Gwyn Besner Acme Institute My involvement in Michigan real estate spans nearly four decades, as a broker, educator, author, and advocate for the profession. As President of Acme Institute, Inc., Home of Dynamite Education, I have been teaching Michigan real estate professionals since 1993. One of the great privileges of teaching for so many years has been the relationships formed with REALTORS® at every stage of their careers. Over the years, many salespersons and brokers have known that when a complicated question came up, it didn't matter what day of the week or what time of day—they could reach me. Sometimes, I’ve known the answer. Sometimes we’ve found the answer together. And occasionally the answer was, “Lawyer up, my friend. This one is about to hit the fan.”

That accessibility matters to me. An association and its leadership should be equally approachable, willing to listen, and responsive to the people they serve.

My involvement has also extended to professional associations, legislative and regulatory issues, fair housing education, and community service. Having watched our profession change enormously, I believe our REALTOR® association becomes even more important during times of change.

Serving on the Aspire North REALTORS® Board would provide an opportunity to share the experience gained over those years while continuing to listen and learn. Our membership includes people who are brand new to real estate and others who have spent a lifetime in it. All of those voices matter. As a director, my priorities would include strong education, professionalism, fair housing, thoughtful use of new technology, and greater member involvement.

After all these years, I am still learning, still teaching, and still excited about where our profession goes next. I would welcome the opportunity to bring that experience, accessibility, and enthusiasm to the Aspire North Board of Directors.

Jennifer Blain The Mitten Group Jennifer Blain is the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Broker of The Mitten Group. Licensed since 2012, she has more than 14 years of experience in real estate, with roles ranging from full-time REALTOR® and team admin to Director of Operations and Associate Broker. She currently serves on Aspire North’s Forms Committee, MLS Committee, and the newly formed Reels & Deals Tournament Committee, as well as the Michigan Regional Forms Committee. A big part of Jennifer’s career has been helping agents learn, grow, and navigate an industry that is constantly changing. Just as important to her is creating a place where people feel supported, valued, and like they belong. She genuinely cares about the person behind the business, not just their production, and works hard to create a culture where people know they have someone in their corner.

“I believe the strongest brokerages are built by empowering agents to become the best versions of themselves, professionally and personally. I love helping people discover their strengths, build confidence, and find better ways to do what they do. When we stop learning, we stop growing.”

Jennifer’s interest in serving on the Aspire North Board comes from wanting to be part of the conversations and decisions that directly affect REALTORS® and their businesses. She hopes to bring an independent brokerage perspective to the table while supporting strong professional standards, useful education and resources, and open communication with members as the industry continues to change.

Blake Burns Five Star Real Estate Leaders Blake Burns is a REALTOR® with Five Star Real Estate Leaders, based in Traverse City and serving buyers and sellers throughout Northern Michigan. His approach to real estate is built on strong communication, professionalism, and a commitment to representing his clients’ interests while continuing to grow as a leader within the industry. Blake currently serves on the 2026 Aspire North REALTORS® Board of Directors, an experience that has strengthened his appreciation for the important role the association plays in supporting its members, protecting the interests of property owners, and maintaining a strong and professional real estate community in Northern Michigan.

His time on the Board has also reinforced his belief that REALTORS® benefit when their association is responsive to the needs of its members and when those members are willing to become involved. Blake values the opportunity to listen to fellow REALTORS®, bring their perspectives to the table, and contribute to decisions that help Aspire North remain a valuable resource for professionals throughout the region.

Blake is seeking the opportunity to continue serving on the Board of Directors with a focus on member engagement, professional development, industry advocacy, and strengthening the connection between Aspire North and the REALTORS® it represents. He believes the association is strongest when experienced professionals and newer voices alike are encouraged to participate and help shape its future.

As a Northern Michigan REALTOR®, Blake is proud to serve both his clients and his professional community and looks forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to Aspire North’s leadership.

Kelly Price The Mitten Group Hi I’m Kelly Price — a retired police officer turned Northern Michigan Realtor, and probably one of the most straightforward people you’ll ever work with. Before real estate, I spent years in law enforcement. I worked patrol, narcotics, investigations, crime scenes, and enough real-life situations to learn how to read a room fast, stay calm under pressure, and tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. After retiring, I spent years coordinating events and building community connections before eventually finding my place in real estate. And honestly? Real estate ended up being another form of public service. I’ve never been the polished, perfectly scripted “salesperson” type. That’s not me. I’m loud sometimes, emotional sometimes, sarcastic when the moment calls for it, and fiercely protective of the people I care about. My clients don’t get a manufactured brand version of me — they get the real person. The one who answers the phone late at night, talks people off the cliff during stressful transactions, shows up when things get messy, and fights hard for the people sitting at my table.

I believe trust matters more than image. Connection matters more than marketing. And truth matters more than comfort. I’m deeply rooted in community service and leadership. I’ve served as President of the Northern Michigan Women’s Council of Realtors, currently serve as Michigan State Treasurer, and continue volunteering with organizations that support veterans, housing initiatives, and local families in need. I’m also a Realtor safety instructor because protecting people has never stopped being part of who I am. At this stage of my life, legacy matters more to me than titles. My grandchildren, my family, my clients, and the relationships I build along the way — that’s the important stuff. I’m not trying to become an influencer. I’m just trying to be real in an industry that sometimes forgets how important that is. And if you work with me, you’ll always know exactly where you stand.

Ree Zerafa Wolff Properties Ree Zerafa is an Associate Broker with Wolff Properties in Traverse City and has been in the real estate industry for three years. Before entering real estate, Ree spent many years in high-tech sales and operations, where she developed a strong background in business, relationship building, negotiation, and leadership. Ree is actively involved in both Aspire North and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northern Michigan. She has served on Aspire North committees and previously ran for the Aspire North Board of Directors. She is a past board member of WCR Northern Michigan and has been the WCR Home Tour Director for the past year and a half. In that role, she coordinates the weekly home tour and works closely with REALTORS®, builders, homeowners, and volunteers.

Ree enjoys being involved and believes that some of the most meaningful contributions come from simply being willing to show up, listen, and help. Her volunteer experiences have given her a deeper appreciation for the people who give their time to make our organizations stronger and for the importance of having members feel heard and supported.

Ree is seeking a position on the Aspire North Board because she wants to give back to the organization that represents her profession and contribute to its continued success. She hopes to bring a fresh perspective, practical business experience, and a collaborative approach to the Board.

Ree would be honored to have the opportunity to serve Aspire North and its members and looks forward to listening, learning, and contributing wherever she can.