From the Publisher’s Desk: January 2008

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Shining a LightWhile we usually start the New Year with a fresh perspective and renewed optimism, many of us are heading into 2008 burdened by concerns about where the industry and the overall economy are headed.

Clearly, while there are plenty of external circumstances to warrant a bleak start to the year, there are even more reasons to approach this year with a healthy, positive mindset. As industry leaders, brokers, and top-producing agents, now is the time to lead with optimism. Now is the time to shine a light on the many opportunities this market holds.

Having had the honor of attending Bill Fox’s funeral last month, I was reminded of just how important, how powerful, great leadership can be. A loving husband and father of four, Bill was also one of the real estate industry’s most dedicated brokerage leaders in what may have been the golden age of regional broker expansion. After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1963, he joined the family’s real estate business that his grandfather had founded in Philadelphia in 1886, Fox & Lazo, Inc. Bill helped grow the business from eight agents in 1963 to over 3,000 agents in 2003, when the company was recognized as the ?4th-largest privately owned residential financial services firm in the nation.

It was a privilege to hear Bill’s beautiful wife of more than 48 years, Sandy, and each of their four children eulogize Bill. Speaking for the readers of this magazine, I know Bill epitomized what we all hope to be: honest, forthright, inspiring leaders. I am honored to have known him.

As Bill Fox’s shining example taught us, leaders-now more than ever-have to illuminate the path to success. As Sherry Chris remarked during our annual Power Broker Forum this past November, “For the first time in a long time, agents are going to their broker/owners and looking for help.”

Sherry is absolutely right. By choosing the right perspective and focusing on the opportunity, not the crises, in today’s market, you can, in turn, lead your companies down the right path for 2008. You can become a much-needed shining example for those agents who are looking for direction, encouragement, and strategies for succeeding despite what the media says.

We look forward to helping you carry the flag in 2008. And Bill, you will be missed.

John E. Featherston
CEO & Publisher

Discussion Forum

Topic	Posts	Last Poster
Real Estate 101 - What Is A Short Sale?	3	yxvayns
My Space Page?	2	OverlandParkRealEstate
New Agent:Getting Started in RE in S. Florida - Advice?	29	DMonette
Spanish speaking agents in California?	4	CapeCodHomes
Are customers really online?	41	CapeCodHomes
Best Real Estate Blogs???.....	3	ruthrbn
A Listing and $2.00 will get you on the subway!	2	Catie10002
"I'm not going to give my house away."	13	RISORLANDO
Inexpensive Real Estate Websites	1	robertjgaffney
Is Data Integrity really That Important?	5	shelleytherealtor

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