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Agents to Watch – Ramos & Ramos Real Estate Team
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Congratulations to our July Agents to Watch, Trudy and Cameron Ramos of the Ramos and Ramos Real Estate Team! Although they are new to W, Trudy and Cameron have fit right in and hit the ground running. As a team, they are 100% committed to their clients and their goals, and we look forward to seeing them keep on thriving as part of the W team! Keep reading the blog below to learn more about Cameron and Trudy!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Cameron: Create Marketing Materials for the Open House Event
Trudy: Run Weekly Marketing Meeting for Ukiah Agents
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Cameron: Always ask yourself “What is your peace of mind worth?”
Trudy: Never Count your eggs before they hatch!
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
Cameron: The people I get to meet and make connections with!
Trudy: The diversity of our area!
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
Cameron: Recently we switched CMA’s and it’s been an uphill battle to learn all the new ways it works, BUT I keep taking classes and commit myself to learning one new feature daily.
Trudy: Recently we became part of the W Family, and it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our business, but change is hard for me, so I continue to give myself grace as I learn and grow with this new company that I love so much.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Cameron: For me, mentorship in this business has been my lifeline, wouldn’t be here without all my mentors! The obvious one is my Mom, who has dedicated countless hours to ensuring my success.
Trudy: Mentorship has meant everything to my career. At the very beginning, I had the privilege to have Beverly Sanders and Ernie Neese. Those two taught me everything.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Cameron: Built-in dog wash! As the owner of a Golden Retriever, nothing would make my life easier than a dedicated bath space for the pups!
Trudy: Large Pantry areas.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Cameron: Madison Hildebrand! He seems hilarious, and I grew up watching him on Million Dollar Listing. There’s a lot to learn from him!
Trudy: That one is easy- I would pick my mama, and we would catch up on all the happenings in this crazy life.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Cameron: Montgomery Woods is one of my favorite recommendations. The trees are breathtaking and it’s only a quick drive from amenities.
Trudy: I am pretty biased on this one. I am a sucker for Blue Lakes. Nothing beats a day on the amazing water with family and friends.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
Cameron: Getting married in September, so very much looking forward to that, and of course the honeymoon after!
Trudy: My youngest son’s wedding is in September, and my 25th wedding anniversary is in November.
Agents to Watch – Shannon Phennicie & Colleen Dunaway
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Congratulations to May Agents to Watch, Shannon Phennicie and Colleen Dunaway! Though Shannon and Colleen are a newer team at W, we can’t express how happy we are that they are here! Their passion for real estate, love for Wine Country, and their dedication to their clients are just a few of the reasons why we are so excited to have them on the W team. Keep reading to learn more about Shannon and Colleen!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Shannon: Get to yoga! So important for my sanity.
Colleen: Not great at writing down, but the first thing I thought of was to get an offer submitted that we had written yesterday.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Shannon: Not so much for real estate but when I was in corporate, I was told that ‘an empty chair is an invitation for an idle butt’, so if you’re on a deadline then put something in the extra office chair.
Colleen: I was once told (by my grandma who was a realtor in SoCal) to attend as many classes and seminars as I could. She said no matter how boring or inconsequential that it seemed you can always pick up at least one new thing and use it.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
Shannon: I’m a Santa Rosa native, so I am really biased about Sonoma County. You can’t beat its convenient location to the mountains, the ocean, the countryside, the city, etc. I love showing property in all of these areas, every one is beautiful and unique.
Colleen: We live in a beautiful area which is a huge plus. I also like working with agents (most of them anyway) who are truly professional with a high standard of ethics.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
Shannon: Somehow I managed to move from my previous brokerage of 25 years (I had never changed brokerages before) to W Real Estate AND put on my wedding all in the same week. I’m not sure if I “conquered” but I survived.
Colleen: My most recent challenge has been the move to W. I was with the same company for 35+ years, the transition was not easy but in the end well worth it.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Shannon: When I started my career decades ago, the market was moving fast. I had to be a true self-starter, I didn’t have a mentor or any formal training or classes. But throughout my career, I have always loved helping or mentoring new agents as they enter the business as it can be daunting in the beginning.
Colleen: I was a member of the Brian Buffini organization for many years. I believe that helped send me in the right real estate direction.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Shannon: Mudrooms with a dog wash station. So many dogs hate to go to a groomer, it would be nice for them to enjoy a shampoo in their own home that was set up just for them.
Colleen: I don’t really have one!
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Shannon: My kids. They are older now, so we don’t get to have dinner as a family as we once did. But if Rod Stewart would like to join us that would be cool too.
