Last month brought me to my my sixth year working for ActiveRain. I use the word "working" loosely because you all feel more like family than work these days. So much has happened in those six years I don't even know where to begin.
I was first brought on as a sales rep selling IDX sites to Rainers. What the hell is an IDX and what is a Rainer?? I had just left the world of Countrywide where I was a loan officer so I knew a bit about real estate but nothing compared to today.
One of my first calls was to Alan May, his profile picture at the time was Elvis so that nickname kind of stuck. He didn't bite on my sales pitch but he was such a nugget (this is a good thing) to talk to. As I made more and more phone calls and opened with "This is Kerrie from ActiveRain" I could hear smiles light up at the other end of the line. This was back in 2009. We were in a tiny, tiny room in the basement of the Market Leader building and nobody had an office but the office manager, Claire. When Jon, Bob, Jeff and Jorgen would come in, they'd grab a seat in the middle of the room and just work amongst the rest of us.
I'd never worked for such a small company before. Countrywide, AT&T and others had filled my resume before ActiveRain. I enjoyed the fact that there was no HR department (I'm best at expressing myself with expletives), no rules or corporate bullshit to deal with. We were all a part of something and that passion grew with every interaction. Lunch was brought in EVERY SINGLE DAY. From sushi to teriyaki to salads we ate together. This was a perk of being a small company.
When Jon found a new office space in the up & coming South Lake Union area I was not looking forward to working downtown. My commute at the time was literally 4 minutes. But after seeing the building, I was in. Our office was a big brand new urban loft with exposed piping and we were on the ground floor surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. I could people watch all day long. One of the more entertaining guys in the office would superglue quarters to the sidewalk outside our office. Business men and women (we were right next to Amazon so I'm assuming most of these people made about a million dollars a year) would walk by, spot something shiny and bend down to pick up the quarter. This particular guy would then yell CHEEEAAAAPPPP out the window which always brought smiles to their faces and ours. It sounds mean now that I type it but it was so much fun. Nobody got hurt and the passerbys always smiled and laughed too.
By this point I had been off sales for a while and was focusing on community management. And then it was RainCamp time. We hit up almost 30 cities between 2009 and 2011. We started in Seattle in Oct 2009 and ended in Seattle in June 2011. I attended EVERY SINGLE RainCamp except for the very first one as I was in NY visiting family during that time. From Boston, to Charlotte, to Houston...Chicago, Philly, Atlanta....it was the most formative times of my tenure here. I met so many of you. I felt a sincere outpouring of love for AR, its staff and community. I knew the 'Rain was powerful I knew it was something special but it wasn't until I got on the road and heard it straight from your mouths, and felt your arms around me that I truly "got it". And I've never been able to really fully explain the power of the 'Rain to an outsider. I try, I get red in the face and my east coast accent comes out and my arms swing and my eyes get big....but I know they don't fully 'get it'. You just can't unless you're a part of it. Unless you've had someone drive 670 miles out of their way to meet you for lunch, or gotten that "hang in there sunshine I know today has been a hard one" email from a loving member, or a blog post written about you on your bday or members coming together to help another Rainer out when a loved one has passed or they might be going through a difficult time in their life. You guys built this place and I'm just lucky to live in it.
The MeetUps always pump me up and make me believe in this community that much more. I love seeing the faces, smiles and surprise guests that show up. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Charles Buell order breakfast. He doesn't look at a menu just tells the waitress "a couple of eggs, home fries...", that is 'old school cool' in my eyes.
ActiveRain has now been through 3 acquisitions.. quite a ride. And each time I get in a room and tell the new management about AR and its members and how they have each others back and can move mountains and say what they want to say.....they look scared. As they should be! You guys are not to be messed with!!!
Some members have moved on, some have unfortunately passed. It's never easy to hear about one of our own passing.
And now I sit here on the 31st floor of the Zillow building overlooking this gorgeous Seattle skyline. My wife whom I met because of this job will be waiting outside for me soon and she'll carry my bags as we walk to catch the bus home. 9 1/2 months pregnant with our first child, this ActiveRain ride has brought me SO many blessings and they just keep coming. I love each and everyone of you. I really do, if it weren't for you, there is no way I'd of been here this long. I can't tag and mention every one of you because this post would be never-ending. You know who you are, I respect, admire and love you xoxo
LET IT RAIN!!
