Today it is official so I'm announcing my new role. It really is going from "A" to "Z".
My thought was if I said from "A" to "Z" many of you might figure it out. I'm sure some of you already have. I’m excited to announce that I'm now the Industry Outreach Manager at Zillow.
Over these past few days I've spent a great deal of time with some really awesome people learning all about my new company, their culture, the products and services, but most importantly, their passion as a team for helping connect real estate professionals with consumers.
"I'm 100% confident that I am in the right place and working with the right people and company."
The relationships I've developed here in the rain mean more to me than anything. I'm so thankful for all I've been blessed with here over the years, and I'm very enthusiastic and excited for what the future holds. I'm also committed to bringing even more value and meaning to those relationships by sharing new and exciting ways/tools to help you get more business and maximize your efforts while spending less time and money to do it.
I'll continue to work from the greater Bay Area in California, but I'll still be mobile. I'll be doing many of the same types of things you are used to seeing me do here on ActiveRain. Social media and marketing training, classes and seminars, webinars, speaking at national events, and providing education and support for the many tech tools, products, and services I can offer you.
Those of you who know me know that I have a passion for sharing real estate technology, widgets, and all that tech-y and useful kinda stuff. I have written about so many different companies and tools that can help increase your business, save you time or money, or just simplify your life. There really are lots of choices in real estate both for agents and consumers and I'm feeling positive and confident that I've found a single solution that will serve and bring great value to both sides.
So now it's official, I'm on board, I'm part of the Z-team and very excited! As I continue to get adjusted, trained, and adapt to my new role, it will be difficult for me to resist the temptation to want to share everything I learn as I go along. So I promise I won't fight it, I WILL be sharing. :-) I'll open some huge doors of opportunity for many of you, and create some great ways to contribute to your growth and success.
Fasten your seat-belts, hang on tight because from the "
" in Activerain, to the "
" in Zillow, it's going to be a fun and exciting ride! Here's a link to my profile when you need me. As I've said in the past, and it still holds true today, my door is always open to you and I'm looking forward to our continued growth and successes together! :-)
Congratulations! I hope this works out well for you and your upwardly MOBILE direction!!!
Wow - now this really surprised me. Congrats!
Unbelievable but I had a feeling you were being recruited by some big shot out there! Hey, you'll be irreplaceable and we will TOTALLY MISS YOU...so glad you're on the West part of the world, you at least feel closer and very excited that you'll still be keeping tabs on us all here on AR. Hey, is AR disclosing who will be taking your job? Just curious.
Congratulations. I am sure you will improve Zillow and give them some credibility with agents.
I am totally shocked that you are leaving Active Rain. Who is going to fix my blog when I break it? Did you warn Bob about my 'HTML-writing deficiency', which combined with my 'ready to try anything mentality' causes occasional blog blow ups?
I will miss you here, but will still be subcribed and reading.
Thanks for all of your help here on AR.
hey Brad - congratulations on your new job! we'll be looking forward to your posts (as always) but from your new vantage point! from a to z huh, all those middle letters will be jealous - congrats again!
Congratulations and best of luck with the new job. Good luck with the transition from "A" to "Z".
Brad, I didn't know where you would land, but I knew you'd land on your feet! Congratulations on your move and look forward to hearing about your new successes!
Brad- say it ain't so! Congratulations to you and many many thanks for helping me as I journey through Active Rain and blogging. You have been a safety net for me and you are already missed.
Best wishes Brad. Will miss you here on Activerain.
Brad - wishing you well at Zillow. Your perspective from Active Rain will certainly be an asset for Zillow in your new position. I'm sure this will be a win-win for both you and Zillow.
Brad-Zillow is lucky to have you and your day to day presence on Active Rain will be missed. All the best to you and of course to your family as you make the wild ride through the alphabet from A to Z.
YEAH!!!!!! I am SO excited to have you on the team Brad! I attended some of your Active Rain seminars and the energy, excitement, and solid info you brought to agents was invaluable and inspiring. I look forward to do you continuing to do the same thing, with a new company name on your business card (and all the other places on your retaggr page). There are so many things on Zillow agents can be taking advantage of to market themselves, and I am sure you'll do a great job creating the tools to help the community learn about them.
wow Congratulations! I saw something about announcements at Zillow re personel and paid no attention.
Is Industry Outreach Manager at Zillow, a new postionn at Zillow? or who was it before? Trying to remember Drew and Davids titles.
That's great that you sound so excited about your move. I'm sorry I think it's wasn't very smart... but that's probably a market specific thought. Texas is a non-disclosure state so all their information is so very inaccuate no matter how much they want to think it is, and it's frustrating on an agent's part to have to explain this multiple times to buyers and sellers that they can't buy or sell based off a site for "entertainment purposes only".
Oh well, good luck with your move.
Brad, congratulations on your new position. Zillow is lucky to have you.
Brad - Good luck with Zillow. I will definitely be looking for your information sharing as it has always been a real help to me!
Enjoy it my friend!
Rudy
Congratulations! Zillow is a great company.
Wow, sounds like a great opportunity, Brad. You will be missed here on the 'Rain but no doubt will see you in other arenas. I hope it turns out to be all that you want it to be!
Big score for Zillow! Brad, I think you will excel at this new position! High five dude!
Brad,
From an unreconstructed Zillow detractor:
They are certainly getting a great guy.
Make us proud over here at AR.
Change my mind about Zillow. (Good luck on that.)
And I wish you all possible success in your new endeavor!
Lots of luck at Zillow Brad! Hopefully you will make it better :)!
Brad--Congrats! You have always been one of the good guys who I could call on if I had a question...AND you answered! Best to you in your new job!!
I'm hoping your outreach with Zillow extends into Canada.
