Real estate ain’t just about buying and selling houses, it’s about people. The families we help, the communities we build, the dreams we make possible through ownership.

Anybody can chase closings. But being a REALTOR® means something deeper; it means showing up with integrity, protecting consumers, and building trust one deal, one class, one conversation at a time.

And let’s get one thing straight, mentorship isn’t a Facebook post. It’s not about being seen. Mentorship is a promise. It’s about opening doors, not hoarding keys. It’s not proximity, it’s access. Don’t just sit beside someone and call that guidance. Give them your process, show the checklist, and share the script. 

Because when we teach what we know, we don’t just create success, we create standards for our industry.

That’s why I’ve spent my career teaching, mentoring, and sharing the blueprint. Because when we lift as we climb, the whole industry rises. When we gatekeep, everybody loses.

And now, I’m honored to share that I’ve been inducted into the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame. In this episode, I’m sharing my full Hall of Fame acceptance speech, which includes the lessons and legacy that have built my career and what this means to me. 

I have been judged by my race, my size, and for being a woman with a voice within rules that were not built for me. None of that has ever been an excuse; it’s context - I choose excellence anyway. -Marki Lemons Ryhal 

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode 

The real meaning of real estate
It’s not about listings, it’s about lives. How do we make sure people stay at the heart of this business?

Lift as you climb
When one of us grows, we all grow. How do we build each other up instead of competing to stay small?

Why mentorship matters
Mentorship isn’t charity; it’s how we protect the profession. How do you make sure your success leaves a door open for someone else?

A hall of fame moment for us all
This honor isn’t about status, it’s about service. What does it mean to represent real estate at its very best?

About Your Host

Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR®, and avid volunteer. 

She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, Homes.com, and REALTOR® Magazine.

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