If you joined us earlier this month for the 2025 Industry Awards Midnight Cowboy Gala, you already know — it was a night we won’t soon forget.
And if you missed it, let me paint the picture.
This year’s gala brought a little mystery and a lot of Texas flair, blending upscale elegance with a frontier edge. From the moment guests walked in, the energy was undeniable — and this year, it carried even more meaning as we celebrate ABoR’s 100th anniversary. It was a fitting backdrop to honor not only the best in our industry today, but a century of professionalism, progress, and community.
From the moment guests walked in, the energy was undeniable. We had gourmet food, themed cocktails, music that kept the dance floor full, and plenty of opportunities to lean into the spirit of the night. From a custom hat bar to candle pouring stations, attendees left with something uniquely their own.
But as fun as the atmosphere was, the heart of the night was always about something bigger, celebrating the people who make our industry what it is.
This year, we recognized 14 outstanding winners and more than 40 finalists — professionals who represent the absolute best of ABoR. These are the agents, leaders, and innovators who go above and beyond for their clients, their colleagues, and our community every single day.
To all our nominees and winners: thank you. You are setting the standard and inspiring those around you to do the same.
Meet the 2025 Industry Award Winners
AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR | Kara McGregor, Independence Title
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD | Cord Shiflet, Moreland Properties
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR | Charles Porter, PhD, Bryker Properties
THE ETHICS AWARD | Jill Leberknight, eXp Realty
THE TEAM AWARD: 2-5 AGENTS | Mueller Residential Group, Compass
THE TEAM AWARD: 6-10 AGENTS | ROOTS Residential Group, Compass
THE TEAM AWARD: 11+ AGENTS | Emily Dieckmann Real Estate Team, eXp Realty
MANAGER OF THE YEAR | Amanda Dudley, Compass
BROKER OF THE YEAR: 1-50 Agents | Amber Brown, White Label Realty
BROKER OF THE YEAR: 51+ Agents | Christine Choate, Horizon Realty
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR | Christina Sok, Spinelli Residential Group, KW Austin Portfolio Real Estate
SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR | Amber Hart, Keller Williams Realty
REALTOR® OF THE YEAR | Kent Redding, Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty
ICONIC CHANGEMAKER AWARD | Carol Dochen, Dochen Realty Group, Bramlett Partners
Looking Ahead
Events like the annual Industry Awards Gala are a reminder of just how strong and connected this community is. We show up for each other, we celebrate each other, and we continue pushing this industry forward, together.
As we move further into 2026, I hope we carry that same energy with us. Keep striving, keep innovating, and keep finding ways to elevate not just your business, but the experience you deliver to your clients.
And if this year’s gala was any indication, I’d say the future is looking bright.