Congratulations again Brad.
Thanks everyone, I am really excited about this anouncement and opportunity.
(I could hardly stand keeping it a secret)
I just got back from Seattle and posted this as soon as I could.
I really appreciate your comments and support and just remember, I'm not leaving AR, this is just a change in title and company/career, I'll still be the same "ActiveBrad" as long as ActiveRain and it's members will have me here.
Love always,
Brad :-)
Brad,
Good luck!I hope they utilize your experience, they need it.
I hope that doesn't meaning you won't be posting I rarely go to Zillow.
Bill
Hey Brad: Huge Congrats! The Zillow team is lucky to have you on board!
Brad,
AR's loss, Zillow's gain. Congratulations and much success in your new endeavor.
Rich
Brad you have always been a generous and helpful resource here at ActiveRain and I hope all works well for youin your new position
Brad...i hope that's true & you are still around...you gave such great ARU training sessions...i second the loss because it is to AR but I hope it delivers what you want for your future...best
Brad~it's an improvement for them... lol
Really, congratulations and it seems like you're moving up in the world!
Best to you and I echo what everybody said, it's AR's loss and Zillow's gain.
Zee you around!
Wallace - Thank you, it is already working out awesome!
April - SURPRISE!! :-) Thanks~
Chris and Maria - I'm not leaving, I'm always just a click or call away.
Kerrie Greenhalgh is also great helping members here.
Virginia - it is I who are the "lucky one" to have been at AR and to now be at Zillow.
Truth be told, AR helped me get to where I am today. :)
Craig - Hopefully I can fill that gap from "B" to "Y" lol~ Thanks man.
John - Thanks, I know I skipped a few letters there! I'll make em up later.
Connie - right now I'm so excited about all this, I don't think I can technically say I've "landed!" lol~
Kathy - aww thanks, and no worries, I'm still and will still be here for ya.
Concetta - no you won't, you'll be hard pressed to try and get rid of me... haha~
Dan - it is a win-win all the way around for everyone involved. (You included!) :-)
Cindy - Thanks. Actually it is I who am lucky to have them. (BIG SMILE)
I'll be right back, my phone is ringing....
Congrats Brad. I'm sure you will do an amazing job and add a ton of value.
Very cool Brad. And you get to work with beautiful Sara. Life is good. Congrats!!!
Zillow is the lucky one here --- all the best to you in your new ventures --- will be interested to keep hearing what you are up to .
Congratulations on your A to Z move. I hope you love it as much as you loved Active Rain.
Congratulations! I bet you are excited. Thank you for all your help and training. I am still learning from you and you don't even know it. Best of Luck.
@Brad - Saw a major change coming but it sure wasn't the Z-word. They definitely need you. It's a good move on their part.
Brad - It doesn't matter what company name you have tagged to your name, you're always be Brad to me (and many others). You've always been a great help to everyone (giving endlessly of your time and thoughts) and I join in the rounds of "congratulations" that you hear rising up from ActiveRain and everywhere else anyone had the luck of meeting and getting to know you.
Bring the rock to Zillow!
Good luck, Brad. You have been a great asset here and Zillow is lucky to have you.
Hey Buddy,
Good luck with your new venture. Keep in touch and say hi once and a while to us little people down here!
Congratulations Brad!!! Look forward to learning more about Zillow, through your blogs here on Active Rain.
Congrats on your new endeavor, I actually heard about about this today!
Good luck to you! We will miss you terribly (we will, really) but this must be step up for you so I wish you the best!
Brad, I am so proud of you. Wow, Zillow got lucky to have you. You did so much for the Activerain Community and me personally.
You were always available to help on any issue I had. Remember the video thing AR teamed up with all the hours learning that.
So glad to know you will still post here, and I know I can call you as you are a true friend.
Are you going to NAR? Hope so would love to see you there.
Give my best to Debra....love you both!
Brad - Great luck in your new career. I'll be looking forward to your writing and enlightening!
Brad,
Welcome to Zillow! I've gotten to know you over the last few years here on Active Rain and at industry events, and I'm now very excited to have a chance to work with you. We're lucky to have you.
Hi Sara - my new colleague, thanks for commenting and for spending your valuable time to fly in from Chicago to meet with me in Seattle this week. I had no idea how awesome this trip was going to be. I came to Seattle hungry for Zillow information, products and tools, and left nearly unconscious and overwhelmed by not just the information and knowledge I gained, but the people who make up the Z-org are like none I've ever witnessed or experienced. Talk about creative, passionate and committed, it was awesome. What a team!
Thanks for meeting with me, spending priceless time showing me the ropes and setting up all those meetings and appointments, and most of all, for allowing me to join the staff and z-team. I'm really excited (and exhausted...lol) and looking forward to working together going forward! :-)
Sincere congratulations and good luck with your new position. I have learned many things from you here on AR and I'm sad to see you go. It won't be the same without you.
There are a lot of people who follow you and respect you. Zillow has made a really smart move bringing you on board. You bring credibility to a platfrom that needs it. Perhaps I'll be among the many who look at Zillow again to see what they offer ---out of respect and encouragement for you.
I was not surprised at all, any company would be fortunate to have your skills. You are always upward and onward and bridge building. Zillow just got much better! I am so happy for you and your family.
Life is an adventure; enjoy the ride and best of luck.
C&C
Maureen - thank you. Yes, it is a new position and title over at Zillow. I can't wait to get it rolled out and in place.
Donna - haha~ that's not the first time you've told me I'm not very smart. lol~ Looks like I may have my work cut out for me in Texas if I'm reading between the lines properly. (BIG SMILE!)
Dan and Amy - thanks, I feel the same way about them.
Gary - thank you, I'll continue to do my best. That part of me will never change!
