Million Dollar Realtors: Realtor of the Year

 

Lena Williams followed Mom’s footsteps but took her own path to 2016 Realtor of the Year.

Story: Leigh Neely

 

Lena Williams used to tell her mother, well-known Leesburg Realtor Theresa Morris, that she would never do real estate sales. However, as she grew older, she changed her mind, got her license in June 2000 at age 18, and has been selling houses ever since. Now she works with her mother, who is Broker/Owner of Morris Realty and Investments.

“We have some amazing Realtors in this community, so this was a surprise and a true honor to receive this award,” Lena says. “There are many deserving agents out there, including my mother and many of the agents at Morris Realty. I am humbled and very grateful.”

The Lake County native is a graduate of Leesburg High School, and she offers that as one of the reasons she loves her job so much. “I love living here, and I love selling people their homes here. This year I closed more than $17 million in real estate, but the important number is 77 transactions,” Lena says. “Each transaction represents a family or person I was able to help. I owe being Realtor of the Year to all my clients from the past 17 years.”

There’s another reason she has such a deep appreciation for the award—part of the recognition is due to community service. “I am passionate about this. I think everyone should dedicate some time to the betterment of the community,” Lena says. “I volunteer for several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs. It is very important to me to give back. I cannot stress that enough. I encourage every person to choose something to do this New Year to make your community better.”

Lena freely admits it’s the personal connection she makes with each client that really appeals to her. She’s delighted when she runs into clients years later and they share how much they’re still enjoying the home she helped them purchase. “When you help someone with what’s often the largest purchase of their lives, they are trusting you. I don’t take that lightly.”

She’s also very pleased when a past client recommends her to friends or family, but no matter how the client comes to her, the dedication to pleasing that client is the same. “I approach every client with an open mind, listening to their concerns, and trying to guide them in the right direction.”

Real estate in this area is thriving, according to Lena. Prices are on a slow upswing, and buyers are not scared of the market. It’s still possible to buy a home with mortgage payments that are less than rent. If you are renting, Lena says it’s always a smart move to buy, and now is also a good time to upgrade to a larger home.

For those who might be considering real estate sales as a career, Lena encourages you to go for it, but be ready to work because it’s not an easy job. “You have to be self-motivated and willing to work many hours,” she adds. “However, it is well worth it for those who want to be successful.”

Family is very important to Lena. She and her husband Craig have two lovely daughters—Hannah is 8 years old and Haley is 6. Their favorite family activity is camping at Disney World and getting away for weekend trips to enjoy some quality time together.

“My family is my strength, and my husband is my biggest fan. He is always there to encourage and support me,” Lena says. “My family knows how hard I work so when we have our time together, we play hard.”

That little girl who used to tell her mother she’d never work in real estate has done quite well.

“In the end, it’s the best decision I ever made and, honestly, I owe it all to her. She is my inspiration.”

 

