Two of ERA American Real Estate’s own were recently recognized by their peers at Emerald Coast Real Producers’ annual Toast to the Top Awards Gala, with ERA American President and CEO Tony Lombardo named Broker of the Year and Marsha Babe receiving the Agent With Heart award.
Both awards are peer-nominated and peer-voted, meaning recipients are chosen by fellow real estate professionals rather than by the Emerald Coast Real Producers team, according to the organization. Emerald Coast Real Producers is a publication and networking community for the area’s top 5% of real estate agents.
Taylor Labno, Publisher of Emerald Coast Real Producers and an ERA American agent, said the Broker of the Year honor is about much more than production numbers or running a successful brokerage.
“It’s about how you lead, how you show up for your agents, and the impact you make on the people around you,” Labno said. “Tony Lombardo is someone who truly leads by example.”
Labno said the award is especially meaningful because Lombardo was nominated and voted on by his fellow real estate professionals.
“When the people who work alongside you recognize your leadership and the difference you’re making in our industry, I think that speaks volumes about the kind of person and broker you are,” Labno said.
Lombardo said he is humbled to be named Broker of the Year and that the recognition means a great deal to him.
“I’m proud to accept it on behalf of ERA American and the agents and staff who make this company what it is,” Lombardo said. “I get to lead a remarkable group of people, and I’m grateful to share this honor with them.”
The Agent With Heart award recognizes someone who goes beyond the transaction by giving back, lifting others up and making a difference in the lives of those around them, according to Labno.
“Marsha Babe is such a wonderful example of that,” Labno said.
Babe is a longtime Niceville resident and volunteer leader. In her hometown, she partners with school initiatives, champions student enrichment programs and supports local teachers and classrooms. She also advocates for Niceville’s independent merchants and service providers.
Her volunteer work extends to several area organizations. With Impact 100 Northwest Florida, she works alongside other women leaders to fund grants that address critical needs across Okaloosa and Walton counties. She supports Children in Crisis, which provides safe shelter, foster home communities and wraparound care for local children. She also works with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to create paths to affordable homeownership for local families, and helps coordinate Toys for Tots holiday deliveries to area children and families facing hardship.
Like Lombardo, Babe was nominated and voted on by her peers, which Labno said makes the recognition even more special.
“To have the people in your own industry recognize the heart you put into what you do is something truly meaningful,” Labno said.
Babe said real estate has given her the opportunity to connect with wonderful people and build meaningful relationships.
“I’ve always believed that true success isn’t just measured by what you accomplish, but by how you treat people and the positive difference you make along the way,” Babe said.
She said receiving the award means more than she can put into words, and that it honors the part of her work that matters most to her: caring for others.
“I’m deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,” Babe said.
