GKAR REALTOR® of the Year

The GKAR REALTOR® of the Year is recognized by their peers for their outstanding and exemplary contributions to the real estate profession, which include demonstrating exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication in their work. This prestigious award also acknowledges their significant efforts and positive impact on the greater Kalamazoo community, where they have shown a commitment to community service, leadership, and fostering growth and development. Through their professional achievements and community involvement, they have set a high standard for others in the industry to follow.

Lisa Faber 2019

2025 REALTOR® of the Year

Lisa Faber

REALTOR®, ABR®, PSA
 
414 W. Milham Avenue
Portage, MI 49024
 
Cell: (269) 352-0330
Office: (269) 381-7653
Toll Free: (800) 959-0759
Email Lisa

 

Since becoming a REALTOR® in 1996, Lisa has spent 28 years serving the Kalamazoo area. A graduate of Calvin College in 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education before transitioning to Real Estate, where she has built a successful career centered on helping clients achieve their homeownership goals. Over the years, Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to both her profession and her community. She served on the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® (GKAR) Board of Directors for nine years, including a term as President in 2023.

In addition to her leadership role at GKAR Board of Directors, Lisa also served on the Community Relations committee from 2006-2020 as a member and Director Liaison. She has been an active volunteer in many current and past GKAR local initiatives, including Flowerfest, the Blood Drive, Habitat for Humanity, and Bowl for Kids' Sake. She is also a dedicated participant in annual community fundraisers such as Back to School supplies drives, Adopt A Family during the holidays, and has volunteered with Junior Achievement in the Kalamazoo and Comstock schools.

Lisa’s guiding philosophy, Dedication with a Purpose, drives her approach to Real Estate, ensuring that every client receives thoughtful, personalized service. A committed advocate for the industry, she is an annual donor to RPAC and stays engaged in the profession by attending MR and NAR conventions. Lisa holds the GRI I, ABR and PSA designations, further reinforcing her commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise to her clients.

Nominations

The nomination period for the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year is September 1st through September 15th, 2025.

Important Details:

  • Nomination period is September 1st - 4:30 pm, September 15th, annually.
  • Nominees must be a Primary Member of GKAR.
  • Nominees must possess a current Michigan Real Estate License.
  • Nominees must have been a GKAR Member for a minimum of five consecutive years.
  • Self-nominations are permitted.
  • Nominees cannot be a current officer, newly-elected officer, or former REALTOR® of the Year.
  • The recipient will be honored at the local level and recognized at the GKAR Installation & State of the Association Holiday Luncheon. 
  • The REALTOR® of the Year name will be submitted to Michigan REALTORS® (MR) for consideration as MR of the Year and shall be the guest of GKAR at the appropriate MR Convention.

Past Recipients

2020    Greg Miller
2021    Bill Evenboer
2022    Shelly Pattison
2023    Suzzette Deaux
2024    Joy Watts
2025    Lisa Faber
2010     Rick Berner
2011     John Buttery
2012     Audrey DeVault
2013     Cheri Schulz
2014     Cathy Gasper
2015     Nancy Fish
2016     Lee Crossley
2017     Gayle Zientek
2018     Dan Jaqua
2019    Natalie Rowe
2000     Ray Becker
2001     Mary Sutton
2002     Don Cain
2003     Sue Cornell
2004     Wayne Wilkinson
2005     David Maturen
2006     Dennis Field
2007     Rose Rook
2008     Rick Hoffman
2009     John Jackson
1990     Kathy King
1991     Tim Brown
1992     Nick Pratt
1993     Judy Haugh
1994     Jared Arnold
1995     Lonnie Palleschi
1996     Sally Elser
1997     Al Rowe
1998     Tim Brown
1999     Marty Wagar

1980     John W Bosch
1981     Rod O' Brien
1982     Tom Tobin
1983     Jerry Carlson
1984     Lowell I Swanson
1985     Marian E Greene
1986     Robert L Walton
1987     Sam Cupps
1988     Woody King
1989     Phyllis Bogren
1970     Kenneth S Bright
1971     Bruce R Perry
1972     Arthur C Early
1973     John W Bosch
1974     Philip C Keelan
1975     Meryl Weimaster
1976     Philip P Perry
1977     Douglas R Preston
1978     Frank R Stokes
1979    John B Olheiser
1960     C Ray Clapper
1961     Ty Carter
1962     Robert Early
1963     Harry Hurni
1964     Arthur Warly
1965     Lowell A Swanson
1966     ---
1967     BW Borkenstein
1968     Robert E Greene
1969     Dale O Wheeler
1958     Orville B Schroeder
1959     Clarence Hawthorne