Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates- Overall

Serpico Awarded Employee of the Year – NEPA MGMT

Stroudsburg – NEPA Management Associates awarded Christina Serpico, Sen Vice President and Sen Property Manager, Employee of the Year Award at the Stroudsmoore Inn for the Wilkins Awards Brunch that was held on January 19^th, 2020. Serpico has been with the Wilkins Organization for 18 years.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO – “Christina is and has been one of my ‘right-hand people’ with regards to property management accounts that we handle, particularly the sixty plus associations that we work with throughout the greater Pocono, NEPA, and ABE areas.”
 
Serpico began her career as an Admin working for the (now retired) Manager of what was then the beginnings of NEPA Management Associates. “NEPA probably had ten Associations 16 years ago, and now we are a million dollar plus Company handling over all types of accounts, and project to grow NEPA MGMT another 10% in 2020.” Wilkins, CEO further stated.


NEPA MGMT handles Full Service Property Management Agreements, Bookkeeping, and Fiscal Management Agreements. Serpico is involved with these accounts and has recently been active in the quoting for new associations on behalf of NEPA Management Associates.


Said Serpico, Sen. Vice President and Sen. Property Manager – “It is truly an honor to be named Employee of the Year. I enjoy what it is that I do and certainly enjoy working for the Wilkins Family. I have a good relationship personally and professionally with Tom and Christine Wilkins.”


NEPA Management Associates is located in the BHG Business Campus and handles accounts throughout the greater five county Pocono area and the ABE area. Free quotes are available for Associations as well as individual owners who want their investment properties, multi-family properties, vacation, or individual homes professionally managed. For more information please visit NEPA MGMT online at www.nepamgnt.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nepamgmt/

BHG & NEPA Hosts 2019 Awards Brunch

Stroudsburg – Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and NEPA Management Associates hosted the 30^th Annual Awards Brunch held at Lawnhaven at Stroudsmoore Inn on January 19^th, 2020. The brunch was attended by Managers, Realtors, Employees, Staff, and Members of the BHG Independent Family of Home Buying Services.

Said Christine A. Wilkins President – “All of our staff and agents look forward to the Annual Awards Brunch. It’s our 30^th Awards Brunch. All the staff at Stroudsmoore know us, they know our people, and the food is fantastic”.

Award winners include:

Certificates of Achievement: Cynthia Lynch Realtor, Deborah Matthews Realtor, Yelena Smashnov Realtor; Warren “WK” Watson Realtor, and Kathy Louis Assoc. Broker.

Rookie of the Year: Kacey Conaty Realtor and Kurt Homza Realtor.

Said Thomas R Wilkins CEO – “Rookie of the Year is probably the most exciting award to present. It’s a Realtor who has just got their Real Estate License and is making an impact into the Pocono Real Estate Industry. These ‘rookies’ are going to be our next top producers just give them a little bit of time.”

Outstanding Salespersons: Grace Moro Realtor, Carol Demarest Realtor, Stephanie Troiani Realtor, and Thomas Waslowski Realtor.

Top 10 Salespersons of the Year: Kimberly Gay Realtor, Dennis Farrelly Realtor, James Martin Realtor, Thomas Waslowski Realtor, Stephanie Troiani Realtor, Carol Demarest Realtor, Annette “Dot” Ifill Realtor, Beth Schutte Realtor, Katherine Skillman Assoc. Broker, and Kathy Louis Assoc. Broker.

Christine A. Wilkins President, further said – “Our Top 10 Salespersons are those that are committed to the Real Estate business, some have been in the business just a short time, and others have been in it for longer. They are all the Realtors that put service first and the commission dollars second. As owners we are proud of our Top 10 at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.”

“James Martin Realtor was also awarded in the Top 10 of Better Homes and Gardens Corporate based on the number of units that Martin sold. This is a nationwide award” Wilkins further stated.

 

Top Sales Team of the Year: 

The Dennis Farrelly Team.

“The Dennis Farrelly Team was also honored by Better Homes and Gardens Corporate whose sales are in the top percentile of the Real Estate Teams nationwide.” Wilkins CEO added.

Top Salesperson by Volume: Kimberly Gay Realtor.

Top Salesperson by Units: James Martin Realtor. 

Certificate of Excellence: Mary Muschock Accounting Department

Said Thomas R. Wilkins CEO – “Mary has demonstrated her commitment to not only doing her job but, doing her job well. She has been promoted from a bookkeeper to the position of depositing money for not only Better Homes and Gardens but for NEPA Management, long-term rentals, and other corporate money received. We are very proud of Mary and her job performance.”

