cjnrealm

Each award category reflects a dimension of what it means to lead today—not alone, but alongside a network of peers who believe in raising the bar together.

Why Industry Recognition Must Evolve

REALM was built with a singular purpose: to serve the elite real estate advisor operating at the highest level—not just as a top producer, but as a trusted steward of their client’s lifestyle, investments, and legacy.

That calling requires a different standard of excellence. Quality over quantity.

We believe that recognition should reflect the values we want to see more of in this business: integrity, generosity, global thinking, and collaborative leadership. As the industry continues to shift—from brokerage-first to advisor-first, from volume to value—we must celebrate the individuals and partners who are rising to that challenge.

The CROWN Awards represent this evolution. Each award category reflects a dimension of what it means to lead today—not alone, but alongside a network of peers who believe in raising the bar together.

The Power of the REALM Network

With over 550 top-producing advisors in 14 countries, REALM is not a traditional network—it’s a curated ecosystem. Members represent over 100 luxury brands and have collectively contributed to more than $9 billion in collaborative real estate activity this year alone.

Through our proprietary Lifestyle & Wealth Intelligence platform, members access more than just data—they access each other. And that access has redefined the way high-net-worth clients are served, properties are matched, and referrals are earned.

In a space where competition often overshadows connection, REALM members are choosing the opposite: collaboration at the highest level.

“His gift lies not just in photography, but in translating the heart of an experience into timeless visuals. REALM could not have chosen a better creative partner to elevate the storytelling of the Collective.”

A celebrated name within the real estate industry and its marquee best events, AJ Canaria is renowned for his ability to capture authentic, emotional narratives through a distinctive, modern lens. With more than a decade of experience photographing the world’s leading real estate events—AJ brings a refined journalistic style and an unparalleled ability to preserve powerful moments with authenticity and artistry.

“Working alongside AJ Canaria for years at Inman Events I’ve seen firsthand his extraordinary ability to capture the spirit of community, leadership, and innovation through his lens. His gift lies not just in photography, but in translating the heart of an experience into timeless visuals. REALM could not have chosen a better creative partner to elevate the storytelling of the Collective.”

– Laura Monroe, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, REALM

At REALM, where human connection and storytelling are at the heart of everything we do, AJ’s vision perfectly aligns with our mission to celebrate leadership without limits.

Throughout the 2025 Collective, AJ will serve as Creative Director for visual storytelling—curating editorial photography, lifestyle content, brand portraits, and immersive event coverage designed to elevate the member experience to new heights.

We could not be more honored to welcome AJ and his team into the REALM family as we set a new standard for creativity, connection, and community.

Learn more about AJ Canaria Creative Services at ajcan.com

This moment is a call to action for us all—to extend our compassion, leverage our connections, and show unwavering support. Because, together, we are stronger.

In response to this crisis, we’ve created a California Wildfire Resource Center to provide essential information, tools, and support for those affected. We urge you to explore these resources and share them widely within your networks to ensure they reach those who need them most.

What You’ll Find in the Resource Center:

• Evacuation and Housing Options: Information on evacuation shelters, temporary rentals, hotels, and animal shelters.
• Wildfire Relief Fund: Direct financial assistance to those in the area.
• Wildfire Map and Watch Duty App: Real time updates and tracking to stay informed.
• REALM WhatsApp Community: A dedicated space to support and communicate with fellow members.
• And more.

But this effort goes beyond sharing resources—it’s about collective action. As a community, we have the ability to amplify these tools, mobilize our networks, and provide meaningful support to those facing incredible challenges. Every share, every connection, and every gesture of support strengthens the power of our REALM family, bringing relief and hope where it’s needed most.

We also recognize that some of the most valuable resources come from within our community. If you have additional organizations, tools, or insights to share, we encourage you to reach out to us at concierge@realm-global.com. Together, we can expand the reach of these efforts and create a network of support that truly makes an impact.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of Innovation at REALM, where our mission is to foster meaningful connections and shared knowledge within the luxury real estate community and continue to grow REALM’s reputation as the trust mark for luxury real estate.”

