Remembering Denise Schmidt
Remembering Denise Schmidt with love
We often refer to Green Team Realty as a family. And the sudden, tragic passing of Denise Schmidt has left the Green Team family reeling in shock and disbelief. Yet in grief there is also a coming together. And a desire to support Denise’s children and siblings, as well as each other at this sad time.
Denise was one of the first sales associates to join what was then Green Team Home Selling System. And for the past 12 years, Denise has been a bus driver for the Warwick Valley Central School District. She was a friend as well as a business associate. And she was a vibrant member of the community. Denise’s story is about a life well-lived and the impact she had and continues to have on those around her, inspiring heroism, friendship, caring and love.
The Warwick Varsity Tennis Team – Heroism in Action
Much has been written in local media about Denise, and about the Warwick Varsity Tennis Team. Denise was the regular driver for the girls’ away matches. They were heading home after an away game when Denise suffered a medical emergency, slumping over the steering wheel. The bus veered off the I-84 on ramp at Exit 28, down into a grassy ravine, and hit a tree. On that bus were 22 students and their coach. Thankfully, the students and coach were not injured. To many, it seemed that Denise was taking care of her team, making sure they’d be safe, even as she was herself in crisis. And her team took care of her. The coach and one of the students, who is studying nursing at BOCES, went into action. They provided CPR until the paramedics arrived. And despite the frightening experience, the girls remained focused on Denise and her condition.
While waiting for updates on Denise’s condition, the team began making plans. They dedicated their next home game to honor Denise. Sadly, when she passed away the game became a memorial tribute. Team members wore green ribbons to remember Denise and to show support of her work at the Green Team. The girls then created a memorial homecoming parade float. And they began selling green wrist bands to help raise money to Denise’s family. As in most small towns, communities rise up to face challenges together. This group of young women has shown grace, courage and commitment to a woman who was dedicated to them.
Green Team Realty – A Call to Action
There is another truth about small towns. News makes its way quickly throughout the community. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, and Lucyann Tinnirello, Broker Manager at Green Team New York Realty began receiving texts about the accident. Immediately they made their way to Orange Regional Medical Center to be with Denise’s family. She was then transferred to Westchester Medical Center. Geoff began sending updates and prayer requests to everyone at Green Team. And a fundraising effort was undertaken to raise money for Denise’s children.
The Visitation and Memorial Service
The Memorial Visitation was held on Friday the 13th at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home in Warwick. Dennin, Donald, Derek and Dana graciously greeted those who came to pay tribute to their mother. And come they did. Denise touched many lives.
Her friends and co-workers from the Green Team gathered to gain comfort from each other, and to share memories of this remarkable woman. Amidst the tears there were smiles and there was laughter. Knowing that a tribute would be written for Denise, the question went around. What one word would you use to describe her? And the descriptions poured out. Kind. Caring. Amazing. Spitfire. Vivacious. Real. Ballsy. Determined. Humble. Feisty. Supermom.
Geoff Green stepped in to arrange for the location for Denise’s memorial service. On Saturday, September 14, family and friends gathered together at Spring Brook Farm to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman.
The Green Team Remembers Denise
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty:
Denise Schmidt was the kind of Realtor who would never consider the paycheck, but would simply focus on who needed help. There are a countless number of people in our marketplace who were in tricky Real Estate situations. And Denise would turn those situations into positive outcomes. Her determination was remarkable.
But it didn’t end there. The determination with her children was even more impressive. Denise did whatever needed to be done to provide a good environment for her four children. She left the four kids in great shape. They are all successful in their own right, but most importantly they are kind and caring individuals who will inevitably go out of their way to help others.
As a friend Denise was a “barrel of laughs”. Inevitably, after every Green Team social event, my wife and I would be convinced by Denise to continue the festivities. The laughs never stopped. Denise was a bus driver with a trucker’s mouth! One of her endearing traits was her ability to tell it the way it was. I always appreciated that from her. I could always count on her direct nature to give me feedback on things.
In the end, she worked until she died, and I don’t think she would have had it any other way. She always felt better when she was working to help someone and she did just that right until the end. She will be sorely missed by us all.
