Zach Schabot, founder of the Raleigh-Durham, N.C.-area brokerage Go Realty, says he’s been fortunate to learn from very good mentors — he was a sales rep for Beazer Homes right out of college, and a broker with The Wood Team/Re/Max partners — and likes to think he provides a refreshing approach to real estate. Schabot’s also the founder of GoConnect, the developer of a “checklist app for agents on the go.” Although real estate was a natural career path — his father has been in the business for more than 20 years — Schabot says he’s also worked hard to “outlearn, outhustle and outcare other agents.”
Zach Schabot, founder of the Raleigh-Durham, N.C.-area brokerage Go Realty, says he’s been fortunate to learn from very good mentors — he was a sales rep for Beazer Homes right out of college, and a broker with The Wood Team/Re/Max partners — and likes to think he provides a refreshing approach to real estate. Schabot’s also the founder of GoConnect, the developer of a “checklist app for agents on the go.” Although real estate was a natural career path — his father has been in the business for more than 20 years — Schabot says he’s also worked hard to “outlearn, outhustle and outcare other agents.”
Greg Robertson is the co-founder of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based W&R Studios, which is developing the next generation of Web-based software solutions for the real estate industry. Robertson, who’s also known for breaking news about the industry on his blog, Vendor Alley, sits on the board of directors of the Council of Multiple Listing Services, a forum for networking, communicating and sharing ideas. Robertson’s more than 20 years of experience in the real estate technology industry includes co-founding IRIS LLC, which was sold to HomeSeekers.com, where Robertson was director of sales and marketing. Before founding W&R Studios, Robertson was vice president and general manager of eNeighborhoods.
Greg Robertson is the co-founder of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based W&R Studios, which is developing the next generation of Web-based software solutions for the real estate industry. Robertson, who’s also known for breaking news about the industry on his blog, Vendor Alley, sits on the board of directors of the Council of Multiple Listing Services, a forum for networking, communicating and sharing ideas. Robertson’s more than 20 years of experience in the real estate technology industry includes co-founding IRIS LLC, which was sold to HomeSeekers.com, where Robertson was director of sales and marketing. Before founding W&R Studios, Robertson was vice president and general manager of eNeighborhoods.
Keith Krach has a long history of leadership in the tech industry, having served as COO of Rasna Corp. and as co-founder, chairman and CEO of Ariba Inc., which he took public in 2003. Krach was appointed chairman of DocuSign’s board of directors in 2010, and took on the additional responsibilities of CEO the following year. He’s also the founder and CEO of investment holding company 3points, and serves as chairman of the board of Angie’s List. The National Association of Realtors owns a stake in DocuSign through its venture capital fund, Second Century Ventures LLC, and NAR CEO Dale Stinton was appointed to DocuSign’s board of directors in November.
Keith Krach has a long history of leadership in the tech industry, having served as COO of Rasna Corp. and as co-founder, chairman and CEO of Ariba Inc., which he took public in 2003. Krach was appointed chairman of DocuSign’s board of directors in 2010, and took on the additional responsibilities of CEO the following year. He’s also the founder and CEO of investment holding company 3points, and serves as chairman of the board of Angie’s List. The National Association of Realtors owns a stake in DocuSign through its venture capital fund, Second Century Ventures LLC, and NAR CEO Dale Stinton was appointed to DocuSign’s board of directors in November.
As vice president of sales, MLS and enterprise relations at Homes.com, Andy Woolley helped the real estate portal maintain its position as the fifth-most visited real estate site on the Web and mobile in 2013. Homes.com achieved this while launching a national TV ad campaign, adding feeds from nine multiple listing services, and rolling out branded consumer apps to members of California Regional MLS, the largest MLS in the U.S. A 16-year real estate technology industry vet, Woolley was tapped in 2011 to head up the Web services group of Homes Media Solutions, a division of Dominion Enterprises recently formed to unify the development efforts of its real estate technology brands. Before that position, Woolley served as vice president/general manager of eNeighborhoods, another Dominion Enterprises brand.
