The ballots are in, and the nominees have been reviewed. For the 10th straight year, one of the leading authorities of professional excellence has compiled a list of the “Best of the Best” of the real estate industry. Today, World Media Group Inc., has announced the nominees for Who’s Who in Real Estate and according to M. Michelle McLaughlin, it was no easy task.

“This has been one of the most competitive years in the history of Who’s Who. My only reasoning for this is that we did a massive media blitz seeking qualified individuals, in many of the major Real Estate trade magazines, and we received an overwhelming response from people who otherwise didn’t know that we existed,” says M. Michelle McLaughlin, Executive Director and Talent Coordinator of Who’s Who.

Fueled perhaps, by the popularity of his mega successful show “The Apprentice”, Donald Trump finally made the coveted list. “Mr. Trump is an American icon. His successes have been widely documented, and unfortunately, so have his disappointments,” says M. Michelle. “However, I would not ever say that he has been a failure, because despite all of his adversities, he has bounced back, bigger, better and more powerful than before.” Why then, some may ask, has he not made the list in the previous years? “I was not on the selections committee then, however, I do know that many factors are taken into consideration, so it could have been one of many things, or just one thing.” I do know that Mr. Trump is a risk taker, and in this field you have to be. He believes in really putting his name out there, and he isn’t afraid to spend money and take chances. This is a trait that other people in real estate should adopt. Name recognition sells.”

Nevertheless, “The Donald”, as he is so often called, can count among his fellow nominees, a widely varying list of real estate professionals who have been in business an average of 8.2 years. A few newcomers were selected because “some of these people have really have gumption, have made their mark, and are serious about this business,” says M. Michelle.

Individuals were nominated by family, friends, and past clients, some however nominated themselves, a fact that the selection committee really commended. Says committee member Amy Ridgeway, “I really applaud the efforts of those people who believe in themselves enough to go for something that they want. Oftentimes in life, some of the best people are overlooked, and I do think that the fact that they took the time out to apply for a coveted honor speaks volumes.” The fact remains though, that the vast majority of those selected, were not even aware that they were nominated, and thinking that this was a moneymaking scheme, spam or a even a hoax, they threw out their original notification email.

How the selection process worked: over 67,000 nominations were received via email, fax or ground mail. Of those, people were divided based upon titles, designations (completed courses acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors), regions, and finally years of expertise. If the person were involved in sales, then volume was considered, but it wasn’t a major qualification for selection.

About Who’ s Who:

Now in its 10th year of honoring excellence, this elite competition, is one of the world’s most prestigious honors for Real Estate Professionals. International Who’s Who Association is the standard in reliable and comprehensive coverage of the achievers and leaders in the world. With a library of comprehensive, accurate and up to date information available in print and on the web, which chronicles the lives of accomplished men and women in every significant field of endeavor, International Who’s Who is a leader for reference, business and academic audiences alike.