Speakers

Stan Phelps is the Founder of PurpleGoldfish.com, a think tank of customer experience and employee engagement experts based at the Frontier in Research Triangle Park. He is a TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, IBM Futurist, and Certified Speaking Professional that inspires leaders to think differently about their most important stakeholders. Stan’s keynotes and workshops focus on the value of customer experience as a competitive differentiator and the importance of employee engagement in building a strong corporate culture. He has spoken at over 400 events in 16 countries (U.S., Canada, UK, Spain, Ecuador, Peru, The Netherlands, Japan, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Bahrain, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Vietnam, and Sweden) for Fortune 500 brands such as IBM, Target, ESPN, UPS, Ricoh, GSK, Tesco, and Citi.

Stan challenges brands to explore new opportunities, showing them how to be more successful in tomorrow's changing world. Working with clients to create keynotes and workshops that are memorable, meaningful and on-brand.

He’s the author of 10 books: Purple Goldfish, Green Goldfish, Golden Goldfish, Blue Goldfish, Purple Goldfish-Service Edition, Red Goldfish, Pink Goldfish, Purple Goldfish-Franchise Edition, Yellow Goldfish, and Gray Goldfish. They all focus on the little ways to drive differentiation, increase loyalty, and promote positive word of mouth.

Prior to focusing on speaking, Stan held leadership positions at IMG, adidas, and the PGA of America. He also spent seven years as Chief Solutions Officer at Synergy, an award winning experiential marketing agency. At Synergy, he helped create larger than life brand experiences for brands such as KFC, M&M's, Starbucks and organizations such as NASCAR, MLS, and the USTA.

Stan started writing and speaking in 2009 on the belief that "differentiation via added value" can be a game changing strategy. For far too long, the overwhelming majority of marketing has fixated on the eyes and ears of the prospect. Not enough has been focused on creating experiences for current customers that drive referrals. Great customer experience is about being so remarkable that people can't help but talk about you. That if you absolutely delight someone – they will not only come back, but they'll bring their friends.

Stan received his BS in Marketing and Human Resources from Marist College, a JD/MBA from Villanova University, and a certificate for Achieving Breakthrough Service from Harvard Business School.

He is a Past-President of the AMA Triangle, a 700+ member chapter of the American Marketing Association. He also currently serves on the Advisory Board for Special Spectators. Stan lives in Cary, North Carolina with his wife Jennifer and two boys Thomas & James.

Tony Harrington is the Broker/Owner, Broker in Charge & Real Estate Appraiser with The Property Shop International Realty in Wilmington, NC.

He is a consistent RPAC Golden R & President Circle Major Donor.

Tony has been a part of the NC REALTORS® Economic Development Committee since its inception in 2016 and currently sits as Chair. Through the Economic Development Committee, he helped as Past Chair to Create and implement the Platinum Award Winning NC REALTORS® Global Network to enhance Economic Development efforts both locally and Globally through NC REALTORS®.

Tony is the 2020 President of Cape Fear REALTORS®, President of the Cape Fear MLS, 2020 Region 2 Regional Vice President and Manager with the NC Regional MLS.

Tony holds the designations & Certifications for Accredited Buyer Representative, At Home with Diversity, Certified International Property Specialist, and Accredited Luxury Home Specialist.

Andrea Bushnell is the Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®. A lawyer, Andrea has more than 20 years of experience as an association executive and as general counsel for State REALTOR® Associations. A Montana native, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Montana State University and graduated with honors from Lewis and Clark College School of Law in Portland, Oregon.

Before launching her law career, Andrea spent six years as a full-time REALTOR® in San Diego. And it was the love and respect for what we do that was a deciding factor in her re-entry into the REALTOR® world in 1995. Since 1995, Andrea has served on numerous committees, PAGs and work groups at NAR.

Andrea travels the country assisting associations with leadership development, team building, challenging the status quo, and in creating and implementing association strategic plans – all with the blessing of the wonderful leadership of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®.

Laurie is a licensed NC Realtor and Co-Owner and CEO at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners, in Pinehurst NC. She was President in 2014 for the Pinehurst/Southern Pines Area Association of REALTORS®, appointed to the NAR MLS Issues and Policies Committee 2017-2019, served on NAR Social Media Advisory Board for 2016-2017, and the NCAR Information Management Advisory Group for 2016. She has presented at Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, Georgia Association of REALTORS®, Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Inman Agent Reboot, RE TechSouth, Inman Connect San Francisco and New York, participated as an Inman Connect Ambassador, and is currently serving as Director of the Inman Ambassador Program. Laurie served on the Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) Agent Technology Council 2012-1015. She was a finalist for the Inman Most Innovative Real Estate Agent 2013, and was named Inman News People’s Choice Innovator 2013, Inman News 100 Most Influential Leaders 2014 and 2017, PSPAAR Realtor of the Year 2013, Swanepoel Power 200 – Top 20 Most Influential in Real Estate Social Media 2013-14 and 2014-15. And of course she is owner of The Geeky Girls!

