A board of directors is a group of people elected by the owners of a business entity who have decision-making authority. Therefore you want to have a board that is not only educated in your field, but has the company’s interests in mind. MLSListings’ (MLSL) Board of Directors reflects the diversity of the broker community served - drawing from organizations of differing sizes, marketing models and geographies – including Chairman Bill Aboumrad.

After serving as Chairman of the board in 2009, Bill Aboumrad’s term is coming to a close as November elections are upon us. DirectConnect recently sat down with Bill Aboumrad to reflect on his experience on the board and what he feels the future looks like for an MLS.

DC:  How did you get your start in real estate?
BA:  In 1987, after college, I decided to follow in my father’s footsteps by joining him in his company, Good Real Estate. I spent seven years working long hours and developing a reputation as a trusted and caring member of the real estate community, and eventually I became a manager of a small real estate company. After enjoying several lucrative years, I became part owner of that Company and helped it grow into Re/Max Executive which had 12 offices and over 500 agents. I have since left Re/Max and now have my own company called Legacy Real Estate & Associates.

DC:  How long have you served on the MLSL Board of Directors?
BA:  I will be completing my third year on the MLSL BOD. I was Treasurer my first year, Vice Chair my second year, and am currently Chair. I represent the medium size broker on the Board. I was involved at the task force level when NCREX was being formed, and I was recommended to this Board by the Bay East Association of Realtors.

DC:  What inspired you to become more actively involved with MLSL on a leadership level?
BA:  I was inspired by the goals and objectives of the group to have one Northern California MLS.

DC: How does your industry experience help MLSL make its decisions?
BA:  I have been a working REALTOR for over 22 years, and an owner for over 14 years. This allows me to understand what the agent in the trenches faces every day, but also know the challenges facing ownership in remaining profitable. It is a delicate balancing act, but so are most things in life.

DC:  What has your experience been like working on the board?
BA:  It has been a real honor working with this Board. I think what I am most proud of is the open mindedness of this Board, and their spirit of cooperation attitude. This Board has shown a constant willingness to work with our shareholder associations, neighboring associations, and the State association in an effort to be part of the solution to a single MLS system. Our goal has always been to do what is going to be in the best interest of our members in the field.

DC: From a REALTOR perspective, what do you think the future looks like for an MLS?
BA:  I think the future of the MLS can be very bright as long as we eliminate the political and geographic issues. The general pubic does not have these constraints, and neither should we. I think we are on our way there, and I am very optimistic about the future of the MLS.

DC:  What guidance, if any, would you give to your successor as Board Chairman?
BA: The only guidance I have for a future Chair is to be open-minded, and consider all points of view. There is an abundance of talent, knowledge, and experience around the Board table. Use it.

DC: Any final thoughts about your Board experience?
BA:  My board experience has been very rewarding, and I have learned a great deal about technology in the past few years. Most of all it has been a pleasure working with very professional Broker/Owners in our industry.

For more information on Bill, visit his website at http://www.connect2agent.com/agent/BillAboumrad.