Nobu Hata

By Nobu Hata

What a week!  The energy and will YPN has been showing the last few months was on full display at Midyear.  Between committee meetings, Association Executive strategy, and Diversity outreach plan, the buzz was all about YPN this Midyear.  Were your ears ringing?

The one thing I’ll take away from 2010 NAR Midyear is NAR’s embracement of the YPN agent.  Not necessarily a YPN member – mind you – but the REALTOR(R) who wants to try and make a difference, no matter the experience, income or past level of involvement.  Just know, that if you have the desire to change the status quo, and the energy to be persistent about it, your voice will be heard.  Not only will it be heard, but you’ve got others to reinforce it, and leadership that will listen, thanks to Ron Phipps and Moe Veissi.  (Seriously, hit those guys up on Facebook!)

Those guys have been charged with carrying on the YPN torch from previous administrations, breaking down the walls, politics and bureaucracy of National involvement, and sticking their neck out in the process.  From Diversity to MLS issues to Strategic Planning to Communications, there is a National committee for every YPN and the walls once there to exclude, aren’t there anymore – so let’s take advantage of it.  What’s more: for 2011, three of nine liaisons to incoming President Ron Phipps will be a YPN member.  Impressive, isn’t it?  I’ve never been more inspired and proud of a group of REALTORS(R) in my life.

But let’s be patient.  NAR is a 100 year old institution, and change will not happen overnight, cool with that?  YPN is in this for the long haul and it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

Special thanks to all the NAR and REALTOR(R) Magazine leadership and employees who made the YPN Midyear experience possible, y’all know who you are!

Nobu Hata is a sales associate for Edina Realty in Minneapolis,  and a founding member of the Minneapolis YPN group, the YoPros.  Visit his Web site at www.nobuhata.com.