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Meet Ken Garby
Ken Garby is bringing his investment real estate experience and extensive financial knowledge to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!
Ken Garby grew up in Warwick, New York. Here he met his wife Vikki, President of BHGRE Green Team, and grew to have a strong love for the area.
Ken received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He and Vikki relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey soon after Ken began his career. Ken designed and built sewage treatment facilities and managed HVAC projects in NYC.
Ken soon discovered his passion for investing and decided to pursue a career in this field. He soon passed his Series 7, 55, and 63 exams and began his new career working on Wall Street. For seven years Ken excelled as a licensed Registered Representative working as a stock trader for one of Wall Street’s premier proprietary trading firms. Although his license is no longer active, the years of financial knowledge are a valuable asset to anyone looking to invest in real estate.
The Road to Real Estate
In 2005, Ken and Vikki began investing in Real estate, and in 2008 Ken stopped trading professionally and became a full-time Real Estate investor. By combining a strategy of accumulating rental properties and flipping houses, they now have 21 residential and 7 commercial units in Orange County that Ken manages. Ken is a strong negotiator and has extensive experience on both the buy and sell side of many transactions.
After starting their family, Ken and Vikki decided to return to Orange County to raise their children. Their son Zachary, and daughter Melina, went on to flourish in the Warwick Valley Central School District. Zach has since graduated and went on to attend Syracuse University and Melina is currently a Junior at Warwick Valley High School.
Ken and Vikki are proud parents who make sure to play an active role in their kids’ lives. Ken has loved coaching his kids’ soccer, baseball, and softball teams since they were young. Even now he continues to coach softball for the OC Bombers’ travel team that Melina plays on.
After returning to Warwick, Vikki became a licensed real estate agent and joined BHGRE Green Team. With hard work and dedication, Vikki was promoted to BHGRE Green Teams’ President in May of 2022.
After his wife became Green Team’s president Ken decided it was time to become a realtor himself. With almost 20 years of investment real estate experience and extensive financial knowledge, Ken knew this was the right move for him. Additionally, his skills and understanding of construction/flipping give him the ability to recognize the value of a house.
It is no doubt that a realtor with Ken’s knowledge and experience will be an unbeatable asset to every client that he meets.
Joe Mackey Rising Star in Real Estate & Basketball
Discovering his Passion
Joe Mackey grew up in Warwick and began playing for the WVCSD basketball team when he was in middle school. Throughout the years his dedication to the sport only continued to grow. During his two years of varsity, his team enjoyed a lot of success including a 15-5 record as a senior which is the best record Warwick has had in the last 15 years. Following this event, Joe knew that he wanted to become a coach.
After playing for the WVCSD throughout his middle and high school years, Joe attended Bucknell University. While there, he became a valuable member of their Division 1 basketball team. During his time at Bucknell, he learned about the coaching side of the sport and upon graduation, he knew he wanted to pursue it.
The travel and job relocation that comes along with being a college basketball coach can be difficult when it comes to family. Joe soon decided to become a High School coach and has never regretted this decision. It was the perfect opportunity to impact student-athletes and have the family and career he has always hoped for.
A Lucky Encounter
As luck would have it, in the summer of 2012 Joe was attending a graduation party when he ran into his former Junior Varsity coach, and fellow Green Teamer, Tom Folino. Tom was no stranger to Joe’s passion for the sport and asked him to join his staff as Varsity Assistant. After two years as Tom’s assistant Joe took over as the JV Head Coach. Three years later, when Tom Folino decided it was time to retire, Joe was promoted to the Varsity Head Coach and he hasn’t looked back.
“I had Joe as a student since he entered elementary school as a kindergartener. I then taught at the high school and had him as a student there as well. I was Joe’s junior varsity basketball coach his sophomore year. Joe has always been a leader and someone you can count on to do the right thing. He has an excellent rapport with all ages and genuinely cares about his players and staff. His knowledge and his ability to relay that to his players is what makes him stand out as a teacher/coach. He brings out the best in all of his players. We are fortunate to have him as our varsity basketball coach at Warwick High School.”
-Tom Folino
A Successful Career
Joe is now in his 11th year coaching the WVHS basketball team and 6th year as the Head Varsity Coach. His passion for the sport is reflected well in his team’s accomplishments. They started the season 11-0, a Warwick boy’s basketball school record. They have since set a new school record at 13-1 and it is Joe’s hope that they can continue to succeed.
Nine players returned for this season and they have been working out consistently since April of last year. With Joe’s expert guidance, his players have developed an excellent understanding of the game and what is expected of them.
“They trust the coaches and their peers and I think this has contributed significantly to how our season has gone thus far. We have worked extremely hard to build a culture that values work ethic, positive attitudes, and accountability.”
