Achievement Runs in the Family at IRM Commencement Breakfast

The 2006 IRM (Institute of Residential Marketing) Commencement Breakfast at the International Builders’ Show this past January was a meaningful day for all the MIRM inductees and others receiving Sales and Marketing designations. The ceremony marks the end of a long road for those who have worked hard to earn their designations. But this year’s ceremony was extra special for two people with unique connections to IRM.

Kay Green, MIRM, founder of Kay Green Design, Inc., was honored with the Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award, while her son, Aaron Jennings, received his Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) designation.

“I don’t know which one I was more excited about!” says Kay, who has been teaching IRM courses for years, and was National Sales and Marketing Council Chair in 1989.

Although Aaron and his twin sister Ashley grew up in the housing business, Kay admits she was surprised when both followed in her career footsteps. Aaron says that, although he loved growing up in the houses that his dad, Rick Jennings, CGB, CGR, of Nautilus Homes, built, and his mom Kay decorated, he didn’t immediately consider a career in real estate. But it just may have been inevitable. Growing up around the job site and Kay’s office clearly had an affect on Aaron, who has seen the great respect shown to Kay throughout the industry. Ashley, who originally studied for a career in aerospace, and even learned to fly airplanes when she was sixteen, is now a part of Kay Green Design, positioned to eventually take over for Kay. “It’s really flattering when your kids decide they want to do what you do,” Kay says, “because it means they’ve seen how much you enjoy it and how much you’ve gotten out of it.”

Although Kay encouraged him to get his real estate license, Aaron started taking the IRM courses on his own volition. He soon discovered he’d made a wise decision. “I was 22 when I got my real estate license,” he recalls, “and because of my age, no one took me seriously.” That changed once he had the IRM classes under his belt. “Now, I’m in a company with four people, and although I’m the youngest, my colleagues come to me for advice on marketing because of the education I’ve had. They also look at me as the condo expert.” Aaron also says that his IRM coursework relates directly to the MBA classes he’s taking.

The Trina Ripley Excellence in Education Award was created in 1989 as a tribute to Ripley, who was instrumental in creating the IRM’s educational programs. Receiving the award was particularly meaningful for Kay. “Trina was a great friend of mine,” she says. “She got me involved with NAHB years ago. After she died, Ray Osborne and I got together and decided to do something to honor her, and that became the award.” The award is one of the most prestigious honors given by IRM.

Kay credits her years of teaching with improving her public speaking skills. “Teaching is something I learned to do. I wasn’t a good public speaker when I started, but I’ve become one by being involved with IRM. Teaching helped me to do that. And I love teaching the IRM courses. I meet incredible people and I get to travel, and I learn so much myself! There’s just nothing bad about it.”

“I didn’t realize how important the award was until I saw my mom getting choked up about it when they presented it to her,” Aaron recalls. “It was great seeing everyone congratulate her.”  

For more information on NAHB designations, click here. See a complete list of nationwide course offerings here.

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