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October Challenge Pumpkin Smiles All the Way!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

Thanks to Leanne Smith and Endre Barath, Jr. for hosting this month's challenge!

October Challenge - Trick or Treat Time to Share

 

 

ActiveRain is an awesome community of so many like-minded professionals!  I've been blessed to be a member since December of 2006 and an active blogger since 2009.  Looking back all those years makes me smile BIG!. There are so many folks that are in my life as a result of ActiveRain and it still blows me away.  I had no idea when I started this journey that the relationships would be such a huge part of the journey. Sure there's been a lot of business too but it's the relationships that keep me going to this day.

In January of 2009 I was in my office after hours and I received a phone call from Brad Andersohn. I think I had just taking a class or webinar on blogging and he wanted to check in with me.  He gave me so many great 'treats' on that phone call! And he and Bob Stewart continued to do so throughout the years via Meetups, classes, webinars.....the list goes on!  I had no idea of how to blog or what to blog about back in those early days.

In the early January time frame they asked me to be an Ambassador for ActiveRain.  Sure!  Why not!  That's what I'm good at!  I so enjoyed meeting all the Ambassadors on webinars etc.  And many of us starting calling each other for treats of knowledge and giving a helping hand up.  That is still going on to this day with so, so many members of ActiveRain!

Honestly I could have a list of way over 500 people that I've connected with and stayed in touch with over the years.  How to get started on that list is mind blowing!  I'd call that a mind trick.  But I'll turn it into a TREAT!

The first guy that helped me tremendously was Jeff Dowler, CRS ! And he didn't even know it at first.  I studied what he was doing on his blogs and especially his profile.  And I thought - he is about excellence!  I want my profile to be top notch.  I did call him one day and thanked him and we've been friends ever since.  I've also had the pleasure at meeting him, several times here in town and at various other meetings.  Thanks Jeff!

The next guys are, of course Liz and Bill Spear (Bill) and Craig Daniels! These two are whizzes on everything tech and AR. I can't thank both of you enough for all your support and ideas over the years.  Two Big Treats for Sure!

Here's where it's a trick...... seriously.  How on earth can I list everyone. Not possible.  Just know if you've crossed my path over the years - you are a friend!

Back about 7 or 8 years ago I had been having an issue with a national designation group for a number of years. I attempted several times to make some progress but finally said - the hell with it!  It just wasn't worth my energy or time. It took them a few years to figure it out and change the leaders around.

Here's the treat of that story!

Miss Carol Williams left a comment on a blog of mine and said - if you want to chat give me a call.  I did call her to let her know I was just fine but I appreciated her reaching out to me!  That was the start of a great friendship of which continues on to this day.  We've had more fun laughing and creating mischief!  Look what she showed up as one time she was in town.....

 

Carol Williams!

 

Happy Trick or Treating Rainers!

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Comments(41)

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Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Love your caring in the Rain Anna "Banana" Kruchten you two wtiches are a blast!😎

Oct 28, 2023 09:06 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Happy Trick or Treating Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 !  LOL oh yes us two witches have had more than our share of fun!  Oh wait.....there's more to come!  Join us sometimes.  That would be a blast!  Love you too!!

Oct 28, 2023 09:27 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

I'm in - love laughter and shenanigans😎

Oct 28, 2023 10:24 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Allright!  Fire up your broom Eileen Burns 954.483.3912!! We're riding out on the 31st at midnight!!

Oct 28, 2023 02:21 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Anna, for sharing some of your special memories.

Have an outstanding weekend.

Oct 28, 2023 09:48 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

HI Roy Kelley it's fun to share all the memories!  So many to chose from, right!!  Happy Halloween to you and Delores!!

Oct 28, 2023 02:22 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - Excellent! I really enjoyed learning about your humble beginnings with so many great ones with hearts and soul. I've met Bob Stewart on more than one occasion and Jeff Dowler, CRS once when he came to Dallas for the CRS event. I am thankful we had several occasions to talk by phone and I could tell from Phone Call #1, you have a great personality, you're smart, and resourceful. 

Thanks to you and the Ambassadors too for all they do for ActiveRain. 

Oct 28, 2023 02:27 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP we are all so fortunate to have been on this journey together in the rain!  It's been a fun ride!!

Oct 29, 2023 09:56 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Oct 28, 2023 06:36 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks Miss Kathy Streib for the feature in your Sunday Magazine!!

Oct 29, 2023 09:57 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Anna "Banana" Kruchten ,

I was so glad that Kathy Streib featured your post as I don't know how on earth I missed it. Loved your entry and the photo of Carol is a hoot! Happy Halloween!

Oct 29, 2023 06:48 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX my guess is you've been very busy selling homes in Austin Texas!!  That's such a cute photo of Carol Williams !  She makes a great good witch!!

Oct 29, 2023 09:58 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

This platform is so special for the way it not only brings about business, provided one knows how to blog to bring that attention to us, and also for the people that are on it.

Getting connected with the people here is a treat in its own way and I have been fortunate that whenever I have reached out to a members when I have been in their area, they have opened up and I can say not once have I felt like I was meeting a stranger, but more like a longtime friend.

Oct 29, 2023 06:52 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

It has indeed brought about a lot of business for many of us Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754  and more importantly the friendships are priceless!  I enjoyed meeting you and your lovely wife here in Phoenix!

