Laurel Board of REALTORS® Realtor of the Year program is designed to recognize a Realtor member of the LBR who has provided outstanding service to the local, state and national Realtor associations, the real estate profession and the Realtor’s community during his or her period of membership. The ROTY is not based on sold/listing performance, but is voted on by members of the local board. Debbie West received this year’s ROTY award at a recent award luncheon. Below is additional information for the Laurel Board of Realtors awards program for 2018.
Realtor of the Year: Debbie West, RE/MAX Town & Country
Debbie West, of RE/MAX Town & Country, has been a Realtor since 2007. She is a graduate of Heidelberg Academy and Jones Jr. College. She has been awarded Top 5 agent and Multi-Million Dollar Producer in her past. Her designations include Certified Negotiating Expert, Seller Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative, and Real Estate Negotiating Expert. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Mississippi Association of Realtors, the Laurel Board of Realtors.
She is a member of the Jones County Chamber of Commerce and Bethlehem Community Church, where she serves as a Greeter. She is currently serving the Laurel Board of Realtors as their Membership Committee Chairman. She is also serving on the Community Outreach Committee, Public Relations Committee Chairman and Education Committee. Debbie is in her second year on the Young Professionals Network committee in Jackson for the Mississippi Realtors.
She is married to Ken West. They have four children and two grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family boating, fishing, hunting and shopping. She loves serving her clients in real estate and volunteering at her church.
Rookie of the Year: Ashleigh Jenkins, Woodland Realty
Ashleigh Jenkins of laurel is a licensed Realtor, graduate of the Mississippi Realtors Institute, a member of the National Association of Realtors, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi Association of Realtors, and the Laurel Board of Realtors. Ashleigh has the designations of Real Estate Negotiations Expert (RENE) and Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). Ashleigh serves Buyers and Sellers in listing or buying commercial, residential, and land real estate.
Ashleigh has been married to her husband, William (Tony) Jenkins, 8 years and they have two children; William (Chevy) Jenkins and Michael Jenkins. She and her family are active members of Bethlehem Community Church of Sharon. Ashleigh enjoys spending her time volunteering with her church and with the surrounding communities of Jones County. The purpose of the LBR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR is to recognize a recently licensed REALTOR® who has accomplished outstanding sales performance and has expanded their understanding of the industry through professional development while giving back to their industry with participation in the association.
Affiliate of the Year: Brian Ginn, State Farm Insurance
Brian is an agent from Laurel, MS, and currently in his 5th year of agency. His team members are: Christy Hilbun, Chase Kervin, Keaton Stamps, and Heath Ginn. They enjoy putting together financial and insurance plans for their customers and making a difference in their lives. Brian began his career with State Farm in 2013 with his office debuting in the Top 100 in bank production out of 18,000 agents. Brian and his team enjoy networking in the community and are honored to be named the Affiliate of the Year for the Laurel Board of Realtors.
Brian is married to his Wife Heath of 19 years, and they have 4 daughters; Tirzah 18, Terah 16, Trinity 14, and Reese 11. When they aren’t spending time on homework, they enjoy going on vacation and spending time with their Golden Retriever’s Charlie and Maggie. The purpose of Affiliate of the Year Award is to recognize deserving affiliates that have made outstanding contributions to their industry by participating in the LBR activities and events. The Laurel Board of REALTORS® appreciates all of its Affiliates and their support of our association.
Spirit Award: Joanna Martin, Jerry Ford Real
Joanna Martin is an Associate Broker with the Jerry Ford Real Estate team. She has been a Broker for two past two years prior to being a Realtor for 5 years with Jerry Ford Real Estate.
She is a graduate of Bob Brooks School of Real Estate.
Martin has a proven track record and extensive skill in the area of real estate. As a multimillion-dollar producer, she continually strives to connect her clients with opportunities that best match their needs.
She loves real estate because she loves meeting people and helping her clients with achieving the American dream of home ownership.
Martin is married to Marcus Martin and has two sons, Matthew and Micah. She is an active member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where she supports and participates in various areas of ministry. During her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, working in her yard and spending time with her boys.
The award exemplifies the spirit for the profession of real estate. The winners are awarded this award for their participation in all projects, working well with fellow REALTORS®, and enthusiasm for the profession.
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