DMAR's 47th Annual Excellence Awards Honors 2024 Top Agents

DMAR hosted its 47th Denver Metro Association of Realtors® Excellence Awards event on April 17, 2025, selling out the event with nearly 600 real estate professionals in attendance. This year's theme, The Art of Success, honored the highest-performing and most inspiring Realtors® and industry leaders from 2024.

April 18, 2025

DMAR hosted its 47^th Denver Metro Association of Realtors® Excellence Awards event on April 17, 2025, selling out the event with nearly 600 real estate professionals in attendance.

This year's theme, The Art of Success, honored the highest-performing and most inspiring Realtors® and industry leaders from 2024. With awards spanning individual, partnership, team, office, project, and special recognition categories, the ceremony highlighted the dedication and excellence within the real estate community.

With winners across 16 different categories, including individual, partnerships, teams, office, projects and special recognition, as well as 33 awards given out. Highlights of the event included the special awards given in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Broker Manager of the Year, Realtor® of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Support Person of the Year, Top Project Awards, Top Individual Awards, Top Partnership Awards, Top Team Awards and Top Office Awards, as well as those dedicated to Community Service efforts. This year, the DMAR Emerging Champion Award was added.

“The Excellence Awards are more than just a celebration—they’re a reflection of the drive, innovation, and heart that define Denver real estate,” said Mike Bruce, President of the Board at DMAR. “This year’s winners have gone above and beyond, not just in sales, but in service to clients and communities across the metro area. Their success really does elevate all of us.”

“Denver’s real estate professionals are navigating one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and they’re doing it with grit, creativity, and integrity,” said Brendan Bailey, CEO of DMAR. “The Excellence Awards are our way of shining a light on the focus that goes into this profession. We honor the best of the best—the ones setting new standards and inspiring the future of real estate in our city.”

Award Winners

Oliver Frascona Lifetime Achievement: Jan Reinhardt of RE/MAX Alliance - Parker Office was presented with this award. With a real estate career spanning five decades, Jan has left an indelible mark on Denver’s housing market. Licensed since 1975, she has held leadership roles with DMAR, DERA, CAR, and REcolorado. Jan is a dedicated community advocate, supporting nonprofits like the Children’s Miracle Network, Swim Across America, and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Foundation. A consistent RPAC investor and 2023 RPAC Advocate of the Year, Jan embodies the very best of our industry—ethics, service, and leadership.

Broker Manager of the Year: Malisa Miller Eakins, West + Main Homes - Applewood was awarded this year’s Broker Manager of the Year. Malisa is more than a trusted leader—she’s a visionary who uplifts agents, advocates for equity, and invests deeply in her Denver community. As a DMAR Board Member and former Chair of the Diversity Alliance Committee, Malisa champions inclusivity both within our Association and across the metro area. Known for mentoring new agents and supporting local nonprofits and schools, Malisa’s leadership style blends compassion with conviction, making her an exceptional recipient of this year’s award.

Realtor® of the Year: This year’s pivotal award was given to Jessica Reinhardt, RE/MAX Alliance - Parker Office. Jessica has spent nearly 20 years defining what excellence looks like in Denver real estate. A Colorado native and Managing Broker, Jessica leads with heart, earning client trust through integrity and communication. As Immediate Past President of DMAR and a leader within CAR, her service extends beyond transactions to shaping our industry’s future. A RE/MAX Hall of Fame inductee, she combines professionalism with purpose, making her this year’s standout Realtor® of the Year.

Industry Partner of the Year: This award went to Jim Michael of Steel Rhino Property Inspections. Jim Michael, a retired Army Warrant Officer turned entrepreneur, has redefined what it means to be a partner in Denver real estate. As founder of one of Colorado’s largest multi-inspector firms, Jim’s impact spans beyond state lines—with franchises and philanthropic efforts stretching from Nepal to Africa. His continued presence at DMAR events, marketing meetings, and education sessions demonstrates unwavering support for our members and the greater community. Congratulations to this year’s Industry Partner of the Year.

Rookie of the Year: Michelle Leachman, eXp Realty was bestowed this year’s recognition. In less than a year, Michelle Leachman has made waves in the Denver real estate scene. Licensed in January 2024, she’s already produced nearly $20 million in sales—leading all Rookie of the Year applicants. But it’s not just about numbers; Michelle’s rapid rise is a reflection of her client-first mindset, dedication to learning, and natural talent for the industry. She’s a rising force to watch in our market.

Rising Star: Bonnie Hirning, eXp Realty was awarded the Rising Star. Bonnie Hirning’s rapid ascent in Denver real estate is nothing short of inspiring. Since getting licensed in 2024, she’s already surpassed $2 million in production—meeting and exceeding Rising Star criteria. More than just her numbers, Bonnie brings energy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to client service, showing exceptional promise in her first year. We’re proud to honor her as this year’s Rising Star.

Support Person of the Year: Amy Herrington, Kentwood Real Estate is the heart of Kentwood Real Estate, and her impact radiates across the Denver community. With twelve separate nominations from colleagues, Amy is known for her behind-the-scenes brilliance, problem-solving, and deeply rooted compassion. As one colleague said, “She opens our eyes and hearts to how we can help others.” Her commitment to service—both internal and external—is exactly what this award was created to honor.

