Being selected by his peers for the Williamson County Realtor Associations most prestigious award of the year is an honor which completely caught Benchmark CEO Phillip Cantrell by surprise.

At the annual WCAR Board of Directors Installation Banquet at pretty Lillie Belles in downtown Franklin, Cantrell shared in the honor of being named WCARs Realtor of the Year with a great representation of Benchmark agents, his wife, Amanda, and two of his children, Gus and Libby.

 

It is the pinnacle achievement of my career and Im very grateful to the association and the board members for be chosen, Cantrell said. There are so many amazing people in our profession giving back to our industry which does so much for our community. Im proud to be a part of it, Cantrell said.

Outgoing president of WCAR Matt Ligon said in his presentation, Cantrell was chosen based on a criteria such as activities and leadership in WCAR, state and national association levels, civic and community service, business accomplishments and other awards and activitiesHe believes it is important to give of your time and finances to those in need but that it is meant to be done quietly and anonymously.

Cantrell said he always prefers to be a behind the scenes player.I want to support my company, agents and my industry in all the good works they do but Ive always been more low key. Its my motto to always try to do the next right thing, Cantrell reflected. This was such a big surprise and I was delighted to have my wife, who is such a hugely supportive partner, and two of my awesome kids there with me along with many of our amazing agents. It was a big night. I am so blessed.

Ligon also said in his presentation, Cantrell was not one to accept defeat when facing the economic downtown in early 2007. He strategically reorganized and launched Benchmark in February 2008 under a revolutionary brokerage model. Combined with an aggressive recruiting campaign, the company has seen rapid growth since thenHe and his company have now launched Benchmark Commercial Realty, Benchmark Land & Farm and Touchstone Title & Escrow.

A strong believer in continuing education, Cantrell earned the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Education Achievement Award for the past several years, earned GRI, e-Pro and CBR designations and was recently accepted by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers as a CRB Candidate, the highest professional designation offered by the National Association of Realtors.

In addition to Cantrell being honored, Benchmark agent Corbi Parkers term on the WCAR Board of Directors was completed while three Benchmark agents were sworn in for two year terms as new board members: Andy Brookover, Vicky Crigger and Lisa Wurth.

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