The Management-Broker Group
 

JEFF HARRIS, President and CEO   

Jeff has extensive background in real estate brokerage, development, construction, finance and lending. He has owned and managed a variety of businesses, ranging in scope from a national firm to regional and local enterprises. 

He was a vice president and division manager of the resale division of Centex Homes, one of the nation’s largest builders.

Jeff is the classical entrepreneur and business development specialist with particular expertise in service-oriented, personnel-driven enterprises. His personable style and team-building, service-oriented approach has resulted in tremendous loyalty of staff and customers alike.

An outdoorsman and sportsman, Jeff shares his love of the outdoors and sports with his family. His wife, Candace, loves children, so it’s not surprising that, in addition to looking after her own, she runs a preschool and daycare center. Naturally, she loves and participates in many sports like the rest of the family.Brittany, 18, now off to college, is a competitive cheerleader and loves snowboarding and wakeboarding. Scott, 15, a high school student, is into soccer, plus snow, wake and long boarding. Like his dad, he’s a golfer and hunter. Brandon, just 9 months old, is already a boating fanatic and big on power napping. Chelsea, 17, is finishing high school. Garrett, 12, and Jake 10 are both into soccer, snow skiing, wake and long boarding.

Jeff’s comment:

“I’ve been involved in many segments of the real estate industry and at many levels, but nothing I’ve done is as satisfying as working with agents and helping them become successful. I see my job as providing the opportunity and the tools for success. We’ve grown our company on that premise and the team we’ve put together shares my passion, not just for our agents, but for the future we’re building together.

“I’m excited about our pioneering role as a virtual real estate company, though I’ve been concerned about losing the personal touch, the human side of the business I’m convinced however, that used properly, technology can bring people together. Important business relationship and even friendships have been created on the telephone and internet and I know we can achieve that at A1R. 

“That said, some people feel the need for more personal contact. We are addressing those needs through features in our program like video conferencing, and the Group Net Branch Office enabling people in the same local to team up and interact.

I’m know that we will maintain our dedication to the important job of building careers and fostering success throughout our virtual real estate family. 

RONN KAISER, General Manager and General Counsel

Ronn has been a real estate broker in California since 1978 and a member of the California Bar Association since 1968. He has worked in sales management, real estate development, investment, consulting and property management. He has served as general counsel for diversified real estate firms in both Washington State and California and was a regional vice president for a national residential real estate brokerage company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ronn’s wife, Janice, is a community sales manager for a regional builder in the Sacramento area, his son, Matthew, is a professor at Harvard University and his daughter, Sybil teaches school in Paris, France. Ronn has published a number of books and has been an avid rower since college.

Ronn’s comment:

“My job is to be the safety net for our agents, to be there for them in times of crisis and times of need. The best problems, though are the ones you catch before they become truly difficult, that’s why I encourage regular dialogue between agents and management. Even the smallest concerns can be great learning opportunities for agents and for those of us in the office alike. 

“Management support is about solving problems and clearing obstacles. But it’s also about helping agent to learn and to grow professionally. Yes, we want to help fight the inevitable fires, but we also want to help you become a better, more productive agent. At the heart of my job is building skills, building confidence and fostering teamwork throughout the organization.

“For this philosophy to take root and flourish, accessibility and communication are key. That’s why we have developed a “triage” system whereby your calls and emails will be directed to the most appropriate staff member for response and assistance, with the most urgent matters receiving the most immediate attention. In case of emergency we want you to be able to have access to a decision-maker. For that reason a broker/manager will be on call twenty-four seven.

“We know that our success depends on the quality of support and service you receive. We are always happy to hear about our successes, but we need to know about our failures as well. Concerns are welcome, but constructive suggestions are especially valued because we endeavor to be not only industry innovators, but the very best in the business as well.”
 

MARLA CROCKETT, Operations Manager.

Marla has over 20 years experience in real estate office administration and personnel and has been employed by companies ranging from large national firms, to franchises and independents. Her broad experience over the years has enabled her to handle complex matters of the smallest detail to broad company-wide policy issues. Her instincts and feel for the business have made her invaluable to management and agents alike. Personnel, licensing, education and training as well as office administration fall within Marla’s area of responsibility. Every organization has a “go-to” person and at A1R, Marla’s the one.

