Missouri REALTORS®,
As your 2026 Missouri REALTORS® President, I am honored to share highlights from our recent Winter Business Conference, held January 27 - 29 in my hometown of Springfield. Nearly 400 REALTORS®, affiliates, and industry partners from across Missouri came together to connect, engage, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
The three-day conference began Tuesday with registration, exhibits, and committee and governance meetings, followed by our Opening General Session, where members received an energizing welcome. That evening, we gathered for the President’s Welcome Reception and Vision & Vibration: A YPN Wellness + Vision Board Experience, designed to inspire, recharge, and encourage intentional growth both personally and professionally.
A highlight of the conference was hearing from two distinguished Springfield locals who served as keynote speakers. Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, shared meaningful insights on ethical entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and the value of community impact. Doug Pitt, businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Care to Learn, spoke passionately about service, collaboration, and the vital role REALTORS® play in strengthening Missouri communities. Their messages set the tone for thoughtful discussion throughout the conference.
Wednesday featured a full day of governance meetings, educational sessions, and our Emerging Issues Forum. The day concluded with Inaugural Night, a meaningful celebration of leadership and the year ahead. It was a tremendous honor to be installed as your 2026 Missouri REALTORS® President during the evening, alongside Carol Duke’s installation as the 2026 Missouri Women’s Council of REALTORS® President. I am grateful for the confidence our members have placed in us and proud to serve alongside such committed volunteer leaders.
I am pleased to serve alongside the 2026 Missouri REALTORS® Leadership Team:
- President-Elect: Brent Sager
- Treasurer: Antwann Rhodes
- Treasurer-Elect: Matthew Becker
- Immediate Past President: Derek Schriewer
- CEO: Breanna Vanstrom
The conference concluded Thursday morning with district briefings and the Board of Directors Meeting, where important matters impacting our association and industry were addressed. View the January 29, 2026, Board of Directors meeting minutes.
During the Board of Directors Meeting, we also had the privilege of recognizing this year’s Missouri REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award recipient, Peggy Albers, for her outstanding service through Women Overcoming Obstacles, Inc. Peggy’s dedication and leadership exemplify the REALTOR® commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in our communities. Learn more about Peggy by watching the 2025 Good Neighbor Award video. We would like to thank Home Warranty for sponsoring the Missouri Good Neighbor Award.
You can access all conference photos on our Flickr page. Please download and share these photos using the hashtag, #MOREALTORS.
As we move forward together in 2026, my theme, “We Are Missouri REALTORS®,” reflects who we are as an association and what we stand for across our state. It speaks to our shared commitment to professionalism, integrity, advocacy, and service - values that unite us as REALTORS® and strengthen our collective impact. This theme is a reminder that our greatest strength lies in working together, supporting one another, and leading with purpose as we serve our members, our clients, and our communities.
Stay connected with Missouri REALTORS® and join us for the Spring Business Conference in Columbia, April 28 - 30. Together, we will continue to move our profession forward - united, engaged, and proud to say, We Are Missouri REALTORS®.
Sincerely,
Brian R. Jared
President, Missouri REALTORS®