Real Estate Industry Veteran to Lead WAV Group Communications

ARROYO GRANDE, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 23, 2014) - Real estate industry communications and marketing veteran Kevin Hawkins has been named President of WAV Group Communications, the newest division of the real estate industry's leading consulting firm, WAV Group.

Being officially introduced at the CMLS2014, the Council of Multiple Listing Services national conference that starts tomorrow, September 24-27 in Huntington Beach, California, Hawkins will expand and deepen the communications services the WAV Group provides to leading MLS firms, REALTOR^® Associations, top real estate brokerages, and real estate technology firms.

"We have known and worked with Kevin for a long time. He is a consummate professional that brings a breath and depth of experience that is not found in our industry," said Victor Lund, a founding partner of the WAV Group. Lund called Hawkins "a natural fit," noting he brings a combined expertise in working in real estate, and world-class experience in PR and Communications that meets the needs for both consumer and industry messaging."

Marilyn Wilson, also a founding partner of the WAV Group and former SVP Marketing at Fisher-Price, said Hawkins is "well-schooled in innovative methods for generating interest and attention among consumers and real estate professionals alike, leveraging the latest in media and communications technologies."

"Kevin can not only talk the talk, but has walked the walk," Wilson said, noting Hawkins has worked directly with real estate agents and broker owners for more than two decades. "He has successfully launched and promoted literally hundreds of new business and consumer products and services harnessing both traditional and digital media. His creative and affordable grass root campaigns targeting have helped firms increase both product adoption and profitability." 

Real estate radio talk show host, columnist, and author Tom Kelly, who collaborated with Hawkins at Inman News, said, "I've witnessed Kevin's boundless energy and execution for nearly three decades. Both may not be surpassed by his creativity, but it's a close call."

Hawkins, who worked with WAV Group as a client, lauds the firm's reputation. "Businesses today often need wisdom and insight that comes from personal experience," Hawkins said. "The WAV Group is the industry's seasoned voice of reason, giving strategic and innovative yet practical, actionable and affordable advice to help real businesses create positive momentum and growth. It's a privilege to be associated with such quality and class." 

Hawkins brings to the WAV Group more than 25 years of experience leading and transforming communications programs for small and medium sized businesses, as well as Fortune 500 companies. Previously he held marketing, communications and leadership positions at Fannie Mae, HomeGain, Inman News and its first eight Real Estate Connect conferences, and Great Western Bank (now CHASE). Hawkins also worked as an Account Supervisor at a Los Angeles-based PR agency, was a top producing mortgage loan officer in the Seattle area for eight years, was the Associate Publisher at hyperlocal news blog InsideBainbridge.com, and as award-winning freelance writer, authored more than 50 major magazine feature stories. Hawkins most recently was VP, Communications and Marketing at Imprev and left to start his own public relations consulting firm.

ABOUT THE WAV GROUP
The WAV Group is a leading consulting firm for the real estate industry, serving many of the largest and most successful Multiple Listing Services (MLS), REALTOR^® Associations, real estate brokerages, and real estate technology firms for more than 15 years. With an unsurpassed depth of experience in technology, strategic planning, research, business development, sales, product development, marketing and communications in the real estate industry, the WAV Group serves as a virtual executive, and helping clients meet the objectives of their business or association, more quickly, more effectively and more affordably. The firm's diverse collection of global industry experience allows it to cross-fertilize ideas and bring best of breed solutions to its clients. More information is available at http://www.wavgroup.com.