CENTURY 21 Leadership Conference—Networking, Learning, and Being Inspired

John Sass, broker owner of CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest Realty, attended the invitation-only leadership conference in Phoenix, Arizona in late October, for broker owners and office managers. Around 500 people attended the more-intimate gathering (when compared to the thousands who attend the international convention every March). In this article, John shares his impressions of and key takeaways from the event.

“Overall, it was a great event. It was wonderful to rekindle many relationships that go back 20+ years as we shared thoughts and ideas about what’s happening in today’s real estate market. There were ample opportunities to talk to more people about what we are working on in our offices and what we are trying because the leadership conference is much smaller than the annual international event.”

“CENTURY 21® President Mike Miedler shared strategies on how to prepare for the potential recession on the horizon. One key message he drove home is that this is not like the Great Recession and market downturn of 2008 at all. As always, Mike was upbeat and positive.”

“The seminars and presentations included new technologies (such as the MoxiWorks platform the system is using), agent recruiting and retention, the benefits of offering multiple commission plans, building a better value proposition for the brokerage, creating stronger accountability and standards for sales goals, and brokerage growth and development through mergers and acquisitions.”

“Joining forces through M&A can be an excellent way to capitalize on the sales strength of small offices whose principals or leading producers want to focus on what they do best—real estate sales—while the office that rolls them in provides the infrastructure, office management, and agent recruitment and training.”

“Regarding value proposition, CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC believes in providing a lot of value to the people who work with us on both sides of the transaction and that’s something we strive for every day at Cedarcrest Realty. We are working on defining our value as a workplace to real estate agents and as a broker to customers.”

“The three pillars of our value proposition at Cedarcrest Realty are name recognition, stability, and the potential to earn. The CENTURY 21® name is known worldwide. I’ve been in the business for 30+ years and have weathered market ups and downs many times. Our leadership team has tremendous experience and insight to share. And I believe that when you follow the training and work the leads, everyone can make money here.”

“At Cedarcrest Realty, we create an environment where people can grow. Part of that comes through active, ongoing coaching. Our leadership team (Mannie Rodriguez, Dennis Di Sabato and Jill Savva) have begin meeting with our agents to formulate 2023 sales goals and will provide active coaching around those goals. We also offer twice-weekly educational sessions and peak producers’ sessions every week to help agents tap into their sphere of influence more effectively.”

“As I was reminded at the conference, the strength of being among peers is undeniable. With the international Century 21® International Conference (ONE21 Experience) coming up in March in Orlando, I want to get as many of my agents there to gain valuable industry knowledge, make lasting connections, and get inspired. My first convention was long ago in San Francisco, where I first experienced that feeling of camaraderie, caring and support among the Century 21® family. Many of the relationships I gained there still exist today.”

“The training, education, fun and laughter that brings us all together can only be felt by attending one of these events. I believe in this deeply and am offering several incentives to help our associates get to the Orlando join me in Orlando at the ONE21 Experience in March. In New Jersey, the real estate market remains strong, and I know our associates will learn and share so much with other agents from diverse markets. As 2022 draws to a close (which is hard to believe!), I look forward to the growth potential we can all enjoy in 2023.”

Regarding professional growth in the coming year, John adds this message to current or aspiring real estate agents and broker owners in the North Jersey area.

“If you are thinking of making a career move to or within real estate, or if you are a broker owner seeking an exit strategy through a merger, please call me at 973-632-4398 for a private conversation.”