2024 REALTOR® OF THE YEAR
Brenda Miller
CRS, GRI, SRS, AHWD, C2EX, MRP, PSA, RENE, PSC, SFR, RPAC Major Investor
Montana Brokers, Inc.
Northwest Montana Assoc of REALTOR® since June 2007
Brenda Miller, a broker with Montana Brokers, Inc., has been a licensed real estate agent for 16 years, always greeting others with a warm smile. Education is paramount to her, having earned numerous designations throughout her career. Heavily involved with NMAR, she has served on Several of the committees as well as chairing many of them. she is NMAR’s current Past President, advocating tirelessly for the benefits of committee participation and relationship-building among REALTORS®.
At the state level, Brenda currently serves as the Regional Ambassador and has been on MAR's executive committee for two years, going above and beyond with her involvement at all three levels of the association, including numerous workgroups. Her commitment extends nationally as a member of the Safety Committee, where she also volunteers to moderate specific meetings.
Beyond her professional roles, Brenda is deeply involved in civic groups and faith-based endeavors, generously volunteering her time and financial support. She absolutely loves being a REALTOR® and values the relationships with clients and colleagues as a true blessing, embodying the humble spirit of her mission statement from Philippians 2:3-4.
2024 Rookie of the Year
Sarah Meehan
Montana Property Angels
Sarah has been a REALTOR® since December 2022, Sarah has hit the ground running in pursuing professional growth and community involvement. Joining the YPN Committee this April enabled her to enrich her skills and contribute ideas fostering industry growth. Attending tour meetings has provided invaluable learning, networking, and staying updated on market trends - ultimately benefiting her clients.
Sarah actively participates in local charity events, using her marketing expertise to raise awareness and funds. She has volunteered for causes like Valicity's Princess Ball, Women Who Wine, Flathead Food Bank, Log Jam, Pheasants Forever, and more - curating gift baskets, assisting with events, and making personal donations.
Transitioning from over a decade in healthcare, Sarah seamlessly brings her compassion and dedication to real estate, helping 14 families find homes or investment properties so far, with 6 more under contract. Her personalized service guides clients with integrity through their real estate journeys.
2024 Jean Carter Spirit Award
Zac Andrews
GRI, RPAC Major Investor
Montana West Realty, Bigfork
Northwest Montana Assoc of REALTOR(R) since June 2004
Zac Andrews, broker owner with Montana West Realty in Bigfork and celebrating his 20th year as a REALTOR®. Zac is a passionate advocate for the real estate industry, continuously working to improve the local association. His efforts have brought key advancements like market data on the NMAR website and proposing the highly successful C2EX reward program. Currently, he's spearheading plans to acquire land and design a new NMAR building to better serve REALTORS® long-term.
Recognized for his forward-thinking ideas at the MAR leadership summit, Zac was invited to the state planning session as a valuable contributor. Today, he serves as a Governor to the Montana Regional MLS during this pivotal transition period with new regulations and challenges. He provided market insights during Senator Tester's staff visit and attended the 2023 CMLS convention amidst industry shifts like AI and lawsuits.
Beyond real estate, Zac is deeply involved in the community. He frequently attends fundraisers, and his small brokerage Montana West Realty sponsors numerous local activities. Zac has also testified to the Montana State legislature, advocating for property rights and recreational access on the Lower Flathead River when concerns arose. Despite leading a small firm, Zac has been the top producer at Montana West since his second year, known for a sterling reputation built over generations through development, consulting, and community advocacy.
About the Jean Carter Spirit Award
In 2014, NMAR created the Jean Carter Spirit Award, named in honor of an individual who went above and beyond every measure for her Realtor community. This award goes to a Realtor who truly portrays the Realtor spirit who has given back to our members, industry, and communities as well as demonstrates the meaning of the golden rule. This award may not be given out every year and is a big honor to receive
Jean started her real estate career in Whitefish in the late 1980s at Coldwell Banker Waccholz & Co. She started as a REALTOR® and quickly became a top producer and then Broker.
She was highly respected by her clients, peers, and management for her hard work, professionalism, and ethical behavior. She was promoted to Managing Broker for the CBW Whitefish office. She gladly shared her real estate expertise and provided guidance and mentoring to all REALTORS®. Jean finished up her career as a Broker at National Parks Realty.
Jean always treated everyone she met with kindness and honesty. She always did the best job possible for each of her real estate clients, sharing her broad knowledge and providing the best guidance to help them achieve their real estate goals. She had a unique ability to work with a broad client base from seeking small lots to multi-million dollar properties. Clients sought her out and trusted her due to her high ethical focus and professionalism in all real estate transactions. Lifelong loyalty and friendships were cultivated as a result.
Among the many NMAR committees Jean served on, one of her favorites was the Professional Standards Committee where she volunteered for many years and was voted as the head of the group by her peers. She also served on the NMAR Board of Directors.
Jean was a pillar of the Whitefish community and volunteered for many organizations. She was experienced and competed in dog agility. She founded an agility group and trained other agility lovers at her home every week at no cost. She lived by the golden rule and had boundless energy as a leader, friend, teacher, and mother.
2024 NMAR Good Neighbor Award
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2022 Charles Lapp
2021 Renee’ Howe
2020 Louise Barker
2019 Rick Doran
2017 PC Musgrove
2016 Ellie Simpson
2015 Larry Wakefield
2014 Jackie Smart