By Ana María Ramos
Photos: Fidel Pérez
SANTO DOMINGO - When the clock struck 9:54 AM, the sound of a giant screen announced the takeoff of the galactic spaceship that landed in the Grand Ballroom of the Catalonia Hotel, whose stage yesterday had more than 500 real estate agents on board, who excitedly awaited the start of RE/UNIDOS 2024, the national convention that RE/MAX Dominican Republic celebrates every year.
A large group of hostesses and hostesses distributed at strategic points welcomed the special guests and real estate agents, whose spaces were decorated alluding to the concept of the activity: "A galaxy of experts".
“Welcome to this universe full of stars,” said one of the astronauts, who then gave way to Luisa Piantini and Fernando Mármol, who took charge of blessing the meeting.
“Lord, give us sensitivity to discover the best in each of us, two hands to work with enthusiasm, an open mind to understand others, give us a deep faith to believe in your word.”.
A minute of silence in honor of Laura Cabral, a franchise associate who recently passed away, took place during the program, to pay posthumous tribute to someone who was part of the brand for more than two decades.
Manuel Alejandro Grullón, president of the Board of Directors of RE/MAX Dominicana, appeared on a giant screen to officially open the store and highlight the franchise's positioning in the country.
He highlighted the more than 100 awards the firm received at this year's world convention, including, for the second year in a row, recognition as the region with the highest percentage growth. "Proud of the results achieved, we are making the Dominican Republic proud," Grullón said.
Filled with contagious energy, Mélido Marte, regional director of the real estate franchise, took to the stage to highlight the opportunities the brand offers its associates and to thank them for their dedication and efforts.
“Gratitude is the recognition and appreciation of the positive aspects in our lives. It’s not just about saying thank you, but about adopting an attitude that changes our perspective,” she commented.
He expressed that gratitude is built from within. He thanked the brand, his parents, his wife and children, God for all he has received, and the universe for being his and striving for more, on his 35th birthday. “Let’s fly, let’s enjoy, and let’s learn,” he concluded.
Using artificial intelligence, Alejandro Romero, general manager of RE/MAX Dominican Republic, introduced himself and then appeared on stage to showcase the franchise's strong performance last year.
“During 2023 we had a record number of transactions, with a total of 4,918, more than 41% in 2022,” the executive commented.
The first training session arrived, led by communicator Francisco Montalvo, who offered guidance on sales techniques through communication.
Banco Popular Dominicano, with a 20-year commercial alliance with RE/MAX Dominicana, awarded the 4 real estate agents with the highest number of referrals to that bank last year: In third place, tied, were Marta Lebrón and Ramón Castillo, who received a plaque of recognition, a copy of the book National Heritage and 50 thousand pesos each.
Second place went to Jorge Ledesma, who received 75,000 pesos, and first place went to Fernando Santos, who received 100,000 pesos. In both cases, they were also given a plaque and a book.
The first awards ceremony took place, in which more than 50 real estate agents were recognized in various categories: Platinum, Platinum+, Chairman's, and Pinnacle. Mélido Marte and Alejandro Romero presented the awards.
Aimeé Viñas, commercial director of the trust company Daf Partners, took to the stage to show the new face of the company, which is now called Trust & Partners.
The awards ceremony continued, and it was then the turn of Ismael Rubio, director of Alta Vista Village, a villa project in Punta Cana, managed by Peruvian investors, but not before adding a touch of music with a presentation by two dancers representing the culture of that country.
Lunchtime arrived, and the daytime session resumed with speaker Juan Carlos Rodríguez, who, through demonstrations using actors from the audience, prompted attendees to reflect on the challenges and importance of achieving comprehensive success.
Real estate consultant Milagros Hoffiz was recognized for her long-standing relationship with the brand and her high production output. Yaritza Reyes, of Samaná Group, presented her new project, Nomad City, a complex of one thousand units, which will be located in that tourist destination of the country.
The numerous awards ceremony followed in the afternoon, honoring the various teams and individuals. Ariel Grasso once again took home the Broker of the Year award, and his team was recognized as the most outstanding team of 2023.
Super Casas offered numerous raffles for the real estate agents present at the event.
The day passed with frequent tastings of refreshing drinks, coffee and an exquisite variety of snacks and music to keep the spirits of the attendees alive.
The RE/UNIDOS 2024 convention was a memorable day that concluded in the evening to the rhythm of good music with the incomparable masters of swing: the Rosario brothers, who after 6:00 PM lit up the stage with their particular rhythm, while a multitude of RE/MAX agents enjoyed a Bomba finale.