Multi-Million Dollar Club 

Arellano Realty & Investments, LLC

Karin Arellano

Theresa Kay

Bobby Orr

Ashley Pun

Susie Westbrook

Asano Real Estate LLC

Leslie Campasano

Avalar Real Estate Services

Moises Alvelo

Colleen Donlevy-Burns

Doreen Landi

Tracie Ruffolo

Ashley Taylor

Beacon Real Estate & Associates, Inc

Geoffrey S. Chernault

Geraldine “Gerri” Rosenthal

Warren K. Thomas

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices® Home Team Realty

Jim McCallum

Black Tie Real Estate & Investments, Inc

Mark Dyer

Lauren Lester

Michael Ritzenthaler

BonJorn Real Estate

Pamela Bonjorn

Bravo’s Properties & Management, LLC

Taimi Guillot

CAN Realty, LLC

Nicole May

Carlino Commercial Group, Inc

Jeff Carlino

Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc

Ginger Mansour

Century 21® Blue Sky Realty Group

Jurgita Ribokaite

Century 21® Carlino Realty, Inc

Patricia King

Alex VonHartman

Century 21® John C. Thomas, Inc

Ted Trawick

Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc

Summer Alvis

Kelly Rice

Century 21® Professional Group, Inc

Lori Walker

Coldwell Banker Residential RE

Sandra Krumrine

Coldwell Banker®  Tony Hubbard Realty, Inc

Richard Bisaillon

Jearri Bush

Pamela S. Eddy

Dawn Giachetti

Marsha Burton Gordon

Kaley Hansen

Lisa Haynes

Jean Nunn

Andrea Summers

Donna Wall

Linda Weber

Victoria (Vici) J. Winn

Coldwell Banker®  Tyre & Taylor

Susan Hooper

Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

Arthur Blundell

Judy Blundell

Patsy Casey

William Casey

Phyllis Dallinga

Denise Hedrick

Linda Kellerman

Shannon V. King

Jeana Matthews

Breezy Owens

Elliott Owens

Bob  Podell

Mollie Podell

Carole Rohan

Betty Salas

Lisa West

Ana Zitnick

Coletti Real Estate, Inc

Cynthia Coletti

Ronald Coletti

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Connie Mahan

Cynthia Tompkins

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc.

