The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead of the curve requires forward-thinking for your business. RISMedia’s 2025 Newsmakers in the Futurists category are pioneering new ideas, technologies and business models that are reshaping the way real estate professionals operate. Whether revolutionising proptech, reimagining client relationships or adapting to market shifts, these innovators are leading the way into the future of real estate.
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 Forward Thinkers, and their contributions to the industry in 2024.
Eric Fite
COO, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
Through his leadership in 2024, Fite drove the brokerage’s growth with five mergers, office expansions and continuous agent development while fostering a unique family culture within the organization and integrating evolving technology. See full profile.
Linda James
CEO, FyrstUp
James put a focus on innovation and adaptability through her app, FyrstUp, helping brokerages navigate industry changes, including shifts from the National Association of REALTORS® settlement, and improved communication related to ope- house hosting and coming-soon listings. See full profile.
Marty Reed
COO, REcore
A leader in MLS operations, Reed launched a game-changing SaaS ecosystem, providing MLSs with an all-in-one dashboard for member communication, training and compliance while driving innovation and new revenue streams throughout the year. See full profile.
Dan Cooper
Founder & CEO, Gitcha
In 2024, Cooper added compliant features to the first ever demand-based platform throughout the antitrust lawsuit verdict and settlement, creating The Buyer Listing Service & Buyer Listing Form to pair with required buyer representation agreements. See full profile.
Shayan Hamidi
Founder & CEO, Rechat
Hamidi helped Rechat achieve a major milestone with the launch of Lucy, an AI copilot integrated into the platform that enables agents to execute complex tasks at scale, reducing the need for manual tasks to free up valuable time. See full profile.
Colette Stevenson
CEO, REsides Inc.
Stevenson focused on innovation and strategic partnerships, leading corporate expansion in technology, launching REsides University, and providing brokers and agents with solutions that enhance business opportunities, education and revenue growth. See full profile.
Madeline Mordarski
Chief Marketing Officer, The Keyes Company
Mordarski is a seasoned marketing leader who drives revenue growth, new product launches and process improvements, and has played a key role in leading The Keyes Company’s brand refresh and strategic initiatives since joining in 2024. See full profile.
Kevin Hawkins
President, WAV Group Communications
Hawkins advanced the industry’s understanding of AI by co-founding the REAL AI newsletter, helping launch AI-powered platforms for companies like Revive and zavvie, and speaking at industry events, all while passionately fostering lifelong relationships and driving innovation in real estate technology. See full profile.
Lauren West
Head of Creative Marketing & Communications, Opendoor
A creative force redefining real estate marketing, West turned cultural moments into bold campaigns that power life’s progress one move at a time, and led the company’s live Super Bowl-timed campaign that proved homeowners could sell their homes during halftime. See full profile.
George Gatt
Licensed Real Estate Agent, Stephen Joseph Properties
A passionate REALTOR® known for his strong work ethic, innovative approach and local market expertise, Gatt earned recognition as a Top 25 RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist in 2024 and a top 20% agent nationwide on RateMyAgent. 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.
