Christina Patterson – She Knows How To Help People Smile

Christina Patterson joined Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in the beginning of 2010, coming from another agency. After 22 years in dentistry, she changed her profession in 2005 to become a realtor. However, she knew she wanted to give back to the dental community.

Christina was just not sure how she would make that dream a reality. Then on a vacation at the Sea Horse Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, she met the lady who cleaned their room – Sissy Bogert. Sissy had two children. When her sister passed away from brain cancer, she took in her three nieces as well. She is a hard working woman who always puts the needs of her family before her own. Her teeth were in terrible shape, but Sissy could not afford to do anything about it. That day Christina had found someone with a true need for a dental miracle.

After a lot of thought and prayer, Christina found Dr. Anthony Corral. Christina recalled “I was bold and just asked him if he could treat her for free due to her story, as she had no means to afford what she needed. Well, he agreed to do the work!”

From her experience, Christina formed Hero Dentist to help other people like Sissy. Christina commented “It is such a blessing to be such an instrument in helping others with the gifts that God has given me! It was equally amazing to see the enthusiasm of those that wanted to just keep adding to the blessing. This has been an amazing journey to see what a difference we made in the life of Sissy Bogert.”

“Look for your opportunities to BE A HERO to someone else! All I can say is that God made it way bigger than I ever dreamed it!!”

Her broker, Mark Dilworth, said “Christina has been a fantastic addition to our Market Center. She is engaging, enthusiastic and fun to be around. She participated in KW BOLD and was a key contributor to our Red Day project with the Boselli Foundation.”

What a gift it is to all of us, to be surrounded by so many special people; people who look for their opportunities to help others, in ways that are unique to them and their experiences. Christina is a quiet hero in the Jacksonville market center, and an inspiration to all of us to look in our hearts. We can make miracles happen!

John Whitesell – Definition Of A Quiet Hero: Hard-Working, Giving and Dedicated

Margaret Sherrill, Team Leader for St. Augustine, Florida, received a call last fall from a Keller Williams agent in Chicago who was moving to St. Augustine. This agent had experienced great success in Chicago and was capped already upon arrival to Florida in January. His name is John Whitesell.

John joined their market center upon passing his broker’s exam in January. He has been the greatest blessing to everyone in the office!

John has personally taken on mentoring Ouida Howell (their past Director of First Impressions) and meets with her for an accountability session each Tuesday. He has personally gone with her to networking events to help her overcome her reluctance.

He has taken the time to review every document that we use in the office and make recommendations for needed updates. He is always filling in to help everyone he can and goes to all the KW training possible.

Recently, St Augustine was planning their office Grand Opening. John volunteered to cook ALL the food and make ALL the drinks for this event. Among other things, this consisted of John barbequing 200 pounds of pork! He worked for over a week on the food prep alone. He also went to businesses and generated sponsors to help offset the event expenses.

John also spearheaded their KW Red Day event, which he hopes to make a year round commitment. The market center is working with the Betty Griffin house (battered women and children), and he has events on the calendar through the end of the year. John has helped with all this, while he is getting his own real estate business off the ground in a new area. He currently has almost $3 million in referral business waiting to close in Chicago.

He is always gracious, open, hard-working and dedicated to making Keller Williams Realty the best real estate company in the world! He is a quiet hero in the St Augustine market center.

Angela Duncan – A Quiet Hero Who Always Gives More To Others, Than To Herself

Angela Duncan is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Fayetteville, Georgia.Angela has a very caring heart, and “is known to always give more to others than to herself,” said her husband Brad. This has translated into her real estate career, as she provides exceptional caring service to her clients.

Before her career in real estate, she had fifteen years in education as a Special Education Para-Pro for Clayton County. Angela was always drawn to helping children with special needs. Anyone in that field absolutely understands that this is not an easy path. Some of these children can be hard to help, as they may even be physically difficult to handle. Yet Angela wanted to help them the most.