Employee of the Year: Christina Serpico Senior Vice President and Senior Property Manager

 “Christina Serpico has been with the company close to 18 years. In that time period she has advanced herself from Administrative Assistant to an Officer of the Corporation as well as the Senior Manager for NEPA Management with the association business that we do. This Employee of the Year award could not have gone to a better person.” Said Wilkins CEO.

“Best Customer Service Award – Above and Beyond”: Betsy Lloyd Property Manager, Warren “WK” Watson Realtor, Carol Demarest Realtor, Ingrid Eagon Realtor, and Stephanie Troiani Realtor.

“Excellence in Organization”: Marilyn Lesoine Senior Property Manager and HR Director, Donna DiBernard Realtor, Grace Moro Realtor, and Ann-Marie Kelly Realtor.

“Marilyn knows where everything is, keeps it where you can find it and if you do need it between Marilyn and Betsy they’ll make sure you get it.” Chuckled Christine A. Wilkins President.

Best Corporate Branding: William “Bill” Schutte Executive Vice President and Assoc. Broker and James Martin Realtor.

“The Encouraging Word Award”: William “Bill” Schutte Executive Vice President and Assoc. Broker, Kathy Louis Assoc. Broker, Kimberly Gay Realtor, and Carol Demarest Realtor.

Helping Hands Award: Toni Jones Central Processing, Anna Snook Manager Long-Term in Corporate Rentals, Marilyn Lesoine Senior Property Manager and HR Director, Donna DiBernard Realtor, Carol Demarest Realtor, Kimberly Gay Realtor, and Beth Schutte Realtor.

“We had to laugh this year; all of our helping hands awards were done by our children who have now outgrown the plaque. Their hands are too big, so Christine A. Wilkins using her artistic talents came up with new Helping Hands Awards which everyone received tremendously.” Proudly said Thomas R. Wilkins CEO.

Pocono GunKeepers Celebrates 1st Year in Business

Analomink, PA – Thomas R. Wilkins, Owner of Pocono GunKeepers (PGK), announced a celebration of fourteen months in business. Pocono GunKeepers stores all types of firearms, and firearm accessories including ammo, long guns, hand guns, and gun collections in a secure, clean, heated, and climate controlled facility located at 2308 Paradise Trail, Analomink, PA.

Said Wilkins – “The idea of storing firearms began in New Jersey and I was extremely excited about the idea. I decided to create my own market in the Poconos. That was probably eighteen months ago.” The facility opened in November of 2018.  

Pocono GunKeepers allows gun owners, collectors, and of estates having firearms to store their firearms, gun collections, semi-automatic rifles (that’s why they come to me), high end hand guns, revolvers, shotguns, and semi-automatic assault style guns. “PGK can also store ammunition”– Wilkins further said.

The facility is open 7 days a week by appointment. You can reach PGK at 570-424-4827. To leave a voicemail - “All calls are promptly returned by text or phone. PGK is a customer based business model” – Wilkins assured. Or you can email PGK at twilkins18302@gmail.com.

Pocono GunKeepers has a federal firearms license (FFL). The FFL allows PGK to operate as a certified armory and provide firearm storage for a variety of PA Law Enforcement Agencies, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department when the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas processes protection from abuse orders (PFA). Said Wilkins – “We appreciate working for PA Law Enforcement. While the gun owner in the case of a PFA does not have access to the firearms, until such time as a Court Order releases the firearms. It is very exciting work with PA Law Enforcement (who have visited the facility) and determined that we were secure and have an FFL license. I have to state that our retail customers DO have access to their firearms 7 days a week and they do take advantage of our local ranges, hunt shooting clubs, and using the guns. Then they bring them back, all at no charge.” Wilkins explained. In 2019 the law changed requiring a Defendants firearm(s) to be relinquished to either the Sheriff, and FFL, or a certified armory. PGK is both an FFL and certified.

Most recently, PGK marketed to all of the hunting and gun clubs in the surrounding area. For hunting club members, PGK will deliver the firearm to the club (Monroe and Pike only) which is an added customer service. The firearm will then be returned to PGK when the club member has enjoyed their time at the club. Delivery drop-off and pick-up is complimentary.

“Our two biggest referral sources are gun stores and shooting ranges. Because we do not buy or sell firearms, nor do we offer range services, PGK is not competing with those businesses and therefore, we work in providing firearm storage because neither gun ranges and more gun stores hold or store firearms. PGK uses the gun shops for buying and selling firearms if a customer doesn’t pay rent.” - Said Wilkins.

