Joy Watts2024 REALTOR® of the YearBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices |
Joy’s journey in the world of real estate began in Kalamazoo, where she was raised and later graduated from Comstock Public Schools. She pursued higher education at Hope College, earning a BA in Business Administration. In 1998, Joy embarked on her real estate career by obtaining her Real Estate Salesperson’s license, and joined GKAR the same year. Her commitment to professional growth led her to acquire her Associate Broker’s license in 2003. Joy’s roots in the real estate industry run deep, as she grew up in a family construction business and now serves as a third-generation owner and current President of Watts Construction Company. Throughout her extensive career in both construction and real estate, she has successfully sold a multitude of properties and established valuable connections with fellow GKAR members. Joy’s commitment to GKAR extends beyond her professional accomplishments, as she has served as a dedicated volunteer in various capacities. She has contributed her expertise to the Budget & Finance Committee, Grievance Committee, Professional Standards Committee, in addition to participating in task forces and facilitating the Broker Forum. Her commitment is further demonstrated through her roles as a GKAR Board Member, President, and President-Elect. Joy has also engaged in activities and programs with other local organizations such as HBA of Western Michigan, Comstock Public Schools, Comstock Community Center and KRESA. A relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth drives Joy. She consistently invests in her education by reading, attending classes, earning designations and certifications, all while drawing inspiration from her peers. In her leisure time, Joy indulges in her passion for sports, particularly as a spectator, and enjoys playing volleyball and practicing Tae Kwon Do. She also values quality moments spent with her family, friends, and her beloved rescue dogs.
The nomination period for the 2025 REALTOR® of the year has ended. The nomination period for the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year is September 1st through September 15th, 2025.
Important Details:
1958 Orville B Schroeder |
1959 Clarence Hawthorne |
1960 C Ray Clapper |
1961 Ty Carter |
1962 Robert Early |
1963 Harry Hurni |
1964 Arthur Warly |
1965 Lowell A Swanson |
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1968 Robert E Greene |
1969 Dale O Wheeler |
1970 Kenneth S Bright |
1971 Bruce R Perry |
1972 Arthur C Early |
1973 John W Bosch |
1974 Philip C Keelan |
1975 Meryl Weimaster |
1976 Philip P Perry |
1977 Douglas R Preston |
1978 Frank R Stokes |
1979 John B Olheiser |
1980 John W Bosch |
1981 Rod O' Brien |
1982 Tom Tobin |
1983 Jerry Carlson |
1984 Lowell I Swanson |
1985 Marian E Greene |
1986 Robert L Walton |
1987 Sam Cupps |
1988 Woody King |
1989 Phyllis Bogren |
1990 Kathy King |
1991 Tim Brown |
1992 Nick Pratt |
1993 Judy Haugh |
1994 Jared Arnold |
1995 Lonnie Palleschi |
1996 Sally Elser |
1997 Al Rowe |
1998 Tim Brown |
1999 Marty Wagar |
2000 Ray Becker |
2001 Mary Sutton |
2002 Don Cain |
2003 Sue Cornell |
2004 Wayne Wilkinson |
2005 David Maturen |
2006 Dennis Field |
2007 Rose Rook |
2008 Rick Hoffman |
2009 John Jackson |
2010 Rick Berner |
2011 John Buttery |
2012 Audrey DeVault |
2013 Cheri Schulz |
2014 Cathy Gasper |
2015 Nancy Fish |
2016 Lee Crossley |
2017 Gayle Zientek |
2018 Dan Jaqua |
2019 Natalie Rowe |
2020 Greg Miller |
2021 Bill Evenboer |
2022 Shelly Pattison |
2023 Suzzette Deaux |
2024 Joy Watts |