Today is a pretty exciting day for me. Today marks, to the day, three years and five months since I became Team Leader of Keller Williams Realty, Diamond Partners, Inc. Looking back to when Larry was recruiting me to become the Team Leader, I remember telling him that he had me for three to five years. So the symbolism of three and five is not lost on me.
What I am trying to say to you all, is that effective today I am stepping down as Team Leader. Heck, I always said that if KState could ever win a Big 12 Championship in basketball I’d have to reevaluate everything I’m doing.
This is an exciting step for me. And I’ll touch on the future in just a moment. First, I’d like to take a few minutes and acknowledge the time I spent here. That simply cannot be done with out many, many thank you messages. There is no way for me to include everyone. There is no way to touch on each and every moment that I carry with me. Still…
Heather, I want to thank you for trusting in me and believing in yourself those first few months as we adjusted your role and worked towards what your future here looked like. You have been a willing student, a grateful heart and an undeniable ally. Throughout my time here I’ve been given credit for things you’ve done, effort you’ve given and time you’ve spent. I ask that you take what you’ve learned, continue to believe in yourself and to acknowledge that you are strong, you are powerful and that you do know what is right for you and your children.
Debbie, your smile, willing attitude and desire to become better, to become more effective is a true gift. As with each person I work closely with, I see opportunity for you. I see a future that you will create. I see a person of care and compassion. Those are two gifts you’ve been given to bless others. Maximize those.
Sarah, Kimberlie, Troy, Sydney… Thank you for sitting patiently through our 4 Conversations, your input, your thoughts and your care for this office, your care for me.
Tricia, wow. As I speak to Team Leaders around the country and realize that so much of their time is spent bringing their MCA’s up to speed… well, I just have to say that any success I had as a Team Leader had your influence all over it. You allowed me to work without interruption, to fail, to learn and to grow all without criticism or complaint. I’m fully aware that at times I made decisions you reluctantly supported or raised an eyebrow about and yet you supported me. On a personal level, I want to say thank you for allowing me to question, to rant and to ponder. You are not an MCA to me. To me, in some capacity, you are a confidant.
To Scott, Richard, Suzie, always in the office and always willing to talk with me. You brought me ideas, gave me inspiration and drove me to be better. To each and every person that served on our ALCs, Matt, Suzanne, Adam, Steve, Jim, Brandon, Laura, Wyndee, Pam, Susan, Scott, Richard, Suzie, I say THANK you for your support, input, guidance and care that you have given both myself and this office.
Brenda, thank you for your leadership in this office and your steady hand as broker. Like so many of the ALC, you are not just a coworker, you are a friend.
Folks, the leadership of this office has always driven this office forward. There were team leaders before me and there will be team leaders after me. Look around this room. You may be sitting next to a future ALC member, a future MCA or Team Leader or Operating Partner. You may be sitting next to a future MAPS coach, BOLD instructor or heck, even the next President of Keller Williams International. Doubt me? Make a note to ask Larry in a Mastermind how many of our agents have gone on to those positions around the Greater Heartland and beyond.
And why? Two words; Larry Kueser. Larry is a very unique Operating Partner in the world of real estate. Larry brings promise and wisdom. Larry believes in the 4 Pillars of Keller Williams Culture;
- Our MVVBP
- Our WI4C2Ts
- The 6 Personal Perspectives
- What is Culture?
From the beginning Larry allowed me to reestablish culture in our office. He allowed me daring moves like inviting in other Team Leaders, removing agents that didn’t fit what we were doing and to grow. And make no mistake about, growth and productivity are very much a part of Keller Williams culture.
Thank you, Larry. In the words of Spock, “I have been and will always be your friend.”
So what does this mean to you. Well, very little really. If you actually knew how little I do here, you’d ask yourself “Why has he been employed this long?”
Tricia and the staff take care of your daily needs. Larry sets the vision, and lately Matt has been setting most of the appointments. The future of Diamond Partners is a bright as it has always been. As for me? Well when I look back on my time here there will be two stats that I remember the most;
- We moved from #14 to #8
- Our listings percentage went up, way up.
And why am I proud of those? Because it means that people’s lives were affected. People’s lives, in this office, were changed. Marcos, Brandon, Susan, Krissa, just to name just a very few…look how your incomes have grown!
But alas! I cannot move forward to where I’m going by remaining where I am. Yes, as long as Larry and Matt and Tricia will have me I’ll still be teaching in the market center. I’ll be a resource for agents to ask questions of and share just a tidbit of wisdom with, if asked. Yes, I will remain, now and for the foreseeable future, here at Diamond Partners.
Still, since I started as Team Leader my property management business, Ad Astra Realty, Inc. has grown from 290 to 479…a 65.1% increase… and folks, that is going to take more of my attention. The Kansas Real Estate School, which I own in conjunction with Randal Peterson, could use a little bolstering in attendance. The KRES podcast. The MAPS Coaching I do. I’ll stay plenty busy.
