The board is made up of local realtors who help make sure the realtors code of ethics is adhered to and helps organize various service projects in the community.

Gery Cook, broker and owner of Regency Realtors and the board’s associate executive, explained that about eight years ago, the board became part of the Heart of Iowa Board of Realtors. That group that included at least six counties.

He felt they could work better locally.

“We felt we could better serve the community on our own,” Cook said. “In March of 2022 we made an application to become our own board to the National Association of Realtors. They approved it in November of 2022.”

He said the board has nine members including officers.

Jim Schwan, with Legacy Realty, is the board’s secretary.

“Our role is to make sure everyone works in a professional manner and that they work in an ethical manner,” he said.

The group also helps organize involvement in the community. That includes making donations of time and money as well as doing volunteer work. Cook said that involvement in the community is one of the National Board of Realtors requirements.

The group has a long list of projects.

“We have done food drives, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, donated to the Lord’s Cupboard, helped with the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight, volunteered for Frontier Days and helped with a painting project at Children and Families of Iowa,” Cook said.

They’ve also donated a body cam and a defibrillator to the Fort Dodge Police Department, a park bench and contributed to other projects in the community.

“I don’t think people understand we do more than just sell houses,” he said.

Realtor Jeremiah Condon, a Realtor with Kesterson Realty, said it’s really a passion.

“We’re an active part of our community. We love our community,” he said. “That’s why we’re here.”

The board meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Legacy Realtors office. Each board member serves one to three years.

Current members of the Fort Dodge Board of Realtors

Laura Eastwood, president, owner/broker Eastwood Real Estate, Fort Dodge.

Jim Schwan, secretary, Realtor, Legacy Realtors, Fort Dodge.

Madelyn Riles, director, Smith Real Estate, Humboldt.

Keenan Schuur, president-elect, co-owner, Coldwell Banker, Fort Dodge.

Gery Cook, associate executive, broker/owner, Regency Realtors, Fort Dodge.

Gary Clark, treasurer, Realtor, RE/MAX, Fort Dodge.

Ed John, director, RE/MAX, Fort Dodge.

Kyle Olson, owner, Exit Frontier Realty, Fort Dodge.

Diane Decker, Realtor, Decker and Co., Rockwell City.