HomeSmart executives once again dominate this elite real estate ranking, accomplishing greatness in the face of uncertainty to achieve the ultimate success
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — March 22, 2022 — HomeSmart, one of the leading real estate brokerage brands in the country, is proud to announce that five company leaders have been recognized by the prestigious 2022 RISMedia Newsmaker Awards for their dedication and contribution to the industry and their communities.
“I am honored to have been recognized by the Newsmaker Awards once again, and am humbled to share this accomplishment with so many of HomeSmart’s exceptional leaders who too have devoted themselves to our company’s growth, culture and values,” said HomeSmart Founder and CEO Matt Widdows.
RISMedia’s annual Newsmaker Awards recognize the achievements and leadership of more than 300 real estate professionals that continually rise to the occasion, making a difference in their communities and companies, and excelling despite the unpredictable challenges of this past year. The honor is regarded as a pinnacle achievement for real estate professionals.
Newsmaker Awards are divided into the following categories: Achievers, Crusaders, Futurists, Influencers, Luminaries, Motivators, Trailblazers and Trendsetters. HomeSmart award winners represent a cross-section of the company and communities HomeSmart serves.
Futurists Award: Matt Widdows, Founder and CEO of HomeSmart
Matt Widdow’s commitment to a better future inspired further development of his robust RealSmart Tech Suite to include an innovative new offering, HomeSmart Client. Launched in the last year, HomeSmart Client is the next evolution of his vision for real estate, providing the consumer with the same visibility and connection his original tech offerings have afforded agents and brokers for over two decades. Widdows believes in offering the consumer detailed insight into the process, also providing agents with the tools they need to manage relationships and drive faster transactions.
Luminaries Award: Ashley Bowers, President
Ashley Bowers has fostered a collaborative environment at HomeSmart that values development and education for all. She is proud to put the wants and desires of agents into action to develop new service offerings and processes that aid in their individual growth. Now, more than ever, meaningful relationships and connections take priority as HomeSmart grows across the country. Bowers has fostered a culture of openness at HomeSmart, from her own open-door policy to ensuring one-on-one mentorship and coaching for all HomeSmart employees.
Trendsetters Award: Michael Swope, Chief Revenue Officer
Michael Swope has been a driving force in HomeSmart’s expansion to new markets, and helped lead the 2021 acquisition of PalmerHouse Properties. In an effort to provide a world-class agent experience across HomeSmart’s corporate markets, Swope has been instrumental in integrating the organization’s affiliated businesses—including mortgage, title, escrow and home warranty—to offer a truly unique, all-inclusive real estate experience for the consumer.
Influencers Award: Todd Sumney, Chief Industry Officer
Todd Sumney has dedicated himself to the support and education of HomeSmart and non-HomeSmart agents alike, sharing his industry knowledge and marketing prowess to help others succeed. He believes that insight and know-how is meant to be shared, spearheading in-depth education through webinars and HomeSmart’s popular podcast, The Real State. Sumney is the embodiment of HomeSmart’s commitment to training—he has worked tirelessly with franchise owners and agents to ensure their success in any market.
Achievers Award: Bryan Brooks, Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales
Bryan Brooks has leveraged his expertise and knowledge of brokerage operations and franchising to drive incredible growth across HomeSmart’s network over the past year. He has spearheaded the expansion of the HomeSmart brand into nearly every corner of the country, entering ten new states in a 12-month period. His commitment to expansion saw one of the company’s largest acquisitions to date in March 2020 with the purchase of PalmerHouse Properties, a merger that brought an additional 2,000 agents and six new markets into HomeSmart’s portfolio. This merger brought an additional 2,000 agents and six new markets to HomeSmart’s portfolio.