Colleen: My mom. I wish I could have one more dinner with her.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Shannon: Start at the top in Mendocino and work their way down, but don’t miss any of these areas along the way.
Colleen: I would say the Sonoma Valley of the Moon, Russian River Wine Trail, Healdsburg – all charming welcoming areas.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
Shannon: No plans at the moment, but… since the wedding and the move to W was such a whirlwind, maybe just maybe, there is a honeymoon in my near future.
Colleen: I am headed to Austin, TX in June with my daughter. We will be meeting up with my brother and seeing our niece in Austin. I have several “girls outings” planned which is always fun.
Agent of the Month – Chelsea Cambra
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Congratulations to our May Agent of the Month, Chelsea Cambra! From the start to the end of each transaction, Chelsea never forgets her clients. She understands that buying a home is without a doubt one of the biggest commitments a client can make, so she makes it a point to connect with her clients and never forget the homeownership goals they entrusted to her. The end result is a great relationship and reputation amongst her clients and colleagues alike. Keep reading to learn more about Chelsea!
What three words would you use to describe your approach to the real estate business?:
Honest, Relatable, Reliable
What’s one aspect of your business that you are looking to improve on this year? In what ways/how would like to see yourself improve?:
An aspect I would like to improve is the consistency of my day-to-day business tasks. My organizational skills need improvement…my transaction coordinators would be very happy about that!
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Ability to connect with people and understand what my client’s needs are.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Get a great mentor! Put yourself out there by hosting open houses and networking.
What’s the one piece of advice you always give your clients first?:
Go with your gut! This is a huge purchase…you can’t just rush into it!
Failure is a natural part of achieving success. How do you recoup when things don’t necessarily go your way?:
Accept the failure and try to identify where you can prevent similar situations in the future. Don’t expect perfection.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
It is a hard thing to get right, but I believe in working hard and rewarding yourself with things you enjoy! If your mind isn’t right, you won’t succeed in your business.
What roles have mentors played in your life and career?:
When I started in Real Estate, I worked with a team of great mentors who gave me helpful, realistic guidance. I wouldn’t have the knowledge I have today without them.
What risks were you willing to take when starting out in your career and how have they benefitted you?:
Participating in trainings, mock phone calls, and roleplaying that took me out of my comfort zone.
If you could only ever visit one business again in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County, what would it be and why?:
Jackson’s Bar and Oven! Great staff and a good environment!
Mother’s Day 2024
For Mother’s Day this year, we wanted to switch things up a bit! We asked our fellow W agents and staff to tell us their favorite memories and traditions from Mother’s Day, and in return, we would share their special stories and traditions with you. So here’s to all the special women in our lives this Mother’s Day, today we celebrate you! Keep reading below to hear from our W agents and staff!
Share a fond Mother’s Day Memory! It can be you + your kids, you + your mom/maternal figure, etc.:
– Hayley Bennett, Realtor® at W
– Maria Kenney, Realtor® at W
– Adriana Torres, Bicentennial Office Receptionist at W
– Dan Stevens, Chief Development Officer at W
– Alison Weese, Realtor® at W
– Cari Torres, Realtor® at W
– Tracey Cooper, Realtor® at W
– Steven Krause, Realtor® at W
– Nanette Boettger, Realtor® at W
– Carla Waller, Chief Financial Officer at W
– Nancy Azevedo, Realtor® at W
– Cheryl Peterson, Realtor® at W
Share your favorite Mother’s Day tradition.:
Working moms, do you find it challenging to juggle your career and professional life?:
What is your favorite, or most rewarding, aspect of being a parent?:
Agent of the Month – Aaron Brosamle
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Congratulations to our April Agent of the Month, Aaron Brosamle! For Aaron, the best clients are happy ones. His approach to the real estate game is one that is flush with knowledge and continuous learning, while never losing sight of his clients and their individual needs. His willingness to expand his own industry knowledge and experience on behalf of his client’s goals is one of the many reasons why he is our Agent of the Month. Keep reading to learn more about Aaron!
What three words would you use to describe your approach to the real estate business?:
Fluid, Informative, Organic.
What’s one aspect of your business that you are looking to improve on this year? In what ways/how would like to see yourself improve?:
I would love to continue growing my clientele space in larger estate and custom properties while continuing to help everyone and anyone who may have needs that are just simple questions. I would like to grow and continue learning about commercial transactions a bit this year as I do have clients from time to time who have commercial needs.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Genuinely wanting to help people and having a need to do a great job and be sure everyone is as happy as can be. Helping people has been a consistent source of fulfillment in life and to be able to do that in my work is a blessing!
