The Kay Evans Scholarship Fund is a not for profit organization with a mission:
“To Foster Real Estate Careers Worth Having, By Removing Financial Barriers To Education For Deserving Candidates.”
Applications may be submitted by Team Leaders or Operating Partners to the Region. The Kay Evans Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)3. Ask your Team Leader for more information!
🎉 Our Region Wins Big for KW Cares!
We’re excited to share that our Southeast Region is officially one of the Multiply Your Business Event Incentive winners, raising $10,000+ for KW Cares! Thank you to every agent and market center for leading with generosity and making a real impact.
As a special thank-you, all agents and market centers in our region are invited to an exclusive virtual webinar with Jay Papasan: The Busyness Trap. This powerful 30-minute session, inspired by The ONE Thing, will help you sharpen focus, set priorities, and boost sustainable productivity.
📅 Date: January 21
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM CT / 11:00 AM ET
📍 Location: Zoom (registration required)
Don’t miss this chance to gain insight from a bestselling author and take your focus (and business!) to the next level!
Join Us in Celebrating One of Our Valued Regional Partners!
O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law — a longtime Keller Williams Southeast Region vendor partner — is celebrating the grand opening of their new Buckhead office, and you’re invited!
Stop by for an evening of refined cocktails, elevated hors d’oeuvres, and great conversation as they unveil their beautiful new space. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, show support for a trusted partner, and enjoy a classy night out in true KW fashion.
📅 Thursday, January 22
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 One Alliance Center, 3500 Lenox Rd., Suite 760, Atlanta
Your 2026 Southeast Region Family Reunion IALC Representatives
We’re excited to share that Bonnie Padgett has been elected to serve a one-year term on the International Associate Leadership Council (IALC), joining our three other Southeast Region representatives at the Family Reunion IALC meeting.
The IALC gives associates a powerful voice in franchise operations while building a leadership team that champions Keller Williams’ culture and values.
Congratulations, Bonnie — and thank you to all of our IALC members for their continued commitment to serving our associates.
Serving Seniors: A New Path to Listings and Long-Term Clients
Ready to stop chasing leads and start attracting them? Join this powerful master class and learn how to serve seniors, guide major property decisions, and convert them into consistent listings.
KW Bren Mastermind & Coalition Connect: ATL After Hours
Enjoy Family Reunion 2026 with a high-impact KW BREN Family Reunion Mastermind followed by the official CPG Family Reunion 2026 After-Hours Party — all in one powerful night.
🧠 KW BREN Mastermind
Monday, Feb 23 | 5:00–7:30 PM | Georgia Ballroom 1
A fast-paced, strategy-driven session focused on getting more listings, monetizing your database, and having better business conversations.
🌙 Coalition Connect: ATL After Hours
8:00 PM–12:00 AM | The Gathering Spot ATL
An elevated after-hours experience with a DJ, chef-prepared bites, and a curated crowd of leaders, entrepreneurs, and real estate pros.
🎟 One ticket gets you into both — mastermind + after-hours.
Heavy appetizers, cash bar, cocktail attire encouraged.
Come for the strategy. Stay for the connections.
Kick off Family Reunion at the 5th Annual Keller Classic!
Join associates from across the country for a high-energy night of networking, fun, and friendly competition at Topgolf. Enjoy great food and drinks, a live auction, and the always-popular Heads or Tails game — all while supporting KW Cares and KW Next Gen.
Every swing, bid, and game helps raise funds to support KW associates and invest in the next generation of leaders.
📍 Topgolf Atlanta Midtown
📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM ET
KWYP Courtside Connections: A Southeast Regional Kickoff to Family Reunion 2026
The Southeast Region is getting ready to welcome the entire Keller Williams family to Family Reunion 2026 in Atlanta, and we’re stepping into that spotlight early.
To set the tone for what the KW ecosystem will experience next year, KWYP Atlanta and KWYP Atlanta South have teamed up to host an exclusive Courtside Connections Hawks VIP Suite Night this February. This will be the largest KWYP collaboration event our region has ever hosted, and we’re inviting agents from across all KW Communities and market centers in the Southeast to join us.
