Thanksgiving is truly a special time of the year for family and friends to gather in appreciation of many gifts received. After very turbulent times stemming from the global pandemic, it would appear a true sense of “normalcy,” both personally and professionally, has returned, a reason to be extra thankful.

Many in the appraisal profession looked adversity squarely in the eye and proved with dedication and commitment to continuing the task at hand, despite any obstacles getting in the way, there are plenty of reasons to give thanks.

Walitt Solutions Principal Consultant Josh Walitt took the time to express his gratitude.

“Growing up in a small family, it would typically be just the four of us (mom, dad, sister, and I) around the table at Thanksgiving time,” Walitt shared with Valuation Review. “When I met my wife (who has a much larger extended family!) and began going to her family gatherings and holiday meals, I came to realize even more the importance of connections with people. That set me down a road to understand a meaning I continually take from life -- connecting with family and colleagues on a real and human level is truly what ‘it's all about.’

“I continue to be thankful for each person around me and the lessons I learn from each,” he added. “Whether your group is large or small, full of family or friends or co-workers, I wish you a happy season!”

Dustin Harris, “The Appraiser Coach,” expressed his holiday gratitude.

“Every year, especially this time of year, I like to reflect on what I am grateful for.  Other than the obvious (family, friends, health, home, etc.), I am very thankful for my work,” he said. “I love the valuation industry.  We have had a few very busy years.  I am grateful I put away some savings during the busy season for the slower one. 

“I am also grateful this year for opportunities,” Harris added. “Though we have always had the options of expanding our services and clients, the slowdown has pushed for that more so than before.  It has allowed me to get outside my comfort zone and accomplish things that I otherwise would have put on the back burner.  Here is to another wonderful year as an appraiser.”

“I’m thankful that 2022 has been a wonderful year of progress for the Appraisal Institute (AI) and the future of the valuation profession,” AI President Jody Bishop said. “The advancements that have been made by the national Board of Directors in areas such as AI’s Strategic Plan, the Education and Delivery Study, the Appraiser Diversity Initiative (ADI) and the Appraisal Institute’s Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal program (AI PAREA) will enable our organization to thrive for years to come and should provide a great opportunity for the next generation of appraisers to join this profession.

“I’m also grateful for my fellow Appraisal Institute Board member teammates, as well as local leaders and AI professionals around the country, who continue to dedicate themselves to our collective success,” Bishop added. “Most importantly, I’m always incredibly appreciative to have my family by my side, as that’s what makes my professional and personal journeys so worthwhile.”

Veteran appraiser and new managing director at MyAMC Tony Pistilli expressed his thanks.

“I am especially thankful for the opportunity to be involved in our industry - especially today.  We are on the precipice of significant change and to be actively involved during this time is very exciting,” Pistilli said. “I got into the business