Sharon Gupton Sworn in as 101st President of RRAR

RRAR kicked off 2025 by holding its annual Inaugural Gala and Awards Ceremony. These events were held for the first time at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Sharon Gupton will serve as President of RRAR for our 101st year of service to the Raleigh community. Gupton was officially sworn in at the ceremony by Past President Asa Fleming. RRAR member Susan Bashford emceed the event.

In addition to Gupton, the 2025 Board of Directors was sworn into office. The Class of 2024 Triangle Realtors Leadership Academy was also honored for their hard work and dedication over the past year.

Awards presented at the gala were the 2024 Realtor of the Year, which went to 2021 Past President Brett Bushnell. RRAR Hall of Fame honors went to Lewis Grubbs and Susan Holbrook.

2024 RRAR Hall of Fame inductee Lewis Grubbs. Photo courtesy of Next Door Photos

We spoke with Bushnell, Grubbs, and Gupton about the honors they each earned. They shared reflections on the evening and what our Association means to them. You can view photos from the evening here and here.

What does being named to RRAR's Hall of Fame mean to you?

Lewis Grubbs: This award is quite humbling as it was from my peers, recognizing my service and contributions to RRAR over the years.

What is a memory that sticks with you during your involvement with RRAR?

Lewis Grubbs: I think there have been two memorable events. One was being a part of the 2019 delegation to NAR in San Francisco, where we joined NAR-India in two Memoranda of Understanding to cooperate and help in their further growth and development. We continued to meet with them and maintain our involvement with them via Zoom during 2020. I was selected to visit NAR-India at their convention in August of 2022. Quite an honor and unforgettable memory!

The second would be in 2020, assembling the most diverse and inclusive group of members to form a Presidential Advisory Group with the mission of exploring biases and incidents of prejudice experienced by our members. The group was formed and met during a time of social unrest in our nation. This was a group of 16 individuals from all backgrounds and ethnicities which gathered under the name of “A Place at the Table.”

What has being a member of RRAR done to help you succeed as a Realtor?

Lewis Grubbs: RRAR is a wonderful organization and we have worked diligently to be a more inclusive organization by reaching out and encouraging our diverse membership to join in and attend functions and by making them feel welcome. This building process and networking has helped me be successful.

2024 Realtor of the Year Brett Bushnell. Photo courtesy of Next Door Photos

What does being named RRAR's Realtor of the Year mean to you?

Brett Bushnell: It was such an honor to be recognized by an association that had provided me the opportunity to give back to a profession and industry that I love.

Describe your emotions when your name was announced.

Brett Bushnell: It was an utter shock to be named Realtor Of The Year. Even more of a shock was seeing my wife Meghan, our three kids, and my dad Roger walking down towards the stage to help celebrate it with me. It was a surprise honor and moment that I will never forget.

What has being a member of RRAR done to help you succeed as a Realtor?

Brett Bushnell: My real estate business did not really begin to take off until I got involved with the local Realtor associations.  RRAR provided connections with other professionals in the industry, trainings, educational and volunteer opportunities to allow my real estate business to accelerate.  I started attending and volunteering with the Small Brokers Council.  Within a handful of years my business had exploded and I was able to join RRAR's Top Producers Council.  None of this would have been possible without RRAR and the connections and education that was offered through the Realtor Association.

2025 RRAR President Sharon Gupton at her inauguration. Photo courtesy of Next Door Photos