Oct 29, 2023 09:59 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Thank you for sharing all those wonderful memories - there are lots of great memories here in the Rain and you picked out several to make us smile

Oct 29, 2023 07:40 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Lise Howe glad I could bring a smile to your face on this lovely Sunday!

Oct 29, 2023 10:00 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

Fond memories and a wonderful tribute here. Jeff Dowler, CRS was the first person to help me here too, way back in 2008. You brought back memories of some other folks I wish were still as prominent in The Rain as they used to be. 

Oct 29, 2023 09:18 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Barney wanted to say hi to Whisky too!  (Norman is out with Dad). Tell your Dad Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets woof woof!  Happy Halloween!

 

Oct 29, 2023 01:57 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Hi Norman!!!

Oct 29, 2023 10:13 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Yup Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets you are so spot on about Jeff Dowler, CRS always willing to help out!  And yes they've been a lot of folks move on from the rain but they're still here in another way.  Norman says hi to Whiskey!

Oct 29, 2023 10:03 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

You had me at that adorable lil pumpkin picture. Precious!

Oct 29, 2023 01:45 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Glad to hear Dr. Paula McDonald !  Me too - you just have to smile at the little cutie!

Oct 29, 2023 01:54 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I'm with Dr. Paula McDonald on that cutie pie in the featured photo! I KNEW this was going to be a fantastic post, Anna...and I have NO idea how I missed this! 

You have always been an amazing Ambassador here in the Rain and and, like you (and unless the members were just difficult people!), I have enjoyed helping anyone and everyone who needs help.

Brad, Jeff, Kerrie, Bob, Jonathan...this platform was THE most supportive I had ever seen - and STILL have ever seen. Bill & Craig have also been AMAZING support here in the Rain. Oh, there are SO many...

LOVE your entry and boy, does it ever bring me back to 'the good old days!' Thanks to people like you, the legacy continues. Love you, girl!

Oct 29, 2023 07:34 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS you were out looking for your next perfect home for you two and all your fur babies!!  Just a little bit on your plate this last few weeks!💓

For those of us that have been around a long time here, we know and appreciate, to this day, the value and level of professionalism  (and fun) everyone brings to the table. It's amazing - who knew this would be a result of this platform all those years ago! I sure didn't!

Johnathon and all the support team were awesome on every level. I'm blown away thinking back and knowing how fortunate we all truly were to be part of this community.  Very grateful!

And you my dear give so much to so many here in the Rain.......I so appreciate and love you too!  Bunches!!

 

 

Oct 29, 2023 09:12 PM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Good morning Anna "Banana" Kruchten, I LOVE...LOVE..LOVE the photo you've selected for this post. You are an incredible friend, caring, loving, quick to help...the list can go on and on. I didn't know what to expect when I first signed up for ActiveRain, what I have found is more than I could've ever imagined. I wish we could have a BIG meet-up, that would be awesome.

Oct 30, 2023 07:18 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Beth Atalay thank you for your kind words.  I feel the same way about you!  I appreciate all your support too, especially here in the rain!  It is amazing indeed the level of community we've all taken the rain too!  A gift to us all!!  Happy Trick or Treating!

 

Oct 30, 2023 12:35 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I never realized you were on AR since 2006. I remember when you became the BIG Banana. Whatever it may be you are a super lady and we all are part of a big sister and brotherhood here. We care for each other just like family. I cannot tell you how much your phone call meant to me when I lost my best friend it let me know I still had my AR friends who loved me too!    

Oct 30, 2023 11:11 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Hannah Williams well I signed up in 06 but didn't do much like others.  But then I got going and zooming ever since.  Well, mostly!!  I wanted to connect  with you that day as I knew that was a tough situation to deal with loosing your friend.  We're all here for you darling 💞

Oct 30, 2023 12:37 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hi Anna. Well that opening baby in the pumpkin was enough of a treat for me even before reading your post. Thanks for all that you do and have done on the Rain. Jeff 

Oct 30, 2023 11:53 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI ! Who can't smile looking at that sweet little cutie pie! My pleasure Jeff.  And thank YOU for all the fun and humor you bring to your posts. 

Oct 30, 2023 12:38 PM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Pumpin patch baby smiles.  Happy Hollyween.  All the best. Sam Shueh

Oct 31, 2023 08:02 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Happy Hollyween to you Sam Shueh !

Oct 31, 2023 09:29 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Reading your post was certainly a Treat, Anna "Banana" Kruchten 

It is not for nothing that you are an Ambassador here in the Rain.

Oct 31, 2023 07:45 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

What a cute story and you no much I appreciate you and Carol here on ActiveRain. Thank you for just being you 🙂

Nov 02, 2023 03:29 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

I am so honored and humbled to even be mentioned in your awesome post!

I remember those days like yesterday and how much fun it was meeting and helping members all over the country.

Having Bob Stewart, Jon Washburn, and Rich Jacobson at my side made it fun and easy to accomplish my job.

While some days were memorable and special, others were stressful, and easily forgotten. Overall the best days of my life and career were right here in the rain, with all of you.

It's a special place not for what it is but for who's here and why!! I Love and miss ya'll more than words, a comment, or a blog post could ever say! <3

Nov 16, 2023 10:16 PM