Rudy - I trulia will! :-))
Andrea - thanks, I couldn't agree with you more. Obviously! <smile>
Kathryn - It may sound strange saying it this early already, but "it already has."
Jo - you rock, thanks! Hi FiveZ right back at ya~
Mike - prepare for reconstruction!! I luv ya man~ Call me, I want details either way :-) 707.646.1876
Brenda - thanks. It takes the entire team to win a game, I'll do my best to hike the ball straight.
Teri - some things never change, and hopefully that's one of them. Call me anytime...always!
John - I'll have to look into that one, thanks for putting me right to work!! lol~
William - I will still be around the AR community and posting pretty regularly, hope you'll continue stopping by.
Dustin - thanks my friend, it's your fault I got into all this... not sure if you owe me or I owe you lunch! hehe~
Richard - I usually agree with you but with all due respect (Humbly speaking) It's AR's gain, and Zillow's gain.
You'll see why and understand more in the days ahead my friend. Don't lose trust and faith in me now.....
Charlie - I hope that will never change. Wait, scratch hope... that WILL never change!
Ginny - yes, I promise I will still be around, and thanks for your kind comment. That was very sweet.
Yolanda - the beauty of this opportunity and adventure is that no one really loses at all, it's a win-win!!
Debbie - thank you. I do have some large goals, dreams, and aspirations just like everyone else,
it's really great to be surrounded by so many others with the same vision and on the same mission.
Bryant - thanks. Life is better than good my friend, life is a gift/blessing and it's amazing!!!!!!!
Bob and Carolin - thank you, you will definitely be hearing more from me and about my adventures in the future.
Brad - we already DM'ed on twitter, but just wanted to stop by here too and say congrats. Every single person I've met at Zillow, without fail, has been exceptional at what they do -- and geniunely nice people too. They're smart to hire you, I'm sure AR is sad to lose you, but you will bring it my friend. Nicely done. Going to make it to NAR New Orleans?
I'm so happy for you and your family. Since I've been on A/R you were always there for me. I just can't thank you enough for that.
Zillow got one of a kind and they are BLESSED to have you and we are BLESSED to have you for the time we did. I'm so glad that we will still be in contact with each other. I remember the videos of your son that toughed my heart and for the many times you shared your family with us. How can I forgot you.
You will be MISSED. We love u....
Congratulations to you on your new career! I look forward to what you have to share!
Not to hijack your thread Brad, but just wanted to point out to Donna that Zillow is pretty darn transparent about thier accuracy. Next time a buyer or seller tries to say something about Zestimates, why not show them Zillow's own published accuracy data for Texas?
Congrats on the new position, Brad. I have no doubts that you can show agents that there is so much more to Zillow than just the Zestimate.
Brad, You have been a true gentleman and a fantastic help to me after I joined AR.Best of luck with Zillow
Brad I got to admit I am a little hurt. It was great to finally meet you at Raincamp DC this year and to get the big hug from you big guy. Sorry we didn't get to talk. But Zillow needs you VERY VERY BAD because honestly speaking their reputation is not too good with a lot of real estate agents especially members here on Active Rain. But I got to admit whatever they did to recruit you,it worked and who ever thought of the idea to go after you was smart too. With you on board,Zillow already looks appealing to me I must admit.
And like you told Richard It's a Win-Win Situation. Much success to you and your family. Please keep in touch. You're the best Active Brad. Even though you are with Zillow,YOU ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE ACTIVE BRAD. Much success to you my friend. Take care.
Brad congratulations! I am so happy for you. You have been so generous to us, and Zillow will not regret having you on their team.
Brad, congrats and best wishes for you. I am sure you will be the best at anything you choose to do.
Brad, Congrats!! They need you to make us understand more of what zillow is. See you around town!! Mel
Hey Brad, I hear a lot of panic in them thar comments! We are afraid for ourselves! You are a great teacher of all things techy sos I am sure you will get us from doubtful to pleasantly surprised. Congrats and keep us up to date on Active Brad!
Congratulations. It is always exciting to start a new page in ones career...
Good luck!
Congratulations on your new position at Zillow and there's no doubt you are an asset to their organization.
We'll look forward to still hearing from you here in the Rain and thanks for all the information you have shared.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Congrats to you Brad! I'm a premier agent with Zillow so I hope you can add your "know-how" to help us already on board with new ways to get leads:)
Hi Brad... Congratulations hardly seems to be enough to convey how excited I am for you and how great of an adventure you are embarking on. To say you will be an asset at Zillow would also be an understatement... they're getting quite an incredible personon their team, but I suspect and hope that they know that.
Hi ActiveBrad~ WOW! I am shocked that you would leave, but I guess it was a well thought out business decision! I hope Zillow realizes how lucky they are to be gettting YOU! I am so sad you are leaving....
Howdy and evening to you Brad
Brad, Congrats to you, on your move to Zillow. They sure are mighty lucky to have you with their Team!!! Zillow sure did show they are the best by picking the very best from the AR staff to have on their Team.
Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire
Brad,
We knew that you were on the move. Even we "Newbies" could see that anyone that is involved with real estate and social media would be excited to have you on their team. Wis I had been around sooner to have met you. Best of Success at Zillow.
COngrats. I hope you do very well.
activerain lost a valuable asset, but I am sure that your friends there support you.
Does Zillow have any idea how fortunate they are to have our Golden Brad?
Wishing you all the best! I know you will do good things for them. Do good things for yourself!
Margaret
Kudos to you Brad. Zillow scored a homerun. Best of luck!
Brad, I have been super honored to get to know you a little here in the rain and the raincamps. Sorry to see you go but we all have to follow our noses. Good luck and glad to hear you will still be playing here some.