Nova Fuller

Kathleen Ghearing

Michele Lowe

Pam  Myers

Janet Shatzer

Discover Florida Realty

Simon Ambrose

Frank DiLiberto

Catherine MacKenzie

Dunn Realty

Mary Dunn

Sean Dunn

Michelle Parrish

E-Direct Realty, LLC

Jann Knight

Empire Network Realty, Inc

Reto C. Badraun

Diana Barber

Mary Poillion, PA

Nancy Pruitt

ERA® Grizzard Real Estate

Jeanne Abernathy

Susan Aicher

Mandy Bass

Dick Batts

Richard Beliveau

Paul Carraway

Lisa Carter

Toni Chapman

Christi Charpia

Donna Cline-Hansard

Marlene Cook

Sheila Davis

Tim Davis

Kathleen Dermody

Kris DiLeva

Bonnie Drawdy

Ian Drummond

Doug DuVarney

Linda Engelbrecht

Dan Foster

Terri Gordon

Jessica Graham

Christina Grant

Lauri Grizzard

Linda Grizzard

Brittney Guadagnoli

Joe Hamblin

Ryan Heitman

Scott Hubbard

Felecia Humphrey

Olga Jakubowski

Lisa Jones

Carol Julianelli

Christina Keene

Judy Kelley

Brandy Kelly

Tammy King

Dalemarie Lamb-Witter

Lauralyn Lane

Roxanne Logan

Carolyn Maimone

Loretta Maimone

Autumn Makin

Debra L. Martin

Jayne Marvin

Ofelia “Lia” May

Karol McDermott

Diana Miguel

Ira Miller

Marilyn Morris

Kristen Myer

Misty Noland

Kathleen O’Brien

Kara Puryear

Clarissa Rainey

Stacey Ray

Kathy  Reeg-Polfer

Jim Richardson

Lindsay Sellars

Becky Short

Brian Smith

Margaret Smith

Sharon Smith

Jeanne H. Sutton

Gloria Tabor

Julie Townsend

Rebecca Jeannie Ulmer

David Wax

Kenneth Weber

Susan M. Wellington

Cynthia Wheeler

Page Whittle

Sharon Wooten

Craig Yox

Exit® Realty Tri-County

Gina Befumo

Lynn Gagnon

Marty Goff

Andy Key

Shirley Peacock

Carolyn Tessada

Jack Voller

Jaret Whitney

FIRST

Alison Wheatley

Matthew Wheatley

Flamingo Real Estate & Management

Margaret “Regina” Rodriguez

Jamie L. Shoemaker

Florida Plus Realty, LLC

Claire Brooks

Christina Greenslade

Lesley Greenslade

Mary Lamoray

Nicola J. Martz

Diana L. Stone

Florida Real Estate Center, LLC

Paula Wheeler

DJ Wilson

Florida Realty Investments

Gregory Scott Homan

Florida Realty Marketplace

Jeri Anarumo

Four Star Home Brokers, Inc

Sharon Bacon

Garnet Eversole

Colleen Kramer

Foxfire Realty, Inc

Gary Arnold

Barry Cooperstein

Fran Dann-Akin

Hope Deszell

Patricia “Pam” Hall

David P. Kennedy

Sheila McKathan

Dorothy Wise

Gregory Wood

Robert Woodsford

Front Porch Realties, Inc

Abigail Carr

Joy Zahn

Garden Gate Real Estate, Inc

Gina Buck

Lisa Dyson

Grizzard Commercial Real Estate Group

Michael Pederson

Daniel Tatro

Hancock Real Estate

Eliza Kapp

Harbor Hills Sales, Inc

Adam Rich

Sean Rich

Holly Curley Choice Realty, Inc

Holly Jane Curley

HomeRun Realty, LLC

Lana Flodman

Howey Realty

Tina St. Clair

JMR Realty, Inc.

James Romeyn

Melanie Romeyn

John Edwards Realty & Investment Properties, LLC

Mary Zecca

John Roberts Realty

Michael Alberson

Keller Williams® Classic III Realty

Joseph Cooper

Regina Cruz

Vivienne Cunningham

Stephanie M. Glover

Cheryl S. Glover, CIPS, CRS

Deborah Hauert

Tiki Jackson

Patti-Jo Jungreis

Maria Martinez

Brandie Mathison-Klein

April Rager

Juan Rodriguez

Gale L. Springer

Pamela Tarver

Dabney D. Wamsley

Kellie Wheeler

Nicholas Whitehouse

Keller Williams® Classic VI Realty

Melissa Conway

Sabrina Deem

Victoria Kania

Jon Wanberg

Chad Williams

Angela Workinger

Eddy Workinger

Keller Williams® Cornerstone Realty

Crystal McCall

La Rosa Realty, LLC

Sabine Bayona

Travis C. Sawchuk

Bhopaul Tangalan

Monica Velez

Leonardo Vidal, P.A.

Colleen Weatherbee

Lake Panasoffkee Realty, Inc.

