Innovation and progress doesn’t happen without bold professionals willing to change the status quo. RISMedia’s 2025 Newsmakers in the Trailblazers category are the pioneers pushing real estate forward. Whether introducing new technologies, refining business models or fostering stronger industry relationships, these changemakers are redefining what’s possible. Their fearless approach to transformation is creating new opportunities and paving the way for a more dynamic and efficient real estate landscape.
RISMedia’s eighth annual class of Real Estate Newsmakers demonstrated a wide array of accomplishments in 2024. We applaud their widespread efforts to educate, lead and restore confidence in the invaluable role of the real estate professional.
Let’s take a look at some of the Agents of Change, and their contributions to the industry in 2024.
Kevelyn Guzman
Regional Vice President, Coldwell Banker Warburg
Kicking off 2024 in her new leadership position, Guzman continued advocating for and connecting with her team of 100 agents and 25 employees via a new “In+Beyond” monthly networking event and idea-sharing Agent Mastermind sessions. See full profile.
Jason Mitchell
CEO & Founder, Jason Mitchell Group
In 2024, Mitchell propelled his company to record-breaking growth, achieving 24% YOY growth, $5 billion in projected sales and 11,000 units, and expanding through long-term partnerships, fostering trust and defining success. See full profile.
Tommy Dunbar
President & CEO, Old Colony, REALTORS®
After assuming the role of president and CEO in 2024, Dunbar focused on empowering agents with technology, modern marketing and professional development, guiding his team through significant industry changes while upholding the company’s 80-year legacy of excellence. See full profile.
Clelia Warburg Peters
Founder & Managing Partner, Era Ventures
Warburg Peters made history in PropTech by becoming the first woman to close one of the category’s largest initial venture funds, all while mentoring founders, championing innovation, and advocating for diversity in a male-dominated industry. See full profile.
Chris Jensen
Regional President, Southwest, Coldwell Banker Realty
A valuable industry asset due to in-depth understanding and experience, Jensen spearheaded the integration of digital brokerage and title operations in 2024 while developing centralized hubs to enhance connectivity and support agents at Coldwell Banker Realty. See full profile.
Donna Roberson
Agent, LAFFEY Real Estate
Roberson revolutionized real estate marketing by creating an AI character to use as an assistant to deliver news, updates and virtual town tours across social media platforms in order to enhance communication with clients and set new industry standards. See full profile.
Brad Bjelke
CEO, UtahRealEstate.com
A passionate advocate for the MLS/brokerage relationship, Bjelke has led UtahRealEstate.com to significant growth in 2024 with the launch of a rental portal, commercial listings platform and AI-driven tools, while also advancing MLS services in Nevada and New Mexico. See full profile.
Holly Mabery
Senior Vice President, Brokerage Operations, eXp Realty
Mabery navigated antitrust litigation, developed new compliance frameworks, delivered brokerage training tools, created new forms such as Single Property Showing and Buyer Broker Agreements, and enhanced operational practices at eXp Realty. See full profile.
Amanda Valente
Co-Founder & COO, Renovation Sells
Valente has transformed the home renovation landscape, empowering real estate professionals with innovative tools that unlock home equity, and poised to make home updates more accessible through spearheading a strategic partnership with HouseAmp. See full profile.
Philippe Ziade
CEO, Growth Holdings
With a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, Ziade has redefined industries, from launching the world’s first net-zero luxury hotel and living community to founding Reitreal, a startup poised to revolutionize real estate capital markets through cutting-edge solutions. See full profile.
RISMedia’s 2025 Real Estate Newsmakers showcase is sponsored by:
Gold Sponsor
Real Estate Webmasters
Bronze Sponsors
American Home Shield
HouseAmp
Lofty
RPR®
Stay tuned to RISMedia.com for ongoing coverage and close-up interviews with our 2025 Real Estate Newsmakers.