Donna Roberts, Agent Service Manager & Property Manager at Green Team New York Realty:
She was this quiet angel. If you mentioned something to her, like you were having a tough time or needed something, she’d do everything she could to help you. I stayed after work one day to help her with a listing. Then, when I came home the next day, there was a bottle of wine and a thank you note that Denise had left on my front porch. And last year some of us had been talking about how nice it would be to have a small fridge in the office for our lunches. So, the next day she brought in a fridge for us. These are the kind of things that Denise would do for people. No fanfare, no accolades. She just reached out in kindness. I will miss that about her, along with her “tell it like it is” view on the world.
Karen Gauvin, Licensed Agent & Realtor, Green Team New York Realty:
As a friend of Denise long before becoming a business associate, and as a mom of one of the team members on the bus that night, there is so much to share. Parents of girls on the team were notified that there had been a bus accident. We were told the kids were being checked at the scene and we could pick them up at the State Police barracks in Montgomery. Denise had been driving, so I knew the team was in good hands. We didn’t know much else at the time.
I was fortunate to have the help of another friend and co-worker, Tammy Scotto. Tammy drove me to pick up my daughter; I was too anxious to go on my own. We passed the site of the accident and just hugged each of the girls as they were released from the State Police to their families. It was truly frightening.
Learning what happened
We learned more details. Hailey told us what a happy time the team had with Denise prior to the crash. And, as their regular bus driver for their away games for the past several years, the girls knew her well. Hailey also spent a few minutes alone on the bus with Denise. She told me what a great mood Denise had been in, happy and chatty. I also learned how amazing the girls had been after such a terrifying event. Despite having gone through such a difficult and harrowing experience, the girls were strong, caring more about Denise’s condition than what they had been through.
After learning that Denise had passed, the team wanted to pay tribute to her. The girls dedicated their September 9 game to Denise’s memory. And while they did win, the lessons learned from sudden and tragic loss were what really mattered. Appreciating what is truly important, cherishing memories, being kind. They also dedicated their homecoming parade float to Denise and have been raising money for her family to help with expenses. And they will continue to hold Denise’s memory in their hearts. I’ll be sharing information on future events as they are planned, so we can support our team in their efforts to remember Denise. Together we will keep her legacy alive. And we can all remind ourselves what really matters.
Lucyann Tinnirello, Broker Manager, Green Team New York Realty:
Denise was a special person, and that carried through to her professionalism. She was always willing to help, and to share her knowledge. She served as a mentor to several of the newer agents, teaching them what she knew. Denise was an incredibly hard working single mom, and there lies her greatest accomplishment. Four incredible children who share their mom’s kindness and capacity for sharing.
Jennifer DiCostanzo, NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, Green Team New York Realty:
Looking through my photos I came across these and was filled with lovely memories. I had to smile, remembering years of wrapping Holiday Baskets for the food pantry with Denise and our group of volunteers. Each year we waited for her to arrive after her morning school bus run. And each year we nominated her as our official Green Team Basket Wrapper. I know when it’s time to wrap our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets we’ll be remembering Denise with love and laughter. And be grateful that we had this wonderful person in our lives.
Please share your memories of Denise
Denise Schmidt made an impact on so many lives. We hope that your memories will become part of this memorial. She will always be a part of the Green Team family, always loved, never forgotten.
Green Team 2019 Awards Ceremony Looks Back at Momentous Year
Agents and staff of Green Team Realty gathered together on January 17 for their 2019 Award Ceremony. Warwick Valley Country Club was the perfect place to celebrate a year that was momentous in many ways.
2019 – A Year to Remember
According to Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, the “Green Team 2019 Awards Ceremony is all about appreciation for our Sales Associates. They are the ones out there in the field doing the hard work of listing and selling homes. This is a tough business that puts many demands on their time and resources. The Green Team Award Ceremony is a way to say thank you, highlight their achievements, and get them ready for another busy year.”
Geoff welcomed everyone and outlined some of the year’s milestones. Once again, through dedication, hard work, support, creative marketing, and consistent training programs, many Green Team Sales Associates saw their businesses grow.