As vice president of sales, MLS and enterprise relations at Homes.com, Andy Woolley helped the real estate portal maintain its position as the fifth-most visited real estate site on the Web and mobile in 2013. Homes.com achieved this while launching a national TV ad campaign, adding feeds from nine multiple listing services, and rolling out branded consumer apps to members of California Regional MLS, the largest MLS in the U.S. A 16-year real estate technology industry vet, Woolley was tapped in 2011 to head up the Web services group of Homes Media Solutions, a division of Dominion Enterprises recently formed to unify the development efforts of its real estate technology brands. Before that position, Woolley served as vice president/general manager of eNeighborhoods, another Dominion Enterprises brand.
As CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based online real estate brokerage Homesnap, Guy Wolcott led the firm’s rebranding from Sawbuck Realty Inc. in 2013. Wolcott decided to reshape the firm around Homesnap, the award-winning iPhone app the brokerage developed in 2012 that surfaces detailed property info when users snap a photo of a home. In June, The Street named Homesnap one of its “5 Best Real Estate Apps.” Before joining Homesnap in 2008 as CEO, Wolcott was a partner at Flex Funding, a Washington, D.C., mortgage company, from 2004 to 2008, and managing director of financial consulting firm Veris Consutling for nearly three years.
As CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based online real estate brokerage Homesnap, Guy Wolcott led the firm’s rebranding from Sawbuck Realty Inc. in 2013. Wolcott decided to reshape the firm around Homesnap, the award-winning iPhone app the brokerage developed in 2012 that surfaces detailed property info when users snap a photo of a home. In June, The Street named Homesnap one of its “5 Best Real Estate Apps.” Before joining Homesnap in 2008 as CEO, Wolcott was a partner at Flex Funding, a Washington, D.C., mortgage company, from 2004 to 2008, and managing director of financial consulting firm Veris Consutling for nearly three years.
CEO of HomeLight, Drew Uher is calling the shots at what may be the highest-profile agent-consumer matchmaking site. Backed by Google, HomeLight performs a service that riles many agents: It ranks them based on agent transaction data. As evidenced by Move’s decision to shutter AgentMatch this year, many agents are hostile to companies that want to grade them based on transaction data. Besides increasing its user base, HomeLight’s growth may depend partly on its ability to play nice with agents and multiple listing services (MLSs). Before founding HomeLight, Uher was co-founder of Gameyola, a distribution and monetization platform for casual Flash games. He also has worked at PubMatic, an online advertising optimization startup, and Morgan Stanley.
CEO of HomeLight, Drew Uher is calling the shots at what may be the highest-profile agent-consumer matchmaking site. Backed by Google, HomeLight performs a service that riles many agents: It ranks them based on agent transaction data. As evidenced by Move’s decision to shutter AgentMatch this year, many agents are hostile to companies that want to grade them based on transaction data. Besides increasing its user base, HomeLight’s growth may depend partly on its ability to play nice with agents and multiple listing services (MLSs). Before founding HomeLight, Uher was co-founder of Gameyola, a distribution and monetization platform for casual Flash games. He also has worked at PubMatic, an online advertising optimization startup, and Morgan Stanley.
Nextdoor, the social network geared toward neighborhoods, has built momentum in 2013, including a $60 million infusion of cash from investors in October, and its CEO and co-founder Nirav Tolia has been leading the way. The 3-year-old firm released its first mobile app in May, and in June New York City began using the platform to send updates to residents. Since 2004, Tolia has been an adviser and investor in early-stage Internet firms. In 2008, he co-founded Fanbase.com, a Wikipedia-like site to house user-written bios of pro and college athletes, and ran it as CEO until 2011 when he co-founded Nextdoor. Before serving as chief operating officer of eBay’s Shopping.com from 2003 to 2004, Tolia co-founded and served as CEO of Epinions.com.
