T
he fifth annual L.A. Power Broker Awards, organized by The Society Group and co‑hosted by Compass Development Marketing Group, gathered the city’s top real‑estate talent for a relaxed, family‑like celebration after a tough year. The ceremony took place Wednesday at the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills, in stylish, casual rooms furnished by Vesta Home. Honorees were drawn from the 2025 THR Top L.A. Brokers list, and the evening highlighted achievements across the market.

    The night opened with a cocktail reception in a bright, airy suite. Realtors mingled over drinks and bites while live music set a warm tone. Heather T. Roy of Douglas Elliman noted the rare sense of camaraderie, saying the event allowed colleagues to discuss both business and life in a relaxed setting.

    Lea Porter of Beverly Hills Estates, celebrating her second appearance on the list, expressed gratitude for the honor and the supportive atmosphere. She chatted with Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker, a frequent collaborator and long‑time top broker.

    The spirit of unity was rooted in the community’s response to the January fires. Rochelle Atlas Maize of Nourmand & Associates recalled the immediate meetings to coordinate aid for clients and colleagues who lost homes. Carl Gambino of Compass echoed this sentiment, praising the collective effort that emerged from the tragedy.

    After drinks, the rooftop hosted the awards ceremony. Attendees, dressed in their finest, gathered on plush white couches to watch the proceedings. Alexander Ali of The Society Group presented a playful slideshow of agents as children, prompting guesses and friendly teasing from guests like Rayni Williams of Beverly Hills Estate, Aaron Kirman, and Matt Altman.

    Jason Oppenheim of The Oppenheim Group received the Media Maverick Award for his charitable work and media campaign following the fires. He reflected on how the disaster galvanized the real‑estate community, highlighting the collective response as a proud moment for all.

    Aaron Kirman accepted the Team of the Year award for Christie’s International Real Estate SoCal’s $1.473 billion in sales. He reminisced about past rivalries, noting how the industry’s competitive nature now fosters genuine friendship and collaboration.

    Other recognitions included the Stratospheric Sales Award for Drew Fenton and Linda May (Carolwood) for a $110 million sale, Condo Sale of the Year for Jonah Wilson (Carolwood), Sally Forster Jones (Compass), and Tomer Fridman (Christie’s) for a Beverly West penthouse, and the Agent of Historic Architecture award for Joyce Rey. Bryce Pennel (Douglas Elliman) earned the Rising Star Award, while Smith and Berg (Compass) received the Philanthropic Impact Award for wildfire relief efforts.

    Juliette Hohnen (Douglas Elliman) delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech for the Celebrity Property Portfolio award, thanking her family and the community for their support.

    Following the ceremony, honorees relaxed with champagne, took group photos, and enjoyed informal networking. Cindy Ambuehl of Christie’s International Real Estate SoCal praised the casual setting, which encouraged genuine interaction over formal seating arrangements.

    The evening concluded with a sense of renewed camaraderie. Hohnen echoed Aaron Kirman’s sentiment that the event had solidified friendships among the city’s real‑estate leaders.