The Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) awarded its 2016 Realtors of Distinction Awards recently at The Barns at Lang Farm in Essex Junction, VT.
2016 NVBR REALTOR of the Year Jill Vespa, Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman Realty, Burlington, VT
Jill became a Realtor in 2007 with the Carol Audette team. During her time as a Realtor she has taken a strong interest in NVBR and the Association’s mission. She has been an active volunteer, participates in all our education and events, and is active in raising funds for program sponsorships.
She is a member of the Professional Standards Committee, served on the Leadership Development Program Committee and served on the NVBR Board of Directors, most recently as President in 2015. During her leadership, she guided NVBR through the new NAR Core Standards certification process. Although her term on the NVBR Board is about to end, she will soon be representing NVBR on the Board of Directors for the New England Real Estate Network as one of NVBR’s alternate representatives.
2016 Distinguished Service Award William Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionals, Colchester, VT
Bill Desautels was recognized for his years of service to the industry. His unending energy and passion for real estate makes him the consummate REALTOR. He began his career at the age of eighteen. After taking a break from real estate in the 80’s to travel the world, Bill returned to Vermont in 1994 and joined RE/MAX North Professionals. He purchased the company in 2002 and grew it and the Condo Guy brand along with training many sales agents with in the Burlington real estate community.
One of Bill’s greatest areas of support and a foundation for his career came from his volunteer commitment to NVBR. The staff and Realtors of the Vermont real estate community has provided significant impact to his profession. In 2008 he received the Realtor of the Year award for his leadership in directing the MLS. Early in his career Bill became a strong advocate for affordable housing. He volunteered his efforts with the Burlington Community Land Trust, now Champlain Housing Trust, working as well with Neighborworks of Western Vermont, Central Vermont Community Land Trust and Housing Vermont. His advocacy and leadership was sought after nationally, in areas such as Washington DC and Boulder, Colorado.
His community service has included the Muscular Dystrophy Lock up for charity, Toss the Boss for the Flynn Theatre, Children’s Miracle Network and coaching for the Special Olympics. Bill also served on the board of Directors for Vermont Cares and was the primary sponsor of a Duplex apartment in Winooski for Habitat for Humanity.
2016 Rookie of the Year Peter Goldsmith, Nancy Jenkins Real Estate, South Burlington, VT
NVBR’s Rookie of the Year award is presented to an individual who has been in the real estate profession for less than two years. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates enthusiasm, leadership and professionalism in their career and their community.
Peter’s dedication to the profession is shown on many levels. In his first year, he closed nine transactions. He attracts great energy and fosters cooperation. He is a regular participant at NVBR’s lunch and learns and continuing education classes. In his free time, he volunteers for several organizations. He is a ski & snowboard instructor with the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports organization whose mission it is to create opportunities in sports activities for people with all types of disabilities. He has also volunteered his time at the Burlington Boys and Girls Club.
2016 Good Neighbor Award Suzanne Johnson, RE/MAX North Professionals, Colchester, VT
The Good Neighbor Award recognizes realtors who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work.
Suzanne Johnson is the founder of Healing Winds Vermont, a non-profit organization that gives cancer patients and caregivers a unique opportunity to share important time together while enjoying the beauty of sailing on Lake Champlain. A cancer survivor herself and lifelong sailor Suzanne realized that the sport that she loved was also a tool that could help others who suffered from the disease. Suzanne is a licensed Captain and spends countless hours on the lake providing over 100 sailing excursions each year. All “break on the lake” three hour sailing trips are at no charge to the patients and their caregivers and provides a reprieve from those affected by cancer. Each trip creates a lasting memory for the patient and their loved ones.
Healing Winds Vermont relies solely on volunteers and the generosity of its donors and corporate sponsors. Suzanne spends much of her free time fundraising and bringing awareness to Healing Winds. She hopes to expand to a second location in the future.
2016 NVBR Affiliate Member of the Year HomeBridge Financial Services, South Burlington, VT
HomeBridge Financial Services has been a long-time supporter of the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR). Through their generous financial support, their creative ideas and resources, NVBR has enhanced programs and services for members. Their loan officers are active participants in many of NVBR programs and activities. The HomeBridge team of professionals delivers exceptional service, streamlined communication, and customized solutions to home buyers.