While nurturing and supporting real estate agents over the years, Marla found time to raise two wonderful daughters, Tori, a pre-school teacher and day care provider, and Kylee, a Registered Dietician. She also has a twelve year old granddaughter, Becky is a cheerleader and gymnast, and granddaughter Jenny, seven, is an aspiring chef and a two year old grandson who loves dogs, trucks, books and fishing and a fourth grandchild on the way. When she isn’t helping agents and grandchildren, Marla’s passion is cooking, designing and decorating. She’s also a painter and loves to garden.

Marla’s comment:

“Being a people person, I love to help agents and my staff. I see my job as being the agent’s best friend in the company. I’m responsible for the personal side of the agent’s business life, everything from hiring and the agent contract process to keeping the administrative side of things running smoothly. My responsibilities are troubleshooting and getting administrative procedure on track, effective communication is key. I familiarize myself with each agent to better know their needs and preferences. That enables me to become an advocate and an ombudsman to serve as a voice in the company. You can contact me either by phone or email, whichever is more convenient for you. My staff is well educated and trained to provide whatever assistance may be required. We all are available and eager to help.”

The Agent Support Group
 

TERI BEARDEN, Transaction Coordination Manager 

Teri has been a transaction coordinator for nearly six years and has, for much of the time, supervised assistant coordinators, making sure that the overall operations of the department are working smoothly. Teri’s dedication to her job, her determination to see that escrows are handled properly and that transactions close satisfactorily have won her the appreciation and respect of the agents she serves. Her highly organized style, knowledge of data systems and software, plus her eye for detail have made her a valuable asset to the company and an indispensable resource to the agents she serves.

Teri enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her family. She has three children. Her oldest son Ryan currently attends Sac State College. Her middle son Daryl works for a local municipality. Her daughter Whitney, is attending Sierra College.

Teri’s comment: 

“My attention to detail is an advantage, at least when it comes to doing my job, which is to keep track of your escrows and to make sure you know the status of everything so you can rest confident that everything is under control. Our transaction coordination software will make it easy for you to keep track of your transactions. Yet the human side is still important. Our on-line systems and tools make it easy for you to work with me from the comfort and convenience of your home office, but we want you to know that at A1R you won’t be forced to listen to telephone menus and push buttons. You will have direct access to me and my staff when you have an escrow problem or issue that needs attention.”

MARLINA JOHNSON, Support Services Manager

Marlina is one of those people who seems able to do about anything, a wonderful trait for a person facing such a wide variety of responsibilities. She has been an office manager, sales manager, realtor, bookkeeper, transaction coordinator plus she’s created and operated her own businesses.

On the operations side, Marlina will often be your first contact. If she can’t solve your problem on the spot, she involve whoever is needed to ensure a satisfactory resolution of the matter. Her job is to see that the brokerage activities of the company run smoothly, that you get the input and support you need, and that the transactions close.  You are the owner-operator or your Personal Net Branch Office and Marlina and her people are your staff.

Not surprisingly, Marlina’s personal life is just as busy as the one she leads at work. She’s deeply involved in community activities and outside business interests, but only after meeting her responsibilities of raising her three sons. Michael, the eldest, will be going back to college for a degree in Music Ministry. Anthony is a senior in high school and wants to become a personal trainer and music artist. Stefan, the youngest, is a high school freshmen and wants to become a basketball pro.

Marlina’s comment:

“The best way to sum up my job is helpmate to the agents. I want you to feel confident that we’ve ‘got your back,’ that you can count on us to find a way to solve your problems and get your transactions closed. Because we’re human, mistakes are inevitable. It’s my responsibility to keep them to a minimum and, just as importantly, to get the problems that arise resolved satisfactorily.

“I know from experience that the backbone of every agent’s brokerage business is customer satisfaction. Our company is built on the premise of giving the very best service possible. Most of the responsibility falls on you, since you’re in the front lines, dealing with clients on a day-to-day basis. But you can’t do it alone. Back office support often makes the difference. That’s why we try to do more than just get the job done and the paper moved. We want you to look good every step of the way. We want you to be able to rely on us to get the results you deserve and feel confident that your needs are being met. I firmly believe that every meeting is an opportunity for a relationship, and as our relationship develops, it will be my desire for you to succeed. That’s what helpmates are for.”

