A well-known name in commercial real estate was recognized Tuesday at an Commercial Association of REALTORS® New Mexico event.
Debbie Harms, CEO of NAI Maestas & Ward, was named “REALTOR® of the Year” by CARNM at the group’s annual meeting at the Albuquerque Marriott. More than 200 people attended the festivities, which also marked CARNM’s 20-year anniversary.
“I’ve been given untold opportunities in this city, state and industry. I could not ask for a more wonderful industry and group of people to work with,” Harms said.Harms has worked in the real estate industry for 30 years, is a licensed general contractor, and previously served as CARNM’s president in 2010.
Dan Newman, who won the organization’s REALTOR® of the Year in 2014, presented Harms the award.
When something needs to be done, she steps in with little fanfare. She’s served the real estate community in many ways, and gives back to the community by donating resources and time,” Newman said.
Harms was emotional when she accepted her award, saying there have been many people who have helped her along the way. In attendance was Dee Hines, who along with Frank Hines, owned a major development company that Harms once worked for. Harms has said the Hines were instrumental in guiding her career.
“I’ve been given untold opportunities in this city, state and industry. I could not ask for a more wonderful industry and group of people to work with,” Harms said.
Various commercial brokers who helped create CARNM during the group’s early days were given a nod. When CARNM began, it started as a downloadable Excel spreadsheet of all the local listings. The group later upgraded to a live online database, even before there were services like LoopNet that came on the scene.
“We were cutting edge and super sophisticated compared to where the rest of the industry was,” said Todd Clarke, a founder of CARNM.
Today, the website is a multiple listing service (MLS) that gives details on available buildings for lease and for purchase, among other features, for CARNM’s 400-plus members.
Also at the event, Bill Campbell was awarded CARNM’s first ever “Founder’s Award.” He was essential in asking the National Association of REALTOR® for approval to start CARNM.
Jim Wible, a land and industrial broker with NAI Maestas & Ward, was named CARNM’s new president for 2016. Marguerite Haverly of CBRE’s local office was selected as president-elect.
By: Stephanie Guzman (Albuquerque Business First)
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