Kerrie La Guardia
Community Manager
ActiveRain
This has been quite a ride Kerrie, but clearly along an upwards trajectory. So happy for you and your wife - look forward to meeting your baby! Wishing you luck and love!
Oh, Kerrie...You've brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad you are enjoying the ride, and I hope it stays fun for you for as long as you want. Thanks so much for all you've done. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
I know what you mean about not really being able to describe this community. It truly is something you have to experience.
Of course you know we are all waiting to see baby pictures so don't hold back.
Hi Kerrie-Congrats on 6 yrs in the rain. No place else like it anywhere.
Thank you all you do for all of us. I remember speaking to you early on when I joined AR four years ago. Really appreciate your sharing this post with all of us and I know your wonderful words are the way we feel about you as well.
Not sure what you are feeding your unborn baby, but the message should have been give that term is 9 months not the extra half month. We all want to see photos and in advance congratulations to you and your wife!
Kerrie,
I started this platform to increase my business but I stay because of the platform and who were are! So, happy for you Kerrie this is an exciting time in your life! This was a wonderful heartfelt post and we love it!
Kerrie, congratulations on six great years in the rain, thank you for all you do for this community. I wish you, your wife and your precious baby whom you'll be meeting soon best of the best!
Kerrie OK first of all I expect to see baby pictures the second the baby is born!!!
Second, I am the type of person things have to be stated very simply for, as you can tell from my blogs. Is this good-by or maternity leave for a couple of months?
I will wait for your response before I make my next statement.
Kerrie La Guardia I'm glad you have made this journey with Active Rain. Congrats on the baby as well.
Kerrie,
You are fast and I forgot to mention congratulations! Bob and I hope to get to Seattle next year! Would love to meet you and the family!
Beautiful tribute to 6 fun filled years.
I never realized that I was one of your first calls... I'm honoured! Who could help but "smile" when talking to you?
Elv!s nugget.
Good evening Kerrie,
Words cannot express the gratitude and assistance you give us each day.
Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Make yourself a great day.
George Souto maternity leave!! And then I can just strap him in the baby bjorn and blog away, nobody will ever know the difference ;)
Awww Kerrie you've got me all teary with your fun and lovely post. Wow - it's baby time! And I can't wait to see baby pics. We all love you Kerrie and look forward to you being back with baby in tow!! Take care Sweetie!
What a killer post, its should be featured lol
yeah love the rain and everyone here makes it special just like you do to!!!
How sweet - it's cool, isn't it, to start on the ground floor and see all the changes happen. And for the most part, the changes have been good and have not gotten in the way of what we do.
I went to one Rain Camp and I remember talking to Bob Stewart - where were you? I missed out!
We love you, too, Kerrie. How does it feel to be an old-timer now, with Jon, Bob, et al having moved on? Can't wait to share the next stage of your life, as you become a mom... I hope you'll still be with us at Activerain!
Kerrie La Guardia I remember those Rain Camps and how much fun they were and you running up the Art Museum Steps like Rocky (like to see you do it now) ha ha and when Patricia Kennedy gave you Gucci shoes that fit perfect like Cinderella .. You are the Best I love you my sweet
Kerrie, you have had a difficult job of trying to keep our spirits up with each acquisition. I hope this isn't good-bye but I'll see you again soon.
Know that we will miss you in "the rain" but treasure those early days with your child--they. are. priceless.
Hello Kerrie, you are so special to all of us here in the rain more ways then one.
You made me all teary-eyed, too. So glad you are part of this wonderful community and so glad I got to meet you in person (and speak on the phone several times). Good for you making it through all the turmoil and keeping a positive spirit. And, wow...I thought you were only around 9 months pregnant. So I guess any day now. Congrats to both of you.
And, we will miss you during this time. But, I know you'll be back at least once to post all your beautiful pictures.
Hi Kerrie and congratulations. Tell me about 9 and a half months......don't inducements happen at this point?
You have sure seen quite a change. I wish I would have found Ar earlier, one thing we share i was very Active in Trulia when they changed from Agent Friendly to Anti Agent. Alan May sent me tio Active Rain and the rest is history. It did take a couple of months to find my way. Now it is part of my day every day,.
Hi Kerrie La Guardia
Great post and I am sure you know that we love you too. We are getting so excited about the new baby that will be here soon. Activerain would never be the same without you.
Kerrie thank you for making that clear. I have been here through all the changes in personal, I would not have been ready for this one.
