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The world of luxury real estate got a little darker on Tuesday as one of its own – dubbed by many of the industry’s “brightest stars” – moved from this world into another.
Los Angeles native Jennifer Berman became one of the city’s luxury industry leaders and made an impact on the national real estate industry with her determination, leadership and infectious energy.
After starting her career at Homestore, Berman brought her management skills to Keller Williams, First Team Estates and Hilton & Hyland. She then worked with Chris Pollinger at luxury agency consultancy Berman and Pollinger, eventually serving as Chief Operating Officer of DirectOffer.
Aaron Kilman | AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate
Berman shared her fiery personality with the world through her co-starring role on NBC Impossible to go public With Aaron Kilman. She was known as the “godmother” to many of the cast members of Bravo’s first season Million dollar listing for the role she played in helping them launch their careers. She also played a key role in organizing Inman’s first Luxury Connect event in Beverly Hills.
As they mourned Berman’s passing, several industry professionals shared with Inman her impact, including Kilman, who fondly recalled their long days on set filming together.
AKG | “Jennifer has an extraordinary energy that can command any room while making everyone smile,” said Christie’s International Real Estate CEO. “I remember filming with her Impossible to go public – Even during the long days behind the camera, she always made us laugh and there was never a dull moment. Her legacy will live on through the many agents in the industry she mentored and the lives she touched. “
Gary Gold | Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker’s Gary Gold, who got to know Berman “very, very well” while working at Hilton & Hyland hotels, nicknamed her “Pistol” and described her “aggressive enthusiasm.”
“(Jen) seems to know everyone in the real estate industry,” Gold told Inman in an email. “My fondest memory is when we were in Coronado for the annual Christie’s conference and she made me acutely aware that I wasn’t ready for the keynote I was giving the next day. She helped me rehearse until midnight, I was asked to give her a speech four times in a row until I got the answer right.
“She understands virtually every aspect of residential real estate from a broker, broker and vendor perspective and always has a perspective,” Gold continued. “She makes our industry interesting. I think her best quality is that she defends people’s best assets by making them recognize the qualities they already have and leveraging them.”
Chris Bollinger | RE Luxury Leader
Chris Pollinger of RE Luxe Leaders, Tributes on social mediaPraising Berman’s authenticity as “as rare as a flawless diamond,” he also praised her “unparalleled loyalty” and “golden” advice.
Pollinger also told Inman in an email that Berman used her brave spirit to mask her weaknesses, including her long battle with cancer.
“While most people only saw her fearless side in public, I got to see her behind the scenes,” Bollinger said. “It’s not that she’s fearless – she has some very deep vulnerabilities – but she’s incredibly brave.
“The public who experienced Jennifer Berman’s natural force was inspired,” he continued. “But only a few truly understand her true story and what truly drives her forward. For those lucky few, we are changed by it.”
Madison Hildebrand | Compass
Another person who could relate to her struggles was Madison Hildebrand of Compass Malibu Living Center. Hildebrand was one of Berman’s relatives who surrounded her in her home when she died. California End of Life Choice Act.
The law, passed in 2015 and taking effect in 2016, allows Californians with serious, life-threatening illnesses to self-administer doctor-prescribed medications to end their lives.
“She was in her home (Newport), surrounded by love and her dog Bibiana,” Hildebrand said. “She had a real passion for life and it’s so sad to see people who really enjoyed life lose it to a disease they couldn’t control.”
“A lot of people were suffering, and she found a way to use the law to get out of that pain, and that took tremendous courage,” Hildebrand added. “It was a very peaceful transition and it was the right thing for her to do. For people who are suffering, I think she wants them to know that this is something that (has been passed).”
laura monroe
Berman will be remembered for guiding and being a champion for women in the industry through her words and actions. She regularly attends and speaks at women-in-industry events WomenUp!. And wonderful women.
Inman Community Director Laura Monroe recalled that Berman “took me under her wing” when she met her in 2014 and subsequently co-hosted many events with her.
“(She) supported me every step of the way in my personal and professional endeavors, including exchanging life and business advice with me,” Monroe said. “I could hear her famous smile after every phone call. voice,[she]would say, ‘I love you, baby girl, and miss you like crazy.'”
“Years after we met, life’s ups and downs became the core of our mutual support. That’s when you know you have a true friend,” Munroe continued. “Offstage, the severity of life’s challenges has found a new niche in her role as a leader in the real estate industry – helping women discover and acknowledge their inner strength and voice. Without further ado, go ahead and tell your story Friends you love them.”
Debra Trappen, founder and CEO of d11 Consulting, first met Berman at Inman Connect in San Francisco. The two became closer after they appeared at the Awesome Females party and became “sisters.”
Debra Stairs
“She was a guiding light, a confidante, my angel, and I was her angel,” Trappen told Inman. “Through her, I learned the art of unapologetically advocating for myself. I witnessed her graceful handling of health challenges and was always in awe of her ability to command a room with her petite frame, her husky, That husky voice I will always miss.”
In Berman’s memory, Trappen said she hopes those who knew her will be able to remind their loved ones how much they cared about her.
“As we collectively mourn her passing, let us honor Jeanne by cherishing the ones we loved,” Trapon said. “Hold them closer and tell them you love them, just like she would have wanted. That way.”
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