Community Service: Barbee Lux, Compass - Denver Tech Center was granted this award. Barbee doesn’t just talk about giving back—she lives it. From donating a kidney at age 73 to empowering girls in Peru and granting wishes through Make-A-Wish, her impact spans continents. Barbee has taught English to the blind in Vietnam, helped provide clean water to villages in Africa, and continues to serve her local Denver community with unmatched heart. Her life is a masterclass in compassion, and we are honored to recognize her with this year’s Community Service Award.

DMAR Emerging Champion: Cooper Thayer, Keller Williams Action Realty was presented as this year’s Emerging Champion. Cooper represents the future of Denver real estate—driven, community-focused, and passionate about progress. With just a few years of membership under his belt, Cooper has already taken on leadership roles and shown a steadfast commitment to bettering our industry. His initiative and vision make him the perfect recipient of our inaugural DMAR Emerging Champion Award.

Pathways: This award was bestowed to Aimee Quaratino of 8z Real Estate – Denver Central and Angie Sudberry of Invalesco Real Estate. Aimee, a seven-time 5280 Five Star Real Estate Agent, is recognized for her strategic client service and mentorship. Angie is honored for her innovative work and meaningful contributions to the real estate landscape. Aimee is opening doors—literally and figuratively—for Denver’s first-time and underserved homebuyers. As the leader of 8z’s Keys 4 Life program, she has helped provide over $47,000 in grants this year alone. Aimee blends financial education with personal mentorship, guiding buyers through CHFA, VA, and FHA programs while teaching other agents how to do the same. Her work is changing lives and building generational wealth in communities that need it most.

Our next award recipient, Angie Sudberry played a vital role in one of Denver’s most impactful affordable housing projects—helping sell 49 permanently affordable condos in historic Five Points through a community land trust model. Despite construction delays and market challenges, Angie’s steady hand, transparency, and passion helped families earning below 80% AMI find lasting homes. Her work stands as a model for sustainable, inclusive housing in Denver.

Social Media Impact: This year’s Social Media Impact Award goes to someone who proves that authenticity, humor, and heart can truly make a difference online. Ryan Haarer, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, Cherry Creek, doesn’t just market properties—he uses his platforms to educate, guide, and support his community in a way that reflects exactly who he is: thoughtful, genuine, and always ready to lend a hand.

Whether he's sharing market insights or a moment of laughter, Ryan consistently shows that social media can be a powerful tool for connection—not just promotion. His commitment to growth, both personally and professionally, is evident in the way he shows up for his clients, his family, and his community. He lives by the motto “fail forward,” and in doing so, continues to raise the bar for what it means to be a real estate professional in the digital age.

TOP INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Individual | $ Sales Production

Anne Dresser Kocur, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
Jeff Plous, Hatch Realty
Dawn Raymond, Kentwood Real Estate Cherry Creek
Kylie Russell, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Mckinze Casey, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek

Individual | Number of Transactions

Hussein Garcia, Keller Williams Downtown
Leo Rowen, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Anne Dresser Kocur, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
Jeff Plous, Hatch Realty
Jennifer Briseno, Success Realty Experts

TOP PARTNERSHIP AWARDS

Partnership | $ Sales Production

Maggie Armstrong & Trish Bragg, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Deviree Vallejo & Liz Richards, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Debra Guy & Chris Harvey, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Gina Lorenzen & Kara Couzens, Kentwood Real Estate DTC
Karen Nichols & Corrie Lee, milehimodern

Partnership | Number of Transactions

Debra Guy & Chris Harvey, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Symantha Rodriguez & Joy Castillo, Compass - Cherry Creek
Kristine Holvick & Diane Kreider, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Lauren Jensen & Nicole Lawson, milehimodern
Josh Larsen & Chad Goodale, Keller Williams Realty Urban Elite

TOP TEAM AWARDS

3-5 Members | $ Sales Production

The Behr Team, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
Jason Cummings Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
Helm Weaver Helm, Compass - Cherry Creek
The Northrop Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
The Wolfe-Bouc Group, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek

3-5 Members | Number of Transactions

Jason Cummings Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
The Behr Team, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
The Northrop Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
Team Duran, RE/MAX Alliance - Westminster Office
META Homes, RE/MAX Alliance - Westminster Office

6-15 Members | $ Sales Production

EmpowerHome Team Colorado, Keller Williams Realty DTC
The Monarch Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
Stoddard, Dana, Murphy, Barton, Bond and Cohen, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Denver
The International Group, RE/MAX Professionals - Thornton
5280 City Living Team, PorchLight Real Estate Group, Cherry Creek

6-15 Members | Number of Transactions

EmpowerHome Team Colorado, Keller Williams Realty DTC
The Monarch Group, Compass - Cherry Creek
The International Group, RE/MAX Professionals - Thornton
Stoddard, Dana, Murphy, Barton, Bond and Cohen, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Denver
Uptown Realty Group, Compass - Cherry Creek

16-25 Members | $ Sales Production & Number of Transactions