Anward and Zward Brad! I'll be keeping up with you no matter where you land! The Zillow group is fortunate to have you.
Does that make you Zillow Brad instead of Active Brad? Regardless, I have no doubt you'll be providing great information.
I'm feeling a little shell shocked and darn near speechless - but I wish you the very, very best in your new venture. I hope it is everything you want it to be - & like so many others have already said, Zillow is SO lucky to have you!!!!!
Brad: A great big hearty congratulations on your new gig at Zillow. I know you will do fabulous there and they made a great catch getting you to come on board. You've been a big help to a lot of people here including myself and I thank you for our conversations and idea sharing.
Knowing Zillow, what you do will contribute big time to those on Active Rain. I'm proud to see one of my 'title' brothers grow and expand their horizon... Way to go my friend... If I can ever be of help, you know where I am.
Congratulations Brad! I'll be watching Zillow closely to see what great changes you'll bring to the site that I can take advantage of!!!
Have a great journey!
Good luck Brad! First order of business...Zestimates! :-)
Congratulations Brad and Good Luck. I'm sure you'll do a great job there too. Margaret C.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE BRAD!
Together we can rule the web, it's in you Luke Brad... search your feelings. If you won't join us then... then.. we'll take BOB STEWART!
Brad: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This reminds me of the Hershel Walker trade to the Vikings. Activerain can't POSSIBLY be thrilled about this! One of their members (zillow) just hawked their community manager! That is unless they got something in return!!!
Let me guess.... Activerain got Sara Bonert and she's gonna be the new AR Cheerleader!
Oh Brad.. I'm really happy that your happy, but very bothered that you joined Zillow. I wish you wouldn't have.
Return of the Jedi! COME BACK BRAD!
That's pretty cool. Didn't see you around here in a bit, now I know why.
A huge coup for Zillow, a huge loss for AR. I'm very orry to see you go, you are an institution and rock at AR, but I wish you nothing but success with your new endeavor! :)
Congratulations Brad !
Brad,
While I have to admit I would have never guessed this was the new opportunity. I see what a remarkably great fit your new position is. Still just as cutting edge as ever!!!
Congratulations,
Steve
Ah Brad ! Always striving for opportunities to improve communities ! I thank you for ALL the assistance you have given me, and I hope we still cross paths again - you were always a pleasure in person and on the screen :o)
Cheers mate, and all the very best !
Sheldon
Wow! All the best to you Brad & Family! You deserve it, and hey, keep us in the loop on all the goodies that will make us ever more successful as you succeed.
Brad,
Glad you're still going to working in the real estate industry and hanging around here even if you are leaving AR. Hope the move turns out to be a wonderful one and measures up to all of your anticipations and expectations.
Brad - Congrats on your new venture!!! I wish for you the best of luck and success in every thing you do and pursue. :)
Hi Brad, congrats on your new journey! Zillow will be lucky to have you just like we have been! You don't need luck.
well congrats on this one. That is a big move . Looking forward to seeing your stuff.
Brad, As I said, it's a market specific thought. If I was in another state, I would probably love the site, but alas, they took thousands of dollars from me with nothing to show for it... you followed an opportunity, and I hope it works out for you. Didn't mean to say you weren't smart!
Jay, Try telling the consumer to look up the stats. They don't do it. They go to the main pages and look at properties, and take it all at face value. There are even some sellers who leave flyers in their homes that will show the Zestimate if it's high so a buyer thinks they're getting a great deal from the asking price. Usually the listing agents don't know they've done this.
Brad - Congratulations on you new position with the new company. I wish you the best.
Brad:
I recall the first posting --that I responded to it was the one on your son injuring his arm, & your leaving First American Title, right as the new year ---life has presented you with a very interesting journey. Enjoy this new path that you are going down.
Congrats.
Congratulations on your new position! I wish you nothing but the best of success...to say I was surprised at where you were going is an understatement, but I promise to keep an open mind. You can only help improve their rep, that's for sure, and you are just the guy to do just that.
Donna,
did you see the post by Amanda Hall on FB with the fsbo sign and Zillow flyers? Lol.
Brad ....Congratulations !!!
Well I started off on this post trying to comment back to everyone, and I've failed to do so in the course of the day. (not a very good sign on my first day lol) Will someone please tell my friends over at Zillow I'll be over there as soon as I got done commenting over here?
...It may not be till 2:00am, but I'll get there eventually~ :-))
Brad, congrats and best of luck, can I have your corner window office? Seriously, all the best to you, I am sure we are not hearing the last of ActiveBrad, or is that now BradZillow
Congrats, and I hope you have a great time with the Z. I was soory to see David go, but glad to know that they have another quality person on staff.
Brad, I hope your move is as great as you think it's going to be. Please go and change the Zestimate formula. Talk about credibility!
Greg - somehow I knew I could count on you as the emporer to "strike back!" lol
Don't make me call "Zoda" to the rescue!! haha~
I luv you man!!
All the best in your new adventure!!!!
Brad - All the best to your new endeavor and to you and your new bride.
Change is good and I look forward to seeing your changes.
Brad--
And the seasons go round and round, and the painted ponies go up and down. Perhaps, your next move in the "circle Game" will be everything you need it to be. Fpr those of us left behind, there is a natural feeling of melancholy. Is this a prelude to the end of the game?
Brad, you are such an integral part of my Active Rain experience, but why would anyone want to hold you back from a greater opportunity in your life? With your zeal for all things techy and your exhuberant personality, Zillow can't help but be the better for having you aboard! Now if you can just help them with the Zestimates, we'll all be happy!
Congrats Brad. I'm sure Zillow is jumping up and down and will be at your beck and call. Go Get 'Em!
