Quiet Hero Blog | To share the stories of our Quiet Heroes.

Christina Patterson – She Knows How To Help People Smile

2010-08-30T08:59:00.002-04:00

Christina Patterson joined Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in the beginning of 2010, coming from another agency. After 22 years in dentistry, she changed her profession in 2005 to become a realtor. However, she knew she wanted to give back to the dental community.

Christina was just not sure how she would make that dream a reality. Then on a vacation at the Sea Horse Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, she met the lady who cleaned their room – Sissy Bogert. Sissy had two children. When her sister passed away from brain cancer, she took in her three nieces as well. She is a hard working woman who always puts the needs of her family before her own. Her teeth were in terrible shape, but Sissy could not afford to do anything about it. That day Christina had found someone with a true need for a dental miracle.

After a lot of thought and prayer, Christina found Dr. Anthony Corral. Christina recalled “I was bold and just asked him if he could treat her for free due to her story, as she had no means to afford what she needed. Well, he agreed to do the work!”

From her experience, Christina formed Hero Dentist to help other people like Sissy. Christina commented “It is such a blessing to be such an instrument in helping others with the gifts that God has given me! It was equally amazing to see the enthusiasm of those that wanted to just keep adding to the blessing. This has been an amazing journey to see what a difference we made in the life of Sissy Bogert.”

“Look for your opportunities to BE A HERO to someone else! All I can say is that God made it way bigger than I ever dreamed it!!”

Her broker, Mark Dilworth, said “Christina has been a fantastic addition to our Market Center. She is engaging, enthusiastic and fun to be around. She participated in KW BOLD and was a key contributor to our Red Day project with the Boselli Foundation.”

What a gift it is to all of us, to be surrounded by so many special people; people who look for their opportunities to help others, in ways that are unique to them and their experiences. Christina is a quiet hero in the Jacksonville market center, and an inspiration to all of us to look in our hearts. We can make miracles happen!

John Whitesell – Definition Of A Quiet Hero: Hard-Working, Giving and Dedicated

2010-05-24T09:44:00.006-04:00

Margaret Sherrill, Team Leader for St. Augustine, Florida, received a call last fall from a Keller Williams agent in Chicago who was moving to St. Augustine. This agent had experienced great success in Chicago and was capped already upon arrival to Florida in January. His name is John Whitesell.

John joined their market center upon passing his broker’s exam in January. He has been the greatest blessing to everyone in the office!

John has personally taken on mentoring Ouida Howell (their past Director of First Impressions) and meets with her for an accountability session each Tuesday. He has personally gone with her to networking events to help her overcome her reluctance.

He has taken the time to review every document that we use in the office and make recommendations for needed updates. He is always filling in to help everyone he can and goes to all the KW training possible.

Recently, St Augustine was planning their office Grand Opening. John volunteered to cook ALL the food and make ALL the drinks for this event. Among other things, this consisted of John barbequing 200 pounds of pork! He worked for over a week on the food prep alone. He also went to businesses and generated sponsors to help offset the event expenses.

John also spearheaded their KW Red Day event, which he hopes to make a year round commitment. The market center is working with the Betty Griffin house (battered women and children), and he has events on the calendar through the end of the year. John has helped with all this, while he is getting his own real estate business off the ground in a new area. He currently has almost $3 million in referral business waiting to close in Chicago.

He is always gracious, open, hard-working and dedicated to making Keller Williams Realty the best real estate company in the world! He is a quiet hero in the St Augustine market center.

Angela Duncan – A Quiet Hero Who Always Gives More To Others, Than To Herself

2010-05-19T08:33:00.008-04:00

Angela Duncan is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Fayetteville, Georgia.Angela has a very caring heart, and “is known to always give more to others than to herself,” said her husband Brad. This has translated into her real estate career, as she provides exceptional caring service to her clients.

Before her career in real estate, she had fifteen years in education as a Special Education Para-Pro for Clayton County. Angela was always drawn to helping children with special needs. Anyone in that field absolutely understands that this is not an easy path. Some of these children can be hard to help, as they may even be physically difficult to handle. Yet Angela wanted to help them the most.

She was drawn in particular to Mathew, an autistic child. She began working with him when he was in kindergarten, and she stayed with him for seven years. She worked very closely with his family and even with his doctors. They continue to stay in touch with each other, and he recently graduated from high school!

Angela has a deep commitment to people. Her son Jeremy commented that “she always puts her needs aside to help someone else.”

Recently, the Duncan family had sponsored a little girl in Haiti: Mirlene. Although Angela actually has a terrible fear of flying, she worked up her courage so she could visit the child at her orphanage. They met long before the earthquake, and they were making plans for her to spend the summer with them in Atlanta. The orphanage had around 100 children in it at the time of the earthquake. Brad managed to get there after the devastation, and then there are over 15,000 children there. Angela and Brad are working now on coordinating donation efforts to help the devastated orphanages and families and trying to help them with the purchase of a new facility for those precious children.

As a realtor, Angela is very meticulous and detail oriented when it comes to her representation. “She truly cares about her clients and serves way above the call of duty,” her Team Leader Kim Estes commented. “She has more compassion than anyone that I know. Angela never meets a stranger and her concern is always for what is in the best interest of her clients. She is a true counselor and always says that she wants to make 100% certain that her clients are happy and well represented.”