Pocono GunKeepers, while not expanding tomorrow, is also looking into the Milford area. Historic Milford is right on the New York / New Jersey market place, plus it is a county seat therefore, the same business model could be used for the second location.

“We’re not quite at the occupancy we need to be at yet to expand to a second facility, but, I can say that business is very good. We expect to be at a 50% (fifty percent) occupancy or close to a 50% (fifty percent) occupancy by Summer 2020.” – Wilkins confidently said.

You can visit Pocono GunKeepers on Goggle at www.poconogunkeepers.com or Facebook by searching Pocono GunKeepers. Price lists are available on both sites for long guns and hand guns. For larger collections or ammo, please call for special pricing.

Wilkins Organization donate hams to three local food pantries – “Sunshine Fund”

Stroudsburg – On Wednesday December 18^th, 2019 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and NEPA Management Associates, through their “Sunshine Fund” raised over $2,000.00. Donations and contributions came from Managers, Staff, Employees, and Realtors for the sole purpose of donating hams to over 180 families this Christmas Season. Annually, the Wilkins Supervisors vote as to know where to “spend” the money in the Sunshine Fund and for the past five years donating to food pantries has been the chosen venue for the “Sunshine Fund” donations.

Credited with the ham deliveries were William Schutte, Exec Vice President, Assoc Broker, and Dennis A. Mooney, Sr. Vice President, Assoc Broker. Wilkins BHG agents also helped in the distribution to the three Pocono food pantries.

Said William Schutte - “This is our 5^th year providing hams to the three different food Pocono pantries. We deliver to Ecumenical Food Pantry in Milford; Bushkill Outreach in Bushkill; and Feeding Families Ministry in Tobyhanna”. The hams completely filled a pick-up truck that was donated by Tom Waslowski, Realtor, with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, - “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and NEPA Management want to personally thank Junior of Key Food Marketplace 1850 at 501 West Harford Street, Milford, PA for assisting, contributing, and ordering the hams for delivery to the three Pocono food pantries this year as they have done for the past 3 years. We couldn’t do it without Junior and his company’s help”  

Said Mooney - “What started off as collecting pull tab cans of food for the homeless has grown into what it is today. Even if this seems like a lot to us, it is a small token of help with what is needed for those in need in our area.” Mooney is also a member of a number of charitable organizations that also provides housing and food to local people. The delivered hams will feed about 180 families.

Said Christine A. Wilkins, President – “Another personal thanks goes to Jason Ganly, of Finance of America, who helped deliver the hams, and contributed to our “Sunshine Fund” through Finance of America. On behalf of all of the Managers, Staff, Employees, and Realtors we wish Jason and his family a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Prosperous New Year.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates has three Real Estate offices located throughout in the Poconos.  All offices are open 7 days a week. NEPA Management Associates, one of the largest property management companies in North East Pennsylvania, is located at the BHG Business Campus Route 209 in Stroudsburg. Together, both companies are a part of the Wilkins organization.

Mooney Appointed to BoD Monroe County Habitat for Humanity

Stroudsburg – Dennis A. Mooney was appointed for a 3 year-term to the Board of Directors for Monroe County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) at their October meeting.

For 5 years prior to Mooney’s appointment, he served on the MCHFH Board of Directors.  Mooney for the past 7 years has been Chairperson of the MCHFH Annual Golf Tournament.  This is the 23^rd year for this fundraiser.  This year Mooney’s Committee raised $16,000 from the  golf tournament which was hosted by the Great Bear Country Club.

Mooney, a Senior Vice President and Associate Broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, has also been both a volunteer and donor to MCHFH. 

Mooney has also served on the Board of Directors for the Arthritis Foundation, the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS and Mooney has been and currently is a member of a variety of non-profits and local charities.

Said Mooney, “It is truly a privilege to again serve on the Board of Directors for Monroe County Habitat for Humanity.  I’ve seen the benefits MCHFH has brought and will bring to our Community.”

The MCHFH serves the Pocono Community through home preservation, helping struggling homeowners make necessary repairs, making Monroe County a place where everyone has a safe, decent place to live.

“There are many ways in which you can give—by volunteering or donating today.  Make a difference.” Mooney said in closing.

