Kathie Capra-Bowles

Seasoned leader encourages empowerment and change

Kathie Capra-Bowles wasn’t looking to lead again.

But here she is, back in action as JCAR’s chair, resuming the role of she served in 2006-07.

As a CAR (Colorado Association of Realtors) director and a former JCAR (Jefferson County Association of Realtors) chair, Capra-Bowles had her hands full already. She wasn’t rallying votes that would put her in charge, or writing personal statements touting her experience.

It wasn’t even ego that motivated her to returned to a position she knew well. It was, she says, critical need.

“There is a lot going on (with JCAR). The board felt that we needed someone who right away knew what was going on,” says Capra-Bowles, who was appointed to the position after the chair-elect moved out of state, and last year’s chair had other commitments. She will serve a one year term, with Mike Welk as the chair-elect. “I had an established network and years of training. We’re a strong association and we want to maintain all that without a hiccup.”

For her tenure, the seasoned REALTOR has adopted “Be the Change” as JCAR’s theme. It’s a fitting call in a time of what could be significant changes for the 2,200-member association.

Most notably, the association is in the midst of testing electronic lockboxes. It’s been a long-debated issue, and a volatile one, too. Members have been divided on the new system’s cost, value and necessity. Six other area associations are also in testing mode. JCAR’s trial period has no set end date.

“We need to get into the 21st century,” urges Capra-Bowles. “We’re the only metropolitan area not using electronic lockboxes. I’m hoping it will be a success. If it works, it will be because no one has been forced to do it.”

Another change under consideration is the consolidation of three area associations. The JCAR Board is tentatively considering collaboration with South Metro Denver Realtor Association, and the Aurora Association of Realtors.

The consolidation is in the exploratory stage, notes Capra-Bowles. “We’re looking to see if there is an advantage to consolidation,” she says, noting that the partnership would provide more buying power, lessen duplication of services, and would offer more political strength. “It would seem that the pros may be stronger than the cons but we’re still not entirely sure. . . . We’re selling homes all over. We don’t stay in our own little neighborhoods anymore. We go all over now. Why not combine our resources and collaborate with other associations?”

Value to members

In a time of change, the JCAR board is also looking to strengthen its membership.

“You hear so many people complain about the market, or about the service they get from their real estate association. We want to emphasize that members have the power to be the change they seek,” she explains. “Each member has a choice, the opportunity to empower themselves.”

Nearly 60 percent of JCAR members work in offices with 10 people or less, according to Capra-Bowles. Professionals in smaller firms, she says, can benefit from the services and support that JCAR provides.

Member benefits include access to technical and legal hotlines, assistance with arbitration and ethics issues, and numerous classes and continuing education opportunities.

A seasoned leader

Capra knows JCAR’s value. She’s been a member for over 30 years, since launching her real estate career in 1978.

Throughout her career, Capra-Bowles has worked many sides of the industry. She earned her broker's license in 1980, and in 1986 joined Coldwell Banker as a managing broker. In the late 1980s, she worked in institutional sales at Shearson, Lehman, Hutton, where she gained experience working on mortgage-backed securities.

In 1994, she returned to real estate, and joined Re/Max Professionals' Union office. She is now broker/manager of the 46-associate office.

Over the years, Capra-Bowles has worked on numerous special events and committees, including the annual REALTOR Rally, Keys to Home Ownership, and the Metro Denver Realtors Foundation. She also serves as a CAR director, and was appointed to the Professional Development Committee (a position she intends to maintain, though she will step down from CAR while serving as JCAR chair).

Her numerous leadership roles have earned her accolades from colleagues. “She’s such a great leader, and she’s a real consensus builder. She makes sure everyone gets heard,” notes Lincoln Gill, the 2007-08 JCAR Chair, who has worked closely with Capra-Bowles. “She keeps her eye on what’s good for the member.”

Karen Ricci, director of career development for Re/Max Professionals, offers enthusiastic praise for Capra-Bowles. The two work closely together to recruit and maintain hundreds of agents. “I can’t tell you how impressed I am with her,” she gushes. “She is one of a kind. She is a wealth of knowledge. She knows what is going on in the Denver-metro market at all times. She is the one we all turn to. And,” she adds, “she never complains. As busy as she is, with all these roles and commitments, she’s always available and eager to help.”

As a professional who has served in a variety of roles, Capra Bowles has made many changes throughout her career. Now she is asking members to do the same. “Can you be the change in your real estate business?” she asks. “And can JCAR help you to empower yourself?”

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Drew Myron, a frequent contributor to the JCAR Journal, is a freelance writer covering real estate-related news, issues and people. She can be reached at www.drewmyron.com