Angela’s story is another wonderful example of the quality of people who make up Keller Williams Realty. She demonstrates what it means to be a quiet hero through the story of her life.

Jeremy concluded: “If you ever wanted someone on your side, it would be her. God puts people on this earth for special reasons; helping children is hers.”

Jack Logan - A Quiet Hero Who Faithfully Follows Through On His Commitments And Promises

2010-03-08T08:22:00.007-05:00

Jack Logan works with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Tucker, Georgia. He has been a realtor since 2003 and works hard to serve his clients well. Real estate is his profession, and he gives his clients exceptional attention.

Recently, Jack also made time to help a charter school in his county that needed a male role model to step in when another teacher was unexpectedly out. It was a short-term commitment, but what an impact Jack made in the time he was there for these children. With a background as a certified math and physics teacher, he was asked to help a group of 12 year old children, many of whom were challenging and not always motivated.

He committed to teaching them, grading their papers, fielding calls from parents, even marching kids to the principal's office. Every afternoon Jack had a line up of kids wanting individual help in math. He would come home and tell his wife Debby stories about the kids... and many days were discouraging. “He never wanted to yell at a student though many of the kids challenged him” she said. “He would quietly take individuals out of the classroom for chats in which he tried to encourage them to strive to do better. He wanted to give hope and make a difference in their lives.”

Many of the children of Path Academy are from other countries. This was not an issue for Jack, as he works with a large number of international clients in real estate; ranging from doctors from other countries to newcomers who are just getting started. He is always patient to explain the process of buying a house.

On a personal note, Jack's wife Debby has bravely fought off cancer since she was a teenager. They married in 1979 – her cancer did not stop him from wanting to marry her. “We were living in New York, and had had 2 children by 1985 when it was discovered I had cancer again,” Debby said.

“Every morning, he drove 2 hours north of NYC where he worked, then drove to the hospital every afternoon to be with me.... then drove home to be with our children every night. He would get up the next morning and do it again. When I finally got out of the hospital, he would faithfully take me everyday for walks to regain my strength. The cancer recurred again 6 months later, and he did it all over again. I watched him so many days read stories to the children because they asked, even if he had a terrible headache.... he has always been there for us.”

“I had always dreamed of going to Italy and Jack had promised we would go for our 30th anniversary in March 2009. Despite many reasons that could hinder this dream and promise, with the encouragement of family, Jack made that trip a reality. We had the time of our lives and are so thankful that we did not let a financially lean year in real estate stop us from celebrating our marriage commitment of 30 years.”

Jack works hard to serve his real estate clients, and he does an exceptional job of it. In addition to that, he is committed to helping others. Debby concluded: “That is simply who he is; he does not realize what a wonderful hero he is.” He is there faithfully to fulfill his commitments and promises, not only for Debby, and their family...but also for his clients, and even this winter, for the children at Path Academy.

Corki Feltman – Giving and Giving…to People and Animals!

2010-02-05T09:13:00.005-05:00

Corki Feltman works with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Stockbridge, Georgia. She has been a realtor since 1983 and has earned a reputation as someone who will offer her assistance whenever she can.

Despite difficult personal circumstances, Corki supports many local charities. Over the holidays, she was ringing the bell on the weekends for Salvation Army. With a local group, she collected can goods and non- perishable items at Walmart. Karen Linnear shared that through their efforts, Corki helped them collect ten large barrels of donations which they donated to a local food pantry.

Corki has a real love of animals, and “no matter what she is doing, she will stop and collect food, money or whatever she can for the Humane Society.” She has collected hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food for them!

Corki goes out of her way for people. Jamie Upchurch (a fellow agent) recalls: “When I was a new agent, Corki called me one day to ask me if I had a listing appointment with a certain Seller. When I told her I did, she said, "Ok then I am going to cancel my appointment."

I asked her “Why?” She said she did not want to do anything to keep Jamie from getting the listing, “I know you are new, and they cannot do any better." “What a sweet unselfish thing to do! Remember this was 15 years ago when everyone was scambling for business. So to me, Corki is the best.”

It has been a particularly cold winter, which is very hard on those who cannot afford warm clothing or coats. Corki also worked on a coat drive to support the local DFACS. In a recent letter from Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services, they shared their real appreciation for her:

“Thank you for your generous support of our efforts. Your commitment to promoting the well being of children in our community is sincerely appreciated. Our families were overwhelmed by the clothes and love you gave them.”

Corki’s generosity and giving heart extends to both the people and the animals around her, which is just part of what makes her such a wonderful example of what a quiet hero is all about.

A Hero Is...

2010-01-22T10:12:00.003-05:00

Someone we admire. Someone we look up to.
Someone who gives us hope.
Not a Myth, or an Icon, or a Legend. Someone solid, genuine and real.
An ordinary person who does extraordinary things.

A Hero picks us up when we are down.
Believes in us before we believe in ourselves.
Inspires us to expand and embrace what is possible.

Helps us realize that ... we can be heroes, too.

We honored 21 Heroes on our quiet hero blog in 2009. I cannot wait to share with you, the special Heroes we will honor in 2010. I am writing two of their stories as we speak... stay tuned.