She was drawn in particular to Mathew, an autistic child. She began working with him when he was in kindergarten, and she stayed with him for seven years. She worked very closely with his family and even with his doctors. They continue to stay in touch with each other, and he recently graduated from high school!

Angela has a deep commitment to people. Her son Jeremy commented that “she always puts her needs aside to help someone else.”

Recently, the Duncan family had sponsored a little girl in Haiti: Mirlene. Although Angela actually has a terrible fear of flying, she worked up her courage so she could visit the child at her orphanage. They met long before the earthquake, and they were making plans for her to spend the summer with them in Atlanta. The orphanage had around 100 children in it at the time of the earthquake. Brad managed to get there after the devastation, and then there are over 15,000 children there. Angela and Brad are working now on coordinating donation efforts to help the devastated orphanages and families and trying to help them with the purchase of a new facility for those precious children.

As a realtor, Angela is very meticulous and detail oriented when it comes to her representation. “She truly cares about her clients and serves way above the call of duty,” her Team Leader Kim Estes commented. “She has more compassion than anyone that I know. Angela never meets a stranger and her concern is always for what is in the best interest of her clients. She is a true counselor and always says that she wants to make 100% certain that her clients are happy and well represented.”

Angela’s story is another wonderful example of the quality of people who make up Keller Williams Realty. She demonstrates what it means to be a quiet hero through the story of her life.

Jeremy concluded: “If you ever wanted someone on your side, it would be her. God puts people on this earth for special reasons; helping children is hers.”

Jack Logan - A Quiet Hero Who Faithfully Follows Through On His Commitments And Promises

Jack Logan works with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Tucker, Georgia. He has been a realtor since 2003 and works hard to serve his clients well. Real estate is his profession, and he gives his clients exceptional attention.

Recently, Jack also made time to help a charter school in his county that needed a male role model to step in when another teacher was unexpectedly out. It was a short-term commitment, but what an impact Jack made in the time he was there for these children. With a background as a certified math and physics teacher, he was asked to help a group of 12 year old children, many of whom were challenging and not always motivated.

He committed to teaching them, grading their papers, fielding calls from parents, even marching kids to the principal's office. Every afternoon Jack had a line up of kids wanting individual help in math. He would come home and tell his wife Debby stories about the kids... and many days were discouraging. “He never wanted to yell at a student though many of the kids challenged him” she said. “He would quietly take individuals out of the classroom for chats in which he tried to encourage them to strive to do better. He wanted to give hope and make a difference in their lives.”

Many of the children of Path Academy are from other countries. This was not an issue for Jack, as he works with a large number of international clients in real estate; ranging from doctors from other countries to newcomers who are just getting started. He is always patient to explain the process of buying a house.

On a personal note, Jack's wife Debby has bravely fought off cancer since she was a teenager. They married in 1979 – her cancer did not stop him from wanting to marry her. “We were living in New York, and had had 2 children by 1985 when it was discovered I had cancer again,” Debby said.

“Every morning, he drove 2 hours north of NYC where he worked, then drove to the hospital every afternoon to be with me.... then drove home to be with our children every night. He would get up the next morning and do it again. When I finally got out of the hospital, he would faithfully take me everyday for walks to regain my strength. The cancer recurred again 6 months later, and he did it all over again. I watched him so many days read stories to the children because they asked, even if he had a terrible headache.... he has always been there for us.”

“I had always dreamed of going to Italy and Jack had promised we would go for our 30th anniversary in March 2009. Despite many reasons that could hinder this dream and promise, with the encouragement of family, Jack made that trip a reality. We had the time of our lives and are so thankful that we did not let a financially lean year in real estate stop us from celebrating our marriage commitment of 30 years.”

Jack works hard to serve his real estate clients, and he does an exceptional job of it. In addition to that, he is committed to helping others. Debby concluded: “That is simply who he is; he does not realize what a wonderful hero he is.” He is there faithfully to fulfill his commitments and promises, not only for Debby, and their family...but also for his clients, and even this winter, for the children at Path Academy.

