Originally licensed as a REALTOR® in 1998, Sean Carpenter is the former agent development director for the Ohio NRT companies. He jumped back into a sales role with Coldwell Banker serving buyers and sellers throughout Central Ohio. He founded Sean Speaks in 2018 to expand his speaking, consulting and facilitation opportunities. His most popular sessions focus on creating memorable customer experiences and maximizing social and digital media, as well as business planning, leadership and sales. Sean's mission is to teach with passion and enthusiasm, instilling confidence and excitement in his students, and he lives by his philosophy: build relationships, solve problems and have fun.

Debra Peterson Conrad (Debbi Conrad) is the Senior Attorney and Director of Legal Affairs for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association.

She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology with Honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Prior to joining the WRA, Debbi worked in private practice in which her practice included real estate, condominiums and small business.

Debbi is co-author of Wisconsin Real Estate Law, Wisconsin Real Estate Clauses and Real Estate Trust Accounts in Wisconsin. Debbi is a regular contributor to the Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine and writes the WRA's monthly Legal Update. She is also serves on the Department of Safety and Professional Service's Real Estate Contractual Forms Advisory Committee.

Thomas G. Cullen is the vice president and managing attorney of Wisconsin operations with Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund Inc. With more than 30 years of legal experience, he is a past president, former member of the board of directors, and former chairman of the legislative committee of the Wisconsin Land Title Association (WLTA). His prior work experience includes in-house legal counsel for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and as well as an assistant city attorney for the city of West Allis. He is a frequent lecturer on title insurance, real property law and settlement services. Tom received his J.D. in 1986 from the Marquette University Law School and his B.S. in 1982 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, cum laude.

Chris DeVincentis has worked as a REALTOR® in the Walworth County/Geneva Lakes marketplace for 30 years. He is a past member as well as a future 2021 member of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association board of directors. Chris is also currently the president of the Lakes Area REALTORS® Association. After two years in real estate, Chris acquired a RE/MAX franchise in late 1991 where he successfully built a five-person team selling an average of 100 transaction sides per year for 16 years. For the last 10 years, he worked with Keefe Real Estate based in Lake Geneva as a managing broker, VP of operations and an agent trainer of Keefe's 80-agent operation. Today, he is the president and broker-owner of Legendary Real Estate Services & Legendary Coaching.

Prior to starting her real estate career in 1996, Milwaukee native Bonnie Dixon worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections where she mastered the skill of hostage negotiation. Bonnie has been featured in LORE Magazine and Certified Residential Specialist Magazine. Her goal as an instructor is to educate, energize, and inspire you. Bonnie was a managing broker for nine years as well as a coach and mentor to hundreds of REALTORS® in her various capacities. In 2012, Bonnie served as the president of the REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin and as a director for the National Association of REALTORS®. In 2014, Bonnie was recognized as the REALTOR® of Distinction with the REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin. In 2015, she was awarded the Paul E. Stark Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Considered a leading expert on retail and the shopping center industry, Nick A. Egelanian pioneered the segmentation of retail into commodity and specialty sub-groups as the author of the retail chapter of the Urban Land Institute's publication, "Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI Guide to the Business, 3rd Edition," in 2012. Nick served as Vice President of Real Estate & New Store Development for Crown Books and FAO Inc./Zany Brainy before forming SiteWorks Retail Real Estate Services in 1992. As the president of SiteWorks, Nick has worked with a wide array of retail clients, including Stuart Weitzman, Balducci's, Jos. A. Bank, Starbucks, Justice, Lane Bryant and Zoës Kitchen. He also advises owners and developers throughout North America with whom he partnered in the development of two shopping centers, totaling nearly 1.5 million square feet of retail space. Nick is an active speaker and writer on retail trends and the evolution of the retail industry, and he has coined the phrases "Post-department Store Era," "Department Store Deconstruction" and "Convergence Era." Nick created retail merchandising plans for three Amazon HQ2 candidate sites and is currently spearheading the creation a 25-year transformation plan for the largest mixed-use project in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Consultant, business coach and trainer Ryan Fulcer entered the real estate market in 1999. Ryan has since met and exceeded numerous monthly and annual sales goals, and he also helped build and grow a prosperous, local real estate investment company. Other successes include building and growing a top-producing Wisconsin real estate team that ranks in the top 5% in the state as well as participating in the development of lead generation software for sales-focused businesses.

