—I’m dedicated to continuous learning and education, both for myself and for the agents I mentor. I believe that staying informed and sharing knowledge is key to providing exceptional service and building long-term success.

Mark Walser is Senior Vice President Class Valuation. He is a 16-year industry veteran and a HousingWire Tech Trendsetter Winner for Remote Appraisal and Remote Inspection technology for appraisal modernization. Mark leads business development efforts supporting the credit union division of Class and plays a key role in the evangelization and adoption of its leading appraisal modernization solutions to all of its lender, appraiser and real estate channels. He is the former President of Incenter Appraisal Management, where he guided its successful acquisition by Class in 2023. Mark lives in Charlotte NC with his wife and two children.

Kim Knapp launched her real estate career in 2001 with a bang, selling $6 million in her first year. By 2005, she was not only selling but also training agents and leading a powerhouse team. With nearly half a billion in sales and over 2,000 families served, Kim has walked the walk and knows the real-life challenges and opportunities agents face.

Today, Kim leads a $500 million office, mentors agents, teaches as a CRS instructor, speaks nationally, and invests in the industry as an RPAC Hall of Fame Major Investor. She’s one of the founders of one of the largest REBarCamps in the country (this one!) and serves her local association. Beyond real estate, Kim leads the Women’s Ministry at her church, loves Jesus, and isn’t afraid to lace up her roller skates, belt out karaoke, or break into her legendary crazy-leg dance moves. Some call her a straight shooter—she just calls it being real.

Katrina Abdullah is passionate about matching growth and thought leaders with systems, tools, models and relationships, that will not only change their business, but change their lives. She has been in real estate for over 15 years, and has served in many roles. In 2020 after spending a decade learning from top leaders in the industry and serving as CEO of a #1 franchise, Katrina traded in her role for the opportunity to partner and coach with leaders, no matter brokerage affiliation. She is also Co-owner of ARISE Home Group.

Craig Wilburn brings over 22 years of experience helping clients buy, sell, and build wealth through real estate in Gainesville and surrounding counties. Recognized as the region’s People’s Choice for real estate, Craig is passionate about creating a positive and lasting impact, not just in real estate, but in his community through partnerships with local nonprofits and fundraising efforts. With a background as a competitive volleyball player and martial artist, Craig knows what it takes to win—and he’s bringing that energy to the room. Known for his heartfelt mission to honor God by empowering others, Craig will inspire you to level up your business, impact, and mindset. His vision extends beyond transactions to transforming lives—Lets GO BarCampers!!

Kim Sandberg earned her real estate license in 2006, giving her a front row seat to the housing market collapse that came a couple of years later. Never shying away from a challenge, she forged ahead anyway, quickly learned the ins and outs of short sales, became a top producer in her office, and immersed herself in continuing education.

Today, she leads The Sandberg Team at Ponte Vedra Key Realty and is still a staunch advocate of education in the industry. Some of her designations include GRI, CRS, SRES, ABR, ASP, SFR and others. She’s a co-founding member of REBarCamp One Coast where she loves sharing the knowledge she’s gained over the past nearly 20 years, while at the same time picking your brain for the next great idea.

Maura Neill (ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, HFR, MRP, PSA, MA) is a second-generation REALTOR® who combines her love for the industry with her passion for education. Before getting into the real estate business in 2001, Maura taught at Florida State University and University of Phoenix. She is an active agent with RE/MAX Around Atlanta, leading her team and representing buyers and sellers on a day-to-day basis. She considers education – both of clients and of other real estate professionals – an important part of her role as a REALTOR®. 
Maura is the 2025 Vice President of Member & Public Services for the Georgia REALTORS®. In addition to running her real estate business with her husband, Ben, she is a national speaker and instructor and is an active volunteer at the local, state, and national levels. In 2021, she was a member of the NAR Leadership Team, serving as President Charlie Oppler’s Public and Federal Issues Liaison. Policy, RPAC, and advocacy are a strong focus in her business and work as a REALTOR® volunteer. Peer recognitions include the 2020 CRS National President’s Award and the 2015 Atlanta REALTOR® of the Year. Maura is a graduate of the 2009 GAR Leadership Academy and the 2016 NAR Leadership Academy, and is also a Platinum “R” RPAC investor, a member of RPAC President’s Circle, and was honored at the $50k level of the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame in 2022. Maura and Ben live in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with their Beagle Jarvis and Weimaraner Luna.