This isn’t just a social outing. It’s a strategic regional connection point designed to:
- Strengthen cross-market relationships before the national spotlight hits Atlanta next year
- Showcase the culture, collaboration, and leadership depth of the Southeast Region
- Bring together rising leaders, top producers, and community influencers in one high-energy environment
- Position our region as the standard-bearer for hospitality, community, and agent empowerment
Your ticket includes:
- Full VIP Suite experience
- All-inclusive catered food
- Private cash bar access
- Premium viewing of the game
- Intentional networking with KWYP leaders, KW Communities, and powerhouse agents across the Southeast
As we prepare to host Family Reunion in our backyard, it’s vital that our region shows the strength of our culture and the unity of our leadership. Courtside Connections will be the first major opportunity to come together, connect deeply, and set the tone for a standout year.
A limited number of tickets remain.
Reserve your spot and help us show the entire country what the Southeast Region is made of.
Run Your Business Like A Business with Bob Kilinski
Ready to stop operating like a solo agent and start thinking like a CEO? Learn how to build a scalable, profitable real estate business with Bob Kilinski.
Welcome to Atlanta: Black Tie Affair KW BREN Family Reunion Party
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of elegance, connection, and celebration. This upscale Black Tie Affair will bring together the very best — from powerhouse agents to top industry vendors — for a night of networking, laughter, and memories.
- Mingle with referral partners from across the world
- Celebrate the leaders and vendors who keep our industry strong.
- Dance, toast, and enjoy an atmosphere of sophistication with a down-right good time vibe.
Special Honoree: Merrill “The Godfather” Johnson for 25 years of shaping the market, pouring into agents, and cultivating one of the largest profit share trees in Georgia.
This isn’t just another event — it’s Atlanta’s Black Tie Real Estate night you can’t afford to miss.
Family Reunion 2026 — Right Here at Home — February 21–24!
This is our moment to showcase the power, passion, and talent of the Southeast Region. Let’s show up strong, make history with record-breaking attendance, and fill every hallway with Southeast pride!
Whether you’re ready to level up your skills, grow your network, or ignite massive business growth, Family Reunion is where it all happens.
🎟️ Early pricing may be gone, but Tier 1 tickets are still available — grab yours before they sell out and prices rise!
Secure your spot today and be part of something unforgettable.
KW Communities Announcements
KW Inclusion and Belonging Leadership Training
You’re invited to our monthly KW Inclusion & Belonging Leadership Training, where we come together as leaders to align on our mission, share impactful initiatives, and collaborate on building a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering culture within Keller Williams. This space is dedicated to growth, connection, and action—ensuring that every voice is heard and every leader is supported. Whether you’re leading a local I&B committee or just starting your journey, your presence and perspective matter. Let’s lead with purpose—and create lasting impact together.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFtN7Ks6vYNPHUjuUr6HIi50_DaJlASzpJCoYemqjpolii8g/viewform
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 24⋅12:00 – 1:00pm CST
Audience: Leadership, Associates, Recruits
KW Inclusion and Belonging Business Building Clinics!
Launching in 2026, our quarterly KW Inclusion and Belonging Business Building Clinics are designed to equip associates and leadership with practical strategies, inclusive practices, and community-centered business tools that drive growth and impact. Each session creates a space to learn from industry leaders, sharpen your skills, and explore how belonging enriches both your client relationships and your business. Join us each quarter as we build stronger, more inclusive businesses—together!
Registration: https://kwri.
Date/Time: Quarterly at 1:00 pm CST
Audience: KW-only, associates, leadership.
KW Young Professionals Courtside Connections at Family Reunion!
An Unforgettable VIP Game Day Experience
Step into the action with KWYP Atlanta + KWYP Atlanta South as we take over a 200-person luxury suite at State Farm Arena for the Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets. This isn’t just a basketball game…it’s an exclusive opportunity to make courtside connections through networking, community, and first-class hospitality.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22nd from 3:30-6:30 pm ET
Audience: Tickets are available for Keller Williams agents, employees, and associates with a valid KWUID number.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwyp-atlanta-atlanta-south-hawks-vip-suite-night-tickets-1822706617559
KW Land Mastermind at Family Reunion 2026
Beyond Residential: Exploring Land Transactions: Join KW Land® for a Mastermind discussion focused on land deals, trends, and strategies. Connect with agents working land across the country, share experiences, and gain practical insights you can apply in your own business—whether you’re actively selling land or simply curious about this niche.