-Joe Mackey
In Joe’s previous five seasons of coaching, his team has made the playoffs four times. Although they have yet to win a playoff game Joe is confident that will change this season.
As an expert agent and coach, Joe will always give his clients the same 100% he gives his team.
BHGRE Green Team’s Pajama Drive
The Gift of a Cozy Night
Hundreds of children in our community have never had the opportunity to own their own pajamas. BHGRE Green Team decided to help our community by collecting brand new pajamas for children from ages Newborn to 18.
This fundraiser ran from November 14th – January 5th and we received a massive outpouring of support from our community and staff. Throughout the duration of the event, donations were dropped off at both our Warwick and Vernon offices.
At the end of the fundraiser, all the donations collected in our Warwick office were given to Inspire, Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association. This group provides various outpatient, educational, and support services for individuals of all ages and abilities. Inspire then went on to share these pajamas with other charities. A few of the recipients were Fearless!; HONOR; Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, NY; The Alamo; and Inspire Kids Preschools.
Additionally, everything collected in our Vernon office collected was given to Project Self-Sufficiency. Project Self-Sufficiency serves families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon. Their mission is to provide support to low-income single parents while they obtain the skills necessary to achieve economic independence.
We are so happy to have helped support these wonderful organizations and look forward to doing it again next year.
2022’s 4th Quarter Sales Leaders
We are proud to share our 2022 4th Quarter sales leaders. These agents have shown their hard work and dedication and have ended the year on top.
According to Vikki Garby, President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team,
“Our agents have endured significant changes this past year. In an effort to strengthen our organization for the benefit of both our clients and our agents, we made management changes and we affiliated with the international lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. While change can be difficult, our agents embraced our new tools with the guidance of our new leadership. Throughout the year, they stayed focused on their clients’ needs which is first and foremost our #1 priority. I’m so proud of each and every one of our agents and look forward to another great year in 2023.”
Congratulations to all these amazing agents!
Carol Buchanan, Kristi Anderson, Cara Dumond, Barbara Matchett, Tammy Scotto, Ted Van Laar, Charles Nagy, Nancy Sardo, Barbara Tesa, Krissy Many, Yvette Saldana, Edward Sattler, Kim Lasalandra, Chris and Megan Kimiciek, Joe Mackey, Michelle Spina, and Tom Folino.
Agent Spotlight on Krissy Many
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
This is a quote that reminds Krissy Many to strive to be her best every day.
A top-tier Agent
Krissy became a realtor in 2015 and since then has created a very successful career for herself.
Out of all the agents we have at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team Krissy has been in the top 10 for the last 3 years and counting. She is very proud to have ranked 2nd in 2022’s 3rd quarter sales volume. Additionally, she has accumulated over 85 Five Star reviews on her website. This is the most that any agent in her brokerage has ever received before.
An Expert in the Business
Krissy’s BS in Economics and Masters in International Business and Marketing gives her an extra level of expertise to bring to her clients. Furthermore, while in real estate she has gone above and beyond to acquire knowledge to better assist her clients. Going on to become a Graduate of Dr. Karrass’s Effective Negotiations, Associate Broker, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP). As well as receive her Commercial & Investment Real Estate Certification.
Krissy holds a lot of respect for Veterans as they have given so much for our country. The desire to be able to better serve Military and Veteran clientele is what inspired her to obtain her MRP. To ensure she could give them the possible representation when buying or selling real estate.
Pride in Her Work
As a Real Estate Consultant, Krissy’s main focus is to help her clients achieve their real estate goals. She provides expert coaching and teamwork and places heavy importance on communication and results. Krissy continues to be a trusted source of referrals and information for her clients long after the deal is closed.
Krissy enjoys working with many different types of clients and the challenges and problem-solving that accompany this career. The joy that comes with seeing her clients achieve their goals is unmatched.
A New Experience
Recently Krissy was presented with a new challenge, assisting an overseas buyer with their purchase and relocation to the Hudson Valley.
When asked about this experience Krissy told us:
“Due to the time difference; we mostly communicated via text & email with a few calls when we could manage it. The buyer viewed homes via video and purchased site unseen. We closed, she moved in and loves the home! But I still have no idea what she looks like.”
If Krissy can successfully take on a deal like that she can take on anything!
Meet Renee Williams
Renée Williams is bringing her expertise to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!
Renée began her career as a political analyst in London’s Parliament. Following that she spent nearly a decade in Private Equity as a Financial Analyst. She worked in Midtown, Manhattan, at a global real estate-oriented merchant bank, asset management, and investment company. This company was the industry leader in distressed and value-focused real estate investing. This position earned her unrivaled experience across the real estate industry.