Corki Feltman – Giving and Giving…to People and Animals!

Corki Feltman works with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Stockbridge, Georgia. She has been a realtor since 1983 and has earned a reputation as someone who will offer her assistance whenever she can.

Despite difficult personal circumstances, Corki supports many local charities. Over the holidays, she was ringing the bell on the weekends for Salvation Army. With a local group, she collected can goods and non- perishable items at Walmart. Karen Linnear shared that through their efforts, Corki helped them collect ten large barrels of donations which they donated to a local food pantry.

Corki has a real love of animals, and “no matter what she is doing, she will stop and collect food, money or whatever she can for the Humane Society.” She has collected hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food for them!

Corki goes out of her way for people. Jamie Upchurch (a fellow agent) recalls: “When I was a new agent, Corki called me one day to ask me if I had a listing appointment with a certain Seller. When I told her I did, she said, "Ok then I am going to cancel my appointment."

I asked her “Why?” She said she did not want to do anything to keep Jamie from getting the listing, “I know you are new, and they cannot do any better." “What a sweet unselfish thing to do! Remember this was 15 years ago when everyone was scambling for business. So to me, Corki is the best.”

It has been a particularly cold winter, which is very hard on those who cannot afford warm clothing or coats. Corki also worked on a coat drive to support the local DFACS. In a recent letter from Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services, they shared their real appreciation for her:

“Thank you for your generous support of our efforts. Your commitment to promoting the well being of children in our community is sincerely appreciated. Our families were overwhelmed by the clothes and love you gave them.”

Corki’s generosity and giving heart extends to both the people and the animals around her, which is just part of what makes her such a wonderful example of what a quiet hero is all about.

A Hero Is...

Someone we admire. Someone we look up to.
Someone who gives us hope.
Not a Myth, or an Icon, or a Legend. Someone solid, genuine and real.
An ordinary person who does extraordinary things.

A Hero picks us up when we are down.
Believes in us before we believe in ourselves.
Inspires us to expand and embrace what is possible.

Helps us realize that ... we can be heroes, too.

We honored 21 Heroes on our quiet hero blog in 2009. I cannot wait to share with you, the special Heroes we will honor in 2010. I am writing two of their stories as we speak... stay tuned.

Be ready to be inspired... we can be heroes, too.

Linda Lee - An Unbelievable Example of Culture

Linda Lee has been with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in Daytona Beach, Florida since February of 2008, when she transferred from the Savannah KW office. One of the reasons she moved was to be closer to her daughter. She has done very well considering the shifted real estate market, being new to the area then, and newer in the business. She attends office training classes and consults with her Team Leader regularly. Linda is a leader in the office, and this story is just one that explains why.

In September 2008, the Daytona Beach market center lost a well-liked agent named Tim Bjork. Tim passed quickly and unexpectedly. After the initial shock of hearing the news, the Team Leader, Michael Leadlay, & the MCA Kelli Swafford wanted to be sure to take care of Tim’s clients. They had a hard time reaching the seller on Tim’s listing to pass on the news. Finally Michael drove to the listing and realized it was vacant.

He spoke with Tim’s wife Marsha that same day to offer his condolences. When he saw her at the funeral a few days later, they agreed to meet so that he could help her with any business related items that Tim had. Michael found out the seller of Tim’s listing was the former pastor of their church, and he called them to see if they could still help them sell their property.

Not only was the listing a short sale (roughly $125,000 short), it was also not going to be an easy sale. Further, Marsha could really use a commission off of it selling, so Michael wanted to find a way to sell the listing and still figure out how to pay the commission to Tim’s wife.

Michael was sharing the story when Linda said she would work the listing and not take a commission on the transaction if it closed. The house had some challenges with condition and though the local agents understood the value, unfortunately the bank did not.

