By Cory McCauley, Building Kentucky
Kentucky REALTORS® gains new leadership as the organization kicks off a large scale celebration of a symbolic year.
Mike Inman was installed as the 2022 President of the Kentucky REALTORS® December 6. Inman, a member of the Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors, will take over for Charles Hinckley to lead one of the state’s largest trade associations through a monumental year.
Inman is a retired Army Officer with 25 years of experience in communications and information technology. His career in real estate began as a way to help run his father’s business managing rental properties and new constructions. Inman says it was not his intention to begin a career in real estate, but through hard work it became something he was good at.
Through his hard work, Inman earned the titles of ‘Rookie of the Year’ for Coldwell Banker in his first year in real estate and ‘REALTOR® of the Year’ for Lexington Bluegrass Association of REALTORS®. His commitment to helping the community led him to participate in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) on the local and state level, ultimately chairing the RPAC in 2016 and 2017.
In 2022, Inman will take on his biggest role yet as President of the Kentucky REALTORS®. It will be a challenging year navigating changes in the organization’s structure and coordinating multiple relief efforts for those affected by the tornadoes in Western Kentucky, but also a rewarding year celebrating 100 years of service.
“It is a tremendous honor and I am very appreciative of the membership for electing me,” said Inman.
Centennial year planned in 2022
2022 is no ordinary year to lead the Kentucky REALTORS®. The organization is celebrating the milestone of 100 years of service. It all started in 1922 when a group of individuals from throughout Kentucky joined together for the purpose of exchanging property information. They discussed properties for sale and shared ideas about real estate. This exchange began the statewide organization, Kentucky REALTORS®.
Today, the organization represents nearly 12,800 members who are involved in all aspects of real estate, including residential and commercial real estate brokers, sales agents, developers, builders, property managers, office managers, appraisers, and auctioneers.
“When I ran for President, I had no idea we were going to celebrate 100 years,” said Inman. “When I found out I kind of went weak in the knees because to me this is a very special year to celebrate 100 years of achievement.”
Throughout 2022 the organization will celebrate their accomplishments in advocacy, homeownership, community building, and continued education for members. Since its inception in 1922, Kentucky REALTORS® has worked successfully to advance homeownership, real estate investment, and protect private property rights. These remain the core values for the organization and principles Inman plans to strengthen in 2022.
New leadership
In 100 years a lot has changed and with it the business of real estate is a transformed industry. Advancements in technology allows prospective homeowners access to information online, REALTORS® use digital means to streamline paperwork and cell phones connect people 24 hours a day. These days, a real estate agent wears many hats and do much more than just sell a home.
As Inman prepares to step into a new leadership role, he’s identified five priorities for Kentucky REALTORS®: governance, advocacy, professionalism, education and relief.
Inman outlines the changes in governance as necessary due to the growth of the organization. The current committee structure does not support the organization of nearly 12,800 members. Inman believes these changes will increase the opportunity to help people get involved on the state level and identify people who can move up to the national level.
Every year the Kentucky legislature faces budget shortfalls and will look at all sectors of the economy as sources of funds. Since the beginning advocacy has been a crucial part of the organization and 2022 will be no different. Kentucky REALTORS® has a strong advocacy agenda and their message is clear, homeownership should not bear an undue burden of new taxes and regulations. Inman says improved housing affordability and availability will be priorities the organization advocates for in 2022.
“We are all about homeownership and there is no one else who represents homeowners and advocates for homeowners the way we do,” said Inman.
Community commitment
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the performance of every major industry and real estate is no different. Inman says Kentucky REALTORS® has grown by about 20 percent in the last two years. This growth has strained the ability for the organization to train and mentor new members. The National Association of REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence program empowers REALTORS® to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. Inman has set the goal for the organization to have eight percent of its members be C2EX endorsed in 2022.
As the real estate industry changes, education remains the key ingredient to stay ahead. Inman says the Kentucky REALTORS® are in a continual fight to provide adequate, well-delivered education in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. In 2022 Inman is committed to improving the quality and quantity of education opportunities for members to take advantage of.
Real estate would not exist without a community to help. Many communities in Kentucky are hurting after deadly tornadoes swept through western Kentucky earlier this month. Inman says three members of the organization lost their homes. Kentucky REALTORS® donated $1.5 million to help those affected by the tornadoes. The money will pay up to 3 months of rent, mortgage, or hotel room costs for those who lost their homes. Additionally, members will go help with the cleanup and construction of new homes.
While discussing the upcoming year, Inman acknowledged the challenges ahead, but confidently adds he is ready for 2022. To stay up to date on the latest information happening with Kentucky REALTORS® visit their website at kyrealtors.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
