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IRM Achievement Runs in the Family
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Kay Green and her son, Aaron Jennings, were both honored for IRM achievements. | Kay Green, MIRM, founder of Kay Green Design, Inc., a model home interior designer based in Orlando, Fla., and her son, Aaron Jennings, were honored for their IRM (Institute of Residential Marketing) achievements during a ceremony at the International Builders’ Show earlier this year.
Green received the Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award for her years of teaching IRM courses. Jennings received his Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) designation.
“I don’t know which honor I was more excited about,” said Green, who served as the chair of the National Sales and Marketing Council in 1989.
Green credits her teaching of IRM courses with improving her public speaking skills and learning more about the industry. “Teaching is something I learned to do. I wasn’t a good public speaker when I started, but I’ve become one by being involved with IRM. Teaching helped me to do that,” she said. “I love teaching the IRM courses. I meet incredible people, I get to travel and I learn so much myself.”
While Green encouraged her son to get his real estate license, Jennings began taking the IRM courses on his own volition. He soon discovered he had made a wise decision.
“I was 22 when I got my real estate license, and because of my age, no one took me seriously,” he recalled.
That changed once he had IRM classes under his belt. “Now, I’m in a company with four people, and although I’m the youngest, my colleagues come to me for advice on marketing because of the education I’ve had,” Jennings said. “They also look at me as the condo expert.” He added that his IRM coursework relates directly to the MBA classes he is currently taking.
The two aren’t the only family members in the industry. Jennings’ dad, Rick Jennings, CGB, CGR, is a custom home builder with Nautilus Homes in Central Florida. His twin sister Ashley, who originally studied for a career in aerospace and learned to fly airplanes when she was 16, now works at Kay Green Design and will eventually take over the company.
“It’s really flattering when your kids decide they want to do what you do because it means they’ve seen how much you enjoy it and how much you’ve gotten out of it,” Green said.
The Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award was created in 1989 as a tribute to Ripley, who was instrumental in creating the IRM’s educational programs. The award is one of the most prestigious honors given by IRM.
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For a list of nationwide course offerings, click here.
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Click here to learn about membership benefits of the National Sales and Marketing Council and the Institute of Residential Marketing.
 Earn Valuable Sales and Marketing Designations Through IRM Programs
The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) offers four designation programs for sales and marketing professionals:
- The MIRM and CMP designation programs for new home marketing professionals
- The CSP and MCSP designation programs for new home sales professionals
For more information on these designation programs, click here.
Ask an Expert
You also can ask designation holders questions about obtaining a designation, specific courses, case studies and more. "Ask An Expert" is available on the NAHB Web site by clicking here.
 'Sales and Marketing Checklists' Covers the Ins and Outs of New Home Sales
“Sales and Marketing Checklists for Profit-Driven Home Builders,” available through BuilderBooks.com, covers the major steps involved in successful new home sales. Learn the ins and outs of the comprehensive contract, the move-in, warranty service, asking for referrals and a great close. This expanded second edition includes a new chapter on utilizing technology in your marketing and a more extensive chapter on mulitcultural sales.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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