Jo Deyong, Richelle Miller-Sprouse, Kayla McElroy, Linda Tidball, John Tidball and Jennifer Schuller of the Woods Bros Realty Country Club Plaza office are the Shining Star recipients for the month of August, due to their assistance after the loss of Sales Manager Mary Kuhlmann.

Jo Deyong, Richelle Miller-Sprouse, Kayla McElroy, Linda Tidball, John Tidball and Jennifer Schuller with CEO Gene Brake

Their nominators said:

“The last couple of months have been very difficult for our office. [Jo, Richelle and Kayla] kept the office functioning, answered questions as they could from agents, people outside the office, and Mary’s family. They all put so many extra hours and did so with great grace while they were grieving as well. Each of the women has their own skills. No one can greet the public, deal with agent drama, and smile like Kayla. No one can answer forms questions, and keep us out of the doghouse like Jo. No one is a better ‘behind the scenes’ worker, flier generator, and decipherer of a CMA worksheet than Richelle. Together they are an incredible team.”

“I would like to nominate Jennifer Schuller and Linda and John Tidball for the Shining Star recognition. In the time prior to and following our loss of Mary Kuhlmann, these 3 devoted friends of Mary’s gave, and continue to give, hours and hours of their time in support of Mary and her family. The 3 Realtors continue to market all of the properties Mary had as active listings at the time of her passing. These 3 wonderful friends have done this out of the goodness of their hearts, with the commissions on the sales of Mary’s properties going to Arlo and the family. They’re receiving no financial reward for these hours of work. It is this kind of dedication to their (our) wonderful friend Mary Kuhlmann that is worthy of recognition as true ’shining stars.’ ”

Shining Stars are HomeServices of Nebraska associates, including managers, employees and agents, who help make our company a better place for our customers, clients and for each other. Nominees must exemplify the following:

1. The person went out of their way to exceed the HomeServices of Nebraska Standards and best practices.
2. The gesture or service was above and beyond normal job requirements or expectations.
3. The employee, manager or agent went beyond the call of duty to ensure the needs of a customer, fellow employee or agent.

Anyone is invited to nominate employees, agents or managers who have displayed The Shining Star Spirit. For someone to be recognized, a Shining Star Nomination Form must be submitted by the 15th of every month. *A participant is eligible to win one (1) time per year.

Shining Star Values

Positive Attitude – A positive attitude is focusing on what is useful, beneficial and worthwhile in each and every situation. Your attitude is displayed through your words, actions and facial expressions with your customers and those around you.

Accountable - Accountable is being responsible for your actions and behaviors as they impact customers and those around you.

Responsive – Being responsive is being open to the situation as it occurs and responding in a sensitive manner to meet needs and expectations.

Teamwork – Teamwork is helping each other win and taking pride in each other’s victories. No one person or department alone can provide for the comprehensive needs of our customers. We achieve our goals when working together as a team.

No Excuses – A culture of no excuses acknowledges when mistakes or perceived shortcomings are made and seeks to correct or make right rather than rationalize or justify the problem.

Exemplary - To serve as a model or example of positive action; strive for high performance standards and deliver results. Demonstrate technical competence. Set high standards for self, demonstrating integrity and superior customer service skills.

Responsibility – Responsibility is acting with initiative and understanding that our organization and our customers are depending on us.

Service - Service is everything we do to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers at all times.

Safety – Demonstrate the importance of safety and how it may influence our daily lives.

 Posted by Woods Bros Realty

Here are the July numbers from all Woods Bros offices, including Lincoln, Seward, York, Beatrice and Grand Island:

• $44,869,985 Total Volume Closed (Up 60% from July 2010)
• 286 Total Sides Closed (Up 60% from July 2010)
• 300 Sides Placed Under Contract (Up 24% from July 2010)
• 468,427 Page Views on WoodsBros.com
• 50,884 User Sessions on WoodsBros.com
• 75 New Saved Searches on WoodsBros.com
• 1,364 New Saved Properties on WoodsBros.com
• 147 New Customers/Clients on WoodsBros.com
• 963 Daily Active Users on Facebook.com/WoodsBros
• 201 Text Inquiries to WOODS at 59559
• 3,689 Guided Tour Views at WoodsBros.com
• 2,188 Views on MyWoodsBrosTV.com

View our monthly Market Snapshot here.

 Posted by Woods Bros Realty

Laurie Brown

Laurie Brown joins the Lincolnshire office. She lives in Springfield, Nebraska and is also an agent with CBSHOME in Omaha. Laurie can be reached at 402-690-7096 or Laurie.Brown@woodsbros.com.

 Posted by Woods Bros Realty

Thane Jensen

Woods Bros Realty is pleased to announce that Thane Jensen will serve as the managing broker for the Country Club Plaza office at 3737 S. 27th St.

Jensen has been a licensed Realtor since 1994 and has been with the Woods Bros Realty Lincolnshire Square office since 2009. Prior to that, Jensen was Managing Broker of Castle Real Estate, which merged with Woods Bros Realty at that time.

“I look forward to the many opportunities that such a successful office has to offer,” Jensen said.

Jensen has served as a director of the Realtors Association of Lincoln (RAL), an affordable housing liaison on the RAL public policy committee, a co-chairperson of the RAL Multiple Listing Service committee, and has served on the Nebraska Realtors Association professional standards review and governmental affairs committees. He was also chairperson of the Woods Bros advisory committee for two years. Jensen is currently working toward his Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation and holds a Broker’s License.

“We’re happy to have Thane on the management team at Woods Bros and think he’ll be a good fit with the family at the Country Club office,” CEO Gene Brake said.

Jensen and his wife, Karin, have three sons.  In addition to real estate, Jensen is a handgun instructor and enjoys running for the Woods Bros Running team, being outdoors  and spending time with his family. He can be reached at 402-450-2004.

Woods Bros Realty, an affiliate of HomeServices of America, is a full-service company offering 122 years of expertise in real estate as well as experience in mortgage, title, closing, and insurance services. Providing an easier way to buy and sell, 250 sales associates work with clients in Lincoln, Seward, Beatrice, York, Grand Island, and southeast Nebraska. For more information about Woods Bros Realty, visit www.WoodsBros.com.

 Posted by Woods Bros Realty