STEVE YOUNG, Technology and Communications Services Manager   

Steve entered the technology sector later than most, having operated a variety of businesses over the years. Customer service has been a reoccurring theme in his various business endeavors, giving him experience which serves him well at A1R., a place where people are as important as systems. In an age of technology, especially in a virtual company based on electronic communications and electronic media, the technology geeks are both integral and essential.

Steve is much more than just an I.T. guy, however, playing a key role in developing and designing strategies and systems. He is responsible for putting technological agent support systems in place and helping agents integrate into the company net. He can’t serve as a personal techie for every A1R agent in the state, but he is available to help agents connect to and utilize our systems.

Steve and his wife, Melanie, a legal secretary, have been married for 37 years. Three adult children complete the family. Daughter, Noelle, is a community service volunteer, and son, Robert, has a successful career in theatre arts. Jamie, like Melanie, is a legal secretary.

Steve’s comment: 

“Technology, like most things, has its positives and its negatives. A lot of the young kids coming along know their stuff, but many of them don’t know business and people. The best I.T. personnel are integrated into the operation, rather than working on the fringes like an appliance repairman, who gets called only when something is broken. The best techno gurus are creative folk, guys and gals who focus on function and serviceability rather than the bells and whistles.

“A big part of our operation is connectivity through the website, finding ways to make systems and resources available on line. My job is to make it work effectively for you. When there are problems I need to hear about them so that I can make sure the company is working for you in the most efficient and effective way possible.”
 

The Operational Divisions Group
 

PRIORITY 1^ST MORTGAGE

American 1^st Realty and Priority 1^st Mortgage are sister companies and DBAs of the parent, Priority 1^st Realty, Inc.. P1M is the mortgage arm of the real estate operation, which means that, after training and certification, A1R agents may become loan officers at P1M, working under the same DRE license. Agents who do not wish to do loans are nonetheless encouraged to use the services of P1M. Those who do receive a 50% reduction in administration fees.

ERIC GRATHWOL, Division Manager

Eric has extensive experience in the lending industry, having worked for a variety of companies extending from one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies to more specialize local brokerage operations. His responsibilities have ranged from loan officer to branch manager. Eric is especially known for his knowledge of the credit markets and and is conversant with the deeper currents in the national and international economic scene. Eric’s peers joke that he knows what the FED is going to do before the governors themselves.

Despite his sophistication and depth of knowledge, Eric derives his greatest satisfaction helping borrowers get the financing they need. Accordingly, he insists on doing loans, if only to keep in touch with pulse of the market and staying current with needs and mind-set of consumers. Many realtors inside and outside the company insist that Eric do their loans.

In addition to supervising the operation of the mortgage arm, Eric’s responsibilities include consulting with A1R agents on loan issues as well as marketing and promotion matters, his specialties. If you should call in with a lending question, chances are Eric will end up on the other end of the line.

On the personal side, Eric is an adventurer, having worked for outdoor adventure companies in an earlier life. He’s an avid skier, traveling all over the world in search of the best slopes and perfect snow conditions. Thanks to the wonder of modern technology, Eric is never far from the lending action. He’s been known to put together loans from mountaintops with a blizzard raging outside his tent.

Eric’s comments:

“I found over the years that rewards follow naturally when you provide the very best service and help people realize their goals, be they clients or agents. I’ve helped agents save transactions even when other lenders are doing the loans because I believe there will always future opportunities for the business of those you serve well. I tell my loan officers to focus on results, but never cut corners, always give straight answers. Our goal is to provide the best service possible, in the most efficient way we know how, at a fair price. We don’t believe in gimmicks or putting borrowers into dangerous situations and loans. Our product is our service, which is a long-term view. A big part of that is looking out for the client’s best interests. When you do that, they will come back and they will tell their friends.”

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
 

Although agents in the company are versed in a variety of commercial brokerage activities, ranging from business opportunities to leasing and investments, the area of greatest expertise lies in land sales, development and housing. Our parent company has long and deep connections in the building industry, resulting in novel builder-related programs and opportunities for all agents, including those specializing in residential resale.

