GLAR bestowed our 2024 awards at our “Prelude to New Beginnings” installation and awards celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown LA on February 22, 2025. Get to know our 2024 award winners a little bit better by reading their profiles below!

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award – John Winther

The ‘Lifetime Achievement Award‘ is awarded to a REALTOR® who has had a significant impact through their contributions to the real estate industry through involvement and promotions of the local, state, and/or national REALTOR® Associations.

John Winther has served in REALTOR® association leadership for many years as a GLAR Past President, served a cumulative total of 12 years as a GLAR directed, a Region 17 CAR Director, treasurer of The MLS and much more. Has been a member of the Awards, Budget & Finance, Government Affairs, Commercial and YPN committees.

He is the current President of the Larchmont Blvd Association, on The Board of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, on the Board of the Anderson Munger YMCA as well as a member of the Community Local Police Organization.

2024 REALTOR® of the Year – Paris Coleman Smalls

The ‘REALTOR® of the Year‘ is awarded to a REALTOR® that is currently actively representing buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate transactions. Nominees should have a successful and active practice representing consumers and businesses in real estate transactions. Nominees will have displayed the highest adherence to the NAR Code of Ethics, MLS Policies, and ethical standards of practice. Nominees should have demonstrated significant support for organized real estate and its efforts to protect the industry.

Paris Coleman Smalls has been involved with the GLAR Young Professionals Network for years and has been a Vice Chair once and Chair for both 2024 & 2025. Her focus on engagement with members through education, wellness, networking and giving back is inspiring. She is also involved in Government Affairs and is on her second term as our Region 5 Chair.

2024 Rising Star Award – Joshua Rushing

The ‘Rising Star‘ is awarded to a GLAR REALTOR® that has shown, demonstrated, and sustained growth & promise – not only in the business, but in the industry as well. The Rising Star seeks to identify those in real estate who are making a mark and will be future industry leaders.

Joshua Rushing has been an active member in GLAR’s Young Professionals Network, is involved in Government Affairs and has been the Diversity Committee Vice Chair for 2024 & 2025, where he has brought valuable informative events to our members. He will be serving on our 2025 Board of Directors.

2024 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year – David Yashar

The ‘Commercial REALTOR® of the Year‘ is awarded to a REALTOR® who has demonstrated great support for the REALTOR® Organizations, and who’s primary business is commercial in nature. Commercial REALTOR® nominees must be involved in the association activities and have demonstrated support for Commercial REALTORS® expansion and development.

David Yashar has served as our commercial committee Chair in 2024 & 2025, and served on the commercial committee for many years prior. Has organized some great events for our members including a LA Kings game and a Winery Retreat. David always goes above and beyond to serve his clients and to get his deals to the finish line.

2024 Commercial Office Manager of the Year – John Gould

The Office Manager of the Year is awarded to an outstanding manager that has worked to ensure their office’s and agents’ success in the business, in transactions, and with the association.

John Gould manages one of the region’s premier brokerages, where they foster a collaborative and supportive environment for their agents. He sets a high standard and empower their agents to attain it with a high degree of integrity, knowledge, and market skills. Their office routinely posts more than one billion dollars in sales annually and ranks in the top five offices in Beverly Hills.

2024 Real Estate Service Partner of the Year – Ryan Kleis (Reverse Mortgage Educators)

The Real Estate Service Partner of the Year recognizes an affiliate member who has gone above and beyond in support of the REALTOR® community.

Ryan Kleis has been an affiliate member since January of 2017, his company has participated in every General Membership event for many years, and provides 4-5 educational classes for our members each year.

2024 William May Garland Award – Stan Smith

The ‘William May Garland Award‘ was created to honor “William May Garland” who was instrumental in the formation of the Los Angeles Realty Board, the California and National Association’s of REALTORS®. Mr. Garland was an honorary president of CAR and served as NAR president two terms (1917 & 1918). He was also instrumental in the growth of the City of Los Angeles and brought the first Olympics to Los Angeles in 1932. The recipient of the William May Garland Award must show outstanding service to GLAR, devotion to the true ethics of the real estate profession, and have significant accomplishments/contributions for the general welfare of the communities within the jurisdiction of Greater Los Angeles REALTORS®.

Stan Smith has been an upstanding pillar of the real estate community for decades and is one of the most widely-respected figures in the business. Stan’s achievements include an active role in GLAR’s Professional Standards, years serving on the Board of Directors and has been the GLAR President twice.