Heather Haase, also known as Sunshine, has been a REALTOR for over 8 years, a National Speaker for over 4 years. In her Real Estate career she specialized on helping first time home buyers, military, and agent to agent referrals. A self proclaimed education and convention junkie, she absolutely loves learning and helping others learn to take their vision and make it a reality. Heather has also traveled the country speaking at top Real Estate events, on topics such as mindset, mindfulness, social media, networking and events. She also volunteers as a Realtor member for Dayton Realtors, Ohio Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. At home Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter Charlie, going to karaoke, traveling the country, and enjoying all Dayton has to offer. There will be no shortness of smiles, laughter, and all around sunshine with Heather!

Brian Copeland is a leading real estate professional based in Nashville, Tennessee. Brian works with each buyer and seller individually alongside his son, Zach. Brian’s clients only work with them, even on the administrative side. His customer-first mindset continues to place him in the top tier of sales production in Nashville’s competitive marketplace, garnering him the highest REALTOR® sales award level, Diamond.

Brian not only is a sales leader and industry influencer, he has given tirelessly in the Realtor leadership arena. In 2019, he served as the Vice President for Association of Affairs for the 1.6-million member National Association of Realtors. He was the 2017 President of Tennessee Realtors and President of Greater Nashville in 2021. He was chosen as Nashville’s Realtor of the Year in 2011, and Tennessee’s Realtor of the Year in 2022.

He has appeared on numerous HGTV and The Learning Channel television shows and served as one of Facebook’s Global Community Leadership Council members. He has been one of the most sought after real estate speakers and consultants in the country, emceeing and keynoting some of the largest conferences in the industry. He has earned spots on T3’s Social Influencers Power List and Inman’s Most Influential List. He has represented Facebook on stage at their Marketing Week Executives’ Meeting in New York City and at the CMX Summit in Los Angeles.

Brian founded and runs one of the largest technology camps in the nation each Spring in Nashville, attracting hundreds of real estate professionals from 30 states and three continents. Brian and his spouse live on a Nashville farm where they raise cows, goats, and chickens. They have three children.

Heather Blatz is a seasoned business and success coach, instructor, as well as real estate agent and broker, with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, real estate investment, and health and wellness advising. Heather is a firm believer in the idea that everyone is just seven steps away from achieving and living their best, most fulfilled life. With her wealth of experience and passion for helping others succeed, Heather empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and reach their goals in both business and personal development. Her dedication to guiding others on their journey to success makes her a valuable mentor and motivator in the pursuit of a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Over 30+ years, Jeff has worn many cool hats in real estate – Paralegal, Closing Consultant, Loan Originator, Tech Entrepreneur/Strategist, Business Consultant, National Speaker, NAR Trainer, WCR Director, Inman Ambassador and many more. These amazing experiences taught him one very valuable lesson – relationships are EVERYTHING in business and life. He’s a Master ‘Ship Builder and developed the Power of ‘Ships^TM that built a Top 10 National football program.
With multiple lending licenses in hand, Jeff developed the nation’s most Honest, Open and Transparent (HOT^TM) residential home loan and closing process that is laser-focused on enhancing the consumer mortgage experience. By infusing old-school, trustworthy and reliable relationship-centric customer service with powerful, real-time, mobile-friendly technology, Jeff has successfully helped more than 15,000+ homeowners close on $5,000,000,000+ in homes across the United States.
While Jeff is wildly passionate about service, philanthropy and helping people live their dreams, Jeff is not your typical MLO. A well-respected and highly-regarded “Industry Ambassador”, Jeff gets invited by major real estate brands and many local, state and national associations and companies to speak/consult on subjects and issues affecting their business, brokerage and our industry.

Eden has been an agent in Clay County, Florida since 1998. She is consistently a top performer in her market and prides herself on having an outstanding reputation among other agents and the community. Guiding and teaching other agents is one of her favorite parts of the business. She has mentored multiple agents over the years who are now in management or are top performers in her brokerage. While others may dread problem solving, she loves when she can solve a difficult problem. A good problem solver makes a good agent. Eden has a love for monitoring and dissecting statistics and numbers because it is what drives the market. That insight and love for numbers sets her apart from many of her competitors. She also believes hands-on experience is the best way to learn about the real estate business. You can take a thousand classes but never gain what you gain from hands-on learning. Eden learned hands-on working for her mother-in-law…they would go on vacation for weeks at a time in a world where you had no internet on your phone and met people in person to get a contract signed! After almost 27 years, she has learned how to navigate the ever changing market by being honest, realistic, and informative towards her clients.  

