Fort Wayne, Ind.—The Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® (UPSTAR) named Joel Essex, Schrader Real Estate & Auction of Fort Wayne, its 2023 REALTOR® of the Year.
The REALTOR® of the Year is selected by the recipient’s peers and is UPSTAR’s top award, recognizing outstanding volunteer contributions on behalf of the association, the real estate industry, and the community. It is given to a REALTOR® member who exemplifies the highest level of professional conduct in serving the needs of the public.
Essex was the 2023 President of UPSTAR Multiple Listing Service (UPSTAR MLS) Board of Directors, the 2022 President of the UPSTAR Board of Directors and has also served as a board director at the state level for the Indiana Association of REALTORS®. He serves on USPTAR committees that advocate for private property rights at the city and county level and that promote economic development in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.
The REALTOR® of the Year honor was just one of several service awards presented during UPSTAR’s General Membership meeting in December. Additional awards included:
- Hall of Fame Award—Sharon White, Premier Inc., REALTORS®.
The Hall of Fame Award is given for exceptional and outstanding service to the community and the real estate profession over a lifetime. White has served and supported UPSTAR for more than 30 years as a member of the association. - Affiliate of the Year— Jen Luke, Trademark Title
Luke received this award for her exceptional service and support of UPSTAR’s charitable outreach events. - Outstanding Service Award— Patrick Maloblocki, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Maloblocki received this award for his leadership, volunteerism, and commitment in serving UPSTAR and the real estate profession at the local and state level in recent years. - President’s Award—Kim Ruffin, Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®
This award was given to Ruffin by the 2023 UPSTAR President Rudy Koch for her assistance and support of Koch during his term as president. - Special Projects Award—Adam Smith, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and Beth Walker, Fairfield Group REALTORS®
This award was given to Smith and Walker for their efforts in establishing the association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program. - Community Service Award—Bob Burnsworth, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
This award was given to Burnsworth for his extraordinary dedication to community service in Huntington, Ind. for starting and leading a thriving food ministry.
