SoCalMLS the aftermath, a two part series.

Peeling the skin off Orange County’s MLS situation.  –

When I first heard that Russ Bergeron was leaving SoCalMLS and taking the job at MRED I didn’t believe it.  When it was confirmed my first thought was about Bud Fogel and how shabbily he had been treated by the MRED board and to how Brad Tertell and the rest of the MRED staff would react to the news.

In this two part post I’ll go over my take on the players and the moves they might make on the vacuum that was created by Russ Begeron’s departure as head of SoCalMLS.  So lets get it on!

Part I – The Players

Russ Bergeron
I can only guess his motivations but my best guess was he decision was two fold.

1.  He was looking for a new challenge.
2.  He was tired of the association politics in California.

I can certainly understand the need for taking on a new challenge, but I fear he is walking in to a situation where association politics is a blood sport.  I can almost hear Sean Connery in “The Untouchables” say…. “He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way!”

Needless to say, I wish him well.  And on a side note, Southern  California will not be left without another Bergeron in the real estate technology game, his daughter Wallis is a product specialist/trainer with LPS in Irvine.  The torch passes….   : )

Art Carter, Nancy Glimore and Phil Hawkins.

From all accounts Art Carter has risen to the challenge of operating and even thriving at MRMLS.

It’s hard to remember what a mess MRMLS was when Art took over.  They had a history of messy conversions, questionable technology, lawsuits and poor management.  Since Art has taken over he has not only righted the ship but taken on leadership with new initiatives like CARETS initiative which has been a huge success.

Where did Art come from?  The answer is closer than you think.  Art was on the executive team at the Pacific West Association of REALTORS.  Or PWR as it is known locally.  PWR is the largest association in the state of California and is run ably by Nancy Gilmore.  I’ve always liked Nancy.  She’s never one to mince words and has no problem telling me when she thinks, whether you like it or not.  I like that quality in a person.  She’s honest and fair and runs a great association.  And she certainly has an eye for talent, her second in command is another stellar individual by the name of Phil Hawkins.

Phil is a super nice guy and well respected by everyone at PWR.

Bob Bemis