But keep your ideas and suggestions coming in the Rain if you can
Brad - glad you finally let the secret slip. Wishing you the best. AR will never be the same. Hope out paths cross again some time soon here on the Left Coast.
Jeff
Brad, can you do something about those zestimates? LOL
Congratulations Brad. Best of luck in your new endeavors. Thanks so much for all your help. I will continue reading your blog. I mentioned you on my blog of the 26th - September.
Brad! Congratulations on your new position & best of luck. I'm sure that you'll continue your tradition of excellence in your new role at Zillow!
Hi Brad..I agree with Sharon, you have been a real inspiration to many of us here. I was excited when AR hired youfull time and I'm excited for you with your new career with Zillow.
The bad news Zillow is not in Canada...:O(( I listed with them by putting my profile in one of the states..
Yes keep the ideas and recommendations and of course the Opportunities coming...Love your Giving to me and others here for so many years.
All the very best Brad !!
PS: keep blogging in the Rain when you can :O))
Congratulations! I wish you all of the very best.
Well, you have your work cut out for you in Florida too- Zillow has less than a 30% accuracy rate here. Not a Zillow fan at all. I don't even know if you could change my mind as much as I admire you and like you. :) Give it a go I am sure you will. Katerina
Hi Brad - Congratulations on your move to Zillow. You will be a tremendous asset to the Zillow team.
As Fred noted just above, Zillow is not in Canada. The zillow.ca domain redirects to zillow.com (the US oriented website.)
You've earned this, Brad. Best wishes and best of luck with the new mission.
woo hoo! Congrats, my man... Have fun, keep on rockin' in the re.net...
Well Not to echo Katherine but I also have not been a fan of the Z. I thought they needed to improve and it looks like they have now! As far as their accuracy on guesszestimates, I hope they get better in that area as well. Just remember A is still your first letter. Best of luck in the Z!
Congratulations! I hope Activerain will remain on its own and not get folded into Zillow at some point in the future.
I can't tell you how thankful I am to have you at Zillow. I've been advertising with Zillow for the last few months and the traffic and leads have been good, but the overwhelming problem is the data Zillow has is often outdated. Ironically I just responded to a lead on a home that sold over a year ago! Not the end of the world as I can turn this into a buyer, but it can be frustrating for the consumer. Anyway...looking forward to you helping them lead the way!
Hi Brad ~ So that's what you were referring to in your post before your vacation (hope your anniversary celebration was awesome!) Congrats on your new position! Zillow is very lucky to have you, and A/R is lucky that you'll still be "around" in the Rain too -- kind of like the best of both worlds, so to speak. I hope we hear from you often in your new role, so don't be a stranger, OK? :-)
Congratulations, Brad. I hope your new position at Zillow turns out to be everything you hoped it would be and then some.
Hi Brad! I was on the lookout for this announcement all day and when I saw it, I knew you were just beaming with excitement. I have to say that this is a huge 'score' for Zillow--they have NO idea the value that they have just created for themselves; they may think they know but, there is no doubt in my mind that, just as you did with AR, you are going to simply WOW them! Sara & Spencer are super lucky to be working alongside our amazing Brad!
Z-Brad, if you're happy, I'm happy for you! Best of luck at that tail-end-of-the-alphabet job! I won't be surprised when Zillow takes the lead for total hits on ALL real estate sites! The question is, how long will it be?!
Best of luck and do keep in touch!
xoxoxoxo
Brad, you will have to explain your role at Zillow in future blogs!
Ty
Brad: Thank you so much for all the help you have provided. Good luck with your new endeavor. You will be terrific.
Brad,
Even with your move, you inspire us to keep open minds and consider new challenges! Change can be bumpy but I'm wishing you smooth sailing.
Brad, congratulations in your new endeavor and thanks for giving so much of your talent to us through Active Rain.
Industry outreach?
OK, here's my little note in the suggestion box: make the small print of that Zillow Zestimate in
a slightly larger FONT
Or just kill the damn thing once and for all since it does more harm than good.
Good luck to a good man.
To everyone who asked is Zillow knows how lucky we are to have Brad, the ansewr is YES!
However, just in case there was any doubt these comments are AMAZING. So inspiring to read all these personal sentiments.
Congrats!
Brad - You have to do what is right for you and your family --- wish you all the success in your new position!
Wow, Brad! Here's wishing you a fun and exciting ride to the "Z"!
Hi Brad, So happy for you but sad that you are leaving Active Rain. Zillow needs the help that is for sure and I know you will make it better. Hope you enjoy the transition!
Can't really express what a huge help you've been to me in the Rain, and I hate to see you go. Huge score for Zillow.
But with you at Zillow, it can only improve. Guess I will finish updating my Zillow profile now.
Thank you for your many tutorials, personal phone calls and endless patience. Wishing you the very best!!!!
Hey, Brad! Congratulations. Our loss is their gain, but as a railroad fan, dare I say that you're going from the engine to the caboose (A to Z). LOL
Wow...by all these wonderful posts and comments you are loved!
Congrat's on your new adventure!
Cheron
All the very best to you Brad on this move! You were/are most helpful to me. I can't begin to imagine the countless hours you put in to create all the video tutorials, or just plain old blogs(which were not plain in the least) that helped me learn more about the technology that I needed for my business. I know we will see you around.
Congratulations, don't forget us over here and still come back and write as many tech sharing posts as you want!
Well Brad, you will be missed. At the same time I'm certain we will still be seeing you here at the Rain, Rain Camps, Conferences, flying overhead and so on! You deserve this step in your life and I am so happy for Zillow! They couldn't ask for a better go getter! Don't ever quit sharing your ultimate knowledge with us. I, personally, have grown to count on you for a lot of answers...Congrats to you and your family. Will be seeing you again soon.
