Sunflower Region Chairman Candidates

Patty Koch, ABR, CRS, GRI, PMN
Reece & Nichols Westglen
The sale or purchase of a home is one of the most critical decisions in people’s lives. As a REALTOR® and a leader in the community, the responsibility of guiding people through the real estate transactions requires the utmost professionalism, integrity, knowledge and provides tremendous satisfaction. As a representative for my fellow REALTORS® and the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, the ability to participate in the decision and standard process of real estate business would be a privilege. This would enable me to contribute to the Association and the REALTORS® to better benefit the real estate community.
Over the past 12 years as a REALTOR®, I have been involved on the following committees:
1997 - Public Relations Committee for Johnson County Board of REALTORS®, Inc.
1997 - Newcomer of the Year for Johnson County Board of REALTORS®
1997 - Rookie of the Year for J.C. Nichols REALTORS®
1997-2009 - Member of KCRAR/NAR
2004 - VP of Membership for Johnson County WCR Chapter
2005 - President-elect for Johnson County WCR Chapter
2005 - WCR State Officer of the Year
2006 - President of Johnson County WCR Chapter
2007-2009 - KAR Director from KCRAR
2008-2009 - Government Affairs, Kansas
2008-2009 - Technology & Membership Service Advisory
2009 - REALTOR® Resource Rally
2009 - Sunflower Region Committee
I have participated in Children's Miracle Network, United Way, RPAC and the Shawnee and Lenexa Chambers of Commerce.

Brad Nelson
First Community Bank
Why do you want to serve as a KCRAR Director?
I believe it is important to be involved in the future of real estate on a local, regional and national level. Changing and challenging markets and new legislation demand effort to protect our association goals and objectives and our livelihood. I support initiatives to educate our members with timely training and educational resources to improve members’ performance in an ever-changing market. It is important to share industry ideas and information in social and networking settings. In working together we will keep our vibrant industry flourishing. RPAC is an integral function to have our voice heard in all political matters.
What has been your past service and/or participation in the REALTOR® organization?
I have been involved in the real estate profession since 1992 and active member of KCRAR and the Sunflower Region Committee for seven years. I chaired 3 region golf tournaments and am actively involved in RPAC auctions. I serve on the Affiliate Advisory Committee, the “Of the Year” Awards Committee and the Media Spokesperson Group. I was named KCRAR Affiliate of the Year for 2008. I am a certified instructor and have taught Homebuyer education classes since 1999. I have provided valuable real estate training at lunch-and-learn meetings. Awards include President’s Club, Chairmen’s Club, Circle of Excellence, Executive’s Circle, President’s Circle, and Platinum Club Team.
What has been your leadership experience in the real estate business, or other community, civic, religious or other business organizations?
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Treasurer of the Leawood Estates homes association, member since 2005.
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Active member of Cure’ of Ars Parish, where I teach baptism classes.
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Past president of the Notre Dame De Sion High School fathers club.
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Coach CYO youth basketball and have coached soccer in the Leawood Parks league.
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I am a member and past president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
I have always been involved and active and look forward to leading the Sunflower Region in 2010-2011.

Randy Vanderpool, ABR, CRS, GRI
Keller William Realty Partners, Inc.
I believe strongly in promoting a cooperative business environment and promoting the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and professional standards.
I have been very involved with the KCRAR and our region because I feel strongly about giving back to the REALTOR® community. I have served on the Grievance committee in 2008 & 2009; Technology & Member Services advisory committee in 2008-2009; Marketing & PR Advisory Group 2009; Awards committee member 2007, Vice-Chair 2008, and current Chairperson for 2009. I also serve as an Ombudsman and Mediator for our board as well as being a member of the KAR Honor Society.
In my previous career working for a Fortune 100 company, I was a Regional Change Implementation Manager who coached senior leadership throughout the corporation on how to implement change and take strategy to execution. This truly was the foundation for my love of teaching. Because of my love of teaching, I have become a scuba instructor and dive master, so that I can teach others about my passion. I have also been invited to lecture and teach as a 2009 Resource Rally Star Panel Speaker and as a panelist for the 2009 Top Technology Tips & Marketing Strategies, in addition to being a mentor in my own market center.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve the real estate community and you with the utmost honesty and integrity.

