by: Andrea Larson, Brand Manager photo by: Stephanie Ringleb Photography Last week at North&Co. we held the first DEBUT! of 2022 – our version of orientation, though it’s really anything but. It’s a chance for new members of the community to join together to hear our leadership recount the meaning of the brand, the history of the company, how our vision has evolved, and more. It’s filled with laughter, a few tears (that will happen when a company is built from the heart), and gratitude. There’s always something special about hearing its history, and each time a special moment or memory stands out to me. This time, one of my favorite memories shared was that of Brian North’s partnership with Stephanie Gonzalez – the fact that Brian has been witness to nearly eight years of Stephanie’s magic, and that all he wants is for it to be shared with the world. So here we go. A rising tide lifts all boats – this is the epitome of Stephanie Gonzalez. Since she was first named Chief Operating Officer in 2014, she has worked to maintain a brokerage that is nimble, innovative, relevant, and ultimately offers a unique proposition to both consumers and our agent population. In 2020, Stephanie was named Chief Executive Officer and continues forging the way for North&Co. to challenge the status quo of the traditional real estate experience, and business itself. Stephanie is a hands-on leader who has fostered an open-source & share-based community, which is at the core of all company training & development. She leads with compassion, honesty, communication, and understanding. She creates space for the leader within each and every member of the organization, making sure all know their voice will be heard – and felt. When it comes to mentorship and business coaching, Stephanie intertwines both personal and professional development, highlighting the individual’s strengths and pulling in parallels from their relationships, clients, and family – creating a safe space for people to process and utilize what’s happening in their life to show up as their best selves in their business. She truly believes that anything is possible for anyone, and instills this in others to help create something that may have seemed impossible. Stephanie is a super-mom and super-leader – and has set a precedent of valuing the whole person. Our company culture sees vulnerability as strength, promotes balance by welcoming kids & dogs, and empowers each member of our organization to own their role and their business. With this mindset and leadership, North&Co. experienced a frenzy of growth in one of the hardest years: 42% growth in full-time staff – 35% growth in sales volume – and 26% growth in sales agents. Thank you, Stephanie, for being our rising tide. Whether as a mentor, leader, business partner, friend, or mother – every person deserves someone who challenges them and champions for their success in the ways that you do.