Please visit MCHFH online at www.habitatmc.org.  Proudly serving Monroe County.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins Hires Seagraves

Stroudsburg– Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, announced the hiring of Joseph M. Seagraves, Realtor to the organization.  Seagraves was recruited by Dennis Mooney, Sr. Vice President and will be based out of the Stroudsburg office.  Seagraves will be key to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s New Home Sales Division.

Seagraves, originally from Philadelphia, has lived in the Poconos for the past 37 years.  During that time, Seagraves has been employed fulltime in new construction, custom home design, home builder business and new home sales.  Seagraves has won numerous awards through the Pocono Builders Association for custom homes that he designed.  Seagraves is considered the “grandfather” of today’s new home sales.

Said Dennis Mooney, Sr. Vice President, “Joe and I go back for years; but that’s not the point.  The point is Joe is one of the most respected new home salespersons in the business…and he has been for a long time.  To have Joe come on board with us at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates is an exciting opportunity for the company as well as Joe.”

In his capacity with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Seagraves will assist the 70+ Realtors in selling new homes in a five county area.  Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “The hiring of Joe will allow us to open up a New Home Sales Division which we are planning to do.  Appreciate, as our re-sale inventory gets lower, the price per square foot for re-sales goes higher; new construction and new home sales are going to increase dramatically.  And, in typical Wilkins tradition, we’re going to be on the cutting edge.”  “We now offer new custom home designs and new home construction through Joe.” Wilkins stated.

Seagraves, who prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, worked for RGB Custom Home Builders where he was a top Salesperson.  Seagraves will continue to sell RGB homes in his capacity with BHG.

Said Seagraves, “I’m familiar with the RGB homes floor plans and RGB definitely represents quality while being extremely competitive in their pricing.  And with the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and name, new construction and sales is a perfect fit--for any family’s budget.”

Wilkins further stated,” Again, this is a great opportunity for Joe and for the Wilkins organization.  Understand that the re-sale salespersons are not that familiar with selling new homes, but with one of the best Pocono new home salesman in our employ, it’s simply a natural.  We are very excited.”

Wilkins also added, “Once we get our business model honed in for our Agents (they are our biggest priority), it is our intention to offer our new construction and new home sales to other Brokers and their agents.  We intend to be very aggressive in our Co-broke commissions to build our book of business.  That is probably the most exciting part of our New Home Sales Division and having two guys like Joe Seagraves, a grandfather of new home design and sales and Dennis Mooney, Associate Broker as Joe’s “go to guy” spells success for the buyers, our Realtors and other agents.”

Said Seagraves, “This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for and just the right fit for me.  Plus, I can also do commercial and residential re-sales; I can’t tell you how excited I am!”

Seagraves will share an office with Dennis Mooney at the BHG Business Campus and is available for new home sales to both our Realtors, the general public and/or other co-broke agents should they wish to employ Joe to assist them in a new home transaction.  Seagraves is at the BHG Business Campus and can be reached direct at (570) 807-8446 or via email at jseagraves@wilkins1.com.

Be sure to look for all the brand new advertising of a New Home Sales Division on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google and all social media.  The first ad will appear in the October issue of The Real Estate Book.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates have three offices in the Poconos.  All offices are open 7 days a week.  You can visit them online at www.BHGWilkins.com  or on Facebook.

BHG Real Estate Wilkins Hires Two Real Estate Agents

Stroudsburg/Bushkill – Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, announced the hiring of Melanie Vanderveer, Realtor for the BHG Bushkill office and Jessica Curry, Realtor for the Stroudsburg office.

Vanderveer has been a resident of the Pocono Mountains since June of 2005.  Vanderveer currently resides in Bushkill with her 3 teenage boys and is a social media specialist.  Prior to her work in social media, Vanderveer was a reporter for the Pocono Record and in 2013 started her own freelance social media management PR business.  Vanderveer was recruited by Tommy Farrelly, Realtor.

Said William Schutte, Executive V.P., “Melanie had worked for us in the past as an Admin Assistant so she knows our systems and has always been loyal to the Wilkins organization.  It’s that now she’s moved from the administrative side of the business to the sales side of real estate.   We wish her well; I am sure she will do great.”

Curry is a native of the native of the Pocono Mountains and currently resides in East Stroudsburg.  Curry is a 2017 graduate of the Polley Associates real estate school.  In addition to that her education includes a Family and Consumer Science degree with a Masters in Technology.  Curry was recruited by Kimberly Gay, Realtor and will work from the Stroudsburg BHG Business Campus. 