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Breathe, work hard, and be honest with yourself and your clients. Aim to be who you want to be in this sphere. Constantly keep up on the market and learn as many aspects as you can that can help you be a great, well-rounded agent for your clients, and evolve and grow with the environment around you.
What’s the one piece of advice you always give your clients first?:
Tough question, I would say that I typically always let my clients know that whether buying or selling, the process can have points that seem intense but that is a perfectly normal thing to happen and that with a good perspective and patience the little things that tend to come up can be much less invasive and just become an expectation, so that can take some of the pressure off. I try not to think of things that come up as problems, but things that need to be figured out.
Failure is a natural part of achieving success. How do you recoup when things don’t necessarily go your way?:
Just keep pushing for positive outcomes and smiles. Change is a part of life and I try to not look at the things that regularly come up in business or life as a negative thing but more of an opportunity to do well, grow, and learn.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
If my work life balance feels off it’s pretty apparent and getting it right is a feeling of ease that I would expect is a bit different for everyone. For me, I like being really busy and then having breaks, so this line of work fits that model quite well.
What roles have mentors played in your life and career?:
Mentors have helped me to grow in ways that have helped enormously in life both personally and professionally. I have been very fortunate to have great people in my life, which has led to my ability to help others and be successful in doing things that I love.
What risks were you willing to take when starting out in your career and how have they benefitted you?:
Haha, this is a good one. When first starting in this career it was a pretty full jump in. Meaning, there were times that seemed very difficult or frustrating, but I am happy to have had them because they helped to shape a respect for myself and my time which really helps me value my client’s needs and wants as well.
If you could only ever visit one business again in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County, what would it be and why?:
I would probably end up at the Flamingo Hotel/Montecito Heights. My family and I spend a lot of our time there and it feels like a home away from home. Nice pool, small gym, great environment, and good drinks!
Agent to Watch – Myka Galovic
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Congratulations to April Agent to Watch, Myka Galovic! Rooted in learning and constant growth, Myka’s approach to the real estate market is one that is marked with hard work and dedication on behalf of her clients and their homeownership goals. Keep reading to lead about our W teammate Myka!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Pick up flowers for my new listing coming soon.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Getting out of your comfort zone provides growth. In other words, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
I love prepping a new listing for market. Seeing the transformation and being able to get the highest price possible is such a good feeling. I also love house hunting for buyers. Seeing different design ideas or how we can update a home to fit their needs and then getting a buyer get into their dream home is life changing for them and for me.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
My most recent listing had a tree fall through the barn during a storm. The sellers were in a hurry to sell the property so they could find a replacement. We did an aggressive price reduction to sell the property “as is”. With no luck we decided to pull it off market and repair the barn. Within 3 days we had multiple offers. I think that was more of a miracle!
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
My mentors have played a huge a role. I am constantly learning and growing. I don’t think this business is possible without a mentor.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Butlers pantry.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Always my family. My husband and my 3 kids will always be number one. They are my why. I love hearing about everyone’s day.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
I’m going to throw in Napa County into this question and say that my house is always open for entertaining friends but after that, I would send them to a few of my favorite wineries and restaurants. Domaine Carneros for some bubbles, Round Pond for delicious wine and food pairing followed by R&D for the best sushi and margaritas.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
New opportunities with W Real Estate. Some exciting things happening. Looking forward to camping trips this summer with family and friends.
Agent to Watch – Emma Curry
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Congratulations to one of our April Agents to Watch, Emma Curry! Creativity, consistency, and reliability are the name of the game for Emma. She puts her all into each and every transaction, and we think this will serve her very well in the real estate industry. Keep reading to learn more about Emma!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Get my client’s offer accepted.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Half of success is showing up! Be known for being consistent and reliable.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
Every new transaction is a challenge waiting to be conquered! No two sales are the same.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
My clients desperately needed to find a home and had a very strict budget – my partner and I were able to help them write an offer that was creatively structured to appeal to the seller but still get my buyers in the house at a price they could afford, under asking.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
I am always eager to expand my knowledge and get better at what I do; being surrounded by go-getters and experts is key!
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Creatively utilizing lighting and design to produce a seamless flow with the property’s natural surroundings.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
My grandfather. He was such a creative, inspiring, loving person. Family is everything and one more dinner with him would mean the world!
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
There is nothing quite like the Sonoma Coast! Head west for a day full of breathtaking scenery along on the rugged coast and some of the freshest oysters you will ever taste!
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
I am looking forward to implementing years of hard work and preparation into building a strong foundation for a thriving business here in Sonoma County with my incredible business partner!
