Event Coverage

SAMCAR Moves Forward in 2008

SAMCAR brokers and managers were treated to a double feature at the December 6 Broker Manager meeting held at the Elks Lodge in San Mateo, as California Association of REALTORS® Broker Services Manager Howard Weinstein updated them on the latest tools available to take their business to the next level, and SAMCAR’s new CEO Phil Tedesco and 2008 SAMCAR President Sue Walsh shared the Association’s goals for 2008.

Weinstein encouraged brokers to “look inward” at their financials and avail of C.A.R. services for brokers. He said updating their tools is an essential step to improving their business. He noted, “What you don’t know will hurt you.”

Weinstein introduced the brokerage financial management tool “Real Estate Profit Navigator,” and described it as a secure online tool which would help brokers and teams improve their business performance. He cited a number of broker management online courses which could give them a better understanding about finances and how to run their business. New to the real estate community is the Broker Survival Guide, a publication just released by C.A.R. which he said is “extremely important to have.”

SAMCAR CEO Phil Tedesco then greeted the brokers and managers and gave them a brief background of himself and his past accomplishments. Tedesco was involved in membership and services marketing for non-profit organizations for over 17 years and prior to coming to California in 2002, he was vice president of marketing at the REALTOR® Association of Greater Miami, where he was responsible for all of the membership communications for the 7,500 member association. 

Prior to coming to SAMCAR, Tedesco served as CEO for the Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® since February, 2002. He was instrumental in creating the Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 Public Benefit Corporation that provides Closing Cost Assistance Grants to low-income homebuyers. While at SCAOR, Tedesco said he doubled the annual operating budget without increasing dues by creating other revenue streams for the association.

Tedesco said he is excited to be part of SAMCAR’s team, and he told the brokers and managers, “I am here and I am available. The 2008 budget has been approved and a plan is in place, with specific strategic initiatives from communication, marketing, lobbying, leadership development, with very specific accountable roles.  It’s a clear path that everybody is willing to run with.”

He asked brokers and managers for their input. “What do we want to be SAMCAR’s niche? What do we want to be known for? We need input from you, the brokers,” said Tedesco. “What is important to you? For SAMCAR to be successful, we need to be close to the brokerage community. We want you to have influence. We want you to be empowered.”

In 2008, Tedesco said he and 2008 President Sue Walsh plan to personally meet with brokers and managers in their offices, but he also invited them to meet with him at SAMCAR.

“My door is very open. Our hope is to receive general input about SAMCAR and address specific concerns. We strive for open communication and would like to further understand how SAMCAR can better serve you,” said Tedesco. “How can we better align and position ourselves as your strategic business partner? With your help, together we can ensure SAMCAR’s success in moving forward in a positive direction. Having a parade is no fun at all without people marching.”

2008 SAMCAR President Sue Walsh reiterated Tedesco’s invitation to be more involved in the Association and offer input. She thanked 2007 Broker/Manager Committee Chairs Terry Birt and Christina Chiesa and said 2008 Broker/Manager Committee Chair Robert Brisbane and Vice Chair Kevin Clay have a number of excellent speakers lined up for next year. The first meeting for 2008 is set for Thursday, February 7, and will feature California Department of Real Estate Commissioner Jeff Davi as the guest speaker.

Walsh said 2008 will be an exciting year.

“Please be part of us,” she told SAMCAR brokers and managers. “This is our Association. It isn’t just about me; it’s about all of us.”

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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