The house had five contracts turned into the bank. The first four did not go through either because the bank was not realistic or the buyers got tired of waiting and cancelled. This was an extremely time-consuming process on each contract: Linda handled the bank, the out of town sellers and getting paperwork signed, as well as the agents representing the buyers.

Linda did all this knowing that she was not working towards a commission! The home did finally sell after 13 months: the sellers were very appreciative that they were out from under a very difficult situation. Marsha (Tim’s wife) was shocked when they presented her with a check for the same amount that Tim would have made if he had sold the home himself – they never told her that they had planned on that if the home sold.

Linda had a fantastic attitude and was happy to help throughout the process. Michael Leadlay complimented her “She is an unbelievable example to me of our culture, and I feel blessed to have her apart of our office.” Linda loves KW and will do anything for anyone – which is why she thinks what she did for Tim and Marsha is no big deal. However, we all think differently and know what a big example it was of KW culture and being a quiet hero.

I Think Of Her As My Sister – Celina Dietz

Celina Dietz is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners. Celina, and her fellow agent friend, Nancy, both joined the Augusta office at the same time. While this quiet hero story is about two realtors, after that real estate is just the background. This blog post is about a deep friendship that has formed, that just by definition, is what a quiet hero is all about.

Earlier this year Nancy found out completely unexpectedly that she had cancer. There is no history of cancer in her family, so this was a total and very upsetting, surprise.

Celina has been there for Nancy every step of the way. When Nancy was in the hospital, Celina visited her whenever she thought Nancy was alone. When Nancy came home, Celina would go to her house everyday just to sit with her, watch a movie, or to be sure she was eating.

Celina spent many hours on the internet looking up Nancy’s cancer, but only shared the positive things that she found out. She took her to doctor appointments and let Nancy hold her hand when they left the doctor’s office. She came to visit Nancy, just to get her out of the house. She called often, always making Nancy promise her she would eat.

Celina’s Team Leader, Kathy Larrabee, shared that “Celina is always upbeat, and she has the BEST sense of humor!”

This was not an easy story for Nancy to share, but she cares for Celina so deeply, she wanted to honor her as a quiet hero.

Nancy wrote: “Celina encouraged me when I would get teary or depressed. She has been such support for me I do not know how I would have gone through this difficult time without her. We have two kinds of sisters, those God gives us and those we chose. I think of Celina as my sister.”

Thank you, Celina, for showing us what a true quiet hero friend, and sister, is all about.

He Makes It A Priority In His Life To Help Others - Hugh Farmer

Hugh Farmer is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Newnan and was the #1 agent in his office in 2008. Even with his production, he still finds the time to go out of his way to assist people with their different needs.

Hugh helps by going on listing appointments with new agents, teaches classes in the Market Center, gives leads to struggling agents on a daily basis, as well as anonymously pays office bills for agents who cannot, checks to be sure the office staff has lunch, and even lends a hand to those who have been “stranded” on the side of the road (including his Team Leader)!

Hugh reaches out to agents who are ill, as well as to those whose family is not well. He visits regularly with Judie Leveritt, a Newnan agent battling Multiple Myeloma. In the summer of 2008, Judie was living with her daughter in Smyrna. On Friday afternoons Hugh would go out of his way to meet Judie’s daughter at the office and then drive Judie to LaGrange, so she could visit her church and spend a few days in her own home. On Mondays, he would bring Judie back from LaGrange to Newnan to travel back to Smyrna with her daughter. Newnan to LaGrange is a 45 minute drive each way. Thankfully, Judie is now back at home in LaGrange with a caretaker. Hugh always drops by when he is in the area.

Hugh’s own father, Hugh Sr., was diagnosed with lung cancer. Hugh has not missed a doctor’s appointment and takes his Dad to Atlanta on a regular basis for treatment.