Nextdoor, the social network geared toward neighborhoods, has built momentum in 2013, including a $60 million infusion of cash from investors in October, and its CEO and co-founder Nirav Tolia has been leading the way. The 3-year-old firm released its first mobile app in May, and in June New York City began using the platform to send updates to residents. Since 2004, Tolia has been an adviser and investor in early-stage Internet firms. In 2008, he co-founded Fanbase.com, a Wikipedia-like site to house user-written bios of pro and college athletes, and ran it as CEO until 2011 when he co-founded Nextdoor. Before serving as chief operating officer of eBay’s Shopping.com from 2003 to 2004, Tolia co-founded and served as CEO of Epinions.com.
As executive director of technology, Cary Sylvester helped Keller Williams Realty continue the rollout of its eEdge software platform and oversaw the launch of an agent-branded consumer mobile app for all of the large franchisor’s more than 88,000 agents. Prior to joining Keller Williams in 2002, Sylvester worked as a consultant for Oracle and for Database Consultants Inc., as an implementation manager for Copera Inc., and as a database architect at Dell Computer Corp.
As executive director of technology, Cary Sylvester helped Keller Williams Realty continue the rollout of its eEdge software platform and oversaw the launch of an agent-branded consumer mobile app for all of the large franchisor’s more than 88,000 agents. Prior to joining Keller Williams in 2002, Sylvester worked as a consultant for Oracle and for Database Consultants Inc., as an implementation manager for Copera Inc., and as a database architect at Dell Computer Corp.
Glenn Shimkus, founder of cloud-based real estate transaction service Cartavi, capped a big 2012 with an even bigger 2013. In May, Shimkus coordinated the sale of Cartavi to e-signature firm DocuSign, where he now serves as vice president. Cartavi, which operates as a unit within DocuSign, also integrated the popular real estate form software zipForm into its platform in October.
Glenn Shimkus, founder of cloud-based real estate transaction service Cartavi, capped a big 2012 with an even bigger 2013. In May, Shimkus coordinated the sale of Cartavi to e-signature firm DocuSign, where he now serves as vice president. Cartavi, which operates as a unit within DocuSign, also integrated the popular real estate form software zipForm into its platform in October.
With more than 30 years of experience in real estate, mortgage and technology marketing, Rick Sharga is one of the country’s most frequently quoted sources on real estate, mortgage and foreclosure trends. The Internet is fundamentally changing the process of buying and selling real estate, and Auction.com is facilitating that change as the industry’s leading online marketplace, Sharga said in July, when he took on a new role as Auction.com’s chief spokesman on topics like housing and mortgage markets, and commercial real estate. Sharga also had high-profile roles with Carrington Mortgage Holdings and RealtyTrac.
With more than 30 years of experience in real estate, mortgage and technology marketing, Rick Sharga is one of the country’s most frequently quoted sources on real estate, mortgage and foreclosure trends. The Internet is fundamentally changing the process of buying and selling real estate, and Auction.com is facilitating that change as the industry’s leading online marketplace, Sharga said in July, when he took on a new role as Auction.com’s chief spokesman on topics like housing and mortgage markets, and commercial real estate. Sharga also had high-profile roles with Carrington Mortgage Holdings and RealtyTrac.
As Zillow’s chief revenue officer, Greg Schwartz helped guide Zillow to record revenue in 2013. Schwartz also structured and now manages the firm’s real estate ad network in partnership with Yahoo Homes, which gives Zillow the largest real estate footprint on the Web. Prior to Zillow, he was vice president of advertising sales at CNNMoney where he launched the advertising sales team and platform. Previously, he was national accounts director for Yahoo’s automotive and finance properties, and also held multiple positions at DoubleClick Inc., including director of business development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College.
As Zillow’s chief revenue officer, Greg Schwartz helped guide Zillow to record revenue in 2013. Schwartz also structured and now manages the firm’s real estate ad network in partnership with Yahoo Homes, which gives Zillow the largest real estate footprint on the Web. Prior to Zillow, he was vice president of advertising sales at CNNMoney where he launched the advertising sales team and platform. Previously, he was national accounts director for Yahoo’s automotive and finance properties, and also held multiple positions at DoubleClick Inc., including director of business development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College.
