2025 Convention Speakers
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown’s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking. With a streetwise aptitude and a never quit attitude, he worked his way from the front lines in business to the executive boardroom. For two decades, Kevin was a sales and marketing executive that helped transform SERVPRO® from a little-known family business into an industry giant with annual revenues reaching two billion dollars. After a career in franchising, Kevin decided to retire from corporate America and pursue his passion for bringing The HERO Effect® message to as many people and organizations as possible. Kevin is on a mission to help people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else. He is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential, and grow their results.
Want to see Kevin?
KEYNOTE SESSION: The Hero Effect: Being Your Best When it Matters the Most
Craig Grant
Craig Grant is considered one of the most sought-after technology, marketing, and cybersecurity speakers around. Whether it be at an industry event, in the classroom, or online via Zoom (or the RETI.us portal), one thing that fuels Craig is to help today’s real estate professionals embrace and get over their fear of technology so that it can work for them and not against them.
As his motto, “Advanced Real Estate Technology & Marketing Instructed at a Pre-K Level” states, Craig can take extremely complicated topics and present them in a way that the average non-technical person not only understands but is able to apply and improve their business.
In addition to being the CEO of the Real Estate Technology Institute and RETI.us, the Real Estate Industry’s Home for Online Technology Education, Craig is an avid sports fan and music lover who can be found watching and/or participating in events and concerts with friends.
Want to see Craig? His super-sized session is:
Day 2: Middle Session
Cheryl Knowlton
Cheryl Knowlton, CSP is a nationally recognized real estate speaker, broker, and compliance expert, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Known as “The Compliance Queen”, Cheryl is dedicated to helping real estate professionals master the complexities of compliance, risk management mastery and leadership while driving their businesses to new heights.
As a licensed real estate broker, Cheryl is a certified instructor who has trained tens of thousands of real estate professionals across the United States and internationally, equipping agents and brokers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly regulated market. She has created two Utah pre-licensing schools and is a trusted authority on critical risk management topics, leadership and ethical business practices. Cheryl’s ability to simplify complex legal issues and deliver them with humor, heart, and expertise sets her apart as one of the most in-demand compliance experts and real estate speakers in the country.
Through her books, courses, coaching, and speaking engagements, Cheryl is making an indelible mark on the real estate industry—empowering individuals to lead with passion, confidence, and authenticity.
Want to see Cheryl? Her sessions are:
SESSION 1: Death, Dirt, and Disasters: The Truth About Property Hazards
SESSION 2: The Leadership Advantage: Leading with Integrity and Authenticity in Real Estate
Robert Kennedy III
Robert Kennedy III wants to live in a world where people are no longer afraid to confidently tell their stories... and they can also eat Reese's Peanut Butter cups for every meal without any repercussions.
His work as a keynote speaker and trainer in the areas of leadership, business communication and video has led him to work with organizations such as AARP, Barnes & Noble, Social Security Administration, Panda Restaurant Group, TMobile,
and UNCF as well as appearances on Fox, CW, and other networks.
As a licensed real estate agent in the state of Maryland, he has spoken for the National Association of REALTORS®, state conventions like the Michigan REALTORS® Association annual convention, and other state associations and brokerages.
He is involved in his community through various boards including leading the parent association for his children’s high school, coaching high school baseball, and running the Crichlow-Kennedy Foundation with his wife. He is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and the host of their Speakernomics podcast.
Want to see Robert? His session is:
SESSION1 : The Client Connection: Building Relationships Beyond the Sale
SESSION 2: The Inspiration Station: What to Do When Sales are Slow and Your Motivation is Low
Marki Lemons Ryhal
Marki Lemons Ryhal is a real estate, marketing, and artificial intelligence powerhouse. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association—Marki is recognized globally for her dynamic delivery, insightful content, and unmatched energy on stage.
A licensed Managing Broker and REALTOR®, Marki is deeply committed to advocacy and leadership in the real estate industry. She’s an avid volunteer, Major Investor, President’s Circle member, Federal Political Coordinator, and a published thought leader, having authored 30 books and achieved six international best-sellers.
As the host of two influential podcasts, Drive with NAR and Social Selling Made Simple, Marki reaches thousands weekly listeners, offering practical insights and interviews with industry change makers. With more than 30 years of combined experience in education and marketing, she has taught over 1,000,000 professionals face-to-face and virtually since 1993.
Passionate, proven, and purpose-driven, Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to elevating real estate professionals with real-world strategies that lead to measurable results.
Want to see Marki? Her sessions are:
SESSION 1: Six Figures in Twelve Months: AI Real Estate Planning©
SESSION 2: Leveraging AI to Improve Your Customer Experience in Real Estate: Opportunities and Challenges for REALTORS®
John Young
In 2004, John Young merged his previous work experience in advertising, marketing, sales and management into a career as a REALTOR®. In 2009, his personal and professional life took a transformative turn when he became the parent of a non-verbal daughter with autism. Over the next decade, John's professional journey was shaped through his own personal experiences and by the many special needs clients, families, and caregivers he encountered and served along the way. In 2019, John began speaking on serving clients with special needs and hopes that his presentations inspire a greater understanding that DEI is intended to address issues of accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity for ALL individuals. John brings his passion for helping others to everything he does and strives to make a positive difference in our industry for both clients and fellow REALTORS®.
Want to see John? His sessions are:
SESSION 1: Steal These Ideas! Creative, Inexpensive & Unique Ways to Grow Your Business
SESSION 2:
Do’s & Don’ts of Working with Special Needs Clients – Dealing with Accessibility Issues
Virginia REALTORS® Staff Speakers
Ryan Leonard
Ryan is a graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Virginia and Washington, DC. He has a background working as an attorney in private practice, volunteering for legal organizations such as Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and Animal Legal Defense Fund, as well as experience in the private sector in a variety of non-legal fields. When he is not working as Staff Counsel for Virginia REALTORS®, Ryan works as an adjunct professor of political science at Brightpoint Community College.
Sejal Naik
SESSION: Economic and Real Estate Market Outlook
Prior to joining Virginia REALTORS® as the Deputy Chief Economist, Sejal worked as an Economist at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. She has also contributed to economic research and analysis at the American Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, and The Advisory Board Company. She graduated with a master’s degree in Finance from the University of California San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from George Mason University.
Besides her passion for economic research and writing, Sejal enjoys traveling, reading historical fiction, exploring old architecture, and trying out new Thai food restaurants as often as she can.
Sean Olk
Sean’s professional background includes both real estate and law. Prior to law school, he worked in various areas of the real estate industry, including as a REALTOR® in California. In 2016, Sean graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law. In addition to his J.D., he also earned a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Sean’s past legal practice focused on civil litigation where he handled cases ranging from personal injury to landlord-tenant disputes. As Staff Counsel, Sean strives to provide excellent service and counsel to the Association and its members.
Ryan Price
SESSION: Economic and Real Estate Market Outlook
For more than a decade, Ryan has honed his knowledge of Virginia’s housing market. Before stepping into his current role of Virginia REALTORS® Chief Economist, Ryan served as the association’s Deputy Chief Economist. Prior to joining our team, he served as the President of the research consulting firm LSA Planning, as an Urban Planner for the City of Alexandria, and as part of the research team at the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University. Even before joining VAR full time, Ryan spent years contributing to our research, including the monthly Virginia Home Sales Report and our quarterly regional market reports. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from James Madison University and a master’s degree in urban planning from Virginia Tech.