MIKE WISE, Division Manager     

Mike is a seasoned financial executive with over twenty years of experience in accounting and business administration with particular emphasis in real estate. In addition to brokerage, he has worked as a controller and VP of Finance for a local real estate developer and home builder, and has extensive experience in project management and finance. Mike’s division provides land clients with “real value” worth by providing site analysis, entitlement research, market knowledge, and management experience, creating value and vision to market directly to that buyer or seller. The commitment to our agents and their clients is to help them understand the process and challenges, and guide them through the process efficiently.

In addition to being a highly respected commercial broker and financial professional in the community, Mike is a committed family man. He has been married to his wife, Wendy, an accountant, for twenty-four years, and they have two daughters currently attending college. Ashleigh, age twenty-two, is studying psychology and plans to become a therapist; and Kaitlyn, age eighteen, is studying to become a physical therapist while playing basketball for her college. Mike being a lifetime athlete enjoys playing golf, water skiing, softball and working out regularly to stay fit. 

Mike’s comment:

“In today’s market we need to focus on value not price. Through our experience and knowledge, we need to build relationships to gain trust and confidence with our agents and clients. Understanding the challenges, identifying the market, and providing exceptional service will be our focus in building relationships and creating a working team for you. It’s our commitment to assist you on the possibilities, and improving your knowledge for a successful land DEAL ! “

INSURANCE SERVICES
 

With real estate brokerage and casualty insurance so interrelated, the company’s insurance division was created with the intent of offering a more complete array of services to homebuyers. A1R agents can offer their clients one stop shopping for their insurance needs in addition to real estate and lending services. Your buyers will automatically receive insurance quotes in each escrow, giving them a base for comparison and an opportunity to solve their insurance needs easily and at a fair price. 
 

BRAD MARYATT, Division Manager

Brad is in many ways the ideal person to run the company’s insurance division. Not only is he an insurance agent and executive, but he is a realtor with considerable experience not only real estate sales, but in relocation services and sales management. Brad has been the branch manager of one of the nation’s largest residential real estate companies.

Now focusing exclusively on insurance, Brad nevertheless has much to offer A1R agents and their customers, beginning with an intimate understanding of the process. Brad is available to consult with agents and their clients alike.

Brad and his wife, Sharon, have been married for over twenty years. They have two daughters, Kati, who is working on a nursing degree and Julia, a high school sophomore and cheerleader. Brad is an avid outdoorsman, his favorite activities ranging from boating, swimming and hiking to mountain biking, snow skiing and snowboarding.

Brad’s comment:

A1R agents can be sure of a sympathetic ear when calling about insurance needs and problems, considering I’ve spent many years on their side of the table. My door is always open and of course I’m readily available by phone or email.

“Having prior experience in techno-based service companies, I appreciate the challenges and I know how to overcome the obstacles. In my view, responsiveness and communications are key. As is the case throughout our organization, service is the name of the game. I am very excited about the “automatic insurance quote” program that we have in place. It will make your buyers’ lives easier and help you avoid needless problems at closing. We in the Insurance Division pledge to do our very best to accommodate your needs and augment the service you’re able to provide your clients.”

CLIENT SERVICES
 

A1R has developed a comprehensive package of client services to address the needs of the home buyer after the escrow has closed. The object of the program, called “Home Complete” is to provide “after sale” services through affiliated contractors and suppliers for things such as landscaping, pools, garage cabinets, epoxy garage floors, interior design, interior and exterior painting, custom cabinets, handyman services, BBQ’s outdoor living areas, concrete, sunrooms, overhead trellis, closet organizers, and much more.

MATT LEMOS, Division Manager

Matt has been working in and around the construction and building industry during most of his professional career. During his twelve plus years with one of the largest home builders in the country, Matt was involved in construction, design and customer relations. Working in construction and design he learned the nuts and bolts of the business, how to deal with subs and suppliers, but it was serving as general manager in charge of warranty and after-sale care for more than 10,000 home buyers that he developed a deep appreciation of the importance of taking care of the customer and getting the desired results.

Matt’s connections in the industry has enabled him to build a network of contractors, tradesmen and suppliers that are reliable, highly capable and reasonably priced, people he can count on to get the job done and get it done right.