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jessica; she’s a great person and with her background as a teacher and a family and consumer science major she will definitely adapt well to her new real estate career.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates have three offices in the Poconos.  All offices are open 7 days a week.  You can visit them online at www.BHGWilkins.com  or on Facebook.

Barbosa Joins NEPA Management Associates

Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, of NEPA Management Associates announced the hiring of Melissa M. Barbosa to the position of Manager, Long Term and Corporate Rentals.  Barbosa started with the company mid-June and is based out of the BHG Business Campus. 

Prior to joining NEPA Management Associates, Barbosa was Financial Administrator at Michael Baxter & Associates for close to 4 years where she learned and became familiar with the real estate rental business.

Barbosa is experienced in Real Estate Accounting including Payables, Receivables, management of client portfolios on a daily and monthly basis, and the handling of maintenance for the units.  Currently NEPA Management Associates manages approximately 160 long-term properties making up 285 units.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, “Our Long Term & Corporate Rental department requires an experienced, ‘hands on’ Manager, which Barbosa is.  The Manager position is a combination of accounting, operations and, of course, customer service with both owners and tenants.  At NEPA Management Associates we pride ourselves in keeping our tenants long-term, so customer service is a big part of the long-term rental job.”

Wilkins, along with Christine A. Wilkins have owned and operated NEPA Management Associates for the past 25 years.  NEPA manages a combination of homeowner associations, long-term rentals and corporate rentals.  This year, the company will gross close to $1 million in revenue.

“Our Management was the part of our business that carried us through those ‘tough times’ in the residential sales arena.  What started out as one account at $200 a month has grown into what it is today.  We are fortunate that we have a very good staff that has grown with us during these past 25 years.”  Wilkins further stated.

While NEPA Management Associates does not handle vacation rentals at this time, the company is developing a business model whereby they handle vacation rental homes but strictly the handling of any maintenance issues that arise, and the making ready of the units after a tenant vacates.  That program is expected to launch most probably September of 2019.  Barbosa will provide a hand in that new pilot program, developing it along with Wilkins.

NEPA Management Associates, Inc. is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Please feel free to visit NEPA online at www.nepamgmt.com or on Facebook.

BHG Real Estate Wilkins & Associates Hires Two Realtors

Stroudsburg – William J. Schutte, Executive V.P., announced the hiring of 2 full time Realtors with the BHG Company.  Hired were Kacey Conaty, Realtor and Elyse Nehring, Realtor.  Both will be working from the Stroudsburg office at the BHG Business Campus.

Conaty, originally from Queens, New York, has lived in the Poconos for the past 30 years.  Currently she resides in the West End area.  Conaty is a 2018 graduate of the Pocono Real Estate Academy, passed the required exams and knew right away she wanted her license with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates.  Conaty was recruited by Kimberly Gay, Realtor.

“I had no second thoughts about it.  When I saw how successful Kim Gay was at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, I knew that’s where I wanted to be.” said Conaty.

Kacey will mentor with Kimberly Gay, a personal and professional friend.  “Kacey has gone on several listing appointments with me.  She’s a fast learner and having experience in the service industry--she’ll do very well if you ask me.” said Kim Gay.

Conaty is an avid gardener, wood-crafter and prior to real estate was a bartender. 

Nehring, originally from Shabbona, Illinois, has lived in the Poconos for the past 5 years in the Long Pong area.  Nehring is a December 2018 graduate of the Pocono Real Estate Academy.  Prior to real estate, Nehring worked as an associate teacher in special needs classrooms.

After interviewing with several Brokers, Nehring chose Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.  “I had my interview with Tom Wilkins and after seeing how “hands on” he was, the energy and excitement in the office, I wanted to be a part of it.  Oh, I forgot, there’s no charge for the training--that was the clincher!” said Nehring.

Said Schutte, “Elyse is a great example of a Realtor.  Her teaching experience will give her an understanding of buyers and sellers.  Elyse is a listener and a good one.  Elyse has super negotiating skills and has one of the firmest handshakes I’ve ever had the pleasure of shaking.” 

“All of our Agent classes and bi-monthly Mastermind meetings are very well attended by not only our new Realtors, but our seasoned ones as well.  Our Marketing classes, which are taught by Tom, Christine or me, are the most popular.” Schutte further stated.

Nehring has started attending Mastermind and other marketing classes all for free, paid for by the Wilkins company. 

Conaty and Nehring are now members of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS, PAR and NAR.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates have four offices in the Poconos.  All offices are open 7 days a week.  You can visit them online at www.BHGWilkins.com  or on Facebook.