List Recognizes Industry Leaders Who Inspire, Innovate and Work for the Greater Good  

Several HomeSmart International representatives made RISMedia’s 2020 Real Estate NewsMakers list for dedicating their careers to creating a better real estate process, working tirelessly for consumers and the greater good of homeownership.

“It is humbling to be included on such a prestigious list for another year,” said HomeSmart CEO and Founder Matt Widdows. “Thanks to our groundbreaking and hard-working team, many of whom are fellow 2020 Newsmakers, HomeSmart has impacted the industry and changed what it means to be a 100% model. We will continue to raise the bar on tech while providing the utmost customer service to our agents, brokers and consumers.”

Widdows was recognized for developing cutting-edge systems and proprietary technology that enables franchisees and agents to spend more time focusing on clients and profitability. In 2019, HomeSmart rolled out the rewrite of its proprietary RealSmart Broker and RealSmart Agent platforms.

Bryan Brooks, the senior vice president of franchise sales at HomeSmart International, spearheaded the company’s domestic and international franchise growth, which includes mergers, acquisitions, roll-ins and conversion opportunities. In 2019, the HomeSmart brand grew by more than 35 new franchises across six new states with two acquisitions that added more than 1,500 agents to the company.

“I am honored to be included in such an exclusive group of real estate leaders,” said Brooks. “HomeSmart is fortunate to be represented by so many on this list, which is a testament to how much we’ve grown and pushed the boundaries of the real estate industry in the past year.”

Randy Rector, CEO and owner of the HomeSmart Evergreen Realty franchise made the list for his creative business choices operating seven Orange County and Inland Empire offices in California. Rector said his business decisions are an example of the type of entrepreneurial thinking today’s market requires in order to provide more opportunities for agents and consumers.

RISMedia also highlighted Todd Sumney, chief industry officer, for his leadership in building the company’s brand, driving marketing, continuity and the adoption of HomeSmart tools and resources. He speaks to HomeSmart brokers and sales associates across the country about leveraging the power of the brand and teaches continuing education and marketing essentials at industry events. In 2019, Sumney helped numerous agents dramatically increase their transaction count.

“It brings me great pleasure when agents come back for my classes time and time again leaving motivated to do what they need to do to grow their businesses,” said Sumney. “I am truly passionate about serving and helping others.”

Another HomeSmart International team member was recognized for fighting for causes in her community. Vivi Gloriod, the owner and founder of Team Vivi in Denver, hosted a Casino Night fundraiser in 2019 to raise money for students and teachers in the Denver Public School System.

“We chose Denver Public Schools as our charity to raise money for the students and the teachers,” said Gloriod. “I have had many clients that are educators and I know how hard they work for our youth.”

In celebration of RISMedia’s 2020 Real Estate Newsmakers, more than 300 are expected to convene at an honorary reception and dinner on May 13 in Washington, D.C.