Blue Ox Success Series: The State of Real Estate - How it affects your business

Description

Webinar: How the Real Estate Market Affects Your Business

The state of real estate can have an enormous impact on our local economy.  Hear from local experts Brad Watson with Edina Realty, Sandy Swanson with Century-21, and Dolly Matten, Executive Director of the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors as they discuss what is currently happening and how it affects your business now and into the future. 

 In this webinar you will:  

• Hear about the current state and future outlook of the BLA real estate market and how it's changed due to COVID and other factors.
• Learn how our local economy and possibly your business can benefit from the new people and cabin owners moving to our area.
• Understand our housing shortage and how it impacts business and what could be done to help.

About Our Speakers

 Brad Wadsten, Edina Realty, President Greater Lakes Association of Realtors
Brad Wadsten is a sales associate at Edina Realty in Brainerd, Minnesota.  Prior to joining Edina Realty in 2003, Brad spent 22 years in the industrial baking industry, rising through a variety of positions to eventually lead the organization as its President. During Brad's earlier career, he enjoyed a broad range of opportunities from international business development work to overseeing large scale industrial construction projects to merger and acquisition activities. Brad was involved in a management-led buyout of the firm in 1997 from a private European parent company and the eventual sale to a private equity group in 2000. Following that transition, Brad left the firm in 2003 as a $150 million enterprise with over 600 associates and relocated to the beautiful lake country of Central Minnesota where he now enjoys a real estate career with his son Matt focusing on lake properties, agricultural land investments and commercial real estate opportunities.

 Brad is a member of MNCAR, the Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate/Realtors, as well as a member of Edina Realty’s Commercial Group. Brad currently serves on the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors Board of Directors as the President of the Association in addition to serving on the Northstar MLS Agent Advisory Committee. Brad and Matt are consistent recipients of Edina Realty's Chairman's Circle Award.  Brad was the 2019 recipient of Edina Realty’s Emma L. Rovick Award, given to one agent and one employee each year who exemplify Edina Realty’s core values of honesty, integrity and commitment. Brad also serves as a mentor to the Brainerd High School F.I.R.S.T Robotics Team, in addition to marketing the Brainerd High School Construction Trades Program home for the Brainerd School District.


Sandy Swanson, Century 21, Director: Minnesota Association of Realtors
 Sandy Swanson has served 25 years as District Manager of Store Operations in commercial retail leasing and 8 years in residential/commercial real estate for total of 33 years. 4 years on Minnesota State Board of Realtors as Board Director, Pro Standards Ethics Hearing Member and Communication Committee Chair and Vice Chair.  6 years on GLAR Associate Board as President, In-Coming President, Secretary and Director. 2 years Instructor of Real Estate for Minnesota Realty School in Roseville and Bloomington, MN. 2 years instructor for Greater Lakes Association of Realtors for New Member Orientation and Code of Ethics. 8 years Brainerd Sunrise Rotary President, Past President, In-Coming President and Board Member. 1 year Board of Directors for Camp Confidence as lead director for human resources.

Dolly Matten, Executive Director, Greater Lakes Association of Realtors
Dolly Matten first obtained her real estate license in 2002 just before the housing really seemed to explode.  In 2006 she took a lateral step from residential real estate into recreational land sales throughout the State of Minnesota.  As many remember, 2008/2009 saw a tremendous correction in the real estate industry so Matten focused her attention on home building and remodeling.  Still active in real estate but learning more about the nuances of home construction – Matten returned to full-time Associate-Broker in 2012.

In 2018 Matten was hired as the new Executive Director of the Greater Lakes Association of REALTORS®.  “GLAR" is an association made up of over 600 Realtors, Affiliates, and Appraisers spanning the vast Lakes Area. Matten has served on the Brainerd Planning and Zoning Committee, carried out the remaining term of the late Bonnie Cumberland’s term on Brainerd City Council, is an active board member for Brainerd Public Utilities, and is an engaged member of the community where she expresses a willing attitude to serve the members of the association and the people of the community.






If you have any questions, send to Paula Chapulis (blueox@brainerdlakeschamber.com) at the Chamber.  

About the Blue Ox Business Academy and Success Series:
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed. By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real-world experience. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and ideas to immediately put into action.