Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
CEO, JESSICA HICKOK & COO, WILL GATTENBY
PHOTOS BY PEAK RES, STORY BY DAVE DANIELSON
Your clients count on your expertise and experience to help them get to the closing table and into the next chapter of their lives through real estate. In the process, you are a powerful advocate for their dreams.
The same holds true for the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) — the organization that achieves positive results for the industry through its active advocacy.
OAR CEO Jessica Hickok and COO Will Gattenby shared their thoughts on the industry and the role they feel honored to fulfill each day.
“In our role here, we love seeing others succeed. If others are succeeding, they are happy with the support they get. When REALTORS® are happy, they can get out there and succeed,” Jessica says. “No two days are the same with new challenges, trends and something to really dive into … to say how can we strengthen the industry in our state.”
As Will says, “There are always new challenges, whether it’s activity at the state capital capitol or in another segment. Jessica also does a great job of challenging our team and looking to the future for the issues that we can start solving today. I’m excited about the new projects we’re taking on.”
A Legacy of Results
The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® has a long legacy of results — dating back to when it was chartered in 1921.
Jessica joined the association in 2016, and she hired Will in 2019. The association is governed by a large 87-member board of directors, representing more than 14,000 members statewide.
As Will points out, “At that this size, we are the largest trade association in Oklahoma, which helps us with our presence at the state capitol.”
Today, the association has a full-time staff of 14 team members focusing on professionalism and government affairs.
“There is a lot of overlap between those two areas, so we have a very close-knit staff. We make sure that REALTORS® abide by the code of ethics and use their collective voice to protect property rights at the local, state, and national levels.”
Resource for Results
As an organization that is continually on the front lines of policy and advocacy, OAR fulfills a vital role for those who work in the industry.
“The biggest thing for our members is that the OAR is here as a resource for you, whether it’s as a resource for what you need to know for your business or trends in the business,” Jessica says. “Our team is there to support you. Even if you don’t need something, you can reach out to us and know that we are advocating on your behalf at the state capitol and furthering professional development efforts.”
As Will points out, the ability to practice real estate is in a really good spot today.
“When our members go to national conferences and see regulations in other states, they see that Oklahoma is a fantastic place to work and own a home,” Will says. “We want to continue to make things better. We are all committed to making that happen. That’s why we get involved with efforts such as first-time home buyers' savings accounts, which support buyers as they open an account toward a down payment on a home, as well as continuing our fight. We want to protect property rights.”
Family is at the heart of life for Jessica and Will.
“The work we do with passion and grit is supported by our respective families,” Jessica says. “My husband and I have been married 24 years. And we have grown kids who support what we do, as well.”
“I have a very supportive wife with four young kids at home. The communities we live in know how much working with the REALTOR® association means to us,” Will explains. “The leaders in our association care about us personally, and it is really meaningful when they ask about my kids growing up. There is a great culture and relationship here. I really appreciate that every day.”
New Headquarters Coming
One of the exciting association projects ahead is the opening of the new OAR headquarters, set for April 2024.
“We are set to open in April 2024. It will be in the same location where we currently are in. So we will be relocating during construction,” Jessica points out. “We can bring powerhouse activities to our headquarters, including our board meetings and also be able to enhance our GRI and continuing education classes.”
As always, feel free to look for opportunities to become involved at your local, state or national levels to contribute to the goals and needs of the industry and to preserve ongoing property rights.
Contact Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® Today!
Office Phone: 405-848-9944
Jessica Email: JMH@OKRealtors.com
www.OKRealtors.com