Be ready to be inspired... we can be heroes, too.

Linda Lee - An Unbelievable Example of Culture

2009-10-21T11:15:00.008-04:00

Linda Lee has been with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in Daytona Beach, Florida since February of 2008, when she transferred from the Savannah KW office. One of the reasons she moved was to be closer to her daughter. She has done very well considering the shifted real estate market, being new to the area then, and newer in the business. She attends office training classes and consults with her Team Leader regularly. Linda is a leader in the office, and this story is just one that explains why.

In September 2008, the Daytona Beach market center lost a well-liked agent named Tim Bjork. Tim passed quickly and unexpectedly. After the initial shock of hearing the news, the Team Leader, Michael Leadlay, & the MCA Kelli Swafford wanted to be sure to take care of Tim’s clients. They had a hard time reaching the seller on Tim’s listing to pass on the news. Finally Michael drove to the listing and realized it was vacant.

He spoke with Tim’s wife Marsha that same day to offer his condolences. When he saw her at the funeral a few days later, they agreed to meet so that he could help her with any business related items that Tim had. Michael found out the seller of Tim’s listing was the former pastor of their church, and he called them to see if they could still help them sell their property.

Not only was the listing a short sale (roughly $125,000 short), it was also not going to be an easy sale. Further, Marsha could really use a commission off of it selling, so Michael wanted to find a way to sell the listing and still figure out how to pay the commission to Tim’s wife.

Michael was sharing the story when Linda said she would work the listing and not take a commission on the transaction if it closed. The house had some challenges with condition and though the local agents understood the value, unfortunately the bank did not.

The house had five contracts turned into the bank. The first four did not go through either because the bank was not realistic or the buyers got tired of waiting and cancelled. This was an extremely time-consuming process on each contract: Linda handled the bank, the out of town sellers and getting paperwork signed, as well as the agents representing the buyers.

Linda did all this knowing that she was not working towards a commission! The home did finally sell after 13 months: the sellers were very appreciative that they were out from under a very difficult situation. Marsha (Tim’s wife) was shocked when they presented her with a check for the same amount that Tim would have made if he had sold the home himself – they never told her that they had planned on that if the home sold.

Linda had a fantastic attitude and was happy to help throughout the process. Michael Leadlay complimented her “She is an unbelievable example to me of our culture, and I feel blessed to have her apart of our office.” Linda loves KW and will do anything for anyone – which is why she thinks what she did for Tim and Marsha is no big deal. However, we all think differently and know what a big example it was of KW culture and being a quiet hero.

I Think Of Her As My Sister – Celina Dietz

2009-08-26T12:52:00.005-04:00

Celina Dietz is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners. Celina, and her fellow agent friend, Nancy, both joined the Augusta office at the same time. While this quiet hero story is about two realtors, after that real estate is just the background. This blog post is about a deep friendship that has formed, that just by definition, is what a quiet hero is all about.

Earlier this year Nancy found out completely unexpectedly that she had cancer. There is no history of cancer in her family, so this was a total and very upsetting, surprise.

Celina has been there for Nancy every step of the way. When Nancy was in the hospital, Celina visited her whenever she thought Nancy was alone. When Nancy came home, Celina would go to her house everyday just to sit with her, watch a movie, or to be sure she was eating.

Celina spent many hours on the internet looking up Nancy’s cancer, but only shared the positive things that she found out. She took her to doctor appointments and let Nancy hold her hand when they left the doctor’s office. She came to visit Nancy, just to get her out of the house. She called often, always making Nancy promise her she would eat.

Celina’s Team Leader, Kathy Larrabee, shared that “Celina is always upbeat, and she has the BEST sense of humor!”

This was not an easy story for Nancy to share, but she cares for Celina so deeply, she wanted to honor her as a quiet hero.

Nancy wrote: “Celina encouraged me when I would get teary or depressed. She has been such support for me I do not know how I would have gone through this difficult time without her. We have two kinds of sisters, those God gives us and those we chose. I think of Celina as my sister.”

Thank you, Celina, for showing us what a true quiet hero friend, and sister, is all about.

He Makes It A Priority In His Life To Help Others - Hugh Farmer

2009-06-15T09:45:00.007-04:00

Hugh Farmer is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners in Newnan and was the #1 agent in his office in 2008. Even with his production, he still finds the time to go out of his way to assist people with their different needs.

Hugh helps by going on listing appointments with new agents, teaches classes in the Market Center, gives leads to struggling agents on a daily basis, as well as anonymously pays office bills for agents who cannot, checks to be sure the office staff has lunch, and even lends a hand to those who have been “stranded” on the side of the road (including his Team Leader)!

Hugh reaches out to agents who are ill, as well as to those whose family is not well. He visits regularly with Judie Leveritt, a Newnan agent battling Multiple Myeloma. In the summer of 2008, Judie was living with her daughter in Smyrna. On Friday afternoons Hugh would go out of his way to meet Judie’s daughter at the office and then drive Judie to LaGrange, so she could visit her church and spend a few days in her own home. On Mondays, he would bring Judie back from LaGrange to Newnan to travel back to Smyrna with her daughter. Newnan to LaGrange is a 45 minute drive each way. Thankfully, Judie is now back at home in LaGrange with a caretaker. Hugh always drops by when he is in the area.

