Coldwell Banker Premier leaders named RISMedia 2026 Real Estate Newsmakers
Coldwell Banker Premier recently announced that three members of its leadership team have been selected as 2026 RISMedia Real Estate Newsmakers. Steve DuBrueler, Premier founder and CEO; Stephen Meadows, chief operating officer; and Tristin Prince, digital marketing manager, are now part of an elite group of award winners spotlighted for their newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry, and their efforts to positively affect the consumers and communities they serve. The recognition highlights Coldwell Banker Premier’s growing influence across multiple facets of the real estate industry, from leadership and innovation to marketing and technology.
RISMedia is the leader in U.S. real estate news and information services. The 300-plus 2026 Real Estate Newsmakers were peer-nominated and selected by the firm's executive and editorial teams. Winners are placed into the categories of Influencers, Trailblazers, Futurists, Achievers, Crusaders and Luminaries.
“Through ongoing challenges in 2025, from economic uncertainty to changing rules and regulations, our newsmakers served as shining examples of what it takes to succeed, come what may,” said RISMedia founder and CEO John Featherston. “Our 2026 Real Estate Newsmakers demonstrated the dedication, ingenuity and integrity it takes to serve their companies, clients and communities at the highest level. They stand out as true professionals we all can look up to, and I extend my sincere congratulations to each and every one of them.”
Steve DuBrueler is named in the Achievers category, honoring individuals whose results and momentum set them apart within the industry. The category is reserved for “success stories” who have rocketed their business, company or brand to new heights, marked by significant growth, strong performance and impressive accomplishments. DuBrueler founded Coldwell Banker Premier in 1995, and his visionary leadership has propelled the company into a powerhouse now covering eight states and ranking in the top 1% of real estate brokerages nationwide. Known for his guiding principle of “doing the right thing” and his commitment to the well-being of his agents, DuBrueler is one of the few leaders in the industry to offer agents a full benefits package including health insurance and retirement planning.
He said, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and continue to accomplish, but real success goes beyond sales and statistics. It’s about taking care of our people and making a positive difference in the communities we have the privilege to serve.” DuBrueler has earned multiple awards for his outstanding dedication to his team and the community, including receiving the Coldwell Banker Chandler Barton Spirit Award, the highest individual achievement available within the brand. He has climbed several of the world’s tallest mountain peaks to raise funds for charitable organizations, and has led his team in supporting more than 175 different charities to date.
Stephen Meadows earned recognition in the Futurists category, distinguishing innovators who consistently look ahead to move the industry forward by advancing standards, shaping future practices and preparing the real estate world for what comes next beyond today’s trends. Meadows is a dynamic, highly celebrated executive with over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry and a background in franchise development. He’s also an accomplished author, best-selling publisher, business development consultant and AI specialist. In his role at Premier, he focuses on strategic growth, overseeing mergers and integration of newly acquired companies, and optimizing the firm’s value proposition for agents. Meadows joined Coldwell Banker Premier in 2020, and his efforts have since led to 11 mergers, tripling the size of the company. In 2022, Meadows received the coveted RealTrends Emerging Leaders award, honoring real estate trailblazers who achieve record sales volumes and contribute to the housing economy in a meaningful way. Meadows has built a reputation for his forward-thinking approach to increasing revenue, providing new tools to the agents and ultimately helping fuel Premier’s success.
Regarding his Newsmaker win, Meadows said, "I am humbled and honored to be recognized alongside my colleagues both in my company and the industry as a whole for my passion to continually drive innovation, and help improve the lives and careers of our agents!"
Tristin Prince is featured in the Influencers category. Influencers are respected voices in the industry who aren’t afraid to take a stand, share fresh perspectives and inspire through expert insights. They help elevate conversations, spark innovation and guide others by shaping ideas that uplift professionals and improve the profession as a whole. Prince’s career journey is marked by tenacity, creativity and dedication. A graduate of McNeese State University with a BS in psychology and a minor in family and child studies, she supported herself through college by starting her own social media marketing business and found that was her true passion. After a two-year tenure as the marketing manager for a Coldwell Banker affiliate in her hometown, Prince came to Coldwell Banker Premier in 2024, becoming an integral part of a marketing team that supports several key departments and nearly 400 agents. In 2025, she was honored with the Coldwell Banker 30 Under 30 award, which celebrates the Coldwell Banker-affiliated real estate professionals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated exceptional performance in sales, community service and industry leadership.
Reflecting on this most recent milestone, Prince said, “I pour so much of myself into the work I do, and being a young woman in an extremely territorial industry hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to find my voice, hold my space and grow through a lot of moments that nobody sees. That’s why being recognized as a 2026 RISMedia Newsmaker means so much to me. I’m grateful, I’m humbled and I’m thankful for the opportunities the Coldwell Banker brand and network continue to give me. It’s an honor to be included alongside my fellow Coldwell Banker Premier leaders and so many incredible newsmakers. I’m also deeply grateful for the marketing team I work alongside every day, whose talent and dedication make this work possible.”
The 2026 Newsmakers will be featured in the Q1 issue of RISMedia's flagship publication, Real Estate magazine.
