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Saying goodbye to the best job in the world

Reblogger Debe Maxwell, CRS
Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

Jon & DebeMy friend and mentor...Jonathan Washburn has brought to all of us, this amazing ActiveRain platform on which to build our businesses. Yes, ActiveRain was his brainchild!  He has built THE most successful real estate platform known to man (or woman)!  He has given us the business-building power and the knowledge we need to build that business, by bringing in top notch professionals both in the ActiveRain office and here as members.  

The feelings are so bittersweet--we will miss him terribly but, know that his entrepreneurial sprit is what drives him and keeps him motivated in life.  I would never want to squash that spirit but, it is truly so sad to see him leave.

We love you Jon and wish you only the best in life! 

Original content by Jon Washburn

I love ActiveRain and am overwhelmed with bittersweet feelings as I write this post.  ActiveRain's core mission means so much to me.  The Community, this amazingly rare group of people have far surpassed any vision I could ever dream.  I have experienced true emotion from every part of the spectrum throughout my tenure and it's all with thanks to you.  It is not an overstatement when I say this was the best job in the world.

However, the core of who I am is a startup entrepreneur and it's my passion and purpose to create new companies with the hopes of changing the world for the better. 

With this purpose in mind, today I am announcing that I am moving out of my leadership role with ActiveRain and will be focusing on my new start-up DailyTicket.  I will continue to be an ActiveRain champion, evangelist, advisor and significant shareholder.

 

ActiveRain is a thriving community of like minded real estate professionals and a learning organization that has blessed the entire real estate industry. My initial vision for this community has been realized and it is now time for me to hand over leadership to someone with the expectation that they will continue to shepherd and uphold the values that are the foundation of our community and become the champion for a greater vision for what ActiveRain can become. The CEO selected to lead ActiveRain through this next phase is Nikesh (Niki) Parekh; he has a long history of scaling fast growing technology start-ups and worked with ActiveRain as a consultant in 2008 and earlier this year. 

 

I will continue to work with Niki as he learns about the culture of our community, and I plan to continue to share with everyone about my experiences and challenges associated with launching a new business.

 

Being a part of this community since the beginning has been an experience of a lifetime. I wish to thank everyone who has supported the mission and the vision of ActiveRain. 

 

Comments(16)

Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

Debe thank you for this reblog because I did not see this!  I am off to Jon's blog!

Apr 18, 2011 12:35 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Thanks, Deb!  I'm happy/sad but, know he is the same!  He's going to be successful no matter WHAT he does!

Apr 18, 2011 12:37 PM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

We certainly owe Mr Washburn a large degree of gratitude for his foresight and dedication in creating and building this fabulous community !

His legacy will live on here for sure :o)

Cheers Big Sis !

Apr 18, 2011 12:38 PM
Virginia Gingras
West USA Revelation - Gilbert, AZ

Thanks for the info.  I'm new to Active Rain but it has been a great experience so far.

Apr 18, 2011 12:44 PM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

Debe - thanks for this historical information. I am still relatively new to AR. Now I can appreciate how it came into existence.

Apr 18, 2011 01:06 PM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

I've heard Jon Washburn called a genius by many in our field.  He has created a forum that has exploded and enabled all of us in the industry to reap the rewards of his brilliant mind.  I'm sure he'll do well in his next venture and I wish him the best.  Jon will be missed!

Apr 18, 2011 01:39 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hey Lil Brother!  He has certainly been one dedicated leader!  I know one thing, he will be missed!

Virginia:  Jon laid that foundation, for sure!  Welcome to AR!

Larry:  Sure!  Welcome to the Rain--you will LOVE it here--thanks to Jon!

Apr 18, 2011 01:41 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Sis!  Yes, Jon is a genius and he will always do well--he is a star and just a great guy.  I can't wait to see what's next!

Apr 18, 2011 01:49 PM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

Always sad to hear a of a great one moving on! But can certainly understand his spirit to do so. Let us hope the great things will continue, thrive and even get better (is that really possible here?) under Niki's leadership.

805 Peachtree Condominiums

Apr 18, 2011 02:31 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Debe

I truly admire a person that can take a dream and concept and turn it into something magnificent

Apr 18, 2011 04:09 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

AH Debe, I too missed his post so will head over there as well.  Thanks for the heads up.  You are so right ~ it is bittersweet...
Pamela

Apr 18, 2011 04:29 PM
Larry Story ALC
Total Care Realty - Greensboro, NC
Beneath it all is the Land, Covering all of NC

Debe,

Oh damn say it ain't so.  I was so hoping this was some sort of late April's fool joke.  I cannot believe he is leaving.  

Apr 18, 2011 05:10 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Debe,

I just read his post and so glad you re-blogged. He will sorely be missed for sure!

Apr 18, 2011 07:10 PM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

I am sad too but not surprised.  He is quietly brilliant and I knew that the first time I met him.  His next endeavor will be as successful as this I am sure!

Apr 19, 2011 04:31 AM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices
Debe, you said what many of us feel. It was unexpected, and... expected. I wish him well, and hope that his brainchild stay well and prospers... and we, too
Apr 19, 2011 04:51 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Debe, I am really going to miss this  guy!  He was my absolutely favorite Rain God!

Apr 21, 2011 03:11 PM