Insights from CEO Jon Broadbooks: Priorities and Vision for WMLAR
On May 23rd, the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (WMLAR) held a highly anticipated membership meeting at the Trillium, where approximately 300 members gathered to welcome the new CEO, Jon Broadbooks. This meeting was not only a formal introduction but also an opportunity for members to engage directly with Jon, facilitated by the 2024 WMLAR President, Kimberly Ryan.
In her opening remarks, Ryan highlighted the extensive process the search committee went through in hiring Broadbooks’ including his unique qualifications for the role of CEO. During this portion of the meeting, Ryan transitioned into an informal interview format, posing a series of questions designed to help the audience get to know Broadbooks better.
Job #1: Navigating the MLS Compensation Shift
When asked about his top priority as the new CEO of WMLAR, Jon Broadbooks highlighted a significant upcoming change in the real estate industry. On August 17th, a longstanding practice where the MLS included an offer of compensation will end. While compensation can still be offered, it will no longer be structured within the MLS framework. This shift is expected to cause confusion and inefficiencies—akin to “sand into the gears”—due to its systemic nature.
Jon’s immediate task is to bridge this gap for WMLAR members. He emphasized the association’s role in supporting its members through this transition, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to adapt to the new compensation structure.
Goals for the Months Ahead
In addition to addressing the MLS changes, Jon Broadbooks outlined several other priorities for the upcoming months:
Member Engagement: Broadbooks plans to engage directly with members who are actively involved in the real estate market. He believes that a successful association must continuously interact with its members to understand their needs and aspirations. By prioritizing communication and active listening, Jon aims to ensure that WMLAR reflects the desires and concerns of its members.
Growing the Next Generation of Leadership: WMLAR is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders within the association. Noting that the average age of members is around 50, Broadbooks stressed the importance of providing leadership training and opportunities to younger members. By doing so, he hopes to create a lasting impact not only within WMLAR but also across the broader community.
Ensuring Organizational Health: Another key priority for Broadbooks is to set up policies and procedures that guarantee the long-term health of WMLAR. This includes:
- Budgeting Correctly: Implementing sound financial practices to ensure the association’s sustainability.
- RPAC Funding: Establishing transparent policies for disbursing REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) funds.
- Future-Proofing: Preparing the organization to thrive for the next 25 years, as WMLAR approaches its 25th anniversary.
A Collaborative and Sustainable Future: Jon Broadbooks envisions a collaborative and sustainable future for WMLAR. By focusing on member engagement, leadership development, and organizational health, he aims to guide the association through current challenges and set it up for long-term success. Jon’s approach underscores the importance of adaptability, transparency, and proactive support in building a resilient and responsive real estate community.
Stay engaged with WMLAR for updates on these initiatives and opportunities to contribute your insights and feedback. Together, we can ensure a vibrant and thriving future for our association.