Hugh’s own father, Hugh Sr., was diagnosed with lung cancer. Hugh has not missed a doctor’s appointment and takes his Dad to Atlanta on a regular basis for treatment.

Hugh has been the chair for KW Cares for two years and is always the first to jump when the office needs anything. He regularly helps raise money for others. He was on the “front line” in 2007 when the office raised $39,000 for Judie Leveritt – he helped with the BBQ Picnic, Car Show, Softball Tournament, and Golf Tournament. Hugh headed up the office’s Chili Cook-off in the fall of ’08, and they raised over $1500 for Kares for Kids.

In April Hugh put together a fundraiser/dinner for Denise R. (her husband is battling colon cancer). He put it together in 10 days, and they raised over $3000 in a three hour period that night!

Hugh realized that while he was having his best year in 2008, other agents were struggling. He asked the Team Leader to skip over his name for monthly awards and allow others to be given the first place award. He also offered to the Newnan and Peachtree City offices: any of their agents could sit in his listings and hold open houses.

Hugh must be a good time manager - in addition to all this, he is an avid gardener! He always brings in fresh produce for the staff and agents. He is currently on the search for a “Pear Tomato” plant, to plant in his garden. Dee (MCA) mentioned that her 94 year old mother really likes “yellow tomatoes”. He is growing Pear Tomatoes this year for her!

Hugh actively looks for his opportunities to help others; his actions speak for themselves. Thank you, Hugh, for being such a busy quiet hero!

Never Complains, Just Smiles and Serves - Stephanie Hedrick

2009-06-09T08:01:00.010-04:00

Stephanie Hedrick is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (Northeast in Snellville). She has built a successful real estate career and is consistently one of the office’s top producers.

When the real estate market shifted and some agents pulled back from doing anything "extra", Stephanie did not. She has continued to serve on the Agent Leadership Council, help the Culture Committee and serve as a Kares 4 Kids Ambassador. The shift in the market has not been easy on many realtors and it certainly was not easy on Stephanie, yet she has still found time for others.

Stephanie keeps a great attitude and continues to be a KW cheerleader. She reaches out to other agents in the office, whether it is helping them with their paper work, on the computers, or with their real estate questions.

Many people do not realize that Stephanie has a handicapped child…and Garrett is the light of Stephanie's life. She manages more in a week at home than many of us can imagine. Yet she carries her responsibilities with a smile on her face and a huge heart. She is always willing to help others, particularly children.

Recently Stephanie headed up the office’s KW Red Day community efforts. When she heard that the Foster Children's foundation was in desperate need, Stephanie urged the office to help them. She stepped right up and organized an Office Yard Sale. Stephanie spoke at the Team Meeting about the foster children they would be helping with tears in her eyes...and the office came together and raised over $1600 in one day to donate to the foster children!

Stephanie is always putting others and children first without a mention of her own challenges. Through this shift in our business, Stephanie does not complain; she has continued to help and reach out to others. She sets a great example for us by her positive attitude, regardless of your responsibilities or the market!

More KW Red Day Quiet Heroes! Augusta, Tucker and Newnan

2009-05-22T07:55:00.006-04:00

The good that Keller Williams Realty spread on their 1st Red Day was truly amazing. More quiet heroes everywhere! Augusta visited The Berry Center and helped them create a garden. The Perimeter East (Tucker) office served at the Grace Nursing Home. Newnan visited 19 fire stations to thank them with home made baskets of goodies, as well as the Piedmont Hospital!

KW Red Day - Quiet Heroes Everywhere

2009-05-15T13:50:00.005-04:00

I was surrounded by quiet heroes all day - what an incredible event to experience - Red Day! Keller Williams Realty's first "R"enew, "E"nergize and "D"onate effort! There were agents in each office who organized the events, and there were more agents who came out and did whatever work needed to be done. They scrubbed floors and windows to help someone who needed to sell their property, they organized a "library" for children who had not had one, they collected donations for a yard sale, to raise money for foster children who are in desperate need. The stories go on and on.

What amazed me the most to witness, was the selfless, hard work that I saw. It did not matter how dirty the job was; if it needed to be done, someone stepped forward and put in their best effort.

Their community giving was humbling and inspiring. The photos and the stories are still coming... I will share them as I get them. These quiet heroes are everywhere!

"There Are Those Whose Lives Affect All Others Around Them...."

2009-05-08T14:18:00.004-04:00

...Quietly touching one heart, who in turn, touches another. Reaching out to ends further than they would ever know." (William Bradfield) As I write this blog, I am so grateful to be in business and in friendship with people like this, who want to act as quiet heroes and positively affect everyone around them.

Some of the people on this blog I knew before I wrote their story. Several others, I did not know yet, and I am excited that this blog could bring more of us together. KW is full of quiet heroes...I cannot wait to write the next story and honor another quiet hero!

Her Quiet Generosity Changes Lives - Debbie Tufts

2009-04-24T13:58:00.010-04:00

Debbie Tufts is a realtor in Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA) and with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners (Jacksonville, FL). Debbie is a quiet hero who has always had a heart for those who are struggling financially.