Hugh has been the chair for KW Cares for two years and is always the first to jump when the office needs anything. He regularly helps raise money for others. He was on the “front line” in 2007 when the office raised $39,000 for Judie Leveritt – he helped with the BBQ Picnic, Car Show, Softball Tournament, and Golf Tournament. Hugh headed up the office’s Chili Cook-off in the fall of ’08, and they raised over $1500 for Kares for Kids.

In April Hugh put together a fundraiser/dinner for Denise R. (her husband is battling colon cancer). He put it together in 10 days, and they raised over $3000 in a three hour period that night!

Hugh realized that while he was having his best year in 2008, other agents were struggling. He asked the Team Leader to skip over his name for monthly awards and allow others to be given the first place award. He also offered to the Newnan and Peachtree City offices: any of their agents could sit in his listings and hold open houses.

Hugh must be a good time manager - in addition to all this, he is an avid gardener! He always brings in fresh produce for the staff and agents. He is currently on the search for a “Pear Tomato” plant, to plant in his garden. Dee (MCA) mentioned that her 94 year old mother really likes “yellow tomatoes”. He is growing Pear Tomatoes this year for her!

Hugh actively looks for his opportunities to help others; his actions speak for themselves. Thank you, Hugh, for being such a busy quiet hero!

Never Complains, Just Smiles and Serves - Stephanie Hedrick

Stephanie Hedrick is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (Northeast in Snellville). She has built a successful real estate career and is consistently one of the office’s top producers.

When the real estate market shifted and some agents pulled back from doing anything "extra", Stephanie did not. She has continued to serve on the Agent Leadership Council, help the Culture Committee and serve as a Kares 4 Kids Ambassador. The shift in the market has not been easy on many realtors and it certainly was not easy on Stephanie, yet she has still found time for others.

Stephanie keeps a great attitude and continues to be a KW cheerleader. She reaches out to other agents in the office, whether it is helping them with their paper work, on the computers, or with their real estate questions.

Many people do not realize that Stephanie has a handicapped child…and Garrett is the light of Stephanie's life. She manages more in a week at home than many of us can imagine. Yet she carries her responsibilities with a smile on her face and a huge heart. She is always willing to help others, particularly children.

Recently Stephanie headed up the office’s KW Red Day community efforts. When she heard that the Foster Children's foundation was in desperate need, Stephanie urged the office to help them. She stepped right up and organized an Office Yard Sale. Stephanie spoke at the Team Meeting about the foster children they would be helping with tears in her eyes...and the office came together and raised over $1600 in one day to donate to the foster children!

Stephanie is always putting others and children first without a mention of her own challenges. Through this shift in our business, Stephanie does not complain; she has continued to help and reach out to others. She sets a great example for us by her positive attitude, regardless of your responsibilities or the market!

More KW Red Day Quiet Heroes! Augusta, Tucker and Newnan

The good that Keller Williams Realty spread on their 1st Red Day was truly amazing. More quiet heroes everywhere! Augusta visited The Berry Center and helped them create a garden. The Perimeter East (Tucker) office served at the Grace Nursing Home. Newnan visited 19 fire stations to thank them with home made baskets of goodies, as well as the Piedmont Hospital!

KW Red Day - Quiet Heroes Everywhere

I was surrounded by quiet heroes all day - what an incredible event to experience - Red Day! Keller Williams Realty's first "R"enew, "E"nergize and "D"onate effort! There were agents in each office who organized the events, and there were more agents who came out and did whatever work needed to be done. They scrubbed floors and windows to help someone who needed to sell their property, they organized a "library" for children who had not had one, they collected donations for a yard sale, to raise money for foster children who are in desperate need. The stories go on and on.

What amazed me the most to witness, was the selfless, hard work that I saw. It did not matter how dirty the job was; if it needed to be done, someone stepped forward and put in their best effort.

Their community giving was humbling and inspiring. The photos and the stories are still coming... I will share them as I get them. These quiet heroes are everywhere!