Liz McMahan and Sharon Friedes of The Florida Times-Union are this year's co-chairs of the Realtor Builder Tradeshow on Oct. 18 at the University Center at the University of North Florida.
The show is a joint venture between NEFAR and NEFBA; Friedes represents the builders, McMahan represents the Realtors.
Here's a look at the co-chairs by Realty Builder Connection writer Michele Gillis:
Liz McMahan
McMahan has been an agent at Watson Realty's Hodges Boulevard office for about two months. Before this office, she had been at the Watson Realty South Beach office for 22 years and became the broker in 2005. This is her second time as the co-chair of the Realtor Builder Tradeshow.
Why the change?
McMahan said she decided to go back into the trenches to take advantage of the lucrative opportunities available to her. "I am still a broker, but I just decided to go back into sales. The market is too good to sit back and not get back out there."
Why chair again?
McMahan remained as chair for the second year to help with the transition of Friedes as the new co-chair.
Next year, the new president will choose the new chairs.
Working with Friedes?
"She's been great. She's been good to work with. I kind of let her run the show, which is good because she needed to learn to do that. The good thing with this show is that it's been going on so long, that everyone is already in place."
Strengths that Friedes brings?
"She has everyone on board and has put the right people in the right positions. That is key."
Best professional advice?
McMahan said to work hard, give your best customer service and be nice.
The market?
"There are a lot of buyers out there right now, but we can't find them what they want. We need more sellers. We have a lot of buyers, but low inventory on resales. If they want a new home, there is inventory if they can wait to build."
Before real estate?
Real estate has been her only career. "I was a stay-at-home mom, doing daycare out of the house and my husband said I needed to get out of the house. So, he brought me to meet Mr. Watson and I signed up that day."
Balancing act?
"It is much easier this year because I have more time. I can balance my time easier. It's my time now."
Family
McMahan has been married to Bill, a civil engineer, for 31 years. They have three children.
Sharon Friedes
Friedes has been real estate and automotive sales manager at The Times-Union since 2007. This is her first year co-chairing the event.
Why co-chair the event?
"The T-U has a booth at the event every year and I was really impressed by the energy of the show, just by being a participant. The themes were fun and that it was a really positive event to be a part of. Also, part of my job is to connect with every aspect of the real estate market in Northeast Florida. Joining SMC was the first step and being on this committee is the evolution of that. You can't just join an organization, you have to get involved. That is when you really start building relationships and people get to know who you are and what you are about."
How's it going?
"The team is great. I was on the committee last year, but in a lesser role of course. The team is comprised of many people who have been on the committee for several years so it's kind of like a well-oiled machine. Stepping into a leadership role is pretty seamless. All I really have to do is keep everyone on track. Everyone knows what they need to do and they are really engaged and involved. We've had some really great power meetings. We have a bunch of people who know what we need to do, how to get it accomplished and they just do it."
Friedes said McMahan has a lot of experience organizing events. "She's done a lot of these types of events in the past and has been involved in the tradeshow for several years and since she is with Watson, she is very connected to the Realtor community."
What strengths do you bring?
"I'm very decisive. I think I have a good ability to look at a situation and look all the information and then be able to make a good decision and move forward. I hate when people take forever to make a decision. You can't move forward until you make a decision on what you are going to do. If we decide to do this and it doesn't work out, we can change again. I also believe in delegating. But, you don't just delegate and leave them alone. You have to follow up."
Her history?
Friedes had her own photography company, All Florida Photo, before joining the T-U. "I still do that a little bit on the side, but I'm so busy I don't have much time to focus on it."
Best professional advice?
"It's a quote, 'It's not the problem that is the problem. It's how you might handle the problem that could be the problem.' It means that things come up all the time, go awry or there is a bump in the road. Are you going to let that stop you? Or are you going to figure it out and keep going with your plan? You can choose to let it be an impediment to your success or you cannot let it bother you and keep going on your way."
Education
Friedes has a bachelor's degree in English literature with a minor in photography from University of North Florida.
Family
Friedes lives in San Marco, is single and has two children.