Conversations Matter

Today we're excited to welcome Donna Brooks, a seasoned real estate professional and one of the team leads for the Clement Brooks and Safier Team from our New Paltz Office. Originally from Queens, Donna has called the stunning Hudson Valley home for over 25 years. With a robust background in sales and marketing, she effortlessly transitioned into real estate, bringing years of personal experience in buying and selling homes. Beyond her impressive real estate career, Donna's commitment to community shines through her roles in the local PTA, the Kingston Uptown Business Association, and a notable 7-year stint as President of the Kingston Farmers Market. Join us as we explore Donna's unique journey, her passion for the Hudson Valley, and her leadership insights in the dynamic world of real estate.

Candace is joined by Gloria Gimenez, a seasoned real estate agent from our Greenwich office. Gloria’s unique perspective, creativity, and commitment to client satisfaction make her a standout in the industry. She promises hard work, prioritizes client satisfaction, and, as a bilingual agent with a degree in graphic and architectural design, she effortlessly combines her skills to market and sell your home with ease. Welcome Gloria!

Candace enjoys a conversation with Melanie Smith, from our Fairfield office. A true real estate legend, Melanie dominated as the #1 Listing & Selling Agent throughout her career at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. Achieving top ranks nationally, her tenure spans over four decades, with $875 million in closed sales. Her influence extends beyond transactions; she chaired the Fairfield Board of Realtors, contributed to community boards, and earned recognition in prestigious circles. Join us as we delve into the story of a true industry pioneer – and learn more about her next chapter.

Stephen is an expert in relationship building, territory development, client service, negotiation, and deal closures. His transition into the dynamic world of real estate has seen him own and manage rental properties while occasionally flipping houses, catering to traditional buyers, sellers, and investors, with a specialty in income-producing properties. Armed with an MBA and a recent Master of Laws (LLM) degree from UConn Law School, Stephen's educational achievements complement his deep expertise. A lifelong resident of Connecticut and member of the Jacek Mikolajczyk Team, Stephen is well-equipped to guide you in your real estate journey. It is such a pleasure to have you here, Stephen!

Candace sits down with Brad Loe, Executive Vice President, Director of Sales from our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York City Operation. With over 20 years in the business, Brad has acquired a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of residential brokerage and sales, which he uses to advise agents and successfully grow their business. Prior to joining our robust team, Brad served for six years as Executive Manager of Sales for the flagship corporate and Upper West Side offices at one of the largest real estate firms in NYC. In that role, he managed approximately 1,000 agents and was praised for his innovative leadership and agent mentorship. Brad is highly respected for his integrity, thoughtful negotiation style, and outside of the box thinking—all delivered with a smile and razor-sharp wit.

Join Candace Adams as she chats with Shirene Hazel, office leader of our Southington, Cheshire and Wallingford offices as well as Chairperson of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Shirene shines the light on all that is good, positive and inspirational. Her wisdom and devotion to the DE & I movement is truly making a difference!

Today, we're thrilled to have Katie Korpi from our Mystic, CT office join us. Katie is a dependable consultant who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the real estate industry. She is committed to her clients and has a background in communication and public relations, as well as significant involvement in the community, which uniquely positions her to offer valuable insights and expertise to both buyers and sellers. She's committed to making the buying or selling process as stress-free as possible, and we're excited to hear more about the Southeastern Connecticut real estate market.

Thrilled to introduce Nicole Elliot, Sales Executive at our Farmington Office! With a background in journalism and a passion for helping others, Nicole found her calling as a realtor. She's dedicated to guiding clients through major life transactions. Outside of work, you'll find her on the golf course or hitting the slopes with her family.

Candace is thrilled to be talking with team leaders, Tracey Fiasconaro and Rachael Cisz from The Real Team out of our Southington, CT office. Tracey and Rachael are committed to providing their clients with the ultimate, full-service, real estate experiences tailored to each of their individual needs and goals. They feel so lucky to be a part of something that is for many, a major milestone in their clients’ lives. It is such an honor to have these incredible team leaders with me today!

Candace is thrilled to be talking with Lisa Ogren from our Avon, CT office. With more than 20 years of award-winning experience, Lisa infuses every interaction with the expertise of an industry veteran and the enthusiasm of someone obsessed with helping people. Her passion for houses, architecture and design is evident in everything she does. For Lisa, the ultimate reward is ushering buyers and sellers through a seamless, successful transaction, from the beginning of their dream to their happily ever after. Welcome, Lisa!