Debbie supports several charities every year, some including a Volley for a Cure breast cancer event, and Kares 4 Kids, as well as sponsoring several children in underdeveloped countries. She literally donates a small fortune each year.

She donates her time by volunteering to help a secret battered women’s shelter in Duluth, in several areas of ministry at church, at a soup kitchen in Gainesville, on a breast cancer fundraiser, at the children’s schools, on spiritual retreats, etc. If it helps someone, she is all for it.

She has anonymously paid for several people to attend missions or spiritual growth activities. When a friend could not afford to go to Israel on a walking bible study trip, she helped pay for her to go. She has supported several youth ministry interns financially. She prays for others constantly.

In Keller Williams, she has mentored many young realtors, both in business and in life. She has given away listing presentations, brochures, procedures, checklists, and virtually anything else that will help a young person get their business on track. She loans out their marketing assistant, Joyce Scott, to help other agents with their business database and their marketing plans. She has volunteered to teach, mastermind and be on panels anytime she could help.

There are many times that she gave away leads and clients. Her husband, Steve, being a high 'D' personality, would ask her about it and “She would just smile at me and say “Well they are struggling and needed a little help. Right now, they need it more than we do.” “How do you argue with that?!” Steve commented.

She writes hundreds of cards of encouragement to people every year. She recently wrote close to 20 letters to people on a spiritual retreat in Atlanta. Many of them she did not even know very well.

Although Debbie has received many business awards, the one that she is most proud of came from a client who nominated her for a Leadership Character Award from the Turknett Leadership Group (Kennesaw, GA). On her office bookshelf, the only pieces displayed are the Character Award and a framed WI4C2TS autographed by Mo Anderson.

They say it is not about the money, but it is about what the money can do to change lives. Some people talk only about what wealth can do for them; as a quiet hero, Debbie takes her financial opportunities and her time, to give to others in need. Debbie’s quiet generosity changes lives.

Always Smiling, Always Thoughtful – Jennifer Mest

2009-04-24T13:55:00.019-04:00

Jennifer Mest joined Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (Buford, GA) in 2006.

“She is an incredible presence in the office,” commented her Team Leader Jason Bonds. Jennifer is a genuine person and the office cheerleader. She demonstrates what a positive attitude is all about, with a good mood and a great smile everyday!

When a mega agent recently joined the office, Jennifer went out of her way to help with his transition. “She is so bubbly and always friendly,” Tom Hlass complimented her.

When some agents moved their businesses back into the KW office, Jennifer organized their “welcome back” with decorations on their door, a card signed by everyone and a plant for their new office.

She helps remember agents’ birthdays and makes them feel special. “She will help out on the spur of the moment with a Business Meeting, and she worked very hard last fall to organize a Fall Festival for the office,” shared Scarlett Stringer. She was a devoted Kares 4 Kids Ambassador in 2008. She loves to help with team building events, and even put together a weight watchers program for everyone that was a big success.

Recently, when Jennifer heard that an agent needed help, she gave that person work. When another agent could not afford their bill at the time, Jennifer paid it.

When she is not in the office, her presence is truly missed. As a quiet hero, Jennifer brightens up her KW office with her thoughtful acts and beautiful smile!

A Shining Example Of KW Culture – Sandy Owens

2009-04-24T13:55:00.018-04:00

Sandy Owens is a realtor in Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (Sugarloaf in Duluth). She is a loyal, active servant leader who exemplifies our values: WI4C2TS.

She has served on their Agent Leadership Council for five years. She teaches classes in the office on a regular basis, sharing her real estate knowledge and expertise. She organizes Vendor Fairs, Agent caravans, and brings in lunch after Team Meetings.

Sandy has been an Ambassador for Kares 4 Kids, and single handedly secured over 50 donations for its annual Ball and Silent Auction. Her efforts have helped Kares 4 Kids serve over 4900 children.

She recently organized a showing of "The Bucket List" movie, and arranged to have a nearby luxury car automobile dealership bring fabulous cars for our agents. She took pictures of them beside their dream cars, so they could imagine their dreams into their reality.

This spring she organized a “Sale-A-Bration,” that was a huge success. Depending on how many items as you brought in, you could take the same number away for free. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. were swapped, but more importantly, it gave everyone an opportunity to shop, freshen up their wardrobe, have fun…all for free!

In addition to all that she does for her Market Center, Sandy serves many others in her community as well. She is the Team Soccer Mom for her girls’ soccer team. She helps with an outreach program to provide clothes to struggling families. She volunteers on weekends at a vet office and cares for a horse with cancer. She is on the Women’s Council of Realtors and is the President of the Mill Creek Equestrian Team.

Sandy adopted a Hurricane Katrina family that she still supports to this day. She calls Bingo at a nursing home. Recently, she started commuting back and forth to Big Canoe (an hour away) helping her father adjust to life on his own.

There seems to be no end to the lengths she will go to serve others. There are truly no words to express the abundance of kindness and good will that has been passed on to Sugarloaf by Sandy. She is one of the major reasons that Sugarloaf is a happy, energetic, and electric center of KW culture.