I am sure this baby will be gorgeous, and sleeping through the night inside of a week :)
OK at least the first part is right. You will be missed during your very short time off, and good to know you will be back soon cracking the wipe again!
Kerrie, You have so much to be excited about. Congratulations on your 6th Active Rain anniversary and your featured post. Plus a precious baby arriving soon. Life can't get any better than that.
Great story... kickin destination ! Glad you are part of this platform! !
Looking forward to those baby pics !
Hi Kerrie - What a cool celebration of your journey...and ours, which you have been an integral and important part of. Thanks for everything, kiddo.
What a great celebration of your 6 years, Kerrie. Thank you so much for all that you do, and looking forward to following along in your next HUGE adventure, mommyhood!
Kerrie, I remember the first time I met you in person ... in San Francisco. I threw my arms around you and hugged you. AR has changed the lives of most of us who have "rained" here for so many years. You are the AR angel. I cannot imagine it without you. Love ....
Sounds like a GREAT ride Kerrie La Guardia . Thanks for the history.
Kerrie, I've always looked at you as the glue that keeps all of us together. I do appreciate all that you do. Enjoy the mommy-hood.
I would imagine that if you are 91/2 months pregnant that the baby is going to be here any minute. Last blog prebaby is what I"m thinking. Your nesting for sure and making sure that we all know how much you care for the community. Ah those hormones do facilitate the teary episodes now and again.
Be well Kerrie and how cool that your sixth anniversary is the beginning of a major new chapter in your life! Welcome to motherhood Kerrie!
Gosh Kerrie, I thought you had always been here. I hadn't realized you came after me!
CONGRATULATIONS on the milestone!
Kerrie La Guardia
What a great story! I guess I had forgotten some of this history, and other stuff I simply wasn't aware of. We really have gone through the some changes in the 8 1/2 years I have been here, and it's become a big company - I miss some of the old times.
It's been such fun getting to know you, to see you grow and change over the years, and most of all for everything you bring to the community, and have for all these years. And best of all I've met you in the flesh multiple times! Sending long distance hugs to you now. Wishing you the best with your new little one - hope that all goes well. Your lives will never be the same...and you will LOVE it
Jeff
Kerrie. YOu have to love what you do. Have a great day and Congratulations..
And we love you right back Kerrie. I can't wait until you post pictures of your little one. I can see you doing that from the delivery room like Sheldon Neal did with his little one back in the day.
It has been special. There was DC, and Philadelphia, Boston and AC, and I got hugged at all of them. Now 9 1/2 months won't get you anything more special, so let it out
I remember the RainCamp I missed in DC was my 40th birthday and my husband had made plans. I was so bummed to not be able to attend and met you and Bob.
This a great community because of you and the trickle down sunshine you bring.
Kerrie, you are one of our treasures here on AR...I wish you and your wife such success with the babe...it is such an exciting and amazing time. Enjoy it all!! Thank you for everything here...I met you at the almost last RC in Atlantic City which I will never forget how wonderful it was.
Aloha Kerrie,
Mahalo for sharing your journey in the Rain, so many perspectives and one supportive umbrella. Ho'omaika'i ana, congrats on 6 years.
a hui hou,
The Real Estate Farmer aka "The Gucci Man" loves you too. Congratulations to you and your wife by the way. With the amount of love you have showed us,I have no doubt that your child with be showered with an abundance of love,joy and blessing.
Congrats on the years aniversary. Kids will change your lives in ways you have yet to fathom.
Good luck and hope you stay with us.
Hi Kerrie La Guardia
time flies. Thanks for all you do and enjoy your new addition to the family.
Great read . . . and my gosh Kerrie DROP already!
Wow Kerrie La Guardia - what a story!
For me, you are still the bundle of energy when I met you 3 years ago at KW Family Reunion!
I just can't wait to hear a good news from you - I know you'll disappear to take care of the baby - please make sure you share the news with us in 'Rain with a big smile....
Love you so much...and hope to meet you again - soon!
Congratuations Kerrie La Guardia , Thanks for being there when we need someone to go to in troubled times.
Happy Anniversary, Kerrie! I remember meeting you at Rain Camp in Orlando - how many years ago was that?
Congrats on six years, Kerrie! And for new Rainers who might not know, that graphic at the top of this post is made up of hundreds (maybe thousands) of AR profile pics.
All's I can say is that you have long been the face of ActiveRain Kerrie La Guardia and we do appreciate you. Happy Anniversary!
