Stephen Toon

WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE
AS A DIRECTOR?

I will be approaching my 20th year as a licensed, full-time Realtor in Northwest Ohio.
During that time period, I have experienced the extreme market lows of our industry while also being a part of the wonderful, yet frantic, highs. Through it all, there have always been great agents, managers, and brokers who have stepped up to give their insight, volunteer their time, and give direction. As a result, our industry can strive to serve homeowners in the most effective way. I would like to continue that and give my time to serve the many members of Northwest Ohio Realtors.
It would be my main goal to help keep our members focused on their ethics and integrity. I also want to help them focus on their success in having a balanced career and home life while helping others. It is important to remember that there are multiple avenues to make a successful real estate agent, which is part of what makes our industry great! A real estate career should be attainable to anyone who would like to experience it and there is room for all of us in our community. I believe I can make a difference on the Board of Directors for NOR.

EDUCATION

Eastern Michigan University, BS, Telecommunications

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT EXPERIENCE

To survive in this industry, it is of the utmost importance to understand and practice financial stability. Realtors should be good stewards of the funds we have and to make them work so that we may best serve our clients’ needs.
We should first have financial stability in our own lives so we can help clients and fellow agents have that in theirs. It is vital to learn skills of saving during plentiful times to survive when the real estate market is on the bottom of a roller coaster. It is also important to invest in ourselves and in our Board, so our members can thrive.

COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Prior to my career in real estate, I worked at NBC24 as a news producer.
I also worked in the communications industry in radio and video production. I’ve always enjoyed evolving with the times as how we communicate changes. It isn’t necessarily bad, but I feel we can do better with our clients as a whole.
Knowing when to use the appropriate type of communication is key.
Working in the best interest of our clients can always be done simply over text or email.
These are great for quick updates, but it will never replace picking up the phone or meeting in person.
I think in order to succeed for our homeowners, we need to work on our communication skills both with clients and with fellow Realtors.

TYPE OF LICENSE HELD – SALESPERSON

Number of Years Licensed – 18

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

In 2022, I was given an award by The Danberry Co. for my numerous community volunteering efforts. I am never afraid to roll up my sleeves to help anyone in need. In fact, volunteering is a major part of my life that my wife and I choose to prioritize and instill in our children’s lives.
I have currently focused my volunteer efforts on organizations that affect my three school-aged children. I have been extremely involved with youth coaching for the past ten years, primarily as a head coach in cross country and basketball. Coaching in the Catholic Youth Organization has given me the opportunity to lead by example, teach, and help children and adolescents build their faith to help them face anything in their journey. I am also the basketball commissioner at Saint Rose.
I am the President of the Saint Rose School Advisory Council. I was elected by my colleagues to serve for six years and I help direct the school administration while being proactive and also communicating with other council members to solve issues as they arise. Part of my role is to create support for school families. Most recently, I arranged for an FBI agent and a Toledo Police Officer task force to speak with middle school parents in the Perrysburg community about the risks of social media use and online dangers. I have also created and planned biannual family volunteer days at Saint Rose when children and parents come together to do projects around the school and church.
I am an active member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering time and energy to raise funds for multiple charities and I fundraise annually for Heartbeat of Toledo. This year, I have given my time to be on the Living Christ and Preserving Our Legacy Campaign for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo and Saint Rose Parish and School.
My family and I also volunteer with many Saint Rose Church and School events, completing groundwork for the Saint Rose Cemetery, and for Run Toledo events.
In the past, I have been an active member and past parish council President at Saint John XXIII church and my wife and I have volunteered by counseling engaged couples as they prepare for marriage.

STRATEGIC PLANNING EXPERIENCE

I have been a member of committees and councils that have fundraised, overseen building projects, and created committee bylaws. A step-by-step approach is the best way to tackle large goals. In both my personal and professional life, I have always felt that being proactive is immensely better than being reactive! It takes a little more time and planning upfront, but it is always worth it!

TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

I try to find value in technology that improves clients’ experience and avoid technology that would hinder genuine communication. As with many things in life, it can be a delicate balance. I am not afraid to embrace technology and am thankful for its place in propelling opportunities for its users. Since I am a third generation, Realtor, I can remember going to the office with my mom to look through the new books. Thank goodness that is online now!

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS EXPERIENCE

I enjoy following local, state, and national government as it truly impacts our profession.
I think it is important to protect everyone’s right to be a homeowner.
There is no greater feeling than when you buy your first home.
Gathering insight from our industry leaders in the trenches is important to know what possible future laws may do to impact the landscape.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS EXPERIENCE

Our industry is constantly changing. In many ways, we are learning on the job every single day. I make it a point, with the help of my peers, to navigate the ever-changing landscape. I also make it a point to network with agents to find out their recent experiences. We all need to work together to be our best for our clients.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

I have helped and held positions on community committees, spearheading many projects. I am very proud of my office leadership. As an agent, I haven’t held management of a broker position, but my office door has always been open to help both the new, experienced, and everyone in between. Just as I need help from time to time, I want to be present for those who may need help with a client, lender, title company or just need someone to listen. Leading by example is important in our industry. We need to allow the next generation to offer their stamp but show them the best ways to behave in the public arena.