And the added time to my schedule will allow me to follow my passion, a prayerful calling if you will, of making a difference in others’ lives outside the field of real estate. To work on the Emma Lengquist Memorial Puppy Parade. And of course, bicycling. Many of you know how I love to cycle and, well, the weather is getting better.
To each of you, I say thank you. To each of you, I would like to apologize if I have ever said or done anything to hurt you or your dream. To each of you I’d like encourage, cajole, challenge and beg you to look at your future. To write your story. Create your “life worth living.”
Major respect and admiration to you, Chris!
Thank you, Jeff. You’ve always been a mentor for me as to how you designed your life.
All the best to you Chris! You’re an amazing guy and you and your family have blessed so many.
Sharon, you are a pretty amazing gal, yourself. Build your business, build your dream.
Thank you Chris for your leadership and more importantly sharing who you are with us. I am forever grateful!
You are more than welcome. #Conquer
Wishing you only the very best. PS The KState basketball comment made me chuckle!
Thank you. #RockChalk
Chris
It has been wonderful watching you grow the office while growing yourself personally. I look forward to seeing this continued growth in your life and passions within your life. Best of luck in all these new ventures and I look forward to continuing to see you within the office
Michelle, thank you. I definitely got the best out of this deal. The personal growth plan KW has for team leaders is out of this world.
Congratulations Chris. You are a great friend and mentor. Enjoy your new life.
Thank you, Mark.
Chris, you have been the best we’ve had. I know you are charting a new direction. God will bless you in that.
You are too kind. Thank you.
I look at you as a mentor. I looked at when I came a year ago and thought to myself. This guy has lived my dream. Success in Real Estate. I for one hope to be just like you when I grow up. I’ve learned so much from your trainings and your wisdom.
I remember the meeting when you said ” I can build my future” I took that statement and embedded into my head and live by it, for the rest of my time.
Thanks Chris for your leadership.
James, wow. I’m humbled.
Chris, As always, your caring and compassionate heart coupled with your gift for communication, are captivating and contagious. You have demonstrated the truth of one of my beliefs, namely, that if a person is more interested in credit than results, there may be no results to take credit for, but if one is more interested in results than credit, there will be plenty of credit to go around. Thank you for the example you have set and the results you have inspired. I look forward to a time soon when we can spend some time together. I want to share some of the progress I have made as a result of listening to your advice. Blessings and Peace!
John, thank you. I always enjoy speaking with you. I’d love to catch up.
I appreciate all you have done for our Group! I will stay in touch!
Definitely!
We started together and I am very proud of all you have accomplished. I am proud to be your friend. God bless you!
Thank you. Yes, we go way back to August of 2004 here at Diamond Partners. 🙂
Wow, Chris I’m so excited for what your future holds. I would say good luck, but luck has nothing to do with all the hard work you have put into who you are. You are the true example of BE DO HAVE.
Thank you, Miki. The KW systems have been very, very good to me.
Proud of you
Thank you, sir.
Chris, life by design not by default, Way to follow your dreams. It’s not going to make it easier for me to lose you as the team lead. You are the reason I’m here at Diamond Partners and your quotes go through my head daily. You have been a mentor in business and in life to me. You always have the right thing to say to me, one on one and in team meetings and I appreciate you and wish you the best, you will certainly be missed and never replaced. I hope some day I will live up to the great expectations you have always had for me since we met, I feel I am well on my way because of your influence. Thank you for that, and Rock Chalk!
Dustin, your belief comes from within. You hold the key to your future. Trust yourself and move forward.
Chris wish you well in the future. You are an outstanding man. Let me put a plug in for Heather as your replacement.
Ken, thank you. And I’ve already been replaced. 🙂 Heather is still a very strong part of the office, as well.
Chris,
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for Diamond Partners and me! Every year I need that pep talk, that reminder that I’m where I’m supposed to be and can grow even more. You’ve been a steady listening ear and motivator and I’m so very grateful for that! As Suzie said on FB, there aren’t many that I’ll follow because I am who I am. You’re definitely a leader that I don’t hesitate to. Wish you and Marie all the best. Rock Chalk!
Sara, thank you. It is and has been my honor. I’m still here as an encourager for you. Anytime.
Chris, you’ve always been a stand up guy who has clarity of purpose. I’ve admired and learned from you from the very first minutes we met.
Good luck on this next chapter!
Chris
Chris, thank you. And a BIG THANK YOU for your loyalty over the years. Let’s continue to find you the right investment vehicles.
Son, reading your comments and the comments of so many back to makes me so very proud of you. Take care of yourself and family.
Thank you, Dad. That means a lot.