Their faces smile at you from billboards, television airwaves and the pages of magazines, newspapers and Web sites.

Many times they are recognized in public by complete strangers who call them by name. And people who choose to contact them directly usually have to go through their “people” - or an assistant, at least - to do so.

And who are these elite, sought-after individuals? Rock stars? Celebrity superstars? Notorious politicians?

They actually are a growing number of successful Realtors. And chances are she is the lead agent of a real estate team.

“This way you’re doing what you love to do most,” said Wendy Rulnick of RE/MAX Southern Realty, who heads up a three-person team.

Rulnick said that while she thrives on marketing and working directly with clients, she is less enthusiastic about the mound of paperwork that comes with the job.

Because her assistant takes care of the details, Rulnick is free to spend more time attending to clients. And in a strong market where it’s not unusual for property to be sold within hours or even minutes of becoming available, it’s important for agents to be able to focus solely on their clients’ immediate needs.

“I take my tablet computer wherever I go,” said Rulnick, explaining how a team member keeps her informed via cell phone of clients’ needs.

“Instant messaging, email…it’s all right there. It allows for instant customer service wherever I go.” In addition to helping agents to complete tasks more efficiently, many say clients are better served by the team concept.

“I have people say, ‘You’re Wendy,’ said Rulnick, whose picture and slogan “It’s Wendy!” grace billboards and other media in the tri-county area.

2005 ADDY AWARD WINNER

PRESS RELEASE

Wendy Rulnick, a broker with Re/Max Southern Realty, has won a 2005 ADDY award with her advertising design partner, John James. Their company, Alan Iris Design, was recognized for creative excellence by the Emerald Coast Advertising Federation at the February 19, 2005 awards gala. The ADDY Awards are presented by the largest and most representative trade group of professionals in the United States. Rulnick's company won a Silver ADDY for the outdoor flat category. The winning entry was the "It's Wendy... It's Sold!" billboard, currently placed in three Emerald Coast locations.

Rulnick, who has been selling real estate for over 15 years, has emphasized the marketing and advertising aspects of her real estate business. She frequently collaborated with John James, a design professional. This focus became a new and separate company, called Alan Iris Design. James, the company co-owner, graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in advertising. He serves as the company's Art Director. The firm offers design services for all forms of print media, including billboards, newsprint, magazine, mailers, stationary and logo design, as well as campaign and promotional consultations.