Remembering LeFrancis Arnold: A Gentle Man who made a Giant Impact

My heart is saddened to hear of the passing of LeFrancis Arnold, a dynamic business man who fought for home ownership in California. I was honored that he was the very first person to receive an autographed copy of my new book "Buy Your First Home" at the NAREB conference in Feb.   Here's the pic:

Here's a recorded interview which LeFrancis was a guest speaker on The Power Is Now radio show last year, so you can get an insight into his motives and gain valuable tips:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepowerisnow/2012/10/25/the-power-agent-spotlight--lefrancis-arnold-president-car

Mr. Arnold's facebook page is quickly filling with condolences from Realtors(R) and those he helped during his career.  So many heart-felt comments about this respected real estate professional, here's more info about his highly regarded career from C.A.R. and from his web site:

LeFrancis Arnold was the 2012 President of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).  REALTOR® LeFrancis Arnold has been a licensed real estate broker for 34 years and a member of organized real estate for the last 35 years. Arnold was president of the Los Angeles County Board of REALTORS® (LACBOR) in 2008, and was the first appointed large Board NAR representative for Rancho Southeast Association of REALTORS® in 2006. He was first appointed C.A.R director in 1994 and was named REALTOR® of the Year by his local association in 1979 and 2008. Arnold has served on numerous C.A.R. committees at the leadership level including the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning and Finance, Housing Opportunity, Housing Affordability Fund, Real Estate Finance, Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity, and CREPAC. Active in his community, Arnold has served as chairman of the Lynwood Economic Development Committee and currently is Executive Director of Southeast Los Angeles County Community Development Corp. (SELAC).

LeFrancis started at an early age in leadership, first on the Student Council at Compton High School and later as the Captain of the football team at the University of Oregon. He won the prestigious Koyl Cup Award as Oregon’s most outstanding Junior and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Business Economics.

- Local Involvement He has been a licensed Real Estate Broker for 36 years where he joined his business partner and mother, Evelyn Arnold, who founded the business in 1967 in the City of Compton. Later, moving to the City of Lynwood, they served the community from their current location for the last 26 years. He was awarded REALTOR® of the year by his local association, the Rancho Southeast Association of REALTORS®, in 1979 and 2008. He served as President in 2000. As a licensed General Contractor for 32 years, he developed projects in the City of Compton and the southeast surrounding areas, to help improve the community and to bring new businesses and quality housing to these areas. LeFrancis presently serves as the Executive Director of the Southeast Los Angeles County Community Development Corporation and served as President of the Los Angeles County Boards of Real Estate in 2008.

- State Involvement LeFrancis became a California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Director in 1994 and served on several committees, including the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning, Housing Opportunity, Housing Affordability Fund, Real Estate Finance, Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity, California Real Estate Political Action Committee (CREPAC), and the Government Mortgage Subcommittee. In 2012, LeFrancis served as the President of the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). This statewide organization is committed to developing and promoting programs and services to enhance the member’s freedom and ability to conduct their individual businesses successfully with integrity and competency and, through collective action, promote the preservation of real property rights for all property owners. In fact, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, LeFrancis lobbied the legislature on behalf of the association as an officer of the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). LeFrancis was the keynote speaker in June 2012 at the Chinese International Real Estate Conference in Beijing, China. Additionally, as the president of the state association, he attended both Democratic and Republican political events. He advocates diversity and regularly attends events as a member of the Woman’s Council of REALTORS®, a founding director for the Multi-Cultural Urban Alliance, Asian Real Estate Association of America, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

- National Involvement LeFrancis received the first appointed National Association of REALTORS® (N.A.R.) Director of his local association in 2006. He currently serves as a 2013 N.A.R. Director with previous Director terms in 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The National Association of REALTORS® (N.A.R.) represent 1.2 million members, is America’s largest trade association, and is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in North America. Its members are a part of the “REALTOR® Party” whose nonpartisan focus is to ensure the Real Estate Industry’s voice is heard in Washington D.C. and Sacramento. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, LeFrancis made more than 15 trips to Washington D.C. to speak to members of Congress, Senators, and heads of other departments to help influence and support new legislation on behalf of C.A.R., the real estate industry, and property owners.

Another photo at the NAREB conference with attendees:

 

 

Highly respected in the real estate world as an influential leader, and broke down color barriers with his political wins.  Born 1952, died September 1, 2013.  LeFrancis will truly be missed by many!