Aspire North REALTORS® Welcomes New Members at April Orientation

Aspire North REALTORS® Welcomes New Members at April Orientation

Aspire North REALTORS® recently hosted its New Member Orientation, welcoming the newest members of the association and providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in today’s real estate industry. The two-day orientation introduced participants to the resources, professional standards, and opportunities available through Aspire North, Michigan REALTORS®, and National Association of REALTORS®.

Building a Strong Foundation for New REALTORS®

The orientation kicked off with a warm welcome from Aspire North leadership and staff, along with introductions that gave members the opportunity to learn more about one another and begin building a strong support network within the association. Attendees were introduced to the association’s mission of supporting members through education, advocacy, and professional resources. New members also learned about the Aspire North bylaws and how the association operates to maintain professionalism, transparency, and integrity within the REALTOR® community.

Participants were also introduced to key contacts within the association, including board leadership, staff members, and committee chairs who help guide programs, education, and MLS services for members.

Education and Professional Development

A key focus of the orientation was professional development. Throughout the two days, members attended sessions covering important industry topics such as:

  • REALTOR® etiquette and professional conduct
  • Fair Housing and implicit bias
  • Agency relationships and disclosure requirements
  • Fiduciary responsibilities
  • Contracts and forms
  • Professional standards, grievance processes, and arbitration

These sessions help ensure that new members understand both their legal obligations and professional responsibilities when serving clients and the community.

Learning the Tools of the Trade

Members participated in a crash course on the Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS (NGLRMLS) and the Paragon system, where they learned best practices, key rules, and essential tools to set up successful listings and effectively navigate the MLS. Training also covered digital tools frequently used by REALTORS®, including platforms for transaction management, safety resources, and property research.

Understanding these tools helps new members streamline their business operations while providing accurate, up-to-date information to their clients.

Ethics, Advocacy, and Industry Leadership

Another major component of the orientation focused on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which establishes the standards that guide how REALTORS® serve clients, cooperate with other professionals, and uphold fairness in the housing market.

Members also learned about RPAC (the REALTORS® Political Action Committee) and how it works to protect private property rights, support pro-housing policies, and advocate for the interests of REALTORS® at the local, state, and national levels.

Getting Involved with Aspire North

Beyond education and resources, the orientation encouraged new members to become actively involved in the association. Aspire North offers numerous opportunities to engage through:

  • Committees and leadership opportunities
  • Educational events and networking opportunities
  • RPAC activities and advocacy efforts
  • Industry groups such as the Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Member engagement is essential to strengthening the association and shaping the future of the real estate industry in Northern Michigan.

Welcome to the Aspire North Community

The New Member Orientation marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Aspire North’s newest REALTORS®. By connecting members with valuable resources, industry education, and a supportive professional network, Aspire North continues its commitment to helping REALTORS® grow their businesses and serve their communities with excellence.

Welcome to Aspire North REALTORS®, we’re excited to see the impact our newest members will make in the industry and our communities.

Eva Nienhouse @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate
Brett Sigworth Aurora Realty Services, LLC
Keegan Garrow Bayside Real Estate
Joe Esper Coldwell Banker Schmidt-522
Ashley Martini EXIT Northern Shores Realty-KA
Heather Driscoll EXIT Northern Shores-TC
Jake Duell Keller Williams Northern Michigan
Mackintosh Joy Keller Williams, Home
Kasia Vasser Key Realty One-TC
Michele Howe Key Realty One-TC
Thomas Willis Real Estate One Gaylord
Faith Dubie Real Estate One Randolph
Amy Couturier REMAX Bayshore - Union St TC
Dennis Oster REO-TCBeulah-Frankfort-233027
Angel Field REO-TCFront-233021
Candace Raimi REO-TCFront-233021
Joanna Zamora REO-TCFront-233021
Sara Porter-Leffingwell REO-TCRandolph-233022
Carlie Humphrey Schmidt Group Coldwell Banker
Thomas Sullivan Tandem Real Estate
Holly Clark The Mitten Group
Susan Leithauser-Yee The Mitten Group
Christian Riddle The Mitten Real Estate Group
Robyn Doriot The Mitten Real Estate Group
Matt Ness The Morgan Group Real Estate
Amy Chouinard Wentworth Real Estate Group
Wendy Schaub Wentworth Real Estate Group
Fisher Sutherland  


Heather Sauer photo
Heather Sauer

Heather Sauer is the Human Resource Manager for Aspire North Realtors, bringing a strong background in human resources, leadership, and business strategy. She began her career in retail management while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, later transitioning into human resources at Target, where she served as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources. During this time, she earned her MBA from the Northwood University DeVos Graduate School.

After relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, Heather continued her HR career with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managing more than 30 client accounts and partnering closely with leadership teams on employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. In the fall of 2023, she expanded her professional experience into business development and entrepreneurship.

In addition to her role at Aspire North Realtors, Heather is also an independent travel agent, helping individuals, families, and groups plan seamless, memorable travel experiences. Her passion for service, organization, and relationship-building carries through both her HR and travel work.