By Kathleen Ronald
I am very excited to highlight a husband and wife team this month. Geraldine Barry and Stuart Baeriswyl not only happily married they are also the founders of San Jose Real Estate Investors Association (SJREI). SJREI is based in San Jose, CA but has operations in both Santa Clara and Foster City, so is centrally located and accessible to all Bay Area residents.
The mission of the SJREI is to provide a forum for real estate investors to collaborate and become informed on how to successfully invest in real estate.
At the meetings people in attendance learn about topics such as market timing, 1031 Exchanges, Short Sales, REO properties (real estate owned by banks), Property Management, and Partnerships to mention a few. If you are an experienced investor or new to investing; a real-estate or mortgage broker, accountant or lawyer or just interested in finding out what is happening in the world of real estate, this is the networking group for you.
As you know, I love the story of the how clubs are born. When I spoke to Geraldine this morning, it was so inspiring to hear how she and Stuart have built this grass roots association from its humble beginnings to the powerful networking vehicle that it is today. The journey from their launch in May of 2002 to today’s club model is nothing short of phenomenal.
Geraldine took me back to the time that she and Stuart bought their first properties as newbie investors, which included both a 4 unit and a 6 unit apartment buildings in Stockton. What they lacked in landlord experience, they made up in motivation to learn the ropes. It was Stuart who first had the vision to host a gathering of like-minded people. Geraldine, however, was not thrilled about this idea and felt, given all they already had on their plates, including a toddler and two corporate jobs, that they had enough going on. She couldn’t get behind her husband’s idea at conception. Stuart then offered to compromise, and said, “If I do all the foundation work will you join me?” She accepted, and apparently that strategy worked, because their club grew in numbers every single month, from their first meeting with ten people at a local coffee shop, to the hundreds that now attend either at Santa Clara or the Foster City locations.
I have personally known this incredible duo for many years, and have attended countless meetings as a friend, interested investor, and even as a speaker. I believe that the success of any networking opportunity is rooted in the founders who bring it to life. As Geraldine explained to me, their club has been built solely by word of mouth over all these years. How many clubs can say that? This, my friends, is the gold standard of any group that gets my time and monies. I guarantee, you will know why they have been so successful after you attend your first meeting. You too, can become part of the PR machine that has supported their growth.
As a team they are constantly looking for ways to bring a ton of value to their members.
Some of the major benefits include:
- Networking, Networking, Networking!!!
- Educational Speaker (an Expert on a myriad of Real Estate topics)
- A Deal Table (investors share your deals with the attendees) Very Popular!
- Sponsored one-day in depth training (top speakers in the field)
- Geraldine's Blog where she shares insider tips; the pulse of the market etc.
- Geraldine’s Educational Presentation (book review, current market statistics etc.)
- Monthly featured member interview (details of deal from the trenches)
Their club is also a member of The National Association of Real-Estate Investors, which broadens the benefits to the SJREI members. National REIA's mission www.nationalreia.com is to develop, support and promote local real estate investor organizations while serving the interests of the real estate investment industry through networking, education, leadership on legislative issues, and promoting professionalism and standards of excellence in our industry.
As you can imagine there is no shortage of networking connections, or learning opportunities, at their clubs. Geraldine and Stuart have managed to set up an inspirational environment, and if you go you will be taken with Geraldine’s style and her charming Irish accent. I myself could listen to her all day long! Stuart’s quiet strength shines through on many levels, as he is now a real-estate broker and manages their new investments, which include their recent purchase of two homes in California. I can assure you, after meeting them you will feel as if you’d just met your long lost friends. Their heart, soul and commitment to excellence are obvious from the very moment you meet them. You will not be disappointed!
Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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