Disruption and change are good. In fact, they are fuel for someone like Kuba Jewgieniew who looks for every opportunity to do things differently, better, and for the good of the whole.

Kuba’s Polish-born parents raised him with an intense work ethic, the desire to learn and the drive to relentlessly pursue his passions. From their humble beginnings, they couldn’t possibly know all that he would accomplish.

Jewgieniew worked his own way through college and after graduating from the University of California, San Diego, started a lucrative career as a stock trader and financial manager, building computer hardware and software programs on the side. He became a real estate professional in 2004, closing 111 transactions in his first year but realized in short order that the industry was in desperate need of change.

He founded Realty ONE Group in 2005 based on a 100%-commission model, making real estate professionals the core of everything the company does. And for this simple reason, Realty ONE Group continues to be one of the fastest growing franchises today and Kuba is recognized as one of the industry’s most influential.

The rest is and will be history as the company continues to open doors around the world and as Kuba finds new ways to innovate, disrupt and have fun.

Cory Vasquez is a 25+ year communications veteran and was born talking, although she’s patiently learned the art of listening. She joined Realty ONE Group in late 2018 bringing years of experience in a host of communications fields including PR, crisis communications management, and social media. While she feigns being shy, she’s been a frequent national speaker and has won several awards for integrated public relations campaigns.

Cory earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master’s Degree from Colorado State University. She’s married, has two children, and loves getting dirty renovating houses. She also never leaves home without a leash, always ready to rescue a stray dog. Her passion for shelter animals runs deep and her family has fostered dozens of dogs while her own two rescue dogs think she’s the bees-knees.

Dr. Michael Butcher is an AI leader and strategist who helps organizations move from AI curiosity to AI capability. As Founder and President of the Center for Artificial Intelligence, he works across business, government, and economic development to turn fast-moving AI trends into practical strategies that improve decision-making, operations, and workforce outcomes. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across technology and higher education, backed by interdisciplinary academic credentials in IT, public administration, educational leadership, and AI business innovation.

Dr. Butcher’s cross-sector impact includes delivering AI training for Visit Savannah’s leadership team. In addition, he presented AI That Moves the Needle: Practical Results for Your Business Community to economic and business leaders across Georgia. His work has supported development authorities, chambers, and regional partners, and he has led sessions for the Georgia Council for Human Resources focused on AI’s impact on recruitment, performance, and the future of work.

Through the Center, Dr. Butcher designs AI-powered workflows and agents that streamline operations, enhance customer and employee experiences, and transform repetitive processes into scalable systems. In addition, he serves on the advisory board for CareerOS and is an Executive Consultant on AI with The Advisory Alliance.

A nationally recognized keynote speaker, Dr. Butcher has presented on AI strategy, innovation, and responsible implementation across major professional platforms, including the Georgia Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers. He brings deep experience translating complex AI topics into clear, actionable next steps leaders can use immediately.

A legend in the real estate industry, Kathy Baker is the Chief Coaching Officer of Realty ONE Group and ONE of the company’s most prized assets. For 30+ years, Kathy has served as a consultant, coach, trainer, speaker, and Executive in the industry. Early in her career, Kathy served as a Broker/Partner with a RE/MAX Brokerage in Raleigh, NC, and for 17 years, she was a catalyst for the company’s success. As General Manager and a ferocious recruiter, Kathy focused on recruiting and retention as the key to profitability, and grew the office to over 300 devoted real estate professionals landing them in the top 100 RE/MAX brokerages in the country, closing over one billion dollars year after year.

Teamwork, attitude, and leadership she professes are the keys to success and she’s brought all three to the UNBrokerage, scaring the competition and fueling the fire igniting this rapidly growing franchisor. She doesn’t discriminate and will passionately share her knowledge and experience with anyONE who wants to succeed. Her energy, humor, and southern charm make her unforgettable and altogether huggable.

Kathy’s husband, two daughters, and grandchildren cherish her like so many others and when she’s not traveling, teaching and coaching, she lives in beautiful North Carolina.

An architect of aha’s, Chris Allen, the founder of AAP, has the ability to inspire change in people. With 20+ years of experience in rapidly growing organizations, Chris has developed an ability to establish clarity, build culture and develop leaders.

Chris has worked with leaders across diverse industries and sectors, who have all benefited from his passion, experience, and practical insights. As a trusted advisor and consultant, he has helped multiple organizations create the cultural clarity necessary for their next phase of growth. And as those organizations take on the challenges of scaling, Chris’s transformational leadership approach continues to breed success.

Chris is originally from Chicago, but Charlotte is home to the Allen crew. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Jamie, and their four children, where there is never a dull moment. On the weekend, we can expect to find him reading a book outside, anxiously watching a soccer game (wishing he was still playing) or having an authentic conversation with friends.