What does it take to bring hundreds of Iowa REALTORS® together under one roof—and what happens behind the scenes to make it all possible?

For Season 5, Episode 2 of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann takes the podcast on location at the Iowa REALTORS® Convention in Des Moines for conversations with four of the people helping make the association, its events, and its impact possible: Gavin Blair, Greta Haas, Ashlee Kieler, and Dotty Schimmel.

From advocacy and protecting homeownership to education, communications, professional development, and the relationships formed at the convention, this episode offers a look at the people working behind the scenes for Iowa's real estate community.

Gavin shares his journey into the REALTOR® association world and why he believes the industry ultimately comes down to people. He and Ann discuss the collaborative culture among Iowa REALTORS®, the value of attending the annual convention, and why building relationships makes the industry stronger.

Greta takes the conversation into advocacy, discussing the work being done on behalf of Iowa REALTORS®, homeowners, and private property rights. She explains why housing isn't simply a professional issue—it's something that affects communities across Iowa—and why REALTOR® advocacy continues to be a bipartisan effort.

Ashlee gives listeners a glimpse into the marketing, communications, teamwork, and creativity required to bring an event like the Iowa REALTORS® Convention to life. She also shares her path from journalism into marketing and what she loves about working alongside the association's members and staff.

Finally, Dotty reflects on more than two decades with Iowa REALTORS®, her journey from receptionist to education coordinator, and why seeing members come together remains one of the highlights of the convention every year.

At the center of all four conversations is one idea: real estate is about much more than transactions. It's about people, relationships, service, and community.

In This Episode

Ann and her guests discuss:

– What happens behind the scenes at the Iowa REALTORS® Convention

– Why relationships are such an important part of Iowa real estate

– Gavin Blair's journey to becoming CEO of Iowa REALTORS®

– The culture of collaboration among REALTORS® across Iowa

– REALTOR® advocacy for homeownership and private property rights

– Why housing can bring people together across political lines

– The role education and professional development play in the association

– How marketing and communications help create meaningful member experiences

– The teamwork required to organize a convention for hundreds of REALTORS®

– Why getting involved in the association can create opportunities beyond individual transactions

– The friendships and sense of community that keep members coming back year after year

– Ann's surprise Impact Award recognition

Key Takeaway

Behind every conference, advocacy effort, educational opportunity, and member experience are people who care deeply about the communities they serve.

This episode is a reminder that when professionals come together to learn, advocate, build relationships, and support one another, their impact can extend far beyond their individual businesses.

Listen & Watch

Catch Season 5, Episode 2 of Not Your Average Neighbor on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.

Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the episode to help us continue shining a light on the people doing meaningful work in our neighborhoods.

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