First Two Finalists Go The Distance For Success Tools

ALISO VIEJO, CA, August 14, 2006 – Susannah “Shanny” Satterstrom of Keller Williams Colorado and Maureen Bryand of Coldwell Banker Wichita were today named by the Real Estate Apprentice Grant Foundation as $7,000 Finalists for its Season IV rookie competition. Also named as Semi-Finalists were David McGowan and Bruce Gwaltney, and both will receive $2,500 in educational products and services.

In a heated competition strung out over a six-month period, Satterstrom and Bryand battled their way to the top, overcoming more than 2,100 other applicants vying for the grand prize. “It was the quality of their essay answers, background experiences, unique biography, and likelihood of succeeding in real estate that turned the heads of an independent panel of judges,” said Dr. Martin Oliver, Deputy Executive Director of the Foundation. Both Satterstrom and Bryand are guaranteed to receive real estate success tools valued at $7,000 each, and either could very well be named the Grand Prize Winner of $70,000 later next week.

Finalist Susannah Satterstrom Guaranteed a $7,000 Grant
Susannah Satterstrom, who completed her licensing course with Armbrust Real Estate Institute, a RealtyU® Affiliate, works at Keller Williams Realty in Edwards, Colorado. Born in Charleston, South Carolina to a family who thought they were getting the typical southern belle, Susannah grew up with three brothers, playing hard, being competitive and loving life. “After I graduated from college and saw a bit of the U.S., I knew that the West was for me,” she said. She then moved to Albuquerque, became a cowgirl, and eventually settled in Denver, expressing that, “My dream was to live in the mountains of Colorado, and I ended up in Vail, where I have raised a family. It has truly become the place I call home.”

When asked to explain why she will succeed in real estate when others around her may fail, Satterstrom responded, “I have biked up many high mountain passes in Colorado, and when you alook ahead at the whole mountain, it seems formidable. However, I climb them by picking a spot ahead of me to focus on. Once I am there, I pick another one. Except for short “breathers”, I keep going. Being in motion, biking, and in business keeps me going when others have stopped.” In response to another question about previous life experiences as preparation for her new career, Satterstrom answered, “Motherhood is a huge commitment and service to other human beings. It takes patience and tenacity to see it through. The results of my efforts were not seen immediately, but by doing the best I could and the staying the course, my children have developed into wonderful adults. Satterstrom also enjoys music, mountain biking, and grew personally as an EMT, learning to remain calm and “stick to the plan” in the midst of a chaotic environment.

Finalist Maureen Bryand Certain of at Least $7,000 Grant
Maureen Bryand completed her licensing training with Career Education Systems, a RealtyU® Affiliate. She currently is an agent with Coldwell Banker, Stucky & Associates, in Wichita, Kansas. Maureen was formally in commercial furniture sales and also worked for a construction company drawing home plans. When selling furniture to Coldwell Banker for a new office. Maureen’s contact asked her to consider a career in real estate. Little did he know that she had already determined to combine her accomplishments and experience in sales and home construction to realize her childhood dream, which was exactly that.

When asked to describe what adversities she has faced and how she overcome them, Maureen replied, “I was adopted by my parents who lived on a farm without any boys. I started working very hard to help my family at a young age. After college, I started working at the Pella Windowscaping Center, where I became the first woman salesperson. At that position I overcame many prejudices, including proving that I knew enough about home construction to be able to sell the product. I achieved one of my goals in convincing a top builder in Wichita to switch from his previous provider, Andersen, to purchasing Pella windows. Even though he dismissed me during our first meeting, I routinely stopped by his office with beef jerky, cinnamon rolls, and Pella literature every three weeks for a year and half. He finally gave me a shot. I sold him a house full of windows and doors, and he has been buying Pella products ever since.

When asked to explain why she will succeed in real estate despite the failure of her peers Bryand responded, “I have a broad base of contacts in the Wichita area due to my current and previous sales experience. I have solid relationships with residential and commercial builders. I design house plans for local builders and I know which homes sell and why. I have an eye for detail and a reputation of honesty and superior customer care.” The owner of the company Bryand works for recently received a letter from a customer stating, ‘Maureen’s patience with me and my budget limitations was remarkable. Beyond her technical expertise, she is a pleasant and positive person to work with. Her work style is collaborative and she focuses on the customer and their needs.”

Semi-Finalist David McGowan to Receive $2,500 Grant
David McGowan was educated by RealtyU® Affiliate Tri State Real Estate School and works at Prudential Fox and Roach, REALTORS®. Now 33, David grew up in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. He attended Kutztown University and majored in Business Management. After graduating, he worked at the Vanguard Group as a 401k specialist for over 500 clients. He was eventually offered a position with the Project Management Institute as a Customer Service Supervisor, where he worked for 8 years. David recently became more intrigued by the real estate business and finally decided it was the career he wanted to pursue. “I now work for Prudential Fox and Roach in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and I made my first sale within six days of my start date,” David explains.

Four years ago, David was diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately, his surgery was successful, but enduring that experience made him appreciate the value of his life. He remarks, “I really believe that this is a career I will enjoy, but I also think that I am unlikely to get discouraged by any small set backs. This cancer experience has also taught me to prioritize and plan well, which I think are essential skills in the real estate business. While it is very important for me to focus on the big picture, I feel it is equally important to focus on even the most minute client needs and concerns.”

Semi-Finalist Bruce Gwaltney to be Awarded $2,500 Grant

Bruce Gwaltney was educated by Kaplan Real Estate School and currently works as an agent with Keller Williams Realty in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a Certified Financial Planner with ten years of experience in the financial services industry, Bruce spent eight of those with a large national bank and two years were in the insurance industry. Bruce believes that the best advertising is a great product or service, and has lived that perspective during his career. From the early days of sitting at the lemonade stand as a youngster in Chesapeake, VA, to his current commitment to exceptional customer service with his real estate clients, Bruce has always attempted to put the customer’s interests first as he journeys toward success. He explains, “The perseverance and self-discipline I acquired by training for half marathons and becoming a Certified Financial Planner enables me to provide an added degree of professionalism and integrity. I have also learned patience and empathy, which I believe enable me to discover needs.” As a long distance runner, Bruce knows how to go the extra mile for clients.