Dennis has held a real estate license since 1988. Since 1995, he has traveled nationally providing seminars, workshops and college courses to thousands of individuals and for major companies like Lockheed Martin, Kellogg's, Capital One and NASA. In 2000, Dennis rekindled his real estate resume. He trained agents, managed an office and was promoted to a position as Director of Training for Real Estate Services and eventually as a Chief Training Officer for Lang Realty, a top brokerage in Florida. Dennis continuously looked for ways to improve and serve others. And, while he earned two master's degrees in training & development and conflict resolution, it wasn't until he saw and was inspired by Larry Kendall and the Ninja Selling system that he knew he had found home.

Ashton Gustafson is a highly sought-after public speaker, nationally recognized REALTOR®, artist, musician, poet, amateur cosmologist, and currently in pursuit of more things to become. In 2010, REALTOR® Magazine named Ashton one of the top 30 REALTORS® in the United States under the age of 30. He has keynoted across the country, from Los Angeles to Vermont, as well as internationally in Canada and Spain. Ashton writes about the art of living; finding beauty in hidden places; and making music with your life, relationships and business. His podcast, "Good, True & Beautiful," serves as a platform for thought leaders and visionaries across the country to share their wisdom and insights on making the world a better place. In addition to his writing and speaking, Ashton is currently a partner at Bishop REALTOR® Group, Meadowlake Management, Muse Capital and A.G. Real Estate & Associates.

Ashley Harwood is a fierce advocate for introvert entrepreneurs and is passionate about empowering introverts to be as successful as they choose to be, while still enjoying their lives, every day. She is the creator of The Quiet Success Workshop, The Quiet Success Programs and founder of The Quiet Success Retreat. Ashley teaches introvert entrepreneurs how their energy affects their bank accounts. She has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs throughout the country and loves showing business owners alternative ways to grow their businesses. She graduated from Northern Michigan University summa cum laude with a degree in English, then spent a few years in luxury retail management before getting into real estate in 2013. Since then, Ashley has built a thriving, six-figure business as a solo real estate agent. Through her own experience as an introverted REALTOR®, Ashley discovered that much of what worked for others in her office did not work for her. The year she realized she was actually an introvert, her business quadrupled over the previous year, and her life dramatically improved.

Tracy is the president and CEO of the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CARW). She has more than 20 years of association management and non-profit experience and has held roles as executive director for TEMPO Milwaukee, a business association for executive women; director of public affairs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; and director of communications for an association of plumbing and mechanical contractors. Tracy spent several years with a global manufacturer, Bradley Corporation, as well as a local advocacy group, Partners Advancing Values in Education. She has served on a number of volunteer and professional boards and committees, and is very involved in community organizations including Ascension Wisconsin, Downtown Milwaukee Rotary Club, VISIT Milwaukee, Public Policy Forum, Transportation Development Association, and the Regional Transit Leadership Council. Tracy holds a public relations degree and an executive MBA with a focus in international business, both from Marquette University and recently completed the IOM designation from the International Chamber of Commerce.

Carol E. Krigbaum is the managing member of Krigbaum Law LLC, a general practice firm in Whitefish Bay, north of Milwaukee. Carol received a B.A. from UW-Madison with majors in both journalism and history and graduated from Marquette University Law School. She holds a Wisconsin real estate broker's license and answers questions on the WRA Legal Hotline.

Carol is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Greater Milwaukee Area REALTORS®, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and the National Association of REALTORS®. She serves on the professional standards committee for the Greater Milwaukee Area REALTORS®. She is president of the Whitefish Bay Historical Society and serves on the Village of Whitefish Bay's Historic Preservation Commission. She is a frequent presenter on real estate-related topics for the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Cori is the senior director of legal and public affairs for the WRA. Cori serves as the primary contact for members and firms regarding brokerage regulatory and licensing issues, and also serves as the liaison between the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the WRA. Cori is actively involved in the development and enactment of state laws, policies and forms affecting the real estate industry. Cori regularly presents seminars and trainings to real estate licensees and also serves as a contributing author for Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine. Cori collaborates with REALTOR® boards on forms and practice issues, serves on the Real Estate Contractual Forms Advisory Council and the Wisconsin Information Land Council, and has been a speaker for events at Marquette University Law School and the State Bar of Wisconsin. Cori received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University and Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University. She was named the WRA Instructor of the Year in 2005 and 2013.

Tom Larson is Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs as well as the chief lobbyist for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. Tom began his career with the WRA in 1996 and oversees the WRA's lobbying, political operations and legal services. Tom has been actively involved in the creation and enactment of numerous state laws and policies impacting property owners and the real estate industry. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar, admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and often serves on various committees and task forces for the state of Wisconsin and the National Association of REALTORS®.