Green Team #1 In Warwick and Vernon for Sales Volume and Units Sold
It was with great pride that Geoff announced Green Team was #1 in Warwick and Vernon. Green Team New York Realty (“GTNYR”) was #1 in Warwick for sales volume and units sold. Furthermore, Green Team New Jersey Realty (“GTNJR”) was #1 in Vernon for sales volume and units sold for the second year. Both did well in their respective counties, too. GTNYR was #8 out of 385 real estate offices in Orange County. And they were #9 out of 385 in terms of units sold. GTNJR was #8 out of 388 in terms of sales volume in Sussex County. And it was #6 out of 388 in terms of units sold.
Award Presentations
Geoff believes in acknowledging and rewarding both growth and achievement. And what makes the award presentations so special is the support and pride that the whole Green Team family shows to the recipients. This year Green Team Realty had a special presenter. Geoff’s wife, Laura, announced the winners in each category. She was aided by Donna Roberts, Green Team’s Agent Service Manager for the Vernon office, and event planner extraordinaire.
MVP Award
Jennifer DiCostanzo received the MVP Award for over $12 Million in sales for 2019. Jen, the first and only recipient of this award, also achieved the MVP in 2017 for over $10 Million in sales. Geoff Green had this to say about Jennifer: “While everyone can stand back and marvel at Jennifer’s accomplishments, what truly is the reason for her success is her work ethic. No one takes their business more seriously than Jennifer. She is a true professional in every sense of the word, and she works hard for everything she receives. There is no doubt that Jennifer will be at the top of Orange County, NY Real Estate Sales Associate production charts for many years to come.”
Yearly Sales Leaders
GTNJR’s team of Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar received the Yearly Sales Leader Award for the second year in a row
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And Jennifer DiCostanzo received GTNYR’S Yearly Sales Leader award for the fourth year in a row.
President’s Club
In 2018 a new level of achievement was introduced. The President’s Club Award is given to those sales associates achieving between $5 and $10 Million in Sales Volume. For 2019, recipients of the award were, from left to right: Charles Nagy, Keren Gonen, and Ted Van Laar of Green Team New Jersey Realty. And Vikki Garby, Nancy Sardo, and Dean Diltz of Green Team New York Realty.
Captain’s Club
This established award is given to those who do $3 to $5 Million in Sales Volume. From left to right, recipients are Kristi Anderson, Heidi Hyland, Alison Miller, and Barbara Tesa of Green Team New Jersey Realty. And from Green Team New York Realty we have Tammy Scotto, Lucyann Tinnirello, Kristine Many, Angela Murphy, Carol Buchanan, and Toni Vogel. Not pictured is Chris Kimiecik.
Honorable Mention
This category was created in 2018 to acknowledge those Sales Associates who had $1.5 to $3 Million in Sales Volume. Recipients of this award, from left to right are Ann Nussberger and Cathie Witte of Green Team New Jersey Realty. Not pictured: Kimberly Lasalandra. From Green Team New York Realty are Pip Klein, June Cosgrove-Hays, Walter Ross, Tiffany Megna, Tom Folino, and Jacque Kraszewski. Denise Schmidt was given the award posthumously, with the certificate accepted by her daughter, Dana. Not pictured: Guillermina “GIdget” Tavares, Kim Lesley, and Linda VandeWeert.
The Momentum Builder Award
Every year Geoff Green selects a sales associate who has demonstrated hard work and determination while overcoming obstacles. Someone who has come through a tough spot in life and turned challenges into great success; not just in real estate but in life. A person who shows no signs of going backward. Because it’s all about building momentum towards a brighter future. This year’s Momentum Builder was Denise Schmidt, and there was not a dry eye in the house when Denise’s daughter, Dana came up to receive the award on her mother’s behalf.
Denise passed away suddenly in 2019, leaving family, friends, and co-workers in shock. She was much loved and is missed by all. Dana spoke movingly about Denise and her legacy. As a loving, hardworking single mom, Denise did whatever it took to provide for her family. In addition to being a sales associate with Green Team New York Realty, she was also a bus driver for the Warwick Valley Central School District.
The People’s Choice Awards
The winners of these awards are selected by their peers.