Deb Brooks
I figured something was up - somebody else snagged you and they're making a smart move for sure by zapping you up! You were the first person to help me in the rain - and such an inspiration to me as so many over the years. Congrats on your decision and move forward - you rock!
BTW....zo i hear that zillow is wanting active rain or the other way around. Rumors are out there so you guys should zess up and zet it over zith.
I had to click through several blogs to find this and I am subscribed to you so IDK how I missed it! Congrats and best wishes on your new endeavor!
Well, in my opinion "Z" just won the lottery. They really need help and I have no doubt you will take them to where they want to be. Brad - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I wish you all the success my friend. I'm still be looking forward for those great post here in the rain.
Congratulations. Looks like you found something that will make you happy and keep you busy.
Brad, Congratulations and Best of Luck in your new position. I just recently signed onto Zillow, but have to admit I am not too familiar!
Missing you in the Rain! Best wishes to you my friend!
What a catchy title to announce your change. I'll look forward to your posts.
Glad you'll still be hanging around in the "rain" to keep us on our techie toes. Now go make your mark at Zillow!
WOW!! There's so many comments, I've so much to say... but so little time..... I'll be back later to share more.
For the record, I want to let you know that I'm going to do whatever it takes, listen to your concerns, try to resolve your issues, and provide the very best service I can even if that means knocking on every door in America to get additional information and data! I'll even start in Texas!! lol~ Well, maybe not to that extent, but at least you know my heart is in the right place. :-)
There is way more to what Zillow offers than just Zestimates for you and consumers, but I am hearing some of you loud and clear. I'm looking forward to sharing more in depth conversations about this topic along with many of the other services I'll be able to provide. I hope to provide in part, some logical explanations and educational information that may be helpful in dealing with data, systems, technology, tools, and people etc..
Let me get my boxes moved in and my name plate on my desk, then we can roll up our sleeves, dive in and start dissecting what I can do to help you with numerous aspects of what you need and then also share what I'll be doing as the new Outreach Manager.
Oh yeah, did I mention I'm running off next week to re-marry my wife?! Without her, I wouldn't be here nor there, so extra special kudos to "The Woman" that's truly behind this man... she has been an absolute angel through all of this and believe me, I've needed an angel!
A Very very Special Thanks goes out to my wife Debra, and my three sons Sean, Dustin, and Brandon who have literally stood by my side through this entire adventure and are still standing beside me even now. I love you guys!!! :-))
Brad ~ the best of luck and success on your new venture.
Hi Brad. I am not surprised. Zillow has a way of expanding LOL Congrats!
All the best to you Brad. May the grass always be green where you are, even when it is out of the Rain.
Thanks for all your help and encouragement in classes and by returned phone calls.
You will be missed.
Gloria
Brad: Congrats! This gives me a reason to revisit Zillow. Know that they are trying to build a much better product and by having them pick you, I know they're serious.
I'm sure this is a great opportunity for you, Brad. And for that I'm happy. But I'm very unhappy to see you leave AR, as that will diminish our experience here, just due to the lack of your ever-smiling presence.
Zillow is very lucky to get you, and I'm sure they know that. I hope that you do great things over there. Unfortunately, I spend very little time over there so I won't really get to see.
Brad Congrats, too bad for AR great for Zillow. So what is the new name A -Z Brad?? Just remember the little people on the way up to the Mountain Top:))Congrats again. Thank for your help over the years.
A huge congratulations to you Brad! And thank you so much for all you have done for us here on AR. I look forward to seeing and hearing about all you learn along the way!
Congrats Brad! Zillow just scored big time!!
Congratulations~ so very very exciting. I have enjoyed all of your blogs and tips and technology. I hope you will continue to post here on the rain. best wishes!
Congratulations to you! Hope it will be a great experience for you!
Of course this has spurred on rumors that Zillow is buying AR. I guess time will tell.
You will still be posting to AR though it sounds like, so it will be easy to stay in touch!
Thank you for all that you have brought to us.
Congrats Brad. Change is good! Well..... sometimes it's good. Based on what I've seen here on AR I'm betting that you will do a great job over at "Z". Here's hoping that you will do much to help them improve what they do.
Congratulations, Brad. It sounds exciting. I hope you'll still be bloggin on AR.
Oh Brad - oh Brad - oh Brad... I am with Greg... say it isn't so.... Somehow I feel the Z's got the better end of this deal. (It's like someone just stole my balloon and popped it before my eyes.) However - I do wish you all the best though in your new endeavor!!
Brad, well, that was a surprise, good luck to you! You will be missed on staff at AR I am sure. I am glad to see you are still here though.
Now Zillow... you have a lot of work to do to convince me.... but knowing that you are there is good.
Congrats on the new job...
I just hope you can make Zillow a site that I will actually go to... because with all of it's inaccuracies, I just can't put my time in there as it is...
But again... Way to go on the career-front!
Brad - congratulations and best of luck! Zillow is very lucky to have you! We all better start keep our eyes on Zillow!
Good luck on your new venture. Hope it works out well for you in the future. Thanks for the great job at Active Rain.
Brad, Boy did Zillow luck out! Hope it's all that you hope it will be, but we'll miss you terribly. Your enthusiasm for all things is sure to effect a change in the way we all perceive zillow and its zestimates. We're counting on you.
Good Luck to you in your new endeavors
Congratulations Brad and best wishes for continued success - we will be looking for your posts! ~ Susan
There once was a man named Brad,
who loved to give all he had,
he became one lucky fellow
and now is at Zillow
And the gain, from the rain...was not bad....
All my best to you dear boy.....
Congratulations Brad. So far I haven't been a fan of Zillow, with you there I expect things to get better, fast.
