I remember my first Inman Connect in New York City. Sitting alone in the lobby bar of the Marriott Marquis, I watched the steady flow of real estate's brightest minds crossing paths, connecting, and building relationships that would shape our industry. Back then, I didn't know a soul. I simply observed, taking in the energy of what I would come to understand as the true heartbeat of real estate innovation and community.

Last week, I returned to Inman Connect NYC, but this time with a profound difference. My son Connor, a U.S. Marine nearing the end of his service, joined us as he prepares to launch his real estate career. What unfolded was a beautiful testament to our industry's spirit. Person after person stepped forward, offering guidance, mentorship, and support. Their genuine desire to help Connor succeed reinforced what I've always believed: real estate professionals thrive because of their service-driven hearts and authentic commitment to nurturing relationships, even extending to the next generation.

This year, I found myself listening to the sessions through a different lens – not just as an industry veteran, but as a parent wanting to help launch their child's real estate career. Above the usual industry noise emerged valuable insights about sustainable success models. Standout leaders like Stacie Staub and Vanessa Bergmark exemplify this, having built thriving brokerages that weather market challenges through innovation and authentic leadership.

A personal highlight was witnessing the inaugural Lone Wolf PropTech Advisory Board meeting. The room buzzed with some of real estate's sharpest minds, setting aside competitive boundaries to tackle industry challenges together. This collaborative spirit, crossing brokerage lines to share wisdom and drive innovation, represents exactly what I observed from that lobby bar years ago – the power of connection to move our industry forward.

And speaking of full-circle moments, my heart leapt at the sight of Joe Schutt and his beloved schnauzers making their way through the Hilton. It transported me right back to that first Inman when Joe and Laurie Davis decided to take me under their wing. Their simple act of kindness – introducing me to person after person, sharing industry insights, and making me feel part of the community – shaped my entire real estate journey. Watching Joe work his magic at this year's conference, still connecting people with that same genuine warmth, reminded me how a single relationship can transform not just a career but a life. I'm forever grateful to Joe and Laurie for showing me what makes our industry truly special: the willingness to reach out and lift others up.

It's a reminder that at its core, real estate will always be about people helping people, whether they're buying a home or building a career.

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