Registration: https://docs.
Date/Time: February 23, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
KW Young Professionals FR26 Advance + Awards
KW Young Professionals Advance is a high-impact event designed to help you take your business — and yourself — to the next level. This experience is all about forward motion: advancing your skills, your mindset, and your network.
Date/Time: Join us on Saturday, February 21st, at 9 AM-11:30 AM EST
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, room B3 B312-B313A
Audience: KWYP Members + Guests
Saturday, February 21st
KWYP Awards | 9:00–9:15 AM EST
Chapter of the Year • YP of the Year • Rookie of the Year • Cultural Icon
Speaker Lineup
Zach Younger | 9:15–10:00
Attract, Don’t Chase: How to Build a Magnet Business
Gabby Davis & Avern Richardson | 10:00–10:45
Work/Life Integration: Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Family
James Shaw | 10:45–11:30
KW Young Professionals National Summit
The KWYP Annual Summit is your launchpad for next-level growth! Over three days, you can expect to experience a Welcome Networking Mixer on Thursday, our “E3” Summit Day: “Execute, Elevate, Excel” on Friday, and a hands-on Content Day on Saturday. Plan to hear from dynamic speakers, be part of tactical breakouts, mastermind conversations, and real strategies you can implement immediately. Get ready to connect with driven young leaders ready to level up!
Registration: https://www.
Date/Time: May 28th – May 30th
Audience: Members-only, plus special guests!
Family Reunion 2026
February 21 – 24, 2026
Set your sights on Atlanta, Georgia, for FR26! Get inspiration from epic keynote speakers, stay on top of new tech and industry trends, and build relationships that lead to long-term success. Lock in your spot soon to save. Family Reunion is one event you can’t afford to miss!
Bookmark KW Events
Stay plugged into KW Events all year long with a calendar full of in-person and virtual learning opportunities! From transformative conferences and retreats to exclusive training and coaching sessions, make sure to bookmark KW Events and keep growing!
Click here to go to KW Events.
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Sponsors
Dawn’s Coffee Talk
Happy New Year, Southeast Region!
I’m writing this newsletter to you from Dubai, where I’m currently attending an international business conference. I’ve had the privilege of speaking and leading workshops for business leaders from the United States and Central Asia. In the room, three different languages are being spoken, and every session requires translators.
This is the first time I’ve taught, led, and coached business owners who do not speak English—and who are running businesses in environments marked by poverty and suppression.
And here’s what has surprised me the most.
Their challenges are the same challenges I see agents struggle with every day here in the United States.
It all comes back to one thing: mindset.
We’ve all heard that roughly 90% of our success is driven by mindset, while only about 10% comes from skillset. So here’s the question I want you to sit with for a moment:
Why do so many people struggle to believe they can achieve great success?
The answer is programming.
By the time we are five years old, most of our beliefs are already formed. Think back to that season of your life. Who did the programming for you? Parents, grandparents, caretakers, teachers, or other influential figures. At that age, we had no filter. No choice. No ability to challenge what we were being taught.
That early conditioning shapes what we believe.
Those beliefs shape our thoughts.
Those thoughts trigger feelings.
Those feelings drive actions.
Those actions produce results.
And those results often repeat as patterns—over and over again.
When I coach leaders and agents, I often ask one simple question:
“Are you satisfied with the results you’re getting?”
If the answer is no, then we get to the real work. Because the only way to change results is to change the way we think.
Here’s the powerful part:
While we can’t always control the first thought that comes from old programming, we can choose the second thought.
And that decision—right there—can change everything.
It has been a true honor to share this concept with the leaders here in Dubai. Many of them have never been taught this. They haven’t had access to learning environments like we have at Keller Williams. They haven’t been exposed to the training, the language, or the mindset work we teach every day.
My own life has been forever changed because of this company. Events like Family Reunion, Mega Camp, and Quantum Leap reshaped the way I think. And those new thoughts led me somewhere I never imagined—far from a trailer park in the country of Bush, Louisiana.
If you want the full story, you can read it in my book, Trailer Park CEO.