Marki Lemons-Ryhal is a licensed managing broker, REALTOR®, avid volunteer, major donor and international best-selling author of The Modern Real Estate Professional's Guide to Success. Marki is a six-time REALTOR® Conference & Expo featured attendee and an Inman closing keynote speaker. In 2019, Marki was nominated as an RISMedia "Real Estate Newsmaker" and was inducted into the REBAC Hall of Fame. Marki is dedicated to all things real estate. With over 25 years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 300,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2,682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki holds a Bachelor of Science in Management; a Master's in Business Administration; and over 50 real estate-related licenses, certifications and designations.

Jennifer Lindsley is the director of training for the WRA. Jennifer participates as an attorney on the WRA Legal Hotline and serves as a liaison between the WRA and the Wisconsin Technical College System. Her responsibilities include drafting education materials, developing pre-licensing and continuing education resources, and teaching WRA pre-license and continuing education courses. She received her B.A. from Portland State University and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Jennifer is a member of the Real Estate Educators Association. In 2014, she received the WRA Instructor of the Year award.

Paul Long is a motivational speaker and consultant who has challenged the corporate landscape for over a decade while engaging audiences around the globe. As the MLB Kansas City Royals' 2016 Fan of the Year, Paul's shenanigans have been featured in media outlets like ESPN, the Washington Post and even the Wall Street Journal. Through his concept of "FUNdamism," infectious spirit and unique take on FUN in the workplace, Paul has provided memorable experiences at hundreds of events while championing pediatric cancer research. Paul's thought-provoking presentations are full of laughter and tears. So, are you ready to have some FUN?

Becky Merwin, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, has worked in real estate full time since 1995 and is the current president of the Lakes Area REALTORS® Association. An actively involved member from the start, Becky was elected to the board of directors in 1999 and first served as board president in 2004. Her peers selected her as REALTOR® of the Year in 2005, and she received the WRA Distinguished Service Award in 2015. She is a broker with the Rauland Agency in Walworth, a small family-owned company in business for 50 years, serving all of Walworth County.

Paula brings every subject to life by mixing passion, a quick wit, and her experience as an active REALTOR® and business leader in a fun and relatable way. Her enthusiasm for collaboration is infectious, and her energy keeps audiences captivated and engaged. A graduate of Rutgers University, Paula was the 2017 president for the Arizona REALTORS®, the 2014 winner of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce's Young Athena Award, and the 2017 Arizona REALTOR® of the Year. Currently, Paula is the 2019 Region 11 vice president for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Mike O'Toole is a relationship advisor for Discipline Advisors in Mankato, MN. Mike has over 15 years of real estate and investment securities experience and 10 years with an investment real estate and Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) sponsor firm. Mike advises clients with investment planning with a focus in real estate, 1031 exchanges and other financial planning and estate planning needs. Mike has a strong knowledge base and experience with the process of underwriting, acquiring, developing and syndicating commercial real estate offerings. Mike is a graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, with honors, and currently holds Series 7, 66 and 22 licenses. He is a licensed real estate broker and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) with advanced coursework in financial and market analysis and extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. Mike is also a member of the Alternative Direct Investment Securities Association (ADISA) and frequently speaks and sits on panels at national conferences.

Tracy Rucka has been a staff attorney with the WRA since 1997. Her primary role is a WRA Legal Hotline attorney, answering member questions about real estate-related matters. Tracy also specializes in professional standards administration and training, including working closely with local association professional standards administrators. Her other duties at the WRA include writing legal publications and providing member education and mediation training. Tracy was awarded the Instructor of the Year Award in 2012 by the WRA.

Tracy served previously at the local association level as the executive officer of the Northwoods Association of REALTORS®. Her experience in real estate began in the mid-1980s working as a REALTOR® in northern Wisconsin before going to law school. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in behavioral sciences and law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctorate degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

Jonathan M. Sayas is currently the Wisconsin State Underwriting Counsel for Stewart Title Guaranty Company, a part of Stewart Information Services Corp. Stewart Title is a leading provider of real estate services, including global residential and commercial title insurance as well as various escrow and settlement services. Jonathan previously practiced law as a second-generation partner at Sayas, Schmuki, Rondini & Plum, S.C.