Agent to Watch – Eric Hackney
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Congratulations to one of our March Agents to Watch, Eric Hackney! This year is all about new opportunities for Eric. He is concentrated on his clients, and through that hard work he believes that 2024 will be a year of expansion for him and his business like never before. Keep reading to learn more about Eric!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Open the door for an appraiser for one of my escrows.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Never wish for what others have, you never know what they went through to get where they are.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
Helping first-time home buyers.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
Becoming an agent in the worst market we have had in a long time was a huge challenge. I worked when others took time off and kept pushing my business, made myself stand out from the crowd with my own marketing, and always picking up the phone and didn’t use the market as an excuse.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
I never had a mentor.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
More open floor plans.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Ken McElroy because he is an incredible businessman, an investor, and a real estate genius.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
The redwoods.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
Expanding my business into other counties and becoming more successful.
Agent to Watch – Mayra Benitez
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Meet Mayra Benitez, a March Agent to Watch! Mayra is a student of her craft, and she knows that going into each transaction with an open mind will help her better learn what her clients need from her and will help her rise to the occasion in all situations. Check out our blog below to learn more about Mayra!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Buyer follow-up calls.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Put it in a spreadsheet.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
The territory we cover is absolutely amazing. Breathtaking views, beautiful drives, and so much acreage to walk!
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
There have been hiccups along the way as I transitioned into real estate. But I did what I do anytime a challenge presents itself: look for a solution, keeping in mind that not everyone will be fully satisfied, but knowing that everyone has the opportunity to gain something, whether it’s an experience, freedom, getting to the end of a chapter, or just movement in general, there’s always an opportunity. But above all, especially when faced with challenges, I believe in the importance of being kind and grateful.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
In every job that I have ever held, there has been a mentor by my side. From education to wineries and vineyards, I have been guided by someone who has had patience and faith in me. I work hard, have learned, and continue to learn so I can one day be a mentor to someone who may need me.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Outdoor entertaining spaces are a must!
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Author Laurie Notaro, because I have read all her books and I love her sense of humor! If I’m going out to dinner, I want to make sure it’s with someone who I can share a bottle of wine with and who will make me laugh.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
W Real Estate in Ukiah!
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
My daughter’s Quinceañera is happening this summer! It’s going to be a huge event, with all my friends and family sharing what promises to be a day/evening to remember. There will be dancing, traditional music, a church ceremony, traditional Mexican food, drinks, cake and maybe even karaoke because, why not? This will be the biggest birthday party thrown in my family for sure and I am definitely looking forward to that this year!
Agent of the Month – Will Lance
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Congratulations to our March Agent of the Month, Will Lance! Will has carved out a niche for himself as a Vineyards and Ranches expert, and to say it has been a resounding success for him would be an understatement. His passion, discipline, and dedication are just a few of the reasons he is our March Agent of the Month! Keep reading to learn more about Will.
What three words would you use to describe your approach to the real estate business?:
Passion, Integrity, and Patience.
What’s one aspect of your business that you are looking to improve on this year? In what ways/how would like to see yourself improve?:
Adding new members to my team is a priority. As my business has grown I have taken on many new listings and projects and am looking to grow my team to continue to give my clients the highest level of service.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Hard work and persistence coupled with fantastic mentors. Nothing happens overnight.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Show up every day. Watch what the successful agents in your office are doing and try to emulate them. Find a mentor. Be full-time.
What’s the one piece of advice you always give your clients first?:
Take your time and don’t rush into things. I want my clients to be comfortable, and confident and know I am on their team. I am never pushy and want to come off as an advisor rather than a salesman.
Failure is a natural part of achieving success. How do you recoup when things don’t necessarily go your way?:
Failure is a part of life. I always try to stay positive and stick to the processes that have led me to success in the past. Choosing positivity and optimism has worked for me time and again.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
Working hard, but taking the time to relax and celebrate successes with family and friends is balance in my opinion. Even if it is just a date night out, spending time celebrating wins with your family is important.
What roles have mentors played in your life and career?:
I have been very fortunate to work with several great mentors and attribute a lot of my success to them. The support, advice, and guidance have directly led me to where I am today.
What risks were you willing to take when starting out in your career and how have they benefitted you?:
Diving full-on into the vineyard and ranch market seemed daunting at a young age. My knowledge and confidence in this niche have grown tremendously over the years. It was the best decision I have made in my Real Estate career.
If you could only ever visit one business again in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County, what would it be and why?:
John and Zeke’s in Healdsburg! It’s a classic and always a good time.