Today I have the opportunity to sit down with Charles Nedder, Team Leader of the Charles Nedder Group from our Greenwich Office. With over 20 years in the business, Charles has acquired a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of residential brokerage and sales, which he uses to advise agents and successfully grow their business. On top of that he is one of the top innovators in the industry when it comes to social media presence. Consistently ranked as a top producer, Charles Nedder is well-resourced, enthusiastic, and devoted to serving the needs of his clients. He has earned prestigious awards throughout his tenure. Charles leads The Charles Nedder Team, a group of seasoned professionals that are focused on providing the highest level of client service. Efficiency and high-quality service are hallmarks of his business. Beyond the point of sale, Charles remains a reliable consultant and management advisor. Born and raised in Fairfield County, he understands the local market and the community he serves. Now, he takes great joy in raising his daughter there.

Candace had the wonderful opportunity to sit with Lisa Barall-Matt today. Veteran broker and top producer, she delivers white-glove real estate service that focuses squarely on her clients' needs and goals. As a trusted advisor with more than two decades of experience, she excels at creating an effortless path for those navigating the purchase or sale of their single largest asset. Recognized as a top producer several times over, Lisa has reached upper echelon status at every brokerage she's worked at. Today, she serves clients at every price point from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Simsbury and West Hartford offices. Lisa, I am so glad to have you here!

Candace had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with one of the industry’s most distinguished real estate professionals and our new President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ New York Properties, Steven James. We were thrilled to welcome Steven to our BHHS family in April of 2022, and I am excited to chat with him today about his new role, including his goals for our New York City office.

Candace sat down with her very first team, the Auerbach Hebert Team from our Mystic, CT office. Cheryl Auerbach and Brittany Hebert are a rather unique team, they are mother and daughter! With Cheryl’s proven track record and Brittany’s aptitude for technology, they are unstoppable. They emphasize white glove treatment and their communication goes above and beyond as they know how important staying connected is. They pride themselves on providing the utmost professionalism and care through the entire buying and selling process.

Alyssa Bernstein, Sales Executive in our Stamford Office has lived in the New York metro area her entire life. Alyssa has a wealth of knowledge about Stamford and the surrounding communities. Her passion for real estate, strong background and experience in online marketing will afford all of her clients confidence that they have access to all the latest tools to buy and sell real estate in today's new market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, moving out of the city to the suburbs or looking to upgrade or downsize your current home, Alyssa will go the extra mile to help you find your new home in the Fairfield County area.

Diane McHugh, Sales Executive and co-team leader of the Mchugh Turker Team in our Glastonbury Office. Diane proudly brings the highest standard of service to her clients by offering the most up-to-date tools, impressive internet presence, and brand recognition. Being able to take advantage of the latest technology, combined with her personal touch, creates the most effective way to work with clients. As a former teacher, she enjoys educating her clients on the sales process. Diane is committed to getting the job done – she loves what she does, and you will, too!

Marian Van Egas from our Southbury office has enjoyed what she has chosen to do in her career. Every day is a new adventure for Marian, and she is able to learn something new with each transaction. Making her clients happy with their results is the ultimate gift. Not everyone can accomplish achieving such success in Real Estate and it takes many skills to get there.

Today, Candace sits down with sales professional Lorenzo Signorile from our Eastchester, NY Office. Lorenzo specializes in new construction and investment opportunities for his clients and has worked hand in hand with local builders from Westchester County. Lorenzo takes great pride in his work, and he is only satisfied when his clients are happy. He promises to work hard for you so that your real estate experience is a positive one.

Dianne DeWitt from our Wilton Office has lived in Fairfield County for over 25 years. Dianne is a local real estate expert specializing in luxury, unique, and high-end homes. She also is proud to be an accredited staging professional, using this talent to improve home marketability. She is able to work toward the goal of presenting any home in the most appealing way to savvy buyers. Dianne’s 'client-first' promise is to assist you with all your real estate needs – whether it is buying, selling, renting, or investing. She loves what she does and wants your real estate experience to be the best it can be.

Candace takes her conversations across the pond to her first international guest, Martin Bikhit, Managing Director of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices London. Martin is responsible for the company’s residential investment and development division. His passion for central London living makes him a regularly quoted expert in the national press. He is a former secretary of the central London branch of the National Association of Estate Agents and is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents. He is responsible for day-to-day business operations, is an active member of the sales team, and manages engagement with residential development and investment clients.