Errol Samuelson, president of realtor.com, took on an expanded role as chief strategy officer in 2013 at the site’s operator real estate heavyweight Move Inc. In July, he helped Move negotiate its realtor.com operating agreement with the National Association of Realtors that led to amendments that gave the firm more flexibility in how it managed the site. Though it eventually didn’t succeed, realtor.com boldly experimented with an agent-ranking site AgentMatch in the second half of the year that used agents’ multiple service performance data to rank them by city, ZIP code and neighborhood in two test markets. Samuelson became president of realtor.com in February 2007 and was appointed chief revenue officer of Move in May 2009. Samuelson has been with Move since 2003, where he previously served as president of Move subsidiary Top Producer Systems. Previously, Samuelson was director of sales, marketing and product management at GTE Enterprise Solutions.
Errol Samuelson, president of realtor.com, took on an expanded role as chief strategy officer in 2013 at the site’s operator real estate heavyweight Move Inc. In July, he helped Move negotiate its realtor.com operating agreement with the National Association of Realtors that led to amendments that gave the firm more flexibility in how it managed the site. Though it eventually didn’t succeed, realtor.com boldly experimented with an agent-ranking site AgentMatch in the second half of the year that used agents’ multiple service performance data to rank them by city, ZIP code and neighborhood in two test markets. Samuelson became president of realtor.com in February 2007 and was appointed chief revenue officer of Move in May 2009. Samuelson has been with Move since 2003, where he previously served as president of Move subsidiary Top Producer Systems. Previously, Samuelson was director of sales, marketing and product management at GTE Enterprise Solutions.
Robert Reffkin is co-founder and CEO of Urban Compass, which lets users search thousands of apartment listings from landlords, management companies or the exclusive brokers that represent them. Urban Compass provides Neighborhood Guides to help apartment hunters “discover the perfect neighborhood to call home.” Before Urban Compass, Reffkin worked at Goldman Sachs as chief of staff to the president and COO, and at Lazard and McKinsey & Co. In 2005, he was appointed as a White House Fellow to serve as special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury. The founder of New York Needs You, Reffkin holds a B.A. and MBA from Columbia University.
Robert Reffkin is co-founder and CEO of Urban Compass, which lets users search thousands of apartment listings from landlords, management companies or the exclusive brokers that represent them. Urban Compass provides Neighborhood Guides to help apartment hunters “discover the perfect neighborhood to call home.” Before Urban Compass, Reffkin worked at Goldman Sachs as chief of staff to the president and COO, and at Lazard and McKinsey & Co. In 2005, he was appointed as a White House Fellow to serve as special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury. The founder of New York Needs You, Reffkin holds a B.A. and MBA from Columbia University.
Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, just 38 years old, led Zillow to an epic year in 2013. In August, he hosted a live one-on-one housing discussion with President Obama; led Zillow to its first-ever national TV ad campaign; grew Zillow’s revenue by more than 60 percent, bringing it close to $200 million for the year; opened a Zillow office in San Francisco; and led the acquisition of New York City listing site StreetEasy. Rascoff also solidified his place among public CEOs with his prolific Twitter use, many press video interviews and LinkedIn blog. Rascoff, who was one of Zillow’s founding execs, became CEO in 2010. Prior to Zillow, he co-founded travel site Hotwire.com and worked as an exec at Expedia after it acquired Hotwire.
Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, just 38 years old, led Zillow to an epic year in 2013. In August, he hosted a live one-on-one housing discussion with President Obama; led Zillow to its first-ever national TV ad campaign; grew Zillow’s revenue by more than 60 percent, bringing it close to $200 million for the year; opened a Zillow office in San Francisco; and led the acquisition of New York City listing site StreetEasy. Rascoff also solidified his place among public CEOs with his prolific Twitter use, many press video interviews and LinkedIn blog. Rascoff, who was one of Zillow’s founding execs, became CEO in 2010. Prior to Zillow, he co-founded travel site Hotwire.com and worked as an exec at Expedia after it acquired Hotwire.