Brad - It sounds like Zillow will be getting a little more attention from the blogging community now. Good luck with your new adventure.
Brad,
Congratulations on your new position! We'll be looking forward to staying in touch in the Rain.
Mike in Tucson
Brad, while I will miss seeing you here in the Rain on a daily basis, I wish you nothing short of success and happiness in your new venture with Zillow.
Whatever you do though, feel free to be strange. But please don't ever be a stranger.
All the best to you my friend.
Brad - wow 184 comments and all wishing you the best of luck. Gosh, I do think Zillow needs you and most of all your enthusiasm. I do second Katerina Gasset's comment since I'm in Florida too and still have my dislikes with Zillow. I know you there is more to Zesitmates but that is what consumers mostly talk about and refer to when it comes to pricing.
I'll be on the lookout for more to come from you :)
Again, congratulations :)
Well Brad, congratulations are certainly in order. You've joined a great team!
Brad, Congratulations on your new endeavor. Zillow couldn't be more fortunate!
Brad...I see the ambassadors star is still shining a path to your contributions here in the rain, I hope the new job brings you much joy...and I hope you'll share some of the valuable resources with us here.
Congrats on your new job! I look forward to hearing from you in a new perspective.
HI BRAD! Well, I think the one thing that I will miss the most are your nice, very sincere comments on everyone's posts. Even on mine, you have written a couple things that stick with me! The folks at Zillow better watch out because the AR folks will try and steal you back! -- Gab
WOW!! I am so moved by all these comments and all your support and well wishes. I can hardly find the words (or time) to express my sincere and humble appreciation for all your support and comments here. "WOW" is the only word besides "Thank You" that comes to mind.
I think at this point I'll put my thoughts and responses into my next blog post here on AR. So what will ActiveBrad be doing now and what is an "Outreach Manager?" I know some inquiry minds want to know?
ActiveRain is where my Blog is and ActiveRain is where it will stay. I am NOT leaving AR, in fact you might even see more of me now that I'm not trying to wear soooo many hats and trying to do everything under the sun "rain" while I was an employee here on AR. If you don't believe me, just ask Jon Washburn, or Bob Stewart what a workday at ActiveRain looks like?? :-O
So count on me being around and hold me accountable for continuing to provide this community and industry with great tools, technologies, training, and services etc. that go WAY beyond just products like zestimates. There is so much more out there to be shared and discovered, and that's what I feel I do best!
Thanks again for wishing me well, but please don't say "Good Luck" or "We'll Miss You" because I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE, and I hope you're not either. In fact, in over 500 Blog posts here on AR, I have never asked any of you to subscribe to my Blog, but today I feel compelled to go ahead and make that request, only because I'm confident that the information and tools I'm about to start sharing will benefit every reader, AR member, and industry professional.
Once my boxes are unpacked and I'm settled in, you'll definitely be hearing more from ActiveBrad, I promise. :-)
Brad - let the adventure continue here in the rain and now on your new path at Zillow ..... they say a change is as good as a rest so no more complaints about your work day eh! >>> :-))
Brad, I'm a little late but just wanted to say congrats and thank you for all you've done here.
Zillow is one lucky company to have you!
Brad ... Congratulations on your decision to move to Zillow, and I am sure you will do well.
A concern my clients and I have had over the years about Z is that its property value search is most often inaccurate about specific homes here in South OC, leaving owners with the wrong idea that their homes are either valued too low or too high and not reliable. Perhaps you can straighten that out when you get there.
Brad, Congratulations on your new position with Zillow. They are lucky to have someone of your caliber and talent. I'm sure you will have a tremendous impact there like you have with AR. Best wishes to you.
Brad - Love your enthusiasm and hope your new venture is everything you expect and more. I know you will be an invaluable asset to Zillow. Congratulations!
Once again best of luck, Brad. Now is you can get them to get their act together about their listings...
LOL
I know you will be a tremendous asset to the Z.
Jeff
WOW! Best of luck to you Brad! Your new opportunity at Zillow sounds very exciting and I cannot wait to hear / read about all that you are doing and all the Zillow has to offer real estate agents.
Congratulations!
Best wishes for your new position, Brad. Now, where is the Beginner's Manual that I usually refer new members to? It's no longer on your profile.
Congratulations Brad. You will be missed, but the opportunity sounds wonderful. Sure our paths will cross again and again. Happy Trails To You!
Dick and Dixie
Brad,
Life has many interesting changes and I believe you will be successful anywhere you go and in anything you do. I wish you the best and know that I owe you for all your help you have given me through the years. Good luck and God Bless........
Hey Brad, good luck to you, I too think it's AR's loss and Zillow's gain! Darn why do all the good ones leave!
Patricia
Hey Brad, good luck to you, I too think it's AR's loss and Zillow's gain! Darn why do all the good ones leave!
Patricia
Brad,
Change is hard and exciting. Hard to think of the Rain without you. Exciting that you are following your heart. I wish you the best. I will miss your words of wisdom on the Rain.
Wow. That threw me for a loop! Congratulations and best of luck in your new endeavor with Zillow.
Brad, let me leave one more comment to the enormous number of comments left on your blog.
CONGRATULATIONS to you. All the best wishes on your new endeavor.
Brad I am so happy for you and your family. Zillow is lucky to have you and you will be working with great people. Watch out-other companies are going to be lining up to steal you away! ;D
I wish you much success in your new position and look forward to all the goodies we will be getting from you to help our business.
Brad, congratulations on your new venture. If nothing else, it tells me that the crew at Zillow is serious about becoming a force in the industry. Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is to make Zillow a viable entity in Manhattan. Good luck!
Brad, wow. Congratulations. Glad to hear you'll be keeping us updated on Zillow and how it will help us. What better place than your AR blogs. I look forward to more growth on my AR blog page as well.