Monica “Gail” Barnard

List Now Realty, LLC

Matt Buttner

Lowery’s Real Estate Group, LLC

John Ardizone, Jr

Lowry Realty, LLC

Sandy Trzaska

Micki Blackburn Realty

Patricia Daries

Andrea Edgington

Jane Franklin

Janet Gibbs

Kathy Griner

Michael Lovett

Robert L. Lyles, Jr

Dale Odom

Joe Patterson

Mission Inn Real Estate, Inc

Mary Jane Easley

Janet Pratt

Morris Realty and Investments

Greg Boliek

Jo Leen Cooper

Kim Ducharme

Lauren Fickett

Valerie Foerst

Lynn Haynes

Carolyn Kennedy

Theresa Morris

Scott Strem

Lena Williams

Nancie Lyons Realty

Nancie Lyons

NorthStar Realty Services

Lily Boutros

Mary R. Kelly

Joy Ray

Debbie Studer

Number One Choice Realty®

Daulis Webb

Optima One Realty, Inc

Caleb Cox

Aimee Stanley

Tony Stanley

PAL Realty

Dawn Brooks

Cary Fier

Betty Fitch

Mary Jane Grimes

Kirk Morel

Adriana Skoloda

RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Lynn Bartlett

Sharon Bassett

Brenda Bell

Barbara Bucalo

Chris Canfield

Mardi Carter

Buddy Clark

Louis J. Cummings

Tana Darley

Randy Erb

Tammy Freilich

Lillian Gauvin

Debbie Gentry

Thomas Heller

Brenda Herr

Paul Jackson

Sharon King

Monica Kopel

Bonnie Manross

Jarene Mathias

Rick McKean

Robert Payne

Denise Pierce

Larry Pierce

Debbie Roberts

Rose Rupe

Bradley W. Salmons

Timothy Sennett

Guy Shipley

Robert Slutsky

Cindy Steinemann

Holly A. Stratton

Roland Stults

Hope Wilson

Joy Wilson

Deborah Woods

RE/MAX® Realty Center International

Heather Hamilton

Peter M. Hettmann

Kirsty Pitts

Dianne Scott

RE/MAX® Results

Julie Clay

Elaine Giddens

Kimberly Jones

Ronald Phillips

RE/MAX® Titanium Group

Darlene Misciagno

Stephen Misciagno

Maria Molina

Ed  Sloniker

RE/MAX® Touchstone

Audrey James

Addie Owens

Marie Rich

RE/MAX®Navigator

Jannie Gurney

Amy Spivey

Real Estate Professionals of Lake

William Marsh

Real Living® Good Neighbor Realty, LLC

Charlene Connolly

Chris Feamster

Collie Hendrickson

Mary Jo Williams

Real Living® Real Estate Solutions

Bill  Kolb

Realteam Realty, Inc

Trish Leisner

Realty Executives in The Villages

Kathy Abruzzo

Robert A. Berube

Nancy J. Britton

Karoline Clark

Elizabeth W. Dietrich

Mary Grant

Julie Haines

Laura Jensen

Sally Love

Karla Mason

Annette McCullough

Frank Melino

John Mello

Frances Pierce

Steve Savage

Peggy Schaefer

Linda Sears

Pasquale Serafino

Beverly Shive

Cissie Smith

James Van Ostran

Cindy Wise

Carol Youkey

Realty Professionals of FL, LLC

Nicholas Clough

Frank Ranfone

Harvey Rosenberg

RLW Realty

Logan Wilson

Robert Slack Fine Homes, LLC

Nicky Lerch

Rock Springs Realty, LLC

Joel Bornstein

Scates Realty & Investments Properties, Inc

Ronald Pavlacka

Eileen Scates

Sellstate Next Generation Realty

Judy L. Trout

Maureen E. Wilson

Smith & Smith Realty, Inc

Billie Faye Smith

Danny Smith

Spruce Creek Real Estate, LLC

Katy Crouse

Stake Your Land Realty, Inc

Katina Hargrove

TerZa Real Estate

Delphine Lampert

The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals, Inc

Sarah Gholami

Elizabeth Turner

Travis Realty Group

Diane Travis

Vangie Berry Signature Realty

Ryan Berry

John Cox

Duane Lanier

Angela Phillips

Karen M. Riscinto

Ken  Roberts, Jr

Michael Tart

Susan Tindel

Vantage Point Realty Co.

Deborah Govin

Jennie Luft

Visionary Properties, Inc.

Mary Baker

Watson Realty Corp. REALTORS® 

Brenda Anglada

Enger Barnes-Webb

Bryan Biery

Michael Hammert

Cheryl Hilty

Dennis Hjorten

Melissa Horbal

Linda Lake

Lisa Lake

Jo Ann A. Larse

Jared Lindroth

Allen O. Mates, P.A.

Nancy McCloskey

Monique McGuire

Kris Persaud

Camille M. Ruiz

Christine Tangusso

Colleen Taylor

Mike “Turk” Taylor

Barbara Thompson, P.A.

Deena Thurmond

Terry Ward

Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Antonia-Jane Duroux

Joey Feeser

Joanne Galyean

Margaret E. Hensinger

Jorge L. Mulet, Sr

 

Million Dollar Club 

Arellano Realty & Investments, LLC

Terri Kuebbeler

Avalar Real Estate Services

Marie Cameron

Manny Fabre

Janella Martina

Cathleen McGrath

Jo Lynn Nicholson

Beacon Real Estate & Associates, Inc

Susan Richter

Bill Webb Real Estate & Investments, LLC

William Webb

BonJorn Real Estate

Genger Narehood

Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc

Leslie Hanson Rotarius

Century 21® Carlino Realty, Inc

Jeanette Ekberg

Richard Sczykutowicz

Century 21® John C. Thomas, Inc

Paula K. Brown

Pam Gunn

Kathi Hill

Century 21® Prime Property Resources, Inc

Robert Southern

Coldwell Banker® Tony Hubbard Realty, Inc

Lisa Atkinson

Jennifer Billinger

Sally Busby

Gypsy “Anne” Jones

Terry Mosley

Karen Nason

Christine Newsome

Lisa Roberts

Coldwell Banker® Camelot Realty

Barbara Breuer

Alyse Carter

Joe W. Hutto

Bonita Kosson

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Mary Merritt

Michael Merritt

Cook & Company Realty, Inc

David R. Cook

Dana Realty Group, LLC

Debra Flora

Dave Ellis Realty, LLC

Dave Ellis

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc.