She Gives So Much Of Herself For Others – Including Two Teresas! - Debbie Ferrero

2009-04-24T13:54:00.002-04:00

Debbie Ferrero is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Traditions (Stockbridge, GA).

The wonderful thing about Debbie's quiet hero story, I found out completely by accident: Debbie impacts the lives of many people, including two Teresas! I heard about Debbie from her Team Leader, Deb Nardy. Deb recommended that I call Debbie’s husband Bruce to learn about all that she does and about a lady who Debbie helps, Teressa. As Bruce was trying to help us surprise Debbie as a quiet hero, he accidentally gave me the “wrong” Teresa’s number to call.

I called Teresa, and she had much to share with me: Teresa W. met Debbie when Debbie was helping her buy her first home. Debbie quickly became more than her agent; she became part of her family. When Teresa had troubles with her daughter, Debbie came bearing gifts. When Teresa’s Mother passed away, Debbie was there with flowers. Debbie held Teresa's hand during her divorce. Teresa has purchased four homes now through Debbie.

"She has actually included me on her prayer lists! She gives so much of herself, without ever being asked; whatever I needed, she would help me."

"Debbie is such a quiet hero, she does not make her presence known." Teresa said, "but you always know she is there.” As we were finishing up, I realized that this was a “different Teresa” than the one I was supposed to talk with…yet she still had a wonderful story to share about Debbie!

When I spoke with the “right Teressa,” I found out: every month Debbie helps this special lady, also. While having a strong mental capacity and attitude, Teressa R. deals with the physical challenges of being a quadriplegic.

Debbie and Teressa med at a Bible study and quickly befriended each other. Debbie visits with Teressa and offers moral support. When Teressa is having a difficult time, Debbie stays with her, listens and converses with her. She drives Teressa into downtown Atlanta regularly for her doctor appointments. She will pick up her prescriptions for her, or run any errands that Teressa needs help with.

For Teressa, Debbie’s generosity shows as she not only helps her with the errands that must be done, but also takes her to lunch and even out shopping for fun. Teressa said it is the biggest privilege to go shopping like that!

She is a very good friend to me; she never complains even when she is folding and putting my 44 lb. wheelchair into her car. She is there for me anytime, anywhere. She calls and checks on me all the time, and even comes to visit me when I am in the hospital.”

When Debbie and her husband, Bruce, first met Teressa, she was having troubles getting in and out of her home on her wheelchair. The ramp was too steep for Teressa to manage. So they showed up one day and re-built it for her, to ease her entry and exit from her home. You know, so many of us are so lucky to not have to even think about the challenge that must have posed for Teressa – just getting in and out of her own home.
“Oh, how I love her! I do not know what I would do without her” Teressa R. said. Debbie is a true quiet hero, who shares her time to lift up others, including two Teresas who both love her dearly in return.

Over 820 Visits To Our quiet hero blog...Already!

2009-04-02T13:24:00.002-04:00

Dear KW Agents,

I am thrilled to share with you all that we have already honored 13 of our quiet heroes, in 11 offices.

Your Team Leaders have diligently helped us gather the information needed to turn this idea of respecting and honoring our special quiet heroes, into a reality. We have already had over 820 visits to our blog!!

I am so thankful to be in business with so many truly amazing people. I am even more thankful now, to have a place to honor those choosing “to do the right thing, at the right time” and make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Heroes give us Hope.

Expecting Nothing In Return – Carol Waters

2009-04-02T13:23:00.010-04:00

Carol Waters works very hard, with no complaint, just with a heart to serve. She is a realtor in Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (South Forsyth in Suwanee, GA). In addition to maintaining her real estate business, volunteering in several capacities in the office, and serving on various committees at her church, she is a single mom to almost 15 year old twins, Ben and Tory.

In 2008, she also served on the ALC (Agent Leadership Council), supporting her office in an important leadership capacity. Carol also participates in the South Forsyth Cares fundraisers and events that support many activities, including funding their holiday family.

Carol has been a giving, generous person and agent since she came to Keller Williams. She was the 2008 Kares 4 Kids Ambassador for her office, keeping the agents informed about their events and organizing them for their office.

She helped them get involved in building their first Habitat for Humanity home through Kares 4 Kids. She did all the research to get the office involved and was there, hammering away, on the "First Nail Day" in June 2008. Because of Carol's efforts, we helped the Rowland family have a home.

Through Kares 4 Kids, the office gives back to school bookbags to the Hill Center, which serves children who are homeless or in transition. Carol helped organize the office to fundraise for additional bookbags, so they could deliver over 560 bookbags to these special children.

She also worked tirelessly on the Black & Red Holiday Ball, selling tickets, collecting auction items, raising funds for the gift baskets, etc. This event funds Kares 4 Kids efforts for children in need for all of the following year.

Carol volunteers in several capacities at her church, as an active member of Daughters of the King, as well as serving on the finance committee. She has supported St. Jude's Children's Hospital for years.

Family is a big priority for Carol. As a single mother of twins, Ben and Tory, she provides dinner to their youth group every Wednesday night. She supports her boys in their activities: Tory is in the drama club and has many rehearsals, while Ben is playing lacrosse with frequent practices and games. Carol also has aging parents in Memphis whom she visits on a regular basis.