Citizen Of The Year
Recipients of this award are nominated by their co-workers. Both have made outstanding contributions to our local communities. This is the fourth year in a row that Jen DiCostanzo has been named Citizen of the Year by Green Team New York Realty. Jen originated Light Up the Holidays for Green Team to raise funds for local charities. The program evolved into Team Up for Hope, an initiative to raise funds and awareness of local organizations working in the fields of mental health, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention.
Keren Gonen has been named Citizen of the Year by her peers at Green Team New Jersey Realty for the third year. Keren has been instrumental in raising funds for local charities. She is also extremely active in Team Up for Hope.
These women truly believe in giving back to the community and put in the time, effort, and commitment to make things happen.
Team Player Award
Recipients of this award are deemed the most reliable, positive and dependable. Furthermore, they work well with others and have great problem-solving skills. It is no coincidence that the award went to the Agent Service Managers of each office. Andrea Wynn was voted Team Player by her peers in the Warwick office. And Donna Roberts was voted Team Player by her co-workers in Vernon.
In addition to her position as ASM of the Vernon, NJ office, Donna is a talented Event Planner and Coordinator. Her skill was evident in the many details of the Award Ceremony on display.
A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors
The event’s sponsors helped transform the Awards Ceremony into an awards Celebration!
Amy Green, VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, was a Diamond Sponsor. Geoff Green watched with pride as his sister, Amy, addressed the gathering. Douglas R. Stage, Esq..of Stage Law Firm, LLP (formerly Stage & Nathans) was a Platinum Sponsor. And Gold Sponsors were: Joe Mayers of Septic Experts, LLC; David Willner, Pillar to Post Home Inspections; Kenneth Flood, Quest Financial Services; Jamie Fiscus, Allied Title, LLC, and Frank Frasco, Home Inspection LLC. As is usually the case when real estate professionals get together, there is “shop talk.” The Awards Ceremony provided an opportunity for Green Team Sales Associates to discuss local market conditions and community with sponsoring companies.
There was also the opportunity to dance! DJ Freddie Z kept the crowd entertained and energized. And George Tsakanias and Klaus-Peter
However, there was something else evident in the room. There was a sense that this was a TEAM. And as members of a team, there was pride, support, friendship, and respect for each other’s accomplishments. What’s more, you could tell that plans, goals, and dreams were beginning to take shape and would see the members of the Green Team through the coming year.
Green Team Realty’s 2019 Launch Competition Was a Big Success
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Green Team Realty’s Launch is a competition with a purpose. It provides incentives for Sales Associates to learn or improve their use of Green Team’s Customer Relationship Management system (“CRM”). The ultimate goal is providing the best in customer service and appreciation. By inputting and keeping track of the information and activities pertaining to client transactions, agents are better able to refine their client appreciation programs. Further, maintaining relationships with clients past, present and future in today’s challenging real estate market makes everyone a winner. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, promotes the competition at the beginning of each year. He feels that agents who fully know and use the CRM can provide better services to their clients while also getting better control of their businesses and lives. Besides, a little friendly competition and generous prizes ensure some serious participation.
Thanks to the Team Leaders!
Before announcing the winning teams and individuals, Geoff Green first thanked the team captains for volunteering their time and effort. “These ladies went above and beyond to make this a fruitful competition for all of the Sales Associates. Great job to all team captains!” In the Warwick office, Angela Murphy volunteered to once again serve as a Launch team leader. And Kim Lesley stepped up as team leader of the opposing team. At the Vernon office, Cathie Witte took on last year’s team leader and individual winner, Keren Gonen. All four leaders did their best to inspire their teams to become proficient in using the CRM. And, of course, to score the points given for CRM activities.
Angela Murphy Kim Lesley Cathie Witte Keren Gonen
The Winning Teams are:
In Warwick, Kim Lesley’s Rock’n’Rollers put up a valiant fight, but Angela’s Murphy’s Master Minds came out on top. And in Vernon, Cathie’s Witte’s Wonders came in with the most points, despite a great showing by Keren’s Gonen’s Greenies.
This year Geoff awarded cash prizes for each of the top ten Sales Associates on the winning teams. Each sales associate had to have a minimum of 600 points from February 14 to March 31, the length of the Launch competition.