At the end of 2019, Renée relinquished her role at C-III Capital Partners to devote more time to social impact matters. Following this, she became a part of a minority-led, technology and social impact company in SoHo, New York. Providing top millennial, corporate professionals access to philanthropic, board leadership opportunities within well-known nonprofits and foundations. While a part of this company Renée led Corporate Relations, Diversity Training, and Partnership Engagement.
An expert in her field
Renée now works as a licensed real estate advisor. With extensive experience across mixed-use commercial and residential real estate. Additionally, she has firsthand property development and interior design experience. Thanks to her nearly 10-year career in private equity investment real estate she has lots to bring to the table as a real estate advisor.
“I enjoy all the different aspects of real estate and it doesn’t feel like work.” Say’s Renée when asked about her experience as an agent.
Additionally Renée is a Political Science Graduate of Boston University and Foreign Language Studies at London School of Economics. She is also an active member of the prestigious Alumni Society. This elite network is composed of senior-level Latinx leaders who graduated from the country’s top universities.
Making a house into a home
Four years ago Renée and her husband made the decision to leave Brooklyn and to relocate to the Hudson Valley. While house hunting in Greenwood Lake, they found a hidden gem in the form of a small lakefront bungalow. This home had recently gone into foreclosure and was in desperate need of some TLC. Thankfully Renée and her husband had a vision and were ready to make it a reality. After some hard work, they had completely transformed this property. They were now proud owners of an idyllic, three-story, contemporary-modern, designer lakefront home.
Renée’s dedication to her community
Now Renée is a proud member of the Warwick Valley Rotary Club and recent graduate of Leadership Orange Class of 2022. She is happy to go above and beyond for her community and serves monthly at the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry. Furthermore, she is honored to sit as the Chairwoman of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation.
As a former nationally ranked Rhythmic Gymnast and New England Patriots Cheerleader, Renée enjoys an active life. She can often be found on new adventures and traveling with her husband and two young children.
A new team to call her own
When it came time for Renée to leave her previous brokerage she wanted to find a group that would help her achieve her goals. When she met with us at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team she could tell she found her new “home”. With our entire team ready to support her every step of the way she was ready to begin her newest adventure.
When asked why she picked Green Team she said: ” I chose to make a move because I feel that at BHGRE Green Team I would receive support. I also knew that they would truly focus on my success and help me to achieve my goals. That kind of support and personal touch is difficult to find in this industry.”.”
We are so happy to welcome Renée to our team and can’t wait to see all her future accomplishments.
Another Successful Applefest!
Warwick’s Most Anticipated Event
The charming village of Warwick welcomed people for another very successful Applefest. An estimated 30,000 people come every year to enjoy the many treats Warwick has to offer.
Taking part in the Excitement
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team was excited to join in on the fun. Our booth included the perfect photo opp with a beautiful faux house, courtesy of Valentine Home Builders, complete with branded pumpkins and fabulous fall decor. Clearly many others were also impressed as we had hundreds of people stop by to take photos throughout the day.
Many people jokingly asked, “Can you come to my house and decorate my front door?” BHGRE Green Team’s Marketing Director, Nicole McCormick, who organized the event took that as a huge compliment. “As a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate offers many staging tips and guides for the home. I wanted to bring that to life at Applefest. With the help of the brand, our agents and Valentine Home Builders, that thought came to fruition. We will be using the same Door Front Display at our Furever Homes for Pets: Pet Portrait Fundraiser this weekend; all proceeds benefit the Warwick Valley Humane Society.” said Nicole.
Showing their devotion to their Community
Our sales associates were front and center to enjoy the festivities. They handed out brochures about the area, balloons to little ones, and goody bags they created themselves. Our agents love to go above and beyond; an ideal that is shown in the care that they take with their clients every day. Being able to meet new people and spread the love during Applefest was a great experience for everyone.
“It was a great event; it felt really good being a part of the team.” stated Brian Cisek.
“Me too!” Replied Nancy Sardo, “It was a great day spent with great people! Here’s to next year!”
A Rewarding Experience
In addition, Green Team was excited to have the opportunity to host a raffle to win a brand new Apple Watch SE. We had many people enter but the lucky winner was Linda Zappala!
We love having the opportunity to get to know our community on a personal level. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team strives to ensure that everyone we have the honor to work with receives the best possible experience.
Apple Fest 2022 was a huge success and we look forward to participating again next year!
Green Teams Small Groups
If you’re looking to improve your real estate career, consider joining a brokerage that puts emphasis on teamwork and peer relationships. Even though that might not be something that initially comes to mind as a helpful resource in real estate. Green Team Realty is showing the positive effects that it has on its agents’ work.
