By Megan Montemarano
“NOW this is the Law of the Jungle, as old and as true as the sky,
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree trunk, the law runneth forward and back;
For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.”
The spectacular April 5th event kicked off with a networking session, where agents mixed and mingled with fellow associates—the perfect occasion for building the kinds of relationships that lead to new business and future referral sources. At the same time, attendees were able to connect with representatives from key sponsors in our Vendor Alley, and learn about important new technology and marketing products.These ever-famous words of Rudyard Kipling served as the inspiring theme of this year’s company event, “The Power of the Pack.” According to the quote, there is an interdependent relationship that exists between the individual and organization, ultimately allowing each to thrive. This insightful metaphor that can easily be related to our company and the unique culture we consistently seek to foster.
During the main event, our senior leaders provided invaluable insights and introduced new initiatives expected for 2017. Guest speakers included President and CEO Paul Breunich, President of Building and Land Technology Paul J. Kuehner, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC Phillip A. White, COO Vin Socci, a panel of brokerage managers, Pati Holmes, Carolyn Fugere and Bill Larkin, as well as national keynote speaker Josh Linkner, all of whom left the crowd feeling energized and excited about the current direction of the company and market.
Breunich was the first of many empowering speakers to take the stage, setting an optimistic tone when reflecting upon our company’s recent successes. While revealing exciting plans for the future, he prepared “the pack” to remain as industry leaders using the innovation, resources and unparalleled global network of Sotheby’s International Realty® that is ours alone. The brand’s President and CEO Phillip A. White reaffirmed the matchless tools at our disposal, focusing on our incomparable marketing, record-breaking global sales volume, rich heritage and vast international reach. He additionally introduced Sotheby’s International Realty’s newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin Thompson, who discussed his extensive background working with globally recognized luxury brands, and passion for creating exceptional consumer experiences through the strategic use of marketing and branding.
The panel discussion tapped into the expertise of three brokerage managers who collectively boast a 95% success rate at listing presentations. Fugere, Holmes and Larkin revealed their secrets to winning at nearly every pitch, answered questions and shared key insights.
Keynote speaker Josh Linkner is an internationally recognized thought leader on innovation, reinvention and hyper-growth leadership. His mission is to help people and organizations harness the power of creative disruption to maximize their full potential—a message that deeply resonates with both our company’s and brand’s pioneering philosophy. As the founder and CEO of five tech companies, Linkner built his businesses into a combined value of over $200 million. He is a two-time New York Times Bestselling Author, and weekly contributor to Inc. Magazine, Forbes and the Detroit Free Press. He has twice been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is a President Obama Champion of Change Award recipient. During his speech, Linkner highlighted five creative ways to effectively become a leader in an industry and prosper by focusing on disruption and defying convention. He provided the audience with personal examples and other business success stories, offering an informative, fascinating and truly enjoyable experience.
The day concluded with a cocktail reception, offering hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, frozen boat drinks, and a live seven-piece band in our outdoor tent—the perfect way to end yet another successful company event.
Special thanks go to our platinum sponsor, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Gold Sponsor, The New York Times, Speaker Sponsor, Waterfront Branded Marketing Solutions, Silver Dessert Sponsor, William Pitt/Julia B. Fee Insurance, Photo Booth Sponsor, Xpressdocs and Bronze Sponsor, Colony. Thank you also to our Exhibitor Sponsors, Brooks Brothers, Buyside, Doorbell Barbers, East Bay Cutting Boards Inc., Edberg Solutions, Everything But the House, Flying Point Digital, 1-800-Got-Junk?, Home Art, Homeguard Environmental, Lord & Taylor, Lumentus Social, Microsoft, PlanOmatic, Property Packet, Schaefer Inspection Service Inc., Smart MLS, Sotheby’s Wine, Spire, Standard Oil, Standard Security Systems, The Wall Street Journal, W.B. Mason and The Woolworth.