Jonathan also is a regular instructor for the WRA, the Wisconsin Land Title Association (WLTA), and is a member of the DSPS' Wisconsin Real Estate Forms Advisory Committee. In 2016, he was awarded the designation of Wisconsin Land Title Professional by the WLTA. Jonathan received his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University in Indiana and his undergraduate degree in general business from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Robert Sayas is an attorney with the law offices of Sayas, Schmuki, Rondini & Plum S.C. Rob is a Legal Hotline attorney for the WRA, answering member questions about real estate related matters. He received his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Michael Sewell is a real estate broker in Green Bay and a past president of the REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin. He has taught pre-license classes, continuing education courses and professional standards throughout Wisconsin since 1991.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Michigan University and received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 1978. He practiced law for 10 years prior to starting real estate in 1988.

Michael has twice received the WRA Instructor of the Year award, has twice received his local association's Excellence in Professionalism award, and is a past recipient of the WRA Distinguished Service Award. He has served on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services' Real Estate Forms Council as well as the forms committees at both the state and local association level. He has chaired the WRA's Equal Opportunity Committee and teaches fair housing to new REALTORS® as part of local orientation. Mike has been a member of the board of directors of his local association for over 20 years, including a term as its president, and is currently the president-elect. He has also been a member of the WRA board of directors and served as a vice president on the WRA executive committee.

Stephen engages with people in meaningful ways to connect with depth and live in a more fulfilled world. With a knack for sharing the right words at the right moment, he delivers evidence-based content in a provocative, captivating and lighthearted way.

Feeling stifled on his corporate track, Stephen was struck by Simon Sinek's vision of a more inspired, safe and fulfilled world. He joined Sinek's team in 2012. Stephen now leads Brand Experience and the team of Igniters to ensure every product, partnership and communication authentically reflects the organization's most deeply held beliefs.

Mike is a 1980 graduate of Marquette Law School and is a shareholder in the Wauwatosa law firm of Storm, Balgeman & Klippel, SC. His law practice emphasizes real estate as well as income taxes and estate planning. He has taught pre-licensing and continuing education classes for over 30 years. Mike currently serves on the WRA forms committee and was named the WRA state instructor of the year in 2009 and again in 2018.

Liz Tobolt grew up on a dairy farm in Hartland, Wisconsin. She began selling real estate after graduating high school. Later, she went back to school obtaining a B.A.A. from UW-Whitewater and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School. Today, Tobolt teaches, continues to sell real estate, and practices transactional real estate law as the managing member of Liz Tobolt Law LLC, in Hartland, WI.

Daniel Wagner is the senior vice president of government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. He has been a licensed real estate broker since 2004 and holds Series 7 and 63 security licenses.

Dan serves on numerous real estate and governmental boards and committees. He is a past treasurer and president-elect of the Illinois REALTORS® (IR), past 2016 president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and served as the 2016 commercial liaison for the National Association of REALTORS®. Wagner was named 2017 REALTOR® of the Year by CAR, received the 2017 Commercial Award from NAR, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for IR and NAR in 2019. Dan is also a commissioner on the DuPage Airport Authority and serves as the chairman of the Authority's Capital Development Committee. In addition, Dan is the chairman of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and also was installed as a board member for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in 2019.

Joshua Walitt is the principal consultant for Walitt Solutions. He provides short- and long-term consulting services related to compliance, valuation, education, review and investigations. With over 20 years of experience, Walitt's skill set includes appraisal, banking, regulations, policy, training, licensing, audit and enforcement. He writes for industry publications and speaks at events such as the Appraisal Institute's Annual Conference, Appraisal Summit and Expo, Valuation Expo, Appraiser's Conference and Trade Show, Association of Appraiser Regulatory Officials, and other client and industry conferences. Walitt designs seminars and continuing education courses for online and classroom delivery.

Walitt holds the SRA and AI-RRS designations with the Appraisal Institute, is a member of the National Association of Appraisers (MNAA), holds a Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) certificate, is an AQB-certified USPAP instructor, is an Appraisal Institute-approved instructor, and served on the Colorado Board of Real Estate Appraisers.

Green Bay native and lifelong Wisconsin resident Sara Whitley has dedicated more than 14 years of her life to learn the ins and outs of residential mortgage lending. While she enjoys traveling with her family, Sara has spent the last few years as an avid runner, completing at least six 5K races a year and recently finished her first half marathon. As a banking professional, Sara has helped assist customers with affordable housing and guided customers to services that best meet their needs. She was recognized by the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association as a Rising Star in 2016.