August 05, 2026
On Tuesday, August 4, the real estate community gathered at Avalon Events Center to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals in our industry. The 2026 FMR Awards Gala celebrated award recipients, milestone members, new inductees, and leaders who continue to strengthen our association and the real estate profession.
Nearly 200 attendees from across the industry joined us for an evening of networking, dinner, and recognition. Distinguished guests included North Dakota Association of REALTORS® CEO Jill Beck and 2026 President Kristin Oban, as well as Minnesota REALTORS® CEO Josh McFall, President Wendy Uzelac, and First Vice President Lee Porter. The evening also marked the close of the 2027 Board of Directors election, with the results announced during the program.
2027 ELECTION RESULTS
- FM REALTORS® Vice President: Travis Skonseng
- FM REALTORS® Directors: Todd Kadrmas and Tammy Askew
- Minnesota REALTORS® Director: Maureen Bartelt
HONOREES
Newly Inducted Members
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Stella Braham, Alesha Conklin, Michael Eback, Molly Howard, Jenny Kading, Shawn Kessel, Reagan Kvien, Taylor Otis, Matt Sharp, Brendan Stoetzer, Kyle Vonasek, Maddie Wendel, and Mahmoud Younis
L.E.A.D. Mentorship Program
The L.E.A.D. Mentorship Program is designed to help cultivate the next generation of leaders within our association. The program pairs experienced mentors with emerging leaders to foster meaningful connections, share institutional knowledge, encourage greater involvement, and inspire informed engagement.
- Lydia Cao, with mentor Kathryn Anderson
- Lindsey Little, with mentor Michelle Borud
- Zach Sykora, with mentor Todd Kadrmas
- Jayce Johnson, with mentor Kailer Riedman
- Nicole Outka, with mentor Tammy Askew
MILESTONE MEMBERS
25-Year Pins
The REALTORS® below were recognized for achieving 25 consecutive years of membership with the Association:
- Neal Beitelspacher, Keith Berger, Scott Breidenbach, Jim Buus, Randy Cramer, Carlita Dietz, Bryce Huotari, Angie Mann Krause, Dale Lian, Brad Paul, and Todd Randall
50-Year Pins
The REALTORS® below were recognized for achieving 50 consecutive years of membership with the Association:
REALTOR® Emeritus
The NAR REALTOR® Emeritus recognition is awarded after 40 or more years of REALTOR® membership, along with a minimum of 1 year of service at the national level. The NDAR REALTOR® Emeritus recognition is awarded after 40 or more years of NDAR membership, reaching the age of 65, and completing a minimum of 5 years of service at the state association level. This year, one FMR member was recognized for receiving both distinctions:
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Business Partner of the Year
The Business Partner of the Year award honors a Business Partner member for outstanding involvement with FM REALTORS®, including committee service, leadership, civic engagement, and business accomplishments.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award honors a newer REALTOR®, three years or less, who demonstrates a strong engagement, professionalism, and emerging leadership potential.
Jim Fay Award
The Jim Fay Award is given to an individual who exemplifies honesty, integrity, and ethics in business and beyond. This is not a top sales award, but rather a Top Character Award - presented to those who embody the exemplary spirit Jim Fay brought to our local real estate industry.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is FM REALTORS®' most prestigious honor. This award recognizes individuals whose outstanding contributions of time, effort, and passion for the industry have helped the association better serve its members and the community.
REALTOR® of the Year
The FMR REALTOR® of the Year award is determined based on a point system that considers the following categories: Local, State, and National Association Activities; REALTOR® Professionalism and Accomplishments; and Civic Activities. The nominee with the highest overall score receives the award and the nomination for North Dakota REALTOR® of the Year.
On behalf of FM REALTORS®, congratulations to all!