“Small Groups” was created by Green Team Realty to give its sales associates the opportunity to connect and learn more from their peers. Each group consists of 1 group leader and no more than 10 group members. These meetings occur monthly with the exception of August and December. Every group is then given activities and discussion topics that cover everything from sales skills to health and wellness.
Carol Buchanan was the first sales associate to lead one of these groups. She has been a real estate professional for nearly 29 years, a member of Green Team New York Realty for four years, and achieved the Gold Award for $5-10 Million in Sales Volume for 2021. . Her group meets on the second Friday of every month and the members have grown exceptionally close since its start. Carol works with Morgan Beattie, New York’s Agent Service Manager (ASM), to make sure that her group has everything they need for the meetings including printouts and snacks.
Carol, as well as the other group leaders, are experienced professionals and great people for their group members to learn from.
Green Team Realty hires agents of all experience levels and Small Groups is a great asset to new and experienced agents alike. If this sounds like a team you would enjoy being part of, consider reaching out to us to learn more about what Green Team offers its agents.
Agent Spotlight Thomas Folino
A little about Tom…
From a young age, Tom combined his love for community and sports by coaching teams in Little League Baseball, the Youth Recreation Soccer program, and the Youth Basketball League. For the past 14 years, Tom has run a summer basketball camp. In addition, he was the founder and director of the Warwick AAU Basketball program. It is also no surprise that Tom chose to teach in the Warwick Valley Central School District, where he was highly respected as both a teacher and coach. He was the Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach for 20 years, and the Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach.
Tom’s interest in real estate came from his own personal experiences. When buying and selling his own homes throughout the years, Tom found that he actually enjoyed the process – from obtaining financing to negotiating the best deals, and everything else involved! After retiring from teaching, Tom decided to pursue real estate full time, motivated by a desire to help people sell their houses and find homes they’d love within this community he knows so well. From his long and distinguished career in Education, he brings the same enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism to his real estate career. His main goal is to place his clients’ needs and desires first. And his first-hand knowledge of the importance of a quality school system to a community, as well as his knowledge of Warwick and its many neighborhoods and villages, are definite assets.
Before entering the real estate profession, what did you do?
How and why did you become a real estate agent?
What do you like best about being a real estate agent?
What do you like least about being a real estate agent?
What was your most memorable/unusual real estate transaction?
What is it like being part of the Green Team?
How would family and friends describe you?
What is your proudest accomplishment?
What does “home” mean to you?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about selling their home?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a home?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
2nd Quarter Sales Leaders
Green Team Realty has announced its 2nd Quarter Sales Leaders. They are Keren Gonen, of Green Team New Jersey Realty, and Kasey Malone, Green Team New York Realty.
Keren Gonen
Since joining Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2017, Keren has been a quarterly sales leader many times. In addition, she has twice been the yearly sales leader. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, had this to say about Keren:
“What is most amazing about Keren is not her continued success as a top-producing Realtor, but rather her devotion to people. Keren donates time out of her very busy day to organizations such as Team Up for Hope, and the Sussex County Association of Realtors on top of being a great Mom and Realtor. Congratulations once again Super Star. Keep up the good work.”
Keren stated:
“Being able to assist buyers, sellers, and investors in this market has proven to be a test of my craft. I love Real Estate and hope that each and every one of my clients has felt my passion and desire to serve others. Learning how to serve my clients best in this crazy Market has been the biggest learning curve for me. I’ve had to get creative and definitely think outside the box. I am so grateful that I have been able to assist so many clients in finding or selling their homes or investment. Thank you, to all of you who have chosen me to accompany you on this journey. Be safe and let’s make 2021 the best year we’ve ever had!”
Kasey Malone
Geoff Green congratulated Kasey on being the 2nd Quarter Sales Leader for the New York office:
“A big congratulations to Kasey who is a first-time Quarterly Sales Leader. Kasey lives out the phrase, “work by referral”. Kasey’s friends, neighbors, and relatives all know how honest and hard-working she is. Now the rest of the world does too. Great job Kasey, and keep up the good work.”
Kasey shared her thoughts on being the Q2 Sales Leader at Green Team New York Realty:
“Doing real estate part-time and strictly by word of mouth has made me solely rely on building my reputation as a real estate agent. Each year I set a goal for myself to beat last year’s sales, this year has been my best so far! I had the distinct opportunity to work with famous clients who were referred to me through a close friend and I am grateful that they chose me for their real estate needs. I love my Green Team! They give you all the tools you need to succeed and we get to build great business relationships with each other along the way! This is a huge milestone for me in my real estate career and I am so excited to receive this award!”
