2023 Board of Directors Candidates

The following candidates are running for three open directors seats on the Aspire North Board of Directors. The three who are elected will serve a three-year term from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. The election ballots will be sent to all eligible REALTOR® members of Aspire North via email on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 and the election will be open through the end of the day on Friday, October 27th. 

Matt Dakoske
RE/MAX Bayshore - Union St, Traverse City

My name is Matt Dakoske. I've been a resident of Traverse City since 1969. I come from a family of 7 children. Many of my siblings live in the area and we are blessed to have our mother still with us. She's 91 years young!

My first priority, as I am sure you can all agree, is family. My wife Rochelle and I spend our summers at our cabin on Rennie Lake and our winters at our condo in town. Between us, we have three children and five grandchildren. I am fortunate to have my daughter Jennifer and my brother JD as members of my team.

Speaking of my team, I am sure you have heard of us. Team Dakoske was formed in 2015 soon after Jennifer decided (or was persuaded) to become a Realtor. Brother JD joined shortly thereafter. We now number 6 Realtors and 2 Administrative Assistants. With the hard work and dedication of everyone on our team, we consistently rank in the top 5 on the board. I am so proud.

My commitment to family, hard work, integrity, and professionalism has served me well. I am always available for my team and regularly receive calls from fellow Realtors for guidance and advice. That makes me feel accomplished and respected almost more than anything.

Yes, I'm looking to be back on the Board of Directors again -- for the last time!

This business has done so much for me and it is time to pay back once more. Having been involved in the past with difficult decisions (the creation of NGLR, the choosing of an Executive Officer, and the build-out of our building) the board will find themselves having to deal with several of these same items again. Our Executive Officer's contract is up in 2024, the NGLR contract is up in 2024 and we will need to address the outcome of the Burnette & Moehrl lawsuit. I am up for the challenge and look forward to serving as an officer of the board representing us all in the coming years.

Gordon Hodges
Real Estate One - Traverse City Front St

Returning to my Northern Michigan roots was a heartfelt journey that ultimately brought me back to Traverse City, the city I've always known would be my forever home. More than two decades ago, my wife and I made a pivotal decision when we invested in land here, setting the stage for our future in this stunning region.

Our bond with Traverse City grew even stronger 15 years ago when we embarked on a real estate investment venture within the area. These investments not only allowed us to contribute to the local community but also facilitated deep connections with fellow residents and business owners. It was a significant step towards realizing the life we had envisioned, one imbued with a profound sense of belonging and purpose.

Nine years ago, we made a momentous choice to establish Traverse City as our permanent residence. Since then, we've been active participants in and contributors to the community's ever-evolving landscape. Whether it's immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan or engaging in community projects, every moment spent in this remarkable place is treasured.

My professional journey spanned 27 years with Gordon Food Service, predominantly in warehouse management. Throughout my career, I embraced steward leadership and accountability as guiding principles. Even in my early twenties, I foresaw a career in real estate and took my first Real Estate License Exam. Thirteen years ago, I joined Real Estate One, initially working in the Commerce and Novi markets.

On the local front, my involvement has been extensive. I've actively served on the Education Committee, held multiple terms on our local MLS committee, and had multiple terms on the NGLRMLS Board of Directors, currently serving as Vice President. Additionally, I'm a dedicated participant in Aspire Board of Directors meetings as a member. I believe in proactive engagement before taking the responsibility of leadership. With potential changes looming in our industry, I am committed to ensuring our association is well-prepared. My primary goal is to elevate member engagement through improved communication, enhanced education, and increased collaboration.

Today, Traverse City is not just my home; it's the heart of my life's journey. I eagerly anticipate continued involvement in the vibrant tapestry of life, culture, and growth that defines this extraordinary community.

I humbly ask for your support as Director of Aspire North.