Christian Zarif
Prudential Kansas City
Why do you want to serve as a KCRAR Director?
I have a deep understanding of the value of serving our local association. Having grown up around the business, I offer a unique perspective in that I understand the challenges that face both veteran and newer agents. A bridge must be formed between the generations and I feel my talents and knowledge would lend to that. Our profession is made up of many talented agents with ideas and skills that would help our organization advance. My leadership skills could be utilized to bring those agents forward and ensure their involvement with our organization. My passion for our profession is endless. Although I am a relatively new agent, I have had the opportunity to be involved on both the state and local levels and understand fully the role they play in our day to day business. That experience has been priceless and I look forward to encouraging the newer generation of agents to do the same.
What has been your past service and/or participation in the REALTOR® association?
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Serve on the KAR Board of Directors Representing Zone 1
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Serve on the 2009 KAR Vision Team
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Graduate of the 2008 KAR Right Track Leadership Program
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Serve on the 2009 KCRAR Grievance Committee
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Served on the 2008 KCRAR Grievance Committee
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KCRAR 2008 Newcomer of the Year
What has been your leadership experience in the real estate business or other community, civic, religious or other business organizations?
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In 2008, I represented KCRAR as a member of the KAR Right Track Leadership Program.
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I am consistently called upon in my office to offer my skills to my peers, from technology to marketing advice.
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I serve my community by volunteering for multiple charitable organizations.
At-large Director Candidates

Fran Cashion
Prudential Kansas City Realty
I would like to serve as a member of the KCRAR Board of Directors for two reasons:
First, I love working with REALTORS® and have a passion for our business! Change can be both exciting and stimulating, and I appreciate the opportunity to confront the many issues facing us in the future with a group of respected peers. Our membership continues to look to us for support as they struggle through Foreclosures, Short Sales, new appraisal and lending rules, skittish buyers and unhappy sellers.
Second, my position as Director of Relocation at Prudential Kansas City affords me the opportunity to interact with agents on a daily basis and help them find solutions to the many challenges they face every day. We have to be an active Board working for the smallest to the largest companies to help them achieve their goals, whether it be assistance with legislation, education, technology, etc.
My experience with KCRAR has been as 2009 Chairperson of the Governmental Affairs Committee, Professional Standards, and the more recent Task Forces for both HERA and Rentals/Property Management. I am also a CE Instructor in both Missouri and Kansas. It has also been my pleasure to offer an Italian Dinner for 8 at our annual Sunflower Region RPAC auction and I have entertained many of my fellow REALTORS® around my dining room table.
I serve as one of 15 members of the Prudential Relocation National Advisory Council and I am a member of the Relocation Directors Council. On the personal side, I am an active member of Church of the Nativity, serving most recently as President of the Women of Nativity.
It would be a privilege to serve on the KCRAR Board of Directors in an effort to give back to the industry that has given me so much satisfaction.

John Younghanz Jr., ABR, CRS, GRI
Remax Innovations
I would like to serve as an At-Large Director because I feel I have the experience, leadership ability, and longevity in the real estate arena to make qualified decisions and suggestions to enhance the industry.
Please see the below information you have requested.
Member in good standing of the Missouri Association of REALTORS® since 1987, National Assoc. of REALTORS®, KCRAR and Heartland Multiple Listing Service. Earned the following designations: ABR, CRS, and GRI. Successfully closed real estate sales in excess of $161 million. Currently serving as a State Director on the Missouri Association of REALTORS® from KCRAR. Appointed by the Governor to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (which governs licensees in Missouri) from 2001-2005.
Participated in and led many seminars and received numerous awards and real estate recognition. Have been an active leader and ambassador to Children's Miracle Network, receiving the CMN Individual of the Year in 1999, 2000, and 2001. A portion of all my earnings is donated to CMN.
Served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Associated Midwest Independent Gift Organization (AMIGO). I was a manufacturer's representative for over twenty years, managing a showroom, sales staff, and traveling a four-state territory. Over the years I have been involved with sponsoring and coaching baseball and basketball, and mentoring young people in various career choices. Just recently, I was elected to the North Kansas City High School Alumni Hall of Fame (to be announced in Sept. 09). This award relates to community service and accomplishments in the Northland.

Nestor Zuluaga
Reece & Nichols Overland Park
Why do you want to serve as a KCRAR Director?
I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community and to help shape the future of the industry.
What has been your past service and/or participation in the REALTOR® association?
I have served as chair of the diversity committee for several years and currently serve as the Housing Opportunity Chair.
What has been your leadership experience in the real estate business or other community, civic, religious or other business organizations?
Co-founder and Current chair of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Kansas City Chapter (NAHREP); Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Kansas City. I have been a REALTOR® since 1995.
Thanks to all of these candidates for their interest in serving KCRAR. If you're interested in getting more involved as a KCRAR Volunteer in 2010, click here for a form describing the volunteer opportunities.