I honestly believe in these words: The one constant in life is change. All the best to you and your family.
Brad,
I just joined AR and found your blogs so helpful. And now your leaving? Rats.....
Good luck and wishing you the best!
Hey Judy - just real quick... I'm not leaving and I hope you'll continue to find my Blog and posts here on Activerain useful.
I'll still be here and posting just as before, and most likely even more!! :-)) So you can take back the "rats..." lol~
I don't know what to say... I think everyone else already said it. I guess I could say... thanks for the 25 points! ; )
Brad.. best of luck to you with Zillow.. i'm glad to hear you'll still be "raining" with us.. I know you will make Zillow a better place just like you did AR... :)
SInce my last name starts with 'z', I can relate to your analogy. Best wishes in your new endeavor.
What comes after 'Z'? Congratulations on your new venture - not sure why A/R ever let you go - I hope and wish yu all the best.
Liz - I am a little sad that after 200+ comments and 3 1/2 years here, not a single staff member here on AR has stopped by to even say Hi, good luck, or anything. I guess they all must just be really busy doing other stuff.
Thanks for stopping by, I'll still be here so stop by anytime ok? :-))
Congratulations, Brad, on this new chapter! We will all be exicted to share in what you learn and hope that you continue to be part of ActiveRain!
Brad, any transition has to be difficult, but in the end we do what we have to do because we do count first. You have been a wonderful teacher and share person here in the Rain. We will miss your enthusiasm and knowledge and the friendly smile at RainCamps. Best of luck in this next chapter.
COngrats to you Brad! I am sure you will do a wonderful job there, and thanks for sharing all your knowledge and tips with all of us here at AR...I wish you success!
Brad I am happy for you man. I know where ever you are you will be successful at what you are doing. Best of luck!
Brad,...Thanks so much for all you have done here in the rain. Congratulations in your new position at Zillow. I'm sure the new excitement you bring there ...will trickle over here in the rain.. like you've never left. Best of luck =)
I'm not sure how I feel about this - I've watched you and interacted for years and it bothers me that you won't be there. Of course i'm stoked for you professionally...
Jeff - You're kidding right?? I have the same phone number, the same Blog, I'm the same ActiveBrad, same everything.... I'm right here buddy...literally on your screen, and even more available than before.
Check out my new diggs too!! Seriously, dial the number, I actually answer my phone!! lol~ :-)) 707 646-1876
I'll be sitting right here when you call......
Just don't call me tomorrow, I'm re-marrying my wife for our 15th Anniversary!! :-))
Brad -
This will surely be a big plus for Zillow. My opinion of them just moved up a notch or three because I know you are there.
Maybe you can get re-married every 15 years ....say three or four times.
AR has lost one of it's greatest assets....no amount of increased hardware can match the loss of ....a true server.
Congratulations Brad - You have come a long way over the past few years =}
Wow Jim, thanks. That was really nice... and I love the hardware server analogy. Very touching, thank you.
Roland - Thanks, and believe me, I'm feeling it. :-))
Once again, thanks sincerely to each and every one of you who've commented, I am so grateful to have so many colleagues and friends here on AR, this really is my family away from my home family.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3
All the very best to you, Brad. I've always admired your passion and drive and, obviously, Zillow did too.
Why do I feel like I've lost a good friend? Actually, it's more like a good friend who lived next door has moved across country, I guess. Still, it's just not the same. But good luck with your new position, and please do keep in touch.
I actually came over here from a link in Bob Stewart's post, as I'm trying to catch up with everything important that I missed last week when my Verizon FIOS went out. It's amazing how "lost" one feels with no Internet, land line phone, or TV for several days.
The very best to you Brad! You are so full of energy, wit and knowledge and always willing to share..I know you will helpZillow reach a new height! From A to Z...contributing all the way!!
Congrats on the new position Brad! They need someone like you... I remember the beating the Zillow rep got at the NYC Rain Camp last year! I'm sure you will help take them in the right direction!
What a positive development for all of us. I think you have the understanding of the concerns many of us have about Zillow and hopefully can address these and help morph this into a better partnership with them. I like Zillow, but there are things that make my relationship tough, at times. I think this can be a very positive thing for us and certainly for Zillow.....best to you!
I don't have to tell you this but I for one will miss you as a member of the AR staff. I know change is good and keeps us young (er). Good luck my friend!
Such a surprise, but congratulations anyway!
OK Brad I believe you...(wipes a tear away)
Brad,
The only downside of everyone leaving these glowing comments about what an amazing job you did at Active Rain is that it has raised my expectations through the roof for what you can do for the Zillow community! :)
Happy to have you aboard,
Spencer (from Zillow)
@Spencer - thanks.
Wait...Through the roof? lol~ There's no roof... even the SKY won't be our limit.
Happy and grateful to be on board! :-)
Members Chat "Live"
Wow, It's kind of weird not seeing your comments in the yellow box, LOL! Congratulations on your new endeavor. I'm sure you will be a valued member of Zillow just as you were/are here in the rain!
CHANDA PANDA
Congratulations and best wishes on your new venture. It's AR's loss and Zillow's gain. Thanks for all your help to all of us here at AR. I know you'll do very well at Zillow.
Happy Anniversary to you and your wife.
Will I see you in NY this Thursday? I'll be going to the Tech Fair.
Chanda Panda - hope you can learn to like "blue" lol~ :-)
Thanks Rosalinda - I'll see you in New York! :-)
Hey Don - thanks for stopping in and for the well wishes. I already have some cool stuff happening, I hope you keep checking in every so often so you can keep up with the latest and greatest stuff I hope to keep sharing here.
Great to hear from you, have a rockin weekend. :-)