Kerrie - You know we love you too! I'm glad it has been such a great ride so far, and now you are about to embark on a grand new venture.
David still remembers the day you set up his blog for him in Seattle.
Kerrie, congratulations on your active rain anniversary. Thank you for all you do for us.
What a beautiful post! I laughed at the super glued quarters story.
Now have that baby already!
Kerrie, Very cool to get the insight into the early years of AR! Next thing we want to hear for you is "here's the baby!" :)
Kerrie -- not having been around for the early years, I loved reading some of the history from your perspective. Without a doubt, you are a true treasure for this community! Congratulations on your six years... and here's to at least six more years of continued success in the Rain!
I know you love the Rain Kerrie and it shows. It couldn't have been easy when you saw our world threatened but you stood up and rallied and heralded the value of the community each time. It wouldn't be what is without you. Never go away (except for a little precious time to be with your family). Life is getting ready to change for you forever. Love every minute. We love you.
Kerrie La Guardia Wow! Time sure does fly. Congratulations, you're doing a great job in the Rain.
I have taken a sabbatical from the rain and active blogging but your service as I follow along has been great. Thank you for your hard work.
Beautiful Kerrie, I met you originally many years ago in NoLo at a Rain Camp while attending the NAR convention. Sure miss those Rain Camps. You have been our shining star all these years and one we could always count on. We have seen LOTS of changes over the years and sure to see more. Will be EXCITED to see your baby on Facebook, and best of luck on delivery.
I too have become more of a 'lurker'---but your post managed to get a few tears here! Best wishes to you and your expanding family! This is one lucky baby!
Interesting & enjoyable read - - now go have that baby already!!! Nine and a half month - Good Grief!
From someone who was late 3x, any minute now for sure. I loved the trip down memory lane. I'm here 5 years and I remember my earliest conversation with you. You mentioned being from New York, Bay Shore, if I'm not mistaken and you were so proud. Along the way, there were so many changes, that I lost a little of that loving feeling but there still are many members of the original core group and when I see their posts pop up, I smile. I also remember the ones who have left us and wonder how they're doing.
Kerrie... making merry, babies, rain, and memories add up to ACTIVE-KERRIE
Really enjoyed your 6 year story - Congratulations and Happy 6th Anniversary. I'm still working on my "first year" but I've enjoyed the many interesting stories, blogs and conversations and challenges! We are a community unlike any other I've been a part of, and for that I'm honored! Looking forward to growing in the Rain along with you.
Hi Kerrie, Will you be back after the baby is born? I sure hope so.
Have a happy summer.
Bill Roberts
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Congratulations on 6 years with ActiveRain.
What a beautiful post, Kerrie! Happy Anniversary and Happy Baby!!
Kerrie La Guardia ~ wow.... I did not know about your beginnings here and I love reading about it. I also am so happy for you and your wife, bringing a child into this world is a life changing event, and you will really know what I mean on the drive home from the hospital with your baby in the car.
The Rain has shaped and changed your life and I am so happy for you. I wish you happiness, prosperity and nothing but best. But knowing what I know about the new owners of ML and the Rain, I can't help but have a grim outlook about the future here... I hope I am wrong and the future is bright for Rainers. Like you mention Rainers are strong and shouldn't be messed with.... Anyway, I am glad you like your new office and more importantly I wish you all the happiness in the world
You are the heart of this community, Kerrie.
Kerrie is the heart and soul, ................
and brain ........
Met you at New York, and saw you again at Philly, AC, and New York again - loved every one!
Thank you so much for everything everything everything, Kerrie - you will be sorely missed!
Love and hugs galore,
Dagny
Very nice, Kerrie. You have coma a long way. I remember meeting you years ago at an Orlando Rain Camp (a long time ago). Glad you are supporting us and good luck with that baby!
Great blog Kerrie La Guardia , congratulations on your anniversary and so many more milestones.
I have been here 8 I think, I will have to look to see if I can find out my start date?
Beautiful post Kerrie, I am pretty new here but I can see some of the things you say about everyone here on AR already. It is a great community and I am happy to be a member. Thanks for sharing....
What an exciting time in your life Kerrie! So happy to always know you are a consistent force here in the Rain, I was almost worried when I read the title of your post that you were leaving us.
Congratulations Kerrie La Guardia and wish you the best in whatever you do. Sounds like we will see you after maternity leave!
p.s. I didn't know you worked at CountryWide -- and all the mean things I've been saying about them all these years. Bob Crane told me you are the nicest person and are always cheerful no matter what. Thank you for all that you do.