Anamaria Nolan

Stephenie Winheim

Discover Florida Realty

Regina DiLiberto

Jamie Sue Mansene

Dunn Realty

Jamie Dunn

ERA® Grizzard Real Estate

Trish Bitsios

Anna Brady

Doelene Brown

Walter Coe

Sherona Dye

Karen Giehl

Albre Green

Claudia Harbaugh

Michael Herman

Deborah Kirchenberg

Buddy Lewis

Carl Martin

Lori Morgan

Sharon Rankin

Frances Sheehan

Carole Thompson

Kathy Thompson

Beverly Ann VanDeVeer

Leslie Williamson

David Wittenberg

Exit® Realty Tri-County

Steven Boone

Fred Brace

Edye Holt

Sheri Hutchinson

Jessie Kulpan

Leah Mason

Marlene Meade

Jill Nelan

Florida Plus Realty, LLC

Robert Mager

Florida Real Estate Center, LLC

Don Wilson

Foxfire Realty, Inc

Timothy Condron

Joyce Ann Ellis

Herb Hall

Robert Loiselle

Jill Ruell

John M. Saunders

Kathleen Short

Russell Stevens

Judith Willetts

Garden Gate Real Estate, Inc

Michael Specchio

Homeland Florida Realty, Inc

Joan E. Zabar

HomeRun Realty, LLC

Anthony Piccione

John Roberts Realty

Karen Beisley

Fred Slotnick

Keller Williams® Classic III Realty

Rodelie Tirone-Winters

La Rosa Realty, LLC

Jeff Jackson

Lake County Realty Group, LLC

Melody Ostrom

Micki Blackburn Realty

Dan Brady

Myra Paxton

Morris Realty and Investments

Linda Marsh

Optima One Realty, Inc

Drew Evans

Oxford Land Company

Jim Mariucci

RE/MAX® Premier Realty

Mary Colbert

April Couturier

Holly Denton

Leslie Harker

Svyla Karageorge

Nate Natale

Cheryl Probert

Marilyn Ptalis

Nicole Sanders

Karen Sartele

Cheryl Simmons

Ashton Thomas

Jamie Whitling

RE/MAX® Titanium Group

Pierluigi Arbini-Salom

Dagma Leblanc

Brandon Allen Misciagno

RE/MAX® Touchstone

Jennifer Balliett

Randall Gregg Mason

Kelly Tetzlaff

Jennifer Warren

RE/MAX®Navigator

Barbara Dobbs

Debra Payne

Real Living® Good Neighbor Realty, LLC

Bill Bazner

Darlene Clark

Billie Dahl

Lynn O’Connor

Lynn Risch

Debra Stewart

June Stienstra

Candace Van Waes

Realteam Realty, Inc

Jim Limpus

Realty Executives in The Villages

Lauren Beth Arch

Lisa Esposito

James Grider

Nathan Piotrowski

Realty Professionals of FL, LLC

Jennifer George

Robert Hughes

William Reed

Scates Realty & Investments Properties, Inc

Adriana Escoto

Silver Beach Realty, LLC

Geoffrey Presson

Tadlock Realty

Bret Spaude

TerZa Real Estate

Lisa Pownall

Nathalie Visscher

The Florida Property Shop Sales & Rentals, Inc

Michael “Razz” Randazzo

Travis Realty Group

Jose Hernandez

Tyre & Taylor Commercial Realty, Inc

John R. Buxman

Don Oliver

W. Glenn Tyre

Vangie Berry Signature Realty

Terasa Morgan

Vantage Point Realty Co.

Anne Sasser

Watson Realty Corp. REALTORS® 

Kent Adcock

Yamil Agosto

Terra L. Brady

Cynthia Drobot

Noel Lawrence

Ron Lawson Jr.

Winnie McHale

John G. Muller, PA

Charlotte Rose

Ellen Tidwell

Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Lynne Cox

Leslie Jarrard

Ariya Mobed