Johnson's legacy is not just about the establishment and growth of TREND, but the sharing of information across the country. TREND values all we have learned from her: passion, inspiration, dedication, and wisdom.
Some local industry leaders expressed their thoughts about working with Rita Johnson and their best wishes for her:
"Few people outside the walls of TREND's organization understand the importance of the role Rita Johnson has played in the development of TREND. Her leadership and passion for this organization have guided it from conception to where it is today. We, the users of TREND, take this for granted for many of us have no means of comparison. Having had the opportunity of attending many national MLS and real estate meetings I can say that TREND is - without question - considered to be the best. It is the envy of the industry, is held up as a model . . . across the country."
- John Burke III of Gloria-Nilson GMAC Real Estate, Hamilton Square, NJ
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"TREND is really one of the 'trend-setters' for multiple listing services around the country. I've seen our evolution from sheets of paper to listing cards and MLS books to each agent being able to log on to the system on their computer. With Rita at the helm, TREND has always been right on top of everything. That's why we were one of the first Internet-based MLSs. But even then, she didn't let us bask in that glory, she was always constantly trying to improve TREND and have it evolve."
- Henry P. Jacquelin, Coldwell Banker Diamond, Willow Grove, PA
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"From my vantage point as an Association Executive, Rita's leadership and management style fostered an environment of professionalism and productivity. Her ability to create and nurture strong partnerships with the Shareholder Associations resulted in mutually beneficial services for real estate professionals throughout the region. Her attributes of vision, strength, and collaboration are qualities I admire and respect, which form the basis of my esteem for her as a mentor."
- Anne Marie Matteo, executive vice president, Suburban West REALTORS® Association
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"Rita is one of the most talented CEO's with whom I've ever worked. Her personality, demeanor, management style, vision, selection of people and coolness under pressure are truly to be admired. TREND has benefited tremendously from her guidance since the very beginning. Her relationship with and management of the Board of Directions was and is a thing of beauty. She leaves big shoes to fill, which will challenge us all."
- Dick Christopher, Patterson-Schwartz-Lancaster Real Estate, Hockessin, DE
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"We are very sorry to see Rita leave us, but extremely gratified to have been blessed with her skills and her friendship for many years. Her personal growth in her leadership style and vision has been tremendous in her time here and her future is one of continued growth and more personal time to kick back and enjoy her family ties and friendships around the United States. We wish her happiness, good health and continued success."
- Chip Roach, Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®, Malvern, PA
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"Rita has always been a driving force in the industry. She has had an influence in some way on MLS executives across the country. I look to her when it comes to common sense and customer service. Those are two things that make TREND stand out from other MLSs across the country. I have the utmost respect for Rita. Not only do I value my professional experiences with her, but I am proud to say she is also one of my best friends."
- Beth Murphy, President and CEO, RMLS, Portland, OR
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"Rita and I worked together in the early 1980s. She taught me one of my first business financial lessons early in our business careers. I worked in sales; she in operations. She invited me out to client dinners and when the check came, she invariably invited me to pick it up! It has been this way ever since. Rita is one remarkable talent. She brings energy, passion, humor and knowledge to each encounter. How will we ever fill the void?"
- David Charron, President and CEO, Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc., Rockville, MD
To find out more about the change in leadership at TREND, read News Document #698, "Leaving a Lasting Legacy."