Great post Kerrie & you're a genuine asset.
Congratulations Kerrie!!
I'm so glad Sharon tagged my name in a comment so I didn't miss this post, so great reading about your history with Ar for the record you make active rain what it is!
You are the heart of our AR community Kerrie! Enjoy every minute of your baby birth journey. Happy Anniversary Madame Community Manager....we will miss you during your leave and will look forward to all your snapshots from time to time. All the best
Thanks a hundred times over, Kerrie La Guardia
Love ya!
Congratulations for your time here. Sounds like you truly love your job. It makes it worth going each day to know someone, somewhere appreciates you.
Congrats Kerrie!
Congratulations on 6 years. Long time in the corporate world. Thanks for all your help. Really Appreciated!
Kerrie La Guardia I agree with George Souto we can wait for you for the short maternity leave until you are back rocky that baby . Because you ROCK
LET It Rain
We are lucky to have you amongst us. You listen to us, work for us, work with us and get things done. You are indeed our lifeblood to whomever has purchased this huge living and breathing thing.
I was afraid to finish reading this post. I kept chanting "please don't tell us you're leaving, please don't tell us you're leaving". What a warm, wonderful heartfelt message, loved it! Can't wait to see oodles of baby photos ... hint hint.
Kerrie, I'm excited about the baby and look forward to seeing photos. 91/2 months is a long time! My daughter was two weeks late. You are an amazing lady who gives so much to all of us. We're glad you're here.
This is a wonderful post, Kerrie. You have effectively captured what makes AR so special and a huge part of it is you. Great fortunes with your baby. I can't see you as being anything but a wonderful Mom.
Congrats Kerrie on another anniversary-keep up the great "work"!
Kerrie - thanks for sharing your story. I really love the meetups and wish I had been around for Rain Camp. Thanks for having our back. Everything I know about blogging I learned from Bob's webinars along with all of the other awesome members.
I hope you are returning after your child is born
6 years? That's almost a lifetime of adventure in a very short time.
I'm also smiling at the 9 1/2 months pregnant. I'd think you'd have preferred the 8 1/2 month option.
This post is incredible. Thank you for all that you do and congratulations on the milestone! Reading this makes me even more excited to join such a tight-knit community.
You're really the heart and soul of this community, I'm sure it's been said in the comments before me, but it's true. I think you are "our daughter, sister, etc," and you are obviously well-loved. Regardless of the Rain, your joy in marrying your gorgeous wife was celebrating by us all. Now, the impending birth of a your beautiful little boy brings tears to my eyes. We anxiously await the news. Much love to you Kerrie - we can't wait for your return - and all of the baby photos.
Amazing hard to believe it has been 6 years! You are a priceless asset to this community.
I'm sorry happy for you and yours... we met in Boston at an active Rain - RainCamp...and this past February was the begining of my 7 th year on the AR platform...I'll be sticking around. Best to you Kerrie
thats what I call a long term commitment these days. the view from the skyline sounds amazing.
Kerrie - congrats on your super grateful attitude about being in the Rain for so long. It's always great when we can be grateful for our time with whatever we're doing. You have brought countless joy to those of us in the rain and I have nothing but thanks to offer. Whatever you do, know that you are thought of with a smile :)
You are super. Time goes fast when you are having fun.......
Good morning Kerrie,
Hard to believe it's been 6 years..I remember meeting you in Rain Camp in Houston..congrats on your new family and we'll be here waiting for you when you get back!
I remeber when AR came to Galveston for a meet up of all the Texas Realtors. I can't remember what the meet up is called because I have not slept in two days. I degrees... I was already posting on AR and became a paying member that day. I won a jacket at that meeting! I was so proud and still wear that jacket to this day.
I am not sure when I started posting and now I am curious as to when I actually did start on AR. I love Active Rain.
What a great story! And congratulations on your new baby! I hope you get to enjoy some time off so you can bond.
Yesterday they announced Ben Kinney bought AR and Bob Stewart is coming back. This is all such exciting news and you Kerrie La Guardia have been mysteriously quiet since you left. Please let us know you are coming back when your maternity leave is up. You are integral to our happiness and we can't totally be happy without you. Please say you are coming back! Right?
kerrie, we all appreciate you and all of your hard work. I hope you are enjoying your maternity leave. Take care..