And the Individual Winners from those Winning Teams are:
- Top Sales Associates with the most points: Carol Buchanan (Warwick) and Heidi Hyland (Vernon)
- Top Sales Associates with the second most points: Tom Folino (Warwick) and Cathie Witte (Vernon)
- The 3rd and 4th place Sales Associates: Angela Murphy & Denise Schmidt (Warwick) and Joyce Rogers and Kim Lasalandra (Vernon)
- The 5th and 6th place Sales Associates: Nicole Willner & Lucyann Tinnirello (Warwick) and Ann Nussberger (Vernon)
- The 7th and 8th place Sales Associates: Terry Gavan and Toni Kreusch (Warwick)
- The 9th and 10th place Sales Associates: Nancy Sardo & Karen Gauvin (Warwick
Dean Diltz was not a member of the winning team. However, as the highest point earner in the Warwick office, he was awarded a special prize.
Looking forward to Launch 2020!
Will our team leaders step up for the challenge again? Which team will score the most points? And what incentives will Geoff offer to motivate everyone! Stay tuned for February 14, 2020, when Launch 2020 will blast off!
Green Team 2018 Awards Ceremony celebrates another year of growth and success
Agents and staff of Green Team Realty gathered together on January 18 at the Warwick Country Club to celebrate a year that was momentous in many ways. Geoff Green welcomed everyone and outlined some of the year’s milestones.
Among them, a new home for Green Team New Jersey Realty and a beautiful renovation of the Warwick Office. Add to that the many new sales associates that have joined Green Team New York Realty and Green Team New Jersey Realty.
Growth was an important topic. Through dedication, hard work, support, creative marketing and consistent training programs, many Green Team sales associates saw their businesses grow. And both offices saw sales volume increase. In fact, Green Team New Jersey Realty became #1 in Vernon (based on a comparison to all GSMLS offices in the township by closed sales volume for the period of 1/1/18-12/31/18). This achievement is made even more impressive considering GTNJR first opened its doors in 2016.
Award Presentations
Geoff Green believes in acknowledging and rewarding both growth and achievement. And what makes the award presentations so special is the support and pride that the whole Green Team family shows to the recipients.
Yearly Sales Leaders & 4th Quarter Sales Leaders
President’s Club
As several sales associates achieved between $5 and $10 Million in Sales Volume, a new award category became necessary. Meet the charter members of the President’s Club.
From Left to Right: Jennifer DiCostanzo, Ted VanLaar, Joyce Rogers, Charles Nagy, Pip Klein, Tammy Scotto, Nancy Sardo and Dean Diltz.
Captain’s Club
This established award is given to those who do $3 to $5 Million in Sales Volume.
From Left to Right: Keren Gonen, Barbara Tesa, Vikki Garby, Lucyann Tinnirello, Linda VanDeWeert, Chris Kimiecik and Kim Lesley.
Honorable Mention
This new category was created to acknowledge those Sales Associates who had $1.5 to $3 Million in Sales Volume.
From Left to Right: Kimberly Lasalandra, Janine Blandino, Angela Murphy, Jacque Kraszewski, Mary Lynch, Terry Gavan, Toni Vogel, Tom Folino, Alison Miller, Ann Nussberger.
Not shown: Julianna Green, Toni Kreusch, Connie Marines, Denise Schmidt.
The Momentum Builder Award
The People’s Choice Awards
The winners of these awards are selected by their peers.
Citizen of the Year
Team Player Award
And a special thank you goes to…
Green Team Awards Ceremony for 2017
Geoff Green takes the name of his company, the Green Team, quite seriously. Being an agent here is all about being part of a team. It’s about perfecting your craft, providing consummate service to each and every client. Also, it’s about providing support to your team mates. Furthermore, it’s about reaching for and achieving goals. At the Green Team Awards Ceremony, those goals were recognized. On January 26, 2018 the Green Team family came together to celebrate a very good year. 2017 saw many agents not only succeed in their goals, but surpass them. As a result, Geoff presented the framed certificates with pride.
