A
youb Rabah, regional vice president of the Midwest for Coldwell Banker Realty, was named one of RISMedia's 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) earned him a spot in the Trailblazer category.

    Devin Meenan asked Ayoub how it felt to be named an RISMedia newsmaker for the first time this year. "It's an honor," he replied. "Being part of such a group is humbling, especially when I look at my colleagues and peers on the list." He expressed pride in being in the Trailblazer category, which emphasizes his passion for creating opportunities for agents to succeed.

    Ayoub explained that being a Trailblazer means driving change and leading the way. "We're always pushing forward, not just for our own agents but for the industry as a whole," he said. He emphasized the importance of having the right team and focusing on what can be controlled.

    As Midwest regional vice president, Ayoub manages a network of nearly 7,000 agents. He attributes his success to having a supportive team that executes on strategy. "We connect with a certain percentage of our agents daily," he said. "If I reach out to 10% each day, within two weeks, I'll have connected with all our agents."

    Ayoub is a big advocate for DEI and believes it's essential for building generational wealth in communities. He grew up in a diverse community and understands the importance of representation. Coldwell Banker Realty hosts events like Agents of Change to promote diversity and inclusion.

    When asked about next steps for DEI, Ayoub emphasized consistency. "There is no one thing that can change things," he said. "We'll continue to push forward on our strategy." He encouraged professionals to be courageous, passionate, and flexible when driving change.

    Ayoub's advice for being a Trailblazer is to stay true to oneself and be comfortable with adversity. "You have to be tough, courageous, and passionate," he said. "Keep charging forward and stay true to yourself."