For the last 15 years, Heather has immersed herself in the real estate industry, beginning as a full-time REALTOR®. She built a sustainable business using content marketing, blogging about life and real estate Loudoun County. Heather worked for NAR as their Director of Social Strategy, then helped Century 21 Redwood grow from 4 to 13 offices while retooling branding, messaging, and agent marketing support. She opened Artisan Consulting in 2017, specializing in marketing, branding, and digital strategy for the real estate industry. But most importantly, Heather also founded the LoCo Real Estate team, which continues to bring compassionate service to consumers in the northern Virginia market.

Asa Fleming is a REALTOR® with Allen Tate REALTORS® in Raleigh, NC. Asa began his real estate career 20 years ago in New York. Asa is a graduate of North Carolina State University and has served as the 2013 President for the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®. He just received his master’s degree in May from REALTOR® University. Asa is also active with the North Carolina REALTORS® (NCR), where he is currently serving as the 2019 President. Asa is a graduate of the 2014 National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy and served as the Chair of the 2017 class.

Asa is a member of Class XV of Leadership North Carolina and graduated in May of 2008. He served on the City of Raleigh Appearance Commission for six years and has been appointed to the Wake County Planning Board, where he is still currently serving. Asa has been involved in several community organizations and non-profits and has served on the Board of Directors for Marbles Kid Museum, The Carying Place, Inc., Southeast Raleigh Promise, and Rebuilding Together of the Triangle, Inc. He is also one of the founding board members of Central Wake High School charter school in Raleigh, where he is serving as the treasurer. Asa and his wife Tangie live in Raleigh with their two children, Asa II (“Deuce”) and Alexis, and their dog Holly. He enjoys helping families with their real estate needs, giving back to the industry that puts food on his table, and to the community where he lives.

Dr. Jessica Lautz is Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of REALTORS®. The core of her research focuses on analyzing demographic trends for both NAR members and housing consumers. Through management of predictive analytics, surveys, focus groups and data analysis, she presents new and innovative ways to showcase results. Jessica discusses research findings in major media outlets and international presentations.

Dr. Lautz received her Doctorate of Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University. She also has a Master’s in Public Policy from American University and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Law and Justice from Central Washington University.

Bill Lublin has been recognized as a thought leader for his insights regarding social media and its use in business. From his earliest days he began a career of service to both the community and the industry, always embracing the latest tools and technology.

Bill has served as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee and Risk Management Committee.

Bill has been recognized for his insights in the use of Social Media and technology for business. He was named by Inman News as one of “Real Estate’s Most Influential Online” for three years running. He was also listed on, Roost’s “50 RE People to follow on Twitter”, one of 4Realz’s 50 Most Influential Real Estate People on Twitter, Swaenepol’s 100 Most Interesting & Influential in Real Estate and other social media lists.

Bill is currently the CEO of the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI), CEO of Century 21 Advantage Gold, REALTOR®, and self-proclaimed Tech Freak. For more information and a complete bio, visit his website.

Deanne M. Rymarowicz is NAR Associate Counsel. Before joining NAR, she was General Counsel for the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® for 8 years, and has also served as counsel for the Nevada Real Estate Division. She has an extensive background in transactional and administrative law, focusing on corporate, insurance and mining law. In her spare time, she loves traveling, baking and shopping at Home Goods.

Today’s world thrives on communication. Whether through traditional phone conversations, text messaging, or social media, it’s clear that communicating well and learning to do it in all forms of technology available is important to achieving success. Mark Saunders understands this. He has incorporated an emphasis on digital technology and 21st century communication into his company, Saunders Realty, LLC.

Mark Saunders is more than a REALTOR. He is an entrepreneur, an innovator, an engaging speaker and has quickly become the “Tech Guy” of NC.

Awards:

• Triad Business Journal 40 Under 40 class of 2018
• NC REALTOR® Association Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
• 2016 Winston-Salem Property Manager of the Year Award
• 2016 National Association of REALTORS® TPN of the Year
• 2013 Winston-Salem REALTORS® Presidents Award