48th Annual Excellence Awards Honors 2025 Top Agents

March 26, 2026

This year’s celebration highlighted the dedication, leadership and professionalism that continue to shape the metro Denver real estate industry. With awards spanning individual, partnership, team, office, project and special recognition categories, the evening honored those who demonstrated exceptional production, meaningful service to clients and communities, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Realtor® profession.

With winners across 16 different categories, including individual, partnerships, teams, office, projects and special recognition, as well as 39 awards given out. Highlights of the event included special recognitions for the Oliver Frascona Lifetime Achievement Award, Broker/Manager of the Year, Realtor® of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Support Person of the Year, Community Service Award, DMAR Emerging Champion Award, Pathways Award and Social Media Impact Award, in addition to top project, individual, partnership, team and office awards.

“The Excellence Awards are one of the most meaningful traditions at DMAR because they recognize not only outstanding production, but also the leadership, integrity and service that strengthen our industry year after year,” said Lisa Nguyen, president of the Board at DMAR. “These honorees represent the very best of the Realtor® community in metro Denver, and we are proud to celebrate the professionals who continue to raise the bar for their clients, their peers and the communities they serve.”

“This event reflects the depth of talent, dedication and impact across our membership,” said Brendan Bailey, CEO of DMAR. “From emerging leaders to longtime industry veterans, this year’s award winners exemplify what it means to serve with professionalism, innovate through change and contribute to the continued strength of real estate in the Denver metro area.”

Award Winners

Oliver Frascona Lifetime – John Danyliw, Danyliw & Associates, received the Oliver Frascona Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a career that has left a lasting mark on the Colorado real estate industry. A managing broker for more than 55 years, Danyliw has built an extraordinary legacy grounded in education, ethics, leadership and service. Throughout his career, he made professional development a priority, regularly incorporating educational value into weekly sales meetings and helping agents strengthen their knowledge and professionalism. He was also among the first Colorado brokers to earn the Certified Residential Broker designation, traveling out of state to complete coursework when those classes were not yet offered locally.

Danyliw’s impact has extended far beyond his own brokerage. He taught pre-licensing courses, served in leadership roles at the local, state and national association levels, and dedicated years to Professional Standards work, including chairing more than 100 ethics and arbitration hearings through JCAR, DMAR and CAR. A past president of the Jefferson County Association of Realtors®, past director for both CAR and NAR and a two-time recipient of NAR’s Omega Tau Rho Award, Danyliw exemplifies the steady leadership, integrity and lifelong contribution this award is designed to honor.

Broker/Manager of the Year – Melanie Madden, 8z Real Estate, Denver Central, was named Broker/Manager of the Year for her exceptional leadership, commitment to agent development and dedication to advancing professionalism within the Realtor® community. As a broker-manager, Madden has built a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability and service, consistently going above and beyond to support her agents through hands-on mentorship, education and strategic guidance.

Beyond her day-to-day management, Madden has distinguished herself through active engagement in the community and industry. Under her leadership, her brokerage has participated in initiatives such as One Warm Coat, local open space beautification efforts with Denver Parks and Recreation and the creation of Blessing Bags for individuals experiencing homelessness. At the same time, she has remained deeply committed to ethical practices, continuing education and elevating the Realtor® brand. Her ability to lead with both operational excellence and servant-hearted purpose made her a standout choice for this year’s award.

Realtor® of the Year – Jen Routon, RE/MAX Alliance, Denver Central, was honored as Realtor® of the Year for her exemplary leadership, unwavering service to the industry and outstanding commitment to DMAR and its members. A managing broker with more than 18 years of experience, Routon has built a highly respected career serving clients across metro Denver while also making an extraordinary impact through association leadership. As 2024 president of DMAR, following years of service on the Board of Directors, she led the organization through a significant period of industry change with a focus on transparency, collaboration, education, advocacy and long-term sustainability.

Among her most notable contributions was her leadership during the 2024 sale and transition of REcolorado, Colorado’s largest MLS. Routon played a key role in helping guide the association through a complex and highly consequential process, prioritizing fiduciary responsibility, clear communication and the best interests of Realtors® and the broader industry. Colleagues also recognized her for attending events, remaining accessible to members, helping hire DMAR’s CEO and leading with integrity even when difficult decisions were required. Her professionalism, courage and service have had a lasting impact on the association and make her richly deserving of this recognition.

Rising Star of the Year – Shannon Johnson, The Agency Denver, was recognized as Rising Star of the Year for the immediate impact she has made through client advocacy, market knowledge and community-centered service. A Denver native with deep roots across many of the city’s neighborhoods, Johnson brings a valuable blend of local insight and professional experience in client engagement, marketing operations and real estate investment. That combination has helped her quickly stand out as a thoughtful, strategic advisor who supports clients with clarity, responsiveness and confidence. Her perspective as both a real estate professional and investor has strengthened her ability to guide a wide range of clients, and her commitment to volunteerism and mental health advocacy further reflects the leadership and promise that define this award.

Rookie of the Year – Amy Martin, Compass, Highland, earned Rookie of the Year honors for her impressive early production, a people-first approach, and a natural ability to build lasting client relationships. With $15,566,500 in production, Martin quickly established herself as a standout new agent by pairing strong local market knowledge with genuine care for the people she serves. A Colorado native known for her warmth, positivity and deep community involvement, Martin has built a reputation as both a trusted advisor and a connector, bringing energy, authenticity and thoughtful support to every client interaction. Her standout first year, combined with her strong presence in the broader community, signals a bright future in the industry.

