Gleason named Realtor of the year
Craig Gleason, Real Estate Advantage broker associate and partner, was named the 2008 Realtor of the Year at the 87th annual installation banquet of the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors Inc. at the Moon Brook County Club recently.
The award was bestowed by the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors Inc. members during the association's installation banquet.
''It is an honor to be recognized by my colleagues,'' said Craig Gleason. ''I am humbled by this award and want to extend my gratitude and sincere thanks to Richard Benedetto, Earl Johnson and the Real Estate Advantage family for their guidance and friendship over the years. I would also like to acknowledge the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors members for their expert support. None of this would have been possible without the superb and experienced team of real estate professionals that surround me each day.''
A lifelong resident of Chautauqua County, Gleason began his career in real estate in 2000. He graduated from Stensin Aviation and Beaver County Community Collage, Beaver Falls, Pa., and is a licensed commercial pilot. A full-time broker associate for Real Estate Advantage at 800 Fairmount Ave., West Ellicott, Gleason has been the recipient of the Gold Presidential Award for exceeding $3,000,000 in yearly sales for the past five years. He was an acclaimed member of the International Network of the ''Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate.'' Gleason's real estate listings have been posted in the Rob Report, DuPont Registry, LuxuryRealEstae.com and the Wall Street Journal.
''It has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with Craig over the past eight years,'' said Richard Benedetto, co-owner of Real Estate Advantage and licensed real estate broker. ''Craig serves as a role model for others in the real estate marketplace and we are very excited and proud that he was selected for this illustrious award.''
Involved in the community, Gleason sits on the North Harmony tax grievance board and is the chair of the Board of Realtors Computer Committee.
Colleagues say Gleason has helped countless families with finding the perfect home.
''Finding a property for a buyer and visa-versa is only part of the job,'' Gleason said. ''Often, a real estate transaction can be emotional for both buyer and seller. It is my job to advocate for my clients, as well as, be objective and a good listener to everyone involved in the transaction. It's tempting to tell people what they want to hear. It's professional to be informed and forthright. I strive for the second.''
Gleason designed and created the Web site IamHouseShopping.com - a site that assists buyers and sellers in finding real estate in Chautauqua County and surrounding areas. A trusted leader in real estate, Gleason was the first in the Chautauqua County area to pioneer a virtual tour of homes on the Internet.
Gleason lives in Ashville with his wife, Nancy, and three children: Mitchell, Sydney and Parker. He raises and rides horses and enjoys cowboy-mounted shooting. Outside of his professional career, Gleason enjoys hunting, lake activities and family events.
''Hands down, the most important role in life has been father and husband,'' Gleason said.
The Jamestown Board of Realtors was established in 1921, and has undergone many changes during its life. In the fall of 1993, it expanded its jurisdiction to include the entire county, in effect, merging with the Northern Chautauqua County Board, which was established in 1958. From these two entities, the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors Inc. was formed. The organization's 2008-09 board is Richard McMahon, president; Jane Grice, vice president; John K. Akers, treasurer; Bonnie Saletta, secretary.
2008 Realtor Of The Year Named
Gleason Of Real Estate Advantage Receives Award
By The Post-Journal Staff, editorial@post-journal.com