Been doing that house thang since 2000 and adding a little bit of alphabet soup behind my name ever since. 
 
I’ve enjoyed referrals from friends, family and past customers from day one and beyond. 

Jennifer Tossavainen is an accomplished real estate leader with over 15 years of experience driving operational excellence, agent success, and strategic growth across billion-dollar residential real estate firms. A Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and former MLS President, Jennifer has a proven track record in compliance, risk management, and technology integration to optimize brokerage performance. She has served in leadership roles such as Managing Director, Regional Broker Manager, and CFO, where she excelled in team development, financial oversight, and innovative system implementations. A dedicated mentor and industry advocate, Jennifer is passionate about using technology to modernize all elements of the real estate transaction to empower consumers, agents, lenders, and appraisers alike.  

Ant Stroud is a dedicated real estate professional, U.S. Navy Sailor of 15 years and counting, and an inspiring instructor and keynote speaker, whose commitment to excellence has profoundly impacted the Northeast Florida community. Since launching his career in 2016, Ant has become a trusted and respected Realtor, earning his Broker’s License in 2022 and acquiring several esteemed designations and certifications, including Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP). His passion for real estate extends beyond transactions—he’s a leader who has served on a Board of directors at both the local and state levels and contributed to the Residential Real Estate Council at the state level. As a graduate of the local leadership academy and the Florida Realtors Leadership Academy, Ant embodies the principles of leadership, service, and community principles. Beyond his professional achievements, Ant is a devoted family man, celebrating 14 years of marriage with his wife Julianne, and cherishing their two children, Leland and Lexington. Ant’s journey is a testament to the power of commitment, leadership, and an unwavering belief in making a difference.

Born in the boom and raised in the crash, Jorge L. Guerra Jr. has been recognized as a forward-thinking real estate expert as it pertains to digital marketing, serving as a keynote speaker at a number of national and international high-profile industry events. Guerra delivers a fast-paced snap-shot with a blend of humorous anecdotes and solid selling principles that reflects the accelerated industry in which we work and live in today.
A dynamic industry thought leader. Since launching his brokerage firm Real Estate Sales Force (RESF) 15 years ago, his company has grown significantly with four offices throughout South Florida and over 475 agents. A real estate expert and international keynote speaker, Guerra knew that it was no longer about curb appeal, but rather web appeal. Through the marriage between digital marketing and real estate, Guerra’s uber-successful firm and strategic vision catapulted him into success. Most recently, he was named the 2020 Chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors, the largest real estate association in the nation, and the 2021 Global Liaison of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Guerra has won several prestigious awards including the LBA “Firm of the Year,” Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Award and the BASF Platinum award for “Best Broker of the Year” in the division of Personal Achievement for 2006, 2007 and again in 2008. Among his most recent achievements, Guerra was named one of 50 Real Trends Game Changers of 2019, as well as the Top 500 Power Broker Report for RIS Media and The Top 1000 brokerages listed in the 2018 Swanepoel Mega 1000 – among others.

Neal Oates Jr. is an author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and entrepreneur who speaks to audiences large and small. Through intentional action, he positively impacts the lives of everyone he encounters and is proud to make a living by inspiring, motivating, and encouraging owners to become leaders.

Cyndee Haydon is a seasoned, full-time Realtor with two decades of experience, celebrated for her resilience, relationship-driven business, and dedication to educating both clients and peers. Based in Madeira Beach, her business is 98% repeat and referral. She embraces the casual, coastal lifestyle alongside her husband of 38 years, Jack.
With expertise in homeowners and flood insurance, technology, and mentoring emerging leaders, Cyndee brings a wealth of knowledge to every room she enters. She’ll be serving as Florida Realtors Secretary in 2025, 2025 NAR Regulatory Issues Forum Vice Chair andWomen’s Council Florida’s Leadership Identification and Development Chair.
Cyndee is deeply passionate about giving back through leadership and education, believing in the power of trust to inspire others. Her style reflects humility, humor, and inspiration, and she’s excited to connect with each of you today, ready to learn more about your goals and dreams.

