Hop in your “way back” machine and let me take you to 1988. Ronald Reagan was president, a gallon of milk cost $2.19, and mortgage interest rates hovered around 10.34%. Real estate agent mentor Howard Brinton was a motivational speaker who had the idea to interview top-producing real estate agents from across North America. Then, he would distribute that interview on an audiocassette through a “STAR of the Month” Club that people could subscribe to. Consideration for this elite group was about much more than just annual sales volume or number of homes sold. It was about things like an agent’s unique approach, willingness to share, profitability, different market sizes, geographic locations, areas of specialty, and so much more.
Fast forward a bit to 1994—an up-and-coming Realtor and mother of three from West Lafayette, Indiana, got the call that would change her life. Howard Brinton wanted Cathy Russell to be one of his STARs. She was, and she is, and her life was never the same.
I’m honored and humbled to say that just a few weeks ago, I got one of the greatest invitations of my life, and I flew to Denver, Colorado, for my in-studio interview. After time in the hair-and-makeup seat (so fancy!), we spent an hour talking about all sorts of facets of my business:
- Work-life balance
- Systems
- Leverage
- Family business
- Lead generation
- And so much more!
A new friend, and now fellow STAR, Jerry Pinkas from Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, was also interviewed. (He is the YouTube KING. WOW.) After our interviews, and one with STAR Revisited Sam Miller from Mt. Vernon, Ohio, we did what all great brokers do . . . headed to the pub for a mastermind session. There were SO many good thoughts and ideas shared. As with all STAR POWER events, I walked away feeling motivated, encouraged, and inspired to keep growing and enhancing my business!
To be a STAR means a willingness to pull back the curtain and show people exactly what you’re doing to succeed. More than 360 STARs were interviewed over the first two decades of STAR POWER. Nearly half of them showed up year after year to contribute at the STAR POWER annual conference.
And now, it’s my turn to share. The interview flew by, and it’s back to business. But first, I need to dig up the marketing materials, forms, and checklists that I’ll be sharing with brokers across North America.
What a ride.
Very proud of this woman and Amy! Howard totally changed all of our lives..
He sure did!
What a accomplishment and a honor,So happy for you. I bet your family is so proud of you . I also want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you Darlena
Thank you! I am grateful to have been able to help you in this season of your life!! Great things ahead!
I always thought of you as a STAR:)
Congrats!!
You’re so kind, Steve. Always a treat to see you around!!! Thank you!
Stacy …. I’m so excited to watch your interview !
Congratulations !!
Thank you for posting the wonderful Pictures of your Mom …Cathy …and Howard and Amy and YOU. The Star 2022❤️
StarPower is a wonderful group of professionals sharing … caring .. and best practices shared to make the real estate industry better ! Thank you !
Martha Hendrick
Wow! Congratulations! You and your team and family are remarkable!
Thank you, Michelle!
So true, Martha. I’m so honored to be included in this generous group! Our lives were all changed for the better by Howard!
Congratulations Stacy! You are a blessing to so many and its wonderful seeing that you’ve received such a high honor.
Thank you, Stacie!! Very honored.
How wild that Amy is now in charge of Star Power. Very cool, Cheech. Proud of you, proud of mom, proud of Amy. Also glad to see I got to use that dress twice, banquet and sunshine dance. 😉😂
You really got your money’s worth! HA! I know… so fun how life ebs and flows. Thank you.
This is all so awesome 👏🏼 👏🏼 Way to go dear friend way to go! 💕
Thank you, friend.