Heather Hudson
RE/MAX Bayshore - Union St, Traverse City

It has been a wonderful learning experience to serve on the Aspire board for the past 3 years. This past year I had the honor to be the secretary/treasurer. It has been a privilege to serve with and get to know the other board directors and the Aspire staff and learn so much valuable information about where we are as an industry and what is coming next.

I’ve been a Realtor for 6 years with RE/MAX Bayshore, owned/operated a title-searching business for the past 19 years, renovated homes, and tried to stay active in housing advocacy in our region. I am the current Vice President on the Board of Directors for Habitat of Humanity. I’m the mom of two nearly-grown awesome humans. We see many issues on the horizon in our industry and decisions to make locally and regionally and I hope to be invited to have a seat at the table once again.

Thank you for all you do for your clients and our community. It is truly an honor and privilege to be a part of this amazing profession and work alongside so many stellar individuals. Thank you for the opportunity.

Ken Kleinrichert
Coldwell Banker Schmidt - 522

I started my real estate career in 1990 and have worn multiple hats while selling real estate with large and small brokerages. I was also an owner operator for 9 years. I believe it is important to give back and I have served on the TAAR and Aspire Boards for 13+ of the last 33 years. Past President, past treasurer 2x, MLS  Chair multiple times, and NGLR board 2 years, and multiple committees. I have always been able to take off my individual office or broker hat and immerse myself in representing the membership as a whole. I love real estate and want to offer my experience and leadership to our association. There are many issues that could affect or will affect Aspire North and NGLR over the next 3 years and I am willing to help steer the ship if elected. On a personal note, I am married with 3 grown boys and 2 stepdaughters and became a Grandpa last week! Thanks for your consideration! 

Lynne Moon
Real Estate One - Traverse City Randolph

My name is Lynne Moon, and I was born and raised in Traverse City. I graduated from Traverse City Central High School and am an MSU undergrad. As far as my real estate background goes it's been 46 glorious years of selling real estate. At one point I was one of 4 women that were owners of Prudential Properties North. My past activities on the Traverse Area Board of Realtors are: 

• Ethics board - 4 years
• Chaired social committee - 6 years
• Member of Women's Council of Realtors since the start of that group
• Received Good Neighbor Award
• Awarded the TAAR Realtor of the Year 2016
• Co-chaired Bras for a Cause
• RPAC member

In the past, I have been involved in Third Level Crisis (3 years), Rotary Club (34 years), Osteopathic hospital board (10 years), Munson Corporate Board (12 years), and currently sit on the Watershed Board.

I was a licensed home builder for 34 years and am proud to say I built 64 homes in Traverse City over the years.

I am running for the Aspire North Board to put my experience and passion to help steer our profession to a higher level. Thank you for your consideration. 

Kathy Neveu
Real Estate One - Beulah-Frankfort

Have you ever had a moment where you said to yourself, “This is exactly where I am supposed to be?” This exact thought runs through my mind every time I help an individual or family realize their dream of home or property ownership. For the past 20 years I have been a Realtor, then Associate Broker, with Real Estate One. 15 of those years were spent juggling real estate along with teaching middle school math; two very demanding full-time jobs, and one very supportive husband!

Upon retiring from teaching, I made it my goal to become more involved – in my community and within my profession. Currently, I am a member of Benzie Sunrise Rotary, the board of directors for the Benzie County Community Chest, and the office director for the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation. I also regularly volunteer in the schools, at BACN, and other community charitable functions.  Being a part of the Aspire North board of directors would give me yet another opportunity to be involved. As a representative of Aspire North, I can be a small voice for the outlying areas but an even bigger advocate for Aspire North and the real estate industry as a whole.

Of my strengths, analyzing policy and being able to dissect both sides of an issue will bode well in my responsibilities as a board member. I look forward to the opportunity to share my skills for the betterment of our board. I enjoy learning from and mentoring other Realtors, and again, look at serving on the board as a chance to give back. This also parallels with my community involvement; giving back to the area in which I live, work, and play. THIS is exactly where I want to be!