Geoff was asked how it felt to have so many of his agent’s reach various levels of success. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” he replied. After starting this company 13 years ago, Geoff is seeing his goals surpassed by people he deeply cares about. One of the things that he loves about this business is its ability to help improve, even change, lives. And knowing that he has had a part in creating the training, the support, the vehicle and the opportunity for change means everything. Because, above all, this business is about people.
Awards were presented at Albert Wisner Library, followed by a Post Awards Ceremony Celebration hosted by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank at the Historic Warwick Inn.
Presentation of awards was by category.
And the Green Team’s First MVP Award, for $10+ Million in Sales Volume, Goes To…
Finally someone broke Geoff Green’s record of $10 Million in sales in a year, and he couldn’t have been happier or prouder. When Geoff first met Jennifer DiCostanzo, he told her that he saw her as becoming the #1 Agent in all of Orange County, not merely in the Green Team. When asked about how she felt on achieving over $10 Million in sales in 2017, Jen replied… “Rewarded.” “Humbled, honored to be recognized for all the hard work and long hours I put in. This is something you don’t take lightly. The numbers don’t mean everything. You need tunnel vision; just focus on meeting the expectations and needs of your clients. That is ultimately the goal, and in the end, everyone wins.” Jen is excited to have raised the bar, both for herself and for her fellow Green Team associates.
Jen lovingly acknowledges the support and contributions of her family. She couldn’t have done this without them. They’re a team, organizing and having flexibility because of her often erratic schedule and long work hours. Her recipe for success? When you are given an opportunity, determination, hard work, keeping current, and keeping steady will keep you on track. “When you love what you do,” says Jen, “it’s not work. I can’t imagine doing anything other than Real Estate.”
In addition to the very special MVP Award, Jen was awarded Yearly Sale Leader for 2017 and Citizen of the Year, for her outstanding contributions to our local community. In the middle photo, Jen and Vernon Yearly Sales Award Winner, Keren Gonen, happily display their awards.
And It’s Another Triple Win…
In the Vernon office, Keren Gonen scored a triple play. In addition to being Yearly Sales Leader for 2017, Keren was voted Team Player and Citizen of the Year by her coworkers. What makes this all even more special is that this was Keren’s first year as an agent. Furthermore, to Geoff Green, Keren is a shining star, a remarkable sales person with tenacity and drive to be at the top. Keren truly believes that where a person lives has a big impact on their happiness. Therefore, she loves helping her clients, whether they are buying or selling, achieve their goals and enhance balance and happiness in their lives. She dedicates herself to providing them with the best real estate experience possible. In real estate, Keren has found her balance and happiness. And, in the Green Team, a new home.
Momentum Builder Award
This is a very special award for the Green Team Sales Associate who has created the most positive and consistent momentum in their professional career. The nominee has had the same impetus reflected in many aspects of their professional career, and in their personal life. This year, Tammy Scotto was honored and moved the ceremony attendees with her story and words of inspiration.
The Captain’s Club
The Captain’s Club is one of the ways that Geoff recognizes and rewards the members of his team who have achieved a certain level of success in their business. Agents who have achieved a sales volume of $3 Million or more are acknowledged. There are benefits that go along with getting to this level. According to Geoff, it’s about more than sales volume. It is about showing that you have what it takes to be the captain of a team.
Captain’s Club – Warwick
From left to right: Dean Diltz, Angela Murphy, June Cosgrove-Hayes, Pip Klein, Tammy Scotto and Vikki Garby. Not shown in photo: Chris Kimiecik, Nancy Sardo, Denise Schmidt and Lucyann Tinnirello .
Captain’s Club – Vernon
From left to right: Barbara Tesa, Charles Nagy and Keren Gonen.
Top Producer Awards
Agents in this category reached over $2 Million in sales volume.
From Left to Right: Linda VanDeweert and Terry Gavan of the Green Team Warwick Office proudly display their awards, as do Ted Van Laar and Joyce Rogers of the Vernon office. (Not Shown in Photo: Stacy Springer, Vernon office)
And last, but definitely not least…
The Warwick office selected Donna Roberts as its Team Player of 2017. Donna is the person who is there for everyone, doing everything. She keeps the agents and the offices running smoothly. And, she did a remarkable job coordinating this event. Thank you, Donna!