January 11, 2008

Senior real estate professional David Walsh joins Alain Pinel Realtors

Former Windemere General Manager to Manage APR’s Almaden San Jose Office

Continuing to make key additions to its growing brokerage operations, Alain Pinel Realtors’ President Larry Knapp announced that veteran real estate professional David Walsh has joined the firm to manage its Almaden office in San Jose. He is filling the vacancy created by the former Almaden VP/Manager Michael Nevis, who has opted to return to sales. In addition to sales, Mr. Nevis will remain as the firm’s Director of Training and continue teaching the Masters training program.

David Walsh

Dave Walsh has almost three decades of experience in residential real estate and comes to Alain Pinel Realtors (APR) from Windemere Silicon Valley Properties in Canyon Creek Plaza, where he was general manager with oversight of 200 agents in six South Bay offices. Assistant Manager Ralph Rodriquez also joined APR with Walsh and about 10 agents from the Windemere Canyon Creek Plaza office.

In a successful career that includes establishing his own realty company and sales management posts at the former
Grubb & Ellis Residential Division and Prudential Real Estate, Walsh has a history of being at the forefront of real estate trends, its policies and industry organizations. Beginning Jan. 1, he is the 2008 president for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). Additionally, he will serve as a director for Region 13 at the National Association of Realtors in 2008. In December 2007, he was awarded the “Realtor of the Year” by the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors.

"Since establishing the APR Almaden office in October 2004, we've been successful in growing our business in San Jose and especially in neighborhoods such as Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Cambrian, Silver Greek, Almaden and Evergreen areas. With Dave on our team, we've found the perfect person to expand our presence further," said President Larry Knapp. "He brings stellar credentials in real estate, a strong set of personal ethics and broad connections to some of the best and brightest professionals in our industry.”

Through his professional board and community service, Walsh is recognized as an industry leader, exemplary teacher and mentor. Previously he has served as director for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and as director for the California Association of Realtors (CAR) as the representative from District 9 (2001 to 2003). In 2002, he was chosen to chair the Los Gatos-Saratoga District for CAR and serve on the Board of Directors for SILVAR.

"Joining Alain Pinel Realtors is a great opportunity to once again take my career to another level," Mr. Walsh said. "The company has an outstanding history and reputation and particular niche strengths in Bay Area real estate,” said Mr. Walsh. “I’m thrilled to be part of this team.” The Almaden Valley office of APR is located at 1071 Blossom Hill Rd.

Vice President Regional Manager for southeastern Santa Clara County Jeff Barnett has oversight responsibility for the Almaden San Jose office while continuing to manage the company’s Los Gatos office, which is believed to be one of the largest single real estate offices in the country with 220 sales professionals. Mr. Barnett, who has served on numerous industry boards and organizational committees with Dave Walsh, played a significant role in recruiting Mr. Walsh to Alain Pinel Realtors.