She currently serves on the 2009 Culture Committee and continues to work tirelessly for the causes her office supports. She has an awesome smile and uses it frequently to encourage others and brighten their days. As a true quiet hero, Carol does all of this expecting nothing in return.

Silent Contributers to KW Cares - Phil Pierce and Amy Wilson

2009-04-02T13:23:00.008-04:00

Phil Pierce and Amy Wilson are realtors with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners (Jacksonville, FL) who joined the company in February of 2008 and July 2008, respectively.

Last November, the Market Center fell short of its KW Cares donation goal for the month. KW Cares provides substantive assistance to Keller Williams associates and their immediate families. http://www.kwcares.org/ Its impact has been powerful, touching the lives of many by caring for our associates who have found themselves faced with unexpected hardships.

Without any fanfare, Phil went to the MCA, Nancy Freeman, and wrote a check for $200.00 to make up the difference. The office finished with a total of donation to KW Cares of $3051.08 on 12/31/08. Without Phil's silent contribution, they would not have reached their Market Center goal for the year.

Earlier this month (March 2009), Amy quietly wrote KW Cares a check for $228.30 to make up for shortages in the donations in January and February.

"Phil and Amy are both fantastic people to have in our Market Team Leader Mark Dilworth said. They contribute in many ways. Amy is part of the Agent Leadership Council, and (with the help of Donna Clarke) has taken their educational programs and new agent orientation program to new heights. Amy is an outstanding resource within the Market Center and always willing to assist their new agents.She has also been a great help to (Team Leader) Mark.

Phil was a top producer with his previous company and has a great presence in the Market Center as well.Not only do his sales make him a top producer with KW, but also his ability to think outside of the box to get things done.

Quiet heroes see a problem and fix it.No fanfare necessary.Phil and Amy believe in the importance of KW Cares and both, silently, made sure their Market Center’s commitment was fulfilled.

Beautiful Woman Who Loved Dearly & Was Dearly Loved - Lesli Smith

2009-04-02T13:23:00.003-04:00

It is with heartache that I honor this quiet hero: Lesli Smith, an agent with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners (North Gwinnett in Buford, GA). She was the beneficiary of Teresa Smith’s efforts and friendship in our first blog posting (Miraculously The Sky Opened Up And The Sun Shone Down). To our great sadness, on Thursday 3/19/09, Lesli lost her battle with cancer.

Lesli was herself a quiet hero, not complaining about her circumstances, simply and courageously fighting her battle with cancer for two years. She fought out of love for her husband and her two beautiful daughters. Lesli's greatest joy and accomplishment was motherhood. Her memory makes those who knew her smile and laugh. She never gave up and neither will we; we will continue to fight cancer.

"A golden heart stopped beating; hard working hands laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best" (from her Memorial Service). As a testament to how wonderful Lesli was, her family will continue to be surrounded and loved, as Lesli herself so cared about and loved others. www.supportlesli.com

“I Was Given My Son Back, So Now I Help Others In Need” – Pat Buice

2009-04-02T13:23:00.001-04:00

Pat Buice has been a realtor for 27 years and joined Keller Williams Realty South (Fayetteville, GA) in 2007.

Eleven years ago her son was unexpectedly, seriously injured. For two weeks after his injury, they did not know if he would make it. By all medical standards, he should not have lived, but he did. Pat said after this experience, no matter what challenges you now face as a result of an accident, "you count your blessings and you have to learn how to get on with your life."

He made a full recovery, after a few years of rehabilitation. Going through this experience, Pat found that many other people who deal with an injured family member, do not have the resources to get the attention they need.

So eleven years ago this month, Pat founded "Miracles Happen," a Brain Injury Support Group. Her objective through Miracles Happen is to provide positive reinforcement for people with traumatic head injuries or even strokes. She also seeks to help the families and caregivers around those who were injured. She shares and teaches the techniques they learned to help the injured and their family move to the next level in their life.

Pat is tied in with the Brain Injury Association of Georgia, which actually has 22 support groups around the state: www.braininjurygeorgia.org/ . She can also help people seeking financial assistance for brain injured patients.

For anyone who might be interested, Pat also leads the Peer to Peer visitation at Southern Regional Medical Center, which can always use volunteers.

Pat shows us what a quiet hero does: even when your life has an unexpected, very difficult turn, try to keep your eyes open for the opportunity in it. It is not easy, but it is possible. As Mo Anderson (Vice Chairman of the Board, Keller Williams Realty International) says "Find the Promise in the Problem." Pat said she was lead to do this because “I was given my son back, so now I want to give back to others in need."

No Matter How Hard Times Get, We Are Still Capable Of Graciousness - Keller Williams Realty Grand South

2009-04-02T13:22:00.015-04:00

Jamie Upchurch was an experienced mega agent when she joined Keller Williams Realty Grand South (McDonough, GA) in December 2008. She had only been with the office for a few weeks when her son sustained an unexpected injury.

Shane (25 yrs old) was playing in his second rugby game and took a few good hits, “but you know us hard-headed Upchurch's, he continued to play and was the MVP of the game.” Jamie reported.

