Gallo Realty wins award at Berkshire Hathaway convention

Ready, Set, Go was the theme of the annual Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sales Convention held March 11-14 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Nearly 4,000 real estate professionals from across the U.S. attended the event, including 12 brokers, agents, and marketing executives from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty - Aaron Hood, Beth Evans, Chris Holt, Catherine Hughes, Lee Ann Wilkinson, Beth Heid, Sandy Wright, Pam Notarangelo, Tricia Ratner, Andrew Ratner, Lana Warfield, and Laurie Bronstein.

The real estate franchise honored its most successful professionals and brokerages during the convention. Vice President Andrew Ratner and BHHS Gallo Realty were recognized onstage for winning the Berkshire Elite Circle Award as one of the top 50 companies in the network.

"Our firm ranked No. 47 in the network, which boasts over 260 companies with 1,270 offices across the U.S. We are proud to have received this honor and be recognized alongside some of the country's most prestigious real estate brokerages. It is a true credit to our agents and staff that we rank in sales production with many firms that are considerably larger than we are. Our company is committed to excellent service and client satisfaction, as well as being innovators in our industry," said Andrew Ratner. In addition, the firm's Lewes branch office won the prestigious Round Table Award as the No. 1 office of its size in the network's Southern Region, which consists of 17 states.

This year's event lived up to its promise to update, educate, recognize, and entertain network professionals. Attendees heard brand updates, attended cutting-edge lectures, and participated in workshops, panels and discussions. The event also included a variety of networking opportunities, including Monday's Starting Block Theme Party, during which an entire block in downtown Phoenix was closed off for network professionals and guests. Attendees had access to restaurants and food trucks, music, dancing, bowling, stand-up comedy, and more.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices on Tuesday recognized its individual, team, and brokerage top performers. Later, the Sunshine Kids Benefit, featuring American roots rock band Train, rocked the event and raised nearly $40,000 for the support of kids fighting cancer. The network raised $2.14 million for the Sunshine Kids in 2016. The brand's leading sales professionals for 2016 were also recognized on stage and during events.

During the packed general sessions, attendees gained inspiration from keynote speakers Dr. Shawn DuBravac, chief economist for the Consumer Technology Association, and Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. Power session speakers included innovators Brian Buffini, Lucio Bernal, and Eric Blumberg. University sessions gave agents, managers, and brokers helpful ideas on ways to build their businesses in 2017. As part of its education track at the convention, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provided Certified International Property Specialist designation training, which helps agents prepare to conduct business with international home buyers and sellers. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will begin global expansion in 2017. The Marketing Forum allowed marketing directors to learn about in-development products and share their own ideas and innovations.

The action-packed convention also included networking receptions for Luxury Collection Specialists, Multicultural and LGBT Professionals, and the ReThink Council, which focuses on millennial agents and clients. The Vendor and Exhibitor Showcase was accessible throughout the convention as well. One of the highlights of the showcase was the Puppy Playpen, where attendees could cuddle the numerous puppies that were available for adoption from the Arizona SPCA.

"The annual convention is one of the best investments agents can make toward growing their business," said Sandy Wright, broker of BHHS Gallo's Lewes office. "Not only do they have the chance to learn critical sales and marketing techniques, but the opportunity to network with fellow agents across the country is priceless. I'm hoping more of our agents will register for next year's convention." Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will hold its 2018 Sales Convention March 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty is an award-winning, full-service real estate firm that has been serving the resort region since 1979. The firm has three main offices, located in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, with two satellite locations in the Lewes area. The company is independently owned and operated. Visit www.GoToGallo.com for details.