Patti Ketcham started her real estate career two weeks before her third child was born. So, she was THAT REALTOR® that was doing this part-time and trying to figure it out. The first year she sold a lot, yep, one lot. She has an independent brokerage firm in Tallahassee, FL, loves to present and teach, serves on the Florida Real Estate Commission, has lots of letters behind her name and is a Lifetime Member of the Smokey Bear Summer Reading Club, since she was 7 years old.

David is the CEO of Landmark Title, the #1 market share title company in Northeast Florida for the past 12 years. As CEO, David leads a dynamic group of attorneys and other title professionals with unmatched industry experience and a passion for educating real estate agents. Through Landmark University, the educational arm of Landmark Title, you’ll often find David teaching CE classes in their company’s state of the art 100-person training room at their headquarters in Jacksonville or on the road at real estate brokerages all across the state. When he isn’t in work mode, you’ll find David cheering on his Gators and Jags, or hanging with friends and family on the water or on the golf course.

Hello, I’m Emily, the broker and owner of Hamilton House Real Estate Group. With eight years of experience in the real estate industry, I’m passionate about all aspects of the field. My main focus is on supporting and educating my agents, helping them develop their skills while upholding the values of integrity and honesty. And most importantly, we make it a point to enjoy the journey along the way!

Jennifer Henry is a successful broker-owner with 22 years of experience in the real estate industry. As an educator in the industry, Jen now emphasizes the importance of education and preparation for new agents, ensuring they avoid pitfalls. Her unique journey has given her a fresh perspective on the realities of the industry, and she is passionate about helping both agents and clients navigate the real estate world with confidence and integrity.

Jimmy Lewis is a top-notch real estate Broker Associate serving the First Coast market. Jimmy got into real estate in 2018 after running an award winning Residential Interior Design Firm for 15 years. He takes a holistic approach to clients’ real estate needs by aligning their real estate with their current needs and future goals. 

He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to advocate for his clients and empower them to make strategic real estate investments. As an Engel & Völkers representative, we use the latest technology and the brand’s global reach to help clients stay at the forefront of the market. We’re ready to help make your real estate goals a reality, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a savvy investor in commercial properties. 

Jamie is a Top 1% mortgage loan originator, an industry leader & seasoned educator who focuses his energies on three core tenants: Impact, Growth, Excellence. He has carved out a special space in the mortgage industry with brand specialties like Renovation Finance & The All In One Loan^TM. However, his real passion lies in his ability to help others become the best versions of themselves.

Jamie teaches 8 courses throughout the year, including three continuing education classes, and is a certified trainer for international best-selling author/speaker Jon Gordon, where he does regular keynotes & workshops on mindset, leadership and teamwork. In 2024, Jamie hosted or participated in 48 events with more than 3,200 professionals. He is also the founder of Elevate The Elite, a mastermind community of professionals who collaborate to help each other grow in mind, spirit and their respective professions.

Gonzalo is a 20-year veteran of the real estate industry. He has been an agent, broker associate, managing broker and now team leader of the Dream Home Team in Jacksonville, FL where they are one of the top producing teams in their market. One of their specialties is global business and they have worked with customers from all over the world.

Gonzalo has a background in financial controlling and used to work for multinational companies in the USA and South America.
 
With over 25 years of experience as an instructor and speaker, Gonzalo is a licensed real estate instructor in Florida and an approved instructor for REBAC, RRC, REBI and Florida Realtors. He has been a featured speaker at several national and international events.

Graduating from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, I moved to Jacksonville ready to begin my new career. Struggling to work my way up the ladder, it didn’t take long to realize I was in the wrong industry.
What came next changed the course of my life. I became a licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate and later a licensed Broker. I left the corporate world and never looked back. It was time to pursue my true passion, real estate.
It’s said that timing is everything and to some I chose the worst timing possible to launch my new career in real estate. Every situation that could arise, arouse and problem solving became second nature to me. Pardon the pun but I truly learned the real estate business from the ground up. I had started at the beginning of the worst bubble burst since the depression. I quickly learned the importance of customer service and grew my business by helping homeowners get out of distress homes while aiding buyers in finding the home of their dreams.
Starting on my own in 2006 and then developing the Welch Team in 2012, in just 4 years, my team has grown to one of the top teams in Northeast Florida. I believe in consistent training, utilizing new technology, and over and above customer service. It’s all a part of what helps separate Welch Team from our competition.