However, by Tuesday he conceded that his head was really hurting and pain killers from the doctor were not enough. They took him to the emergency room, where they found that blood was between his brain and skull. He was rushed to Emory where they performed emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

Jamie emailed to keep everyone posted on Shane’s progress: "I want you to know that this has been the most traumatic time of our lives, and when I first saw him after surgery, I thought I was going to lose it...there was my baby with a swollen head, basically shaved on one side with stitches and blood on the entire side with a tube coming out to drain the blood from his brain...his eyes are shut and pretty much have been since this started...but I thanked God he was alive and knew no matter what happened that was all that really mattered."

New to her office and to Keller Williams Realty, Jamie was overwhelmed with dealing with Shane’s extremely serious injury. Her office rallied around her and her family. While the good news is that Shane will have a full recovery, the bad news is he was new to his job and did not have any sick days or enough insurance to help him completely cover the medical bills.

Quickly, the Keller Williams Realty office organized and hosted an "Open House" fundraiser, and welcomed over 100 guests to join them in raising money for Shane. Extraordinary help came from Patty Trabor, Amy Adkins, Christy Haddock, Elizabeth Head, Kathy Blalock, Melinda Maddox and even other people in the real estate business: Tammy Carlisle-House (a warranty rep), Bobby Fowler (a home inspector), Nikki Gilbert-Fernandez and Karen Devonshire (from an attorney's office).

One of Jamie’s friends who came to the Open House sent her an email afterwards: "I wanted to tell you how humbled I was by the outpouring of people that came to your open house this week. In this market, it was truly amazing to see how many people were ready to wrap their arms around you and your family to support Shane in this terrible situation."

Shane is on his way to recovery. He wrote "I never imagined I would see as many people as I did. Nor did I ever imagine we would receive so many donations in an economic time such as the one we are currently in. This experience has really opened my eyes to the goodness in each of us and has shown me that no matter how hard times get, we are all still capable of graciousness. My family and I are very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people, and we truly appreciate everything that you all have done for us."

Keller Williams Realty Grand South demonstrated true quiet heroism.

Shares Her Commissions With A Fellow Agent Who Helped Her - Bonnie McCauley

2009-04-02T13:22:00.014-04:00

Bonnie McCauley is an agent with Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners (Augusta, GA) since February 2008.

Bonnie is a cancer survivor and supports her local cancer survivor organization, even hosting a fundraiser for them at her home. She is a source of inspiration at her office, with a positive attitude and a constant willingness to help anyone.

She recently had knee replacement surgery which put her out of commission completely and at home recovering for seven weeks. During that time, she had a real estate transaction that she needed extra help on to be sure that it closed.

Joe Loomer, a fellow agent in the Augusta office, stepped in to help her every step of the way. He helped her with forms and verbiage, as well as answering her questions on stipulations. Whatever she needed, he was only a phone call away.

When the transaction was closed and commission checks were being given out, Bonnie decided to give a portion of her commission to Joe. He did not ask her for it. She just felt it was the right thing to do. She gave it to him "for just being him!"

The Augusta office has supported "Camp Rainbow," a special summer camp for children with cancer, for several years now. Joe, upon receiving the unexpected commissions, immediately donated them to Camp Rainbow. Bonnie had no idea that Joe would give that money to a place that helped children afflicted by cancer, like she herself had been.

Bonnie's great example of giving someone an unexpected thank you, had an even bigger impact than she thought. But these things can happen when you choose to "do the right thing." Thank YOU, Bonnie, for demonstrating to us what a quiet hero is all about.

A St. Patty's Day Fundraiser Helps Those Who Are Helpless - Heather Mullaney

2009-04-02T13:22:00.013-04:00

Heather Mullaney joined Keller Williams Realty Traditions (Stockbridge, GA) in November 2008. She has been in real estate since 2005, starting in Macon, then moved to Stockbridge.

Heather spearheaded a St. Patty’s Fundraiser to benefit Haven House and Kares 4 Kids. The Haven House helps victims of domestic violence. Terribly, over 1000 women in Georgia suffer from domestic abuse on a daily basis. Haven House helps them with Crisis Prevention, Safety Planning, Shelter and more. Kares 4 Kids is a charity whose vision is that “We will positively impact kids today, and thereby strengthen our communities for tomorrow."

Heather is a caring, outgoing person driven to help others. People like to be around her. "Heather was our number one raffle ticket sales person, and she did a great job of building excitement about the event around the office!"

They sold 86 raffle tickets and are estimating a total of $700 was raised for Kares for Kids. In 2009, Kares 4 Kids was budgeted to help 1636 children; now they can help 70 more!

For Haven House, the fundraiser collected important essentials for the women they serve, many of whom are mothers: food, blankets, diapers and some toys.

While a committee at the Keller Williams office helped, and other vendors made great donations, Heather really led this fundraising effort.

What I have not told you yet, is that Heather did this eight months pregnant with twins! It was still important to her to do an outstanding job, even considering her personal situation. One of her fellow agents, Jim DeFee, shared that Heather was warned by her doctor to be careful and take good care of herself. “I kept telling her to slow down,” Jim worried, “we did not want her to have her babies in the office!"

Heather, a caring person and mother, reached out as a quiet hero, to help those in need. Being in the real estate business, Heather understands Haven House’s mission, “a home has no room for abuse.”