MEET THE AWARD WINNERS
Each year, the Association recognizes members with our most prestigious awards: REALTOR® of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Affiliate of the Year. In addition, the Association awards the “John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award” and the “Outstanding Leader Award” to deserving recipients. All the award winners have contributed hundreds of hours to causes that benefit the association members and have also dedicated time to many community programs.
2019 REALTOR® of the Year
Carl Medford with Keller Williams Benchmark received the 2019 2019 REALTOR® of the Year Award for demonstrating the highest level of integrity and commitment to Bay East and the real estate industry.
Carl has been a dedicated member of the Bay East family in 2001 and has been an active member or the MLS Committee since 2014.
He is a knowledgeable, sought after presenter who advises industry professionals on all things real estate. We are fortunate that he is counted among our Bay East Instructors. With the tag line, “Changing the world one home at a time” he and his team gave over $45,000 to charitable organizations that provide fresh starts in life.
2019 Rookie of the Year
Frank Quismorio with REALTY EXPERTS for received the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award. Frank is articulate, personable, outgoing and has a natural talent for leadership. He joined Bay East in 2017 and became actively involved in local industry events including the Tri-Cities Marketing Council. Frank believes being involved in the industry will help provide a foundation for a long-term success as a REALTOR®. He is a 2020 vice chair of the Tri-Cities Marketing Committee and plans to continue to volunteer at Bay East.
2019 Affiliate of the Year
George Johnson with Cherry Creek Mortgage received the 2019 Affiliate of the Year Award. Bay East Platinum Affiliate Members contribute time, money and resources to support the real estate profession. George currently serves on the Affiliate Committee, and previously served as Treasurer for the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Tri-Cities Marketing Council. George is passionate about helping others. He has been volunteering in the community since 1997 as an active member of the Newark Graffiti Abatement Team as well as supporting other community service efforts.
2019 John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award
Ed Gomes received the 2019 John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service Award. Named in honor of the Association’s first president and founding father, this award is given to a Bay East member who exemplifies the self-sacrifice, vision and accomplishments of the greatest leaders who have shaped the real estate profession. Ed is a long-time Bay East member and has been very involved for the last 10 years. Ed participated in the Tri-Cities Marketing Leadership and continues to serve on Professional Standards, and Strategic Planning committees. A long-time member of the MLS committee, a member of the Board of Directors and a C.A.R. Director, Ed is passionate about rules and about helping make the MLS a better experience for all of us. He gives his time and service quietly and generously.
2019 Outstanding Leadership Award
Otto Catrina received the 2019 Outstanding Leader Award. Otto joined Bay East in 2002. His leadership journey began just a few years later in 2006 when he joined the Professional Standards Committee and took on a leadership position with the Central County Marketing Group. From there he took off like a rocket, serving in more roles with Bay East and then at the state and national levels. Our winner embodies leadership. He redefined what leadership means here at Bay East by his words and his actions. He now speaks on a regular basis about leadership opportunities and responsibilities to audiences across the country.
Otto coined the phrase “We Are Bay East” and believes we are “Better Together.” An expression that’s a big part of his latest leadership experience.