Murphy is the founder of Boston Virtual Imaging, a firm that claims to be the No. 1 provider of visual marketing tools to the New England real estate industry, having purportedly completed more than 15,000 successful projects. Boston Virtual Imaging produces video, professional photography, floor plans, 360-degree tours and online presentations for real estate brokers. Murphy is also an organizer for Boston PHP. He says the organization is one of the largest groups of software developers in the world.
Murphy is the founder of Boston Virtual Imaging, a firm that claims to be the No. 1 provider of visual marketing tools to the New England real estate industry, having purportedly completed more than 15,000 successful projects. Boston Virtual Imaging produces video, professional photography, floor plans, 360-degree tours and online presentations for real estate brokers. Murphy is also an organizer for Boston PHP. He says the organization is one of the largest groups of software developers in the world.
Brock MacLean is the executive vice president of Dominion Homes Media, owner of the Homes.com brand. In 2012, Homes.com added listings from the largest multiple listing service in the U.S., California Regional MLS, to its home search database and developed a “powered by” platform to show its listings on media outlets. MacLean was promoted to executive vice president of Homes Media Solutions, a newly formed division of Dominion Enterprises, in May 2011. MacLean, along with Homes Media Solutions Vice President Andy Woolley, is responsible for consolidating five real estate technology brands from Dominion Enterprises — eNeighborhoods, AgentAdvantage, Advanced Access, Number1Expert, and Homes.com — under the umbrella of Homes Media Solutions.
Brock MacLean is the executive vice president of Dominion Homes Media, owner of the Homes.com brand. In 2012, Homes.com added listings from the largest multiple listing service in the U.S., California Regional MLS, to its home search database and developed a “powered by” platform to show its listings on media outlets. MacLean was promoted to executive vice president of Homes Media Solutions, a newly formed division of Dominion Enterprises, in May 2011. MacLean, along with Homes Media Solutions Vice President Andy Woolley, is responsible for consolidating five real estate technology brands from Dominion Enterprises — eNeighborhoods, AgentAdvantage, Advanced Access, Number1Expert, and Homes.com — under the umbrella of Homes Media Solutions.
As vice president of technology and innovation at Exit Realty Corp. International, Lobb teaches real estate professionals how to adapt to today’s digital environment and leverage new technologies. Lobb has more than 23 years of experience as a real estate agent, and has worked for more than 10 years in the Internet and technology spaces, both with Fortune 500 companies and startups.
As vice president of technology and innovation at Exit Realty Corp. International, Lobb teaches real estate professionals how to adapt to today’s digital environment and leverage new technologies. Lobb has more than 23 years of experience as a real estate agent, and has worked for more than 10 years in the Internet and technology spaces, both with Fortune 500 companies and startups.
As chief technology officer of Walk Score, Lerner has supervised the development of a slew of features that the neighborhood site has rolled out this year. They include crime maps; maps that show a user the range of choices people in certain areas have over different conveniences; and revamped neighborhood pages. The number of real estate sites that display Walk Score data jumped by 50 percent to 30,000 from April to November of this year. Lerner previously was the lead program manager for the Windows User Interface Team at Microsoft. He was also a co-founder of EQuill, a Web development software company acquired by Microsoft in 2001. Lerner was awarded a Fulbright fellowship and holds a B.A. in computer science from Brown University.
As chief technology officer of Walk Score, Lerner has supervised the development of a slew of features that the neighborhood site has rolled out this year. They include crime maps; maps that show a user the range of choices people in certain areas have over different conveniences; and revamped neighborhood pages. The number of real estate sites that display Walk Score data jumped by 50 percent to 30,000 from April to November of this year. Lerner previously was the lead program manager for the Windows User Interface Team at Microsoft. He was also a co-founder of EQuill, a Web development software company acquired by Microsoft in 2001. Lerner was awarded a Fulbright fellowship and holds a B.A. in computer science from Brown University.