Every spring, I leave Hawaii and cross the Pacific Ocean to attend a gathering that recharges, realigns, and reaffirms my purpose in luxury real estate. This year was no exception. Eighteen hours door-to-door from Kona to Palm Beach, Florida, and I’d do it all over again. This marked my fourth RGC, and every time I attend, it feels less like an event and more like coming home to a community I’m proud to be part of. This year, RGC25 (REALM Global Collective) was a reunion of minds, a celebration of growth, and a reminder of why I do what I do.
What Is REALM?—and Why It Matters
In 2021, I was honored to be invited as a founding member of REALM, an exclusive global real estate collective where top 1% professionals connect, collaborate, and push boundaries together. REALM isn’t a brokerage. It’s not a brand. It’s a community of leaders who come together weekly—on Zoom and at events like RGC—to share ideas, challenge, and elevate one another.
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There are now over 500 REALM members globally, up from fewer than 200 just a few years ago.
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Each member averages $90 million in annual sales, collectively representing $50 billion in global real estate volume.
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Our listings sell 28% faster, and we serve a combined client base of 250,000+ individuals, including 52,000 CEOs and business leaders.
Nowadays, REALM has become its own market. It’s consistently driven by values, trust, and expertise rather than brand names or corporate structures. There’s no boss, just brilliance. It’s humbling to be surrounded by so many peers who lead with generosity, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Highlights from RGC25
This year’s RGC was held at The Breakers in Palm Beach. And yes… possibly the furthest U.S. point from Hawaii. But it was absolutely worth it. The value of these few days completely outshone the distance in terms of their impact on my work. In particular, the keynote speakers were outstanding:
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Chad Foster, who lost his sight as an adult, reminded us: “We are the authors of our stories. Excuses are for losers.” His message was raw, real, and inspiring.
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Chad Willardson, a financial advisor to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, spoke about mindset and belief: “We get exactly what we believe we deserve.”
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Kathleen Black, a performance coach in the luxury space, emphasized that “High performance is always process-driven.” She even sat next to me during opening night and spent 30 minutes generously answering my questions.
But perhaps the most powerful part of RGC25? The people. Typical conferences are places where you shake hands, exchange cards, and forget names the next day. RGC25 is different. I’ve made so many friends and connections that I know I can call when I need insight, perspective, or a referral. We talk about family, business, lifestyle, and yes, we even played a few rounds of pickleball.
We also dream and build. I have had the chance to bounce off ideas for my newest VR project with several REALM colleagues. We spent hours brainstorming, in breakout sessions, over coffee, during panel breaks, and walking back from dinner. That’s the kind of magic that happens when you’re surrounded by the right people and none of it feels forced.
What This Means for You as My Clients
Nearly all of my clients are second-home owners on the Big Island. They’re savvy, successful, and looking for a unique lifestyle. Through REALM, I have direct access to a network that spans the U.S. and beyond. Whether you’re buying in Kukio or selling in Seattle, I’m in constant dialogue with the best minds in real estate, finance, and lifestyle management.
REALM is where I first explored AI, which has since streamlined my workflow significantly. AI allows me to focus more energy on personalized client service. It’s also where I’ve learned about Family Offices and Generational Wealth, knowledge that now shapes the way I advise clients on legacy planning and long-term real estate strategies.
In a competitive industry where learning can feel isolated—especially in markets like Hawaii—it’s refreshing and powerful to have a community that pushes me to grow 1% every day. At REALM, we say: “If you’re not improving, you’re degrading.” That’s a mindset I carry with me into every listing presentation, negotiation, and client interaction.
Final Thoughts
Luxury real estate is filled with beautiful properties, along with wonderful relationships, knowledge, and vision. Being part of REALM allows me to stay ahead of trends, learn from the best, and bring world-class insights directly to my clients on the Big Island.
So yes, Palm Beach is a long way from Kona. But when I come back, I return sharper and better equipped to serve the unique needs of Hawaii’s most discerning buyers and sellers.
Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes highlights from my three days at RGC25 and gives a peek into the world where collaboration meets innovation at the highest level.
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