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Celebrating 5 Years on ActiveRain

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

Looking back over the past 5 years, I am amazed at how much time I spent making puddles and splashing here on ActiveRain.  I have seen so many changes, watched hundreds of people come and go, and even had the pleasure and opportunity to work here as the community manager for three and a half years. 

Oh, some of the stories I could tell...  haha~

The way we do business has definitely changed.  There's been a huge shift in the way people connect and get information now online.  Technology has advanced us into a new world with exciting opportunity, and the globe has become a much smaller and accessible place thanks to social media and communities like ActiveRain.

ActiveRain taught me many things over 5 years.  I learned that blogging really does work if you have a strategy and the ability to implement an effective plan.  I learned that the culture here is really all about people, not just business.  I discovered my voice here in the rain, my passions, my purpose, and my desire to help others be successful all right here on AR.

Being surrounded by so many really cool people and supporters never hurts either.

Paying it forward is something you'll learn here.  Giving is rewarding, but only when you have no expectations for something in return.  Sharing with others unconditionally is when you will really begin to receive, and in abundance I might add.  Building a blog with great content is just temporary fulfillment, the relationships you build here will last forever.  

In the past 5 years, I have made thousands of friends on ActiveRain, had the pleasure of traveling around the Country with the previous management team Jon Washburn, Bob Stewart, and other staff members. I also found my new home at Zillow partly due to the time and efforts spent here in the rain.  Both family's have stood behind me with great patience, support, love, and encouragement.  It's been one of life's greatest adventures and career journeys for me.

What I leave behind, what I value most, and what I hope comes from all this ... is that my efforts here will continue to help others learn, grow, understand, and pursue their greatest dreams and passions.  I hope that by searching in the rain for information, technology, tips, and tools, that somehow people will not only find what they're looking for, but also find themselves, and find others in the process.

I know people will read these posts for years to come, but I hope they'll take the time to connect with others online in ways they could never have imagined.  Ahhh, to experience that human connection, that digital handshake, then the IRL (in real life) hug or handshake that takes place when finally meeting another member for the very first time.  It's so awesome!

There's really nothing like it and there's no other place quite like ActiveRain. 

This T-Shirt has been from San Fran to NYC and nearly every state in between.

It's been an incredible 5 years for me here on ActiveRain.  I look forward to what the next 5 will deliver and I do it with no expectations.  My passion and goal is to continue researching and delivering faster, better, easier, and more efficient ways to help you and others get the job done more efficiently and effectively.  (Both on-line and off)

Behind, I leave you with 5 years of content on my blog.  You'll find everything from personal challenges, real experiences and how to overcome them, to some moments of great celebration. I've posted every tutorial and how-to I can possibly think of here, I hope they'll continue to help reduce some of that learning curve, inspire and motivate your creativity, and help readers continue to prosper. 

There is a lot of love, passion, and transparency that has gone into my work here in this community. 
I hope this will be apparent and come through in my Blog. Thank you for a great ride and journey ActiveRain.

Jan 2012 (4)  & Feb 2012 (4)

Mon/Yr/Posts
Dec 2007 (9)
Nov 2007 (11)
Oct 2007 (11)
Sep 2007 (10)
Aug 2007 (12)
Jul 2007 (13)
Jun 2007 (14)
May 2007 (29)
Apr 2007 (18)
Mar 2007 (41)
Feb 2007 (9)

Dec 2008 (13)
Nov 2008 (10)
Oct 2008 (13)
Sep 2008 (18)
Aug 2008 (17)
Jul 2008 (9)
Jun 2008 (9)
May 2008 (10)
Apr 2008 (13)
Mar 2008 (16)
Feb 2008 (7)
Jan 2008 (4)

Dec 2009 (9)
Nov 2009 (10)
Oct 2009 (11)
Sep 2009 (11)
Aug 2009 (14)
Jul 2009 (12)
Jun 2009 (8)
May 2009 (12)
Apr 2009 (12)
Mar 2009 (14)
Feb 2009 (7)
Jan 2009 (11)
Dec 2010 (9)
Nov 2010 (8)
Oct 2010 (10)
Sep 2010 (8)
Aug 2010 (8)
Jul 2010 (9)
Jun 2010 (6)
May 2010 (12)
Apr 2010 (7)
Mar 2010 (8)
Feb 2010 (12)
Jan 2010 (11)
Dec 2011 (6)
Nov 2011 (5)
Oct 2011 (3)
Sep 2011 (5)
Aug 2011 (7)
Jul 2011 (5)
Jun 2011 (4)
May 2011 (7)
Apr 2011 (8)
Mar 2011 (9)
Feb 2011 (9)
Jan 2011 (10)

Comments (82)

Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Congrats man! I am one of literally thousands who have had the benefit of your help and expertise over the years AND I count you as a friend!