Here’s what I know for certain:
If I can change my life by changing my thinking, so can you.
All it takes is identifying—and replacing—the one thought that’s been holding you back.
I believe 2026 can be your best year ever in real estate.
The real question is: Do you believe that?
If you haven’t picked up a copy of Trailer Park CEO, you can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any major book retailer. And if you haven’t registered for Family Reunion in Atlanta yet, don’t miss the opportunity to be in the room with some of the most thought-provoking leaders in our industry. Head to events.kw.com and get registered today.
Be sure to stop by the KW Cares booth—I’d love to sign your copy of TPCEO in person.
Let’s leave the thoughts that no longer serve us in 2025, and step into the new year committed to choosing better second thoughts.
Onward and UPWARD,
Dawn
P.S. Almost forgot! As promised in last month’s newsletter, I am sharing my 2026 Word to you: TREE! 🌳Want to know why? Reach out at dawncazedessus@gmail.com or any of the major social handles. Let’s connect!
Sign up for my Trailer Park CEO Newsletter HERE!
From December KWRI Reports: In an effort to recognize individual teams and groups, we are using KWRI reports which reflect GCI.
Navigate the arrows on the sides or the buttons at the bottom to see our Top Ranking Agents, Leaders, and Market Centers!
PATRICK’S TECH TALK
One question I’m often asked is: “Why can’t Command make great looking emails?” This is something that at times makes me scratch my head but always compels me to ask better questions. I’ve found that unless you have experience in email marketing, that is to say you’ve spent years crafting offers and email messaging as well as designing layouts and flow, that it’s more of a gut reaction than a typical question. You don’t know what you don’t know, and when you don’t “like” something because you don’t understand it, it can often cloud the truth.
So, can Command make good looking emails? Today, we’re going to bust this myth.
Within Command we have 2 options for making emails that include images, formatting, and links, that is to say, the pretty kind of emails.
Option 1: You can use Command’s built in email editor under Designs to make your template. Last year (or late 2024) the dev team in Austin upgraded the standard user interface so that it included columns and new elements. This made the process to build native within Command far better, and you can get some killer results. That said, knowing what you want the email to look like first is critical. Not everyone is a designer.
Option 2 (the best option in my opinion): Use your KW X Canva account to create the HTML code formatting the email, as well as crop the images, and import this to Command. You may or may not have known, but this is a hidden little feature inside Canva and Command. Below we’re going to walk through the steps. Doing it this way also gives you access to Canva’s stock library, email templates, and their familiar design interface.
Taking emails from KW X Canva to Command:
1) Start working on your content in Google Docs / Word. Write the copy (the words) and add notes for anything special you wish to include in the email. This is a best practice more than anything. It is easier to get your ideas down, access them later, and editing using the included tools like spell or grammar check.
2) Create an “EMAIL” inside Canva. Be sure to click the “create email” button to get started, don’t just grab something from templates.
3) Copy and paste any longform content from your Document into your Canva design. When pasting, paste as “text only” where possible.
4) Download the finished newsletter as “HTML”, it will come to you as a zip file. Be sure to extract the file (that is, turn it into a folder where you download it).
5) Go into KW Command Designs, Click Create > Email > Import HTML. Uncheck the email header and footer (unless it’s not part of your design) and click import file. Import the HTML from the new folder you’ve extracted.
6) Choose the first empty image on the page, click replace > add images > and upload all images from the image folder from your Canva download. Choose the correct image for the first photo.
7) From here, go one image at a time, clicking on the image and using “replace” to pick the correct image for your design.
8) Save your design. It’s now ready for use in Campaigns and Smart Plans alike.
This may seem like a lot of steps, but after doing it once or twice, it takes only a couple of minutes to do the technical parts. The bulk of your time will be spent writing and formatting, like I am doing in this very newsletter, choosing your message and how to present it.
What email campaigns do you have planned this year? Be sure not to skip out on your 36+ Touch to those who matter most.
Stay connected. Be joyful. Go live your greatness.
~Patrick
Tune In and Level Up with The Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast.
Join Jason Abrams and his Mega Agent guests as they document, demonstrate, and demystify the models and systems that are driving big profits and even bigger lives. LISTEN NOW.
