2024 RRC President Tricia Nekota, CRS, brings with her the experience and leadership necessary to help the Council thrive
By Amelia Garza
Real estate has the power to shape dreams, inspire individuals and create lasting legacies.
This sentiment couldn’t ring truer for Tricia Nekota, CRS, a seasoned REALTOR® with more than 16 years of experience. Her journey in the real estate world began as a child, watching her parents transition from renters to homeowners, and it was this transformative experience that sparked her lifelong passion for the industry.
“When you work really hard and persevere, saving your money for something that you could call your own, that is the most amazing feeling of all,” says Nekota. “I wanted to help others reach their goals and feel that same emotional satisfaction. My company’s name is truly the essence of why I am a REALTOR®,” says Nekota, broker/owner of Dream Home Realty Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Her introduction to the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) happened early in her career. After receiving her license in 2007, before even completing her first transaction, she was tapped on the shoulder to attend an RRC course taught by Chris Bird. She loved not only the education but the people in attendance. “They were very engaged and asked thought-provoking questions. I found myself being challenged, knowing this is where I want to be,” says Nekota. “I found my tribe. I found that group of REALTORS® that would nurture and support me.”
She quickly earned her CRS Designation and became an active volunteer, now leader, of the Council. But her journey hasn’t been without hardships. After facing a difficult year in 2023, Nekota looked to her family to keep her going. She reveals how her six-year-old granddaughter, Lyla, has become a source of unwavering motivation. “She has shown me that during challenging times and difficulties, through hard work, perseverance, dedication and commitment, you can hopefully make a difference,” says Nekota.
She hopes to carry this tenacious and positive attitude throughout her presidency. Just as she was tapped to attend an RRC course, it was local leaders and mentors in Hawaii who encouraged Nekota to get involved with the Council. She remembers how they saw leadership qualities in her before she saw them in herself.
“I knew that if others saw my capability to lead, then I needed to believe in myself as well,” says Nekota. “I took a leap of faith, and here I am today … It’s been an incredible journey to be able to give back to an industry and organization that has supported my career in tremendous ways.”
How has your RRC membership impacted your career?
Joining a professional organization was key to my early success as a REALTOR®. RRC provided me with education programs and courses that have given me knowledge, skills and tools I can implement into my daily real estate practices. The referral network is also valuable—having a trusted group of REALTORS® across our country and internationally really expanded my reach. I’m immensely grateful for the relationships and friendships I have made throughout my 15 years as a member. They are my extended ohana (a Hawaiian term for family), and I look forward to growing this family. My heart couldn’t be happier.
How do you plan to ensure members’ voices are heard, and that they have an active role in shaping the Council’s direction?
Member engagement is critical for the Council’s success. Members are the heartbeat of why we do what we do for our organization. I know they want to be heard, and I am listening. The goal is to have members feel they are important and that their perspectives are valued. They will help foster growth if they feel they are being heard. Implementing strategies such as surveys, focus groups, open forums, regular and timely communications and getting members involved on different levels—from state and national, committees and leadership roles—is important to me as president.
How do RRC’s educational offerings impact residential real estate agents?
As a former elementary school teacher, I have an innate need to always be learning. Learning is the key to anyone’s success. Education is the essence of my core because it equips me with the knowledge, skills and professionalism I need to stay apprised of this ever-changing market.
For REALTORS® to be successful, they must understand that the top-notch education RRC offers will allow them to provide the utmost care, professionalism and guidance their clients deserve.
What have you gained by attending live RRC courses and events, such as Sell-a-bration® (SAB)?
There is nothing better than being able to meet in person. We have a variety of speakers at SAB who are mostly CRS Designees. The beauty of their presentations is that they are giving of themselves—they are giving us their knowledge and secrets of their best practices. They want everyone to be successful in this industry, and that’s the beauty. Second, you meet people from across the country and internationally and build a relationship with them. It’s neat because you make these connections and, it’s like magic—it blossoms further into lifelong friendships. Relationships are something you cannot put a price tag on.
What has been the greatest lesson you learned in 2023? How will it impact your leadership approach in 2024?
In 2023, I learned that despite changes and challenges, a strong leader must always be open-minded, compassionate, caring and focused on improving the organization.
I want everyone to know that even though I stand with the president title, it will never be about me—it will always be about us. We will always be better if we work together. I hope everyone will feel my love for RRC and know that when decisions are made, I always keep their best interest at heart. In 2024, I want members to dream and hope more. I want them to feel encouraged to set higher aspirations and imagine a more fulfilling and successful future for themselves and the Council.
What do you envision for RRC’s future? How can you see the organization evolving?
Over the next few years, we’re looking to build up and out the RRC and CRS brands. Setting ourselves apart from other organizations is critical. REALTORS® need to know that CRS is the “Gold Standard.” It is the highest level of achievement, professionalism and expertise within our organization. I know the Council’s future is bright. We need to communicate to everyone that we are the “Gold Standard,” and we can help REALTORS® excel in their career through the different educational and organizational pathways we offer the strong community we have within our organization.
Growing RRC both nationally and internationally can be achieved through strong strategic efforts that:
- Enhance the organization’s visibility.
- Attract new members.
- Provide valuable services to a broader audience.
I think RRC must be adaptable, culturally sensitive and focused on providing value to our members in all regions.
How do you plan to live up to the “Gold Standard” and ensure our members meet this standard?
As president, I intend to be a role model of excellence, professionalism and ethical behavior and promote RRC’s excellent education and community. I want to be an example, and by providing effective leadership, our members will know and feel this.
Dream more at Sell-a-bration® 2024! Mingle with the best of the best at our annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Register today at CRS.com/sab.
Photo: Dana Edmunds Photography