Feb 21, 2012 07:43 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Brad, I was amazed in NYC and the extent of your knowledge and the quickness with which you presented it. You are one of the AR good guys. Thanks for all the knowledge.

Feb 21, 2012 08:35 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I remember that shirt, yup...SF when I first met you and Christa met Bob and the rest is history. 

 

Feb 21, 2012 09:31 PM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

Hi Brad. I always appreciate the good sense and good advice in your posts. Thanks for all the work you've contributed over the years.

Feb 21, 2012 10:45 PM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

Congrats on the 5 year anniversary. You've an absolutely great job and appreciate your being here for us!

Feb 21, 2012 11:23 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Happy 5th Brad! Thank you for your many contributions to this community!

Feb 21, 2012 11:59 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Thanks Brad for all you have shared over the years and what you will share in the years to come,

Feb 22, 2012 03:08 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Congrats on your 5 years. It's a great place 'to grow up in'. Thanks for sharing all these years your great ideas big & small.

 

Feb 22, 2012 07:45 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

It's truly been one of the greatest experiences and journey's in my life

I'm stepping back for a bit, taking a hard look at many areas of my business and personal life. Defining my absolute true values. Evaluating my efforts is important since time cannot be turned backward. 

My ActiveRain blog may just end up taking on an entirely new look, feel, and focus, I haven't decided or discovered its role for the future just yet. Whatever happens, and whatever direction fate and destiny will lead me, I promise to always remember those of you who have touched... and in so many different ways, changed my outlook and perspective on life.

I appreciate all of you so much, and I have been blessed beyond all imagination.

Thank you :-)

Feb 22, 2012 08:14 AM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Brad... I have been tied up and not paying attention for a few days, but please accept my belated congratulations on 5 years.  I can hardly believe it will be 5 years for me later this year.  Thank you so much for all you have taught me over the past 5 years... you have always been overly generous with your time and knowledge.  You have been a fantastic mentor and friend.  And it is all appreciated more than I can express. 

Looking forward to spending some time together in Dallas next week!

Feb 23, 2012 01:19 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Today, February 26th is the actual day I wrote my very first post on Activerain 5 years ago! 

Man, time sure flies when you're having fun....    :-)

Feb 25, 2012 11:08 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who love you and treat you right. Forget about those who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just said it would be worth it."   --author unknown

Feb 25, 2012 11:49 PM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Brad

Just wanted to add my thanks as well, cheers cvc

Feb 26, 2012 05:19 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

5 years ago today... I just found this in the archives.  lol~

Feb 26, 2012 07:21 AM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

It's hard to believe that's it only been five years. Seems like a lot longer for some reason. Congratulations

Feb 29, 2012 09:53 PM
Cheryl Dickson
Retired Realtor / Retired Home Inspector - Oklahoma City, OK
Retired Realtor, GRI / Retired Home Inspector

CONGRATS!!! Whew! What a great job! I really enjoy following your blog and I've learned so much! Thanks for all of your helpful tips and insight.

Mar 12, 2012 09:00 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Thanks Cheryl - it's been a GREAT 5 years!!  :-)

Mar 12, 2012 09:14 AM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Brad....Wow 5 years already, what a great ride it has been and your input has been over the top my friend. Thanks for being part of our lives...you have shared soooo much with us all...School has been a Blast, Friendship priceless.

Can't wait for the next 5 years.

Thanks!

Mar 12, 2012 01:43 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Thanks Fred - every letter, every moment... worth every effort.  A fabulous jouney without any doubt!!  :-)

Mar 12, 2012 03:10 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I had my 5th anniversary on the 3rd of January this year and boy the times certainly have changed. The way we do business and connect with people. I do love the fact that I learn so much here in the rain and it keeps me up to date on the newest technology.

Mar 15, 2012 02:22 PM