Community Service Award – Ron Martinez, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek, received the Community Service Award for his decades-long commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening the community through sustained, hands-on service. While he is widely respected for his professionalism in real estate, Martinez’s most profound impact has come through his role as a co-founder and longtime leader of the Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation, which provides full four-year scholarships covering tuition, room and board to deserving Denver-area high school seniors attending Colorado State University. He has helped build, fundraise for and steward the foundation since its inception in 2001, with the Denver Derby Party serving as its signature fundraiser. As the event celebrates its 25th and final year in 2026, its legacy includes funding more than 50 full four-year scholarships, a testament to Martinez’s consistency, generosity and life-changing impact on students and families across the community.

DMAR Emerging Champion Award – Christina Ray, Live.Laugh.Colorado. Real Estate Group, was named the recipient of the DMAR Emerging Champion Award for her leadership, mentorship and commitment to professionalism within the Realtor® community. A Realtor® for more than five years and a respected leader within Live.Laugh.Colorado., Ray has built a reputation for people-focused real estate rooted in trust, honesty and integrity. Her impact is especially visible in the way she mentors fellow agents, generously sharing her time, knowledge and perspective to help others elevate their professionalism and better serve clients. Through her service on DMAR’s Market Trends Committee and her commitment to continuing education and ethical advocacy, Ray has emerged as a thoughtful leader whose influence continues to strengthen both her brokerage and the broader Realtor® community.

Pathways Award – Delia Garcia, Live.Laugh.Colorado. Real Estate Group, was honored with the Pathways Award for her exceptional commitment to language access, consumer protection and equitable guidance for Spanish-speaking homebuyers. Garcia serves clients with extraordinary care, helping them navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives in their preferred language and with confidence. In an industry where contracts and disclosures are presented in English, she goes well beyond the expected role of an agent by often acting as both trusted advisor and translator while also connecting clients with lenders, title professionals and industry partners who can communicate clearly in Spanish. Her education-first approach and dedication to helping clients avoid confusion, misinformation and predatory practices have made her a fierce advocate and an essential guide for families pursuing homeownership.

Social Media Impact Award – Olivia Merrill, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC, received the Social Media Impact Award for building an authentic, engaging digital presence that educates, connects and inspires both clients and the broader Denver community. With more than 11 years of real estate experience and a background in brand development and influencer marketing, Merrill has used social media not simply as a promotional tool but as a platform for trust-building and meaningful engagement. Her content consistently combines real market insights, neighborhood highlights and behind-the-scenes storytelling in a way that feels transparent, relatable and community-driven. With an audience of more than 25,000 followers, Merrill has demonstrated how digital platforms can be used to foster informed conversations, support local businesses and strengthen community connections.

Industry Partner of the Year – Don “Howdy” Graham, Sky Manor Roofing & Exteriors, was recognized as Industry Partner of the Year for his long-standing support of DMAR, his servant-minded approach and his genuine commitment to the success of Realtors® across the metro area. Over more than 26 years in business development, Graham has earned a reputation for offering thoughtful service, practical guidance and no-pressure support to brokers and clients alike. Colleagues described him as a consistent advocate for DMAR and its members, someone who not only sponsors events, but also shows up, participates fully and encourages broader involvement in the association. His kindness, generosity and unwavering support of the Realtor® community made him a standout recipient of this year’s honor.

Support Person of the Year – Tracee Wilcox, Live.Laugh.Colorado. Real Estate Group, was named Support Person of the Year for the essential role she plays in strengthening operations, supporting agents and protecting the client experience behind the scenes. As director of operations for Live.Laugh.Colorado., Wilcox oversees transaction compliance for more than 200 transactions annually, manages financial operations and serves as a trusted resource for agents navigating brokerage procedures, compliance questions and day-to-day challenges. Known for her calm, solutions-oriented approach and deep commitment to professionalism, she helps ensure transactions are handled ethically, efficiently and with the client’s best interest at the center. Her behind-the-scenes leadership has elevated operational standards within her brokerage and across the wider Realtor® community.

TOP INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Individual | $ Sales Production

Anne Dresser Kocur, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
Mckinze Casey, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Jeff Plous, Hatch Realty
Kristin Harris, milehimodern, Cherry Creek
Leo Rowen, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek

Individual | Number of Transactions

Hussein Garcia, Keller Williams, Downtown
Leo Rowen, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Anne Dresser Kocur, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, DTC
Adrienne Herzog, LPT Realty
Jeff Plous, Hatch Realty

TOP PARTNERSHIP AWARDS
Partnership | $ Sales Production

Gina Lorenzen & Kara Couzens, Kentwood Real Estate, DTC
Liz Richards & Deviree Vallejo, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Trish Bragg & Maggie Armstrong, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Libby Levinson-Katz & Elizabeth Sacerdoti, Kentwood Real Estate, DTC
Brian Harris & Jamie Harris, Kentwood Real Estate, DTC

Partnership | Number of Transactions

Debra Guy & Chris Harvey, RE/MAX of Cherry Creek
Liz Richards & Deviree Vallejo, LIV Sotheby's International Realty, Cherry Creek
Amy Grossman & Scott Grossman, Madison & Company Properties, DTC
Libby Levinson-Katz & Elizabeth Sacerdoti, Kentwood Real Estate, DTC
AK Riley & Susie Warta, Coldwell Banker Realty, South Metro

TOP TEAM AWARDS
3-5 Members | $ Sales Production