– Laura Monroe

A Strategic Addition to REALM’s Leadership

Julie Faupel, CEO and founder of REALM, expressed her enthusiasm about Monroe’s appointment, stating, “With Laura Monroe joining the REALM leadership team, our members can look forward to even greater access to industry-leading insights, strategies, and connections that will help them continue to excel in their respective markets. Laura’s reputation for fostering collaboration and innovation within the real estate industry complements REALM’s brand-agnostic approach and commitment to elevating the standards of luxury real estate. Her ability to connect people, ideas, and resources will enrich the community, offering members fresh opportunities for growth and partnership.”

Monroe’s track record speaks for itself. As the former Global Head of Community at Inman, she played a pivotal role in expanding the digital presence of the brand and growing a robust global network of over 400,000 top agents, luxury brokers, executives, and industry thought leaders. Her success at Inman solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in community-building within the real estate sector.

Vision for the Future

In her new role at REALM, Monroe is set to drive innovation and enhance the exclusive member experience. “I am thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of Innovation at REALM, where our mission is to foster meaningful connections and shared knowledge within the luxury real estate community and continue to grow REALM’s reputation as the trust mark for luxury real estate,” Monroe said. “I look forward to enhancing the exclusive member experiences and engagement, forging stronger industry and member relations, and elevating REALM members’ impact in the luxury market. I couldn’t be more aligned with the mission and the vision of REALM. Our focus on human connection and shared values will continue to set us apart as the premier network for real estate professionals committed to excellence.”

Exciting Innovations on the Horizon

Under Monroe’s leadership, REALM is set to introduce a series of new offerings in 2024, aimed at providing even greater value to its members. Among these innovations are:

• REALM Vista: A live video showcase that will feature off-market property tours, presented by listing agents and accessible to members. Clients will have the option to participate anonymously, ensuring their privacy is protected.
• REALM Link: New affinity real estate groups within the membership, catering to specialized interests such as equestrian properties, health and wellness, luxury developments, and more.
• REALM Empower: An eleven-week certification course taught by luxury thought leader and Equite Founder, Dr. Daniel Langer. This program will equip agents with advanced knowledge and skills, further enhancing their expertise in the luxury real estate market.

These initiatives, launching in the fall of 2024, are designed to strengthen the network’s value proposition and support its members in maintaining their leadership positions within the luxury real estate industry.

“Your clients are doing business with you because they trust you. That’s the core. And if you think you’re close to your clients, get closer.”

— Mark Mclaughlin

Recent lawsuits have painted a picture of an industry rife with collusion and unfair practices, prompting a reevaluation of how business is conducted. The news felt like big, bold, heavy ink slapped on the front page for the industry. Because of this, we brought together leading voices in the industry to share their perspective and thoughts, showcasing a way to respond rather than react.

Within a court settlement that initially felt turbulent, is instead creating an opportunity for growth and improvement; a chance for real estate professionals to redefine their value propositions and build stronger trust with their clients.

Top real estate leaders like Mauricio Umansky, Paul Benson, and Mark McLaughlin, with moderator Matt Faupel, stress the importance of education, transparency, and the elevation of professional standards. The emphasis is on not just adapting to new regulations but also proactively setting higher standards for the industry, ensuring that every transaction is conducted with integrity.

One of the key challenges identified is the need for more clarified buyer representation. Historically, the emphasis has often been on the listing side of transactions, as it speaks to paperwork and agreements, but moving forward, equal attention must be given to representing buyers. This shift will require agents to negotiate buyer-side fees and secure representation agreements more effectively.

“Wherever there is adversity, there’s opportunity. I think that what we’re dealing with right now as an industry really is an opportunity for us to make the industry better. ” — Mauricio Umansky

In the face of public skepticism, it is crucial for real estate professionals to articulate their value clearly and confidently. Paul Benson suggested that a concerted PR campaign could help reshape public perception and restore trust in the industry.

“I think this is an opportunity to tell our story because everyone else seems to be telling our story right now. And the story that’s being told isn’t the real story.” — Paul Benson

This transformation, though challenging, offers a chance to redefine the role of real estate professionals and enhance the services they provide. By focusing on demonstrating value, improving buyer representation, and engaging in transparent communication, the industry can build a foundation of trust and professionalism that will serve it well in the years to come.

As the panelists aptly put it, now is the time to lean in, adapt, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.