Matt and his school teacher wife, Chris, have three children, Courtney, a sixth grader is an All-star softball player. Nathan, a second grader is into sports as well, baseball and soccer are two of his passions. Annie, the youngest is the dance/ ballet princess and likes to swim.
Not surprisingly Matt’s and Chris’s children got their passion for sports from them. They both coach children’s sports teams and Matt finds time for golf, baseball and basketball. The entire family is active in their church.

Matt’s comment:
“My personal mission statement is to make a the home closing and after-closing experience as enjoyable for the buyer as possible. In my experience what people want most in those who work on their home is someone who is ethical and trustworthy. Yes, the quality of the workmanship is very important, but most problems consumers experience result from unreliability and concerns about fairness and value.

“We believe that you, the agent, can increase your own value to your clients by increasing the ways you can assist them. The more services you can provide with satisfactory results, the happier your clients will be. Turning over the key to a new home need not be the last service you provide. If your clients know that they can continue to get more of the top flight service you’ve given during the marketing process, the level of customer satisfaction can only increase.
“My job is to be a resource for you and your clients, to provide you with services your competitors simply can’t match. “Complete Home” makes your service as a realtor even more complete.” 

Affiliates Group

COMMERCE TITLE COMPANY

A1R and its predecessors have had an extremely close and very special working relationship with Commerce Title from the time they were sister companies under the Centex Homes umbrella. Relationships forged over the years mean the highest quality of service and numerous tangible benefits for A1R agents, particularly when a willingness to go the extra mile can make all the difference.

ANGELA KUHNLE, Branch Manager

Angela has been with Commerce for six years and branch manager for four, having been named “branch manager of the year” in 2006. She was a paralegal before entering the title escrow business, having gained a depth of knowledge that has served her, Commerce Title and their clients well. Angela has known the A1R family firsthand from the beginning of her title-escrow career and has been instrumental in building high levels of trust and mutual cooperation.

Angela heads up the team that has been specially formed to serve A1R agents throughout the state. To the extent necessary, the team will draw on the resources of other Commerce offices and other title company affiliates to serve the needs of A1R agents and their clients.

Angela has been married for eighteen years and has two teenage sons, the eldest a freshman in college, the younger a high school sophomore. Angela and her family live on a small farm where she raises pigs, goats and chickens. She is an active member of 4H and enjoys the contrasting experience of a busy career and an agrarian lifestyle.

Angela’s comment:

“We’re really excited about A1R’s new concept, the virtual real estate company. So much of our own business is done virtually that I can see how seamless the process will work. It certainly fits right in with the way we operate, since it’s not uncommon for us to assist agents and clients in remote or distant locations. We definitely have the systems and procedures to provide everything required. 

“Our goal is to be the title and escrow company of choice for A1R agents throughout the state, even if that means refining and augmenting our systems and procedures. Like A1R, we are innovative and adaptive, reinventing ourselves, if necessary to meet our customers’ needs. Service is our commitment. We’re dedicated to getting results.”

AMBER CASTOR, Escrow Officer

Amber has six years of experience in the title business and has been with Commerce for four and a half years. In 2004 she was company “Employee of the Year” and has won gratitude and respect of the agents and customers she serves for her hard work and dedication. Whether they carried the business card of Centex Homes Realty, Priority 1^st Realty or American 1^st Realty, agents in the company have valued Amber’s service and shown tremendous loyalty to her.

Amber was recently married. Her husband, Brandon, is a building inspector. She also has a son, Dylan, who will soon be three. Home improvement projects are high on Amber’s lists of interests. (We know the work will be properly inspected and certified.) The family also loves camping, spending all the time they can at Rollins Lake.

Amber’s comment:

“I love the people at A1R, agents and staff alike. I’ve worked with many of them for so many years that it’s like we’re part of the same family. One of my favorite things is attending their sales meetings and making presentations, especially when the topic is business creation. I look forward to doing the on-line sales meetings and to assisting and supporting agents all over the state.

“Assisting A1R agents in San Diego or the Bay Area is not that different from those across town. Everything we need is at our fingertips, a touch of a computer key away. Our relationship with the transaction coordination team at A1R is fantastic, and that pays dividends for the agents. I love email, but I can always be reached on my cell, when away from the office. My personal pledge is to do whatever it takes to win your business, because we at Commerce are committed to your success.”