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.
2024 NMAR Good Neighbor Award
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2023 Doryce Hawkins
2022 Jeanie Deetz
2021 Robin Wallace
2020 Kayla Warburton
2019 Bill Leninger
2018 Jackie Smart
2017 Wendy Brown
2016 Rob Keller
2015 Brian Nicodemus
2014 Katie Brown
2013 Bill Leininger
2012 Brian Nicodemus
2011 Doug Zignego
2010 Tom Marino
2009 John Osweiler
2008 Cal Scott
2007 Ted Dykstra Jr
2006 Rick Doran
2005 Cindy Willis
2004 Joyce Mitchell
2003 Gregg School
2002 Susan Smith
2001 Bruce Young
2000 Karen Harr
1999 Ted Schlegel
1998 Sharon Wilson
1997 PC Musgrove
1996 Ted Schlegel
1995 PC Musgrove
1994 Randy Saunier
1993 Cindy Lanier
1992 PC Musgrove
1991 Sharon Wilson
1990 Jane Powell
1989 Sharon Wilson
1988 Phyllis Sprunger
1987 Chuck Olson
1986 Lyle Bartlett
1985 Phyllis Sprunger
1984 Sharon Read
1983 Sandy Baden
1982 Phyllis Sprunger
1981 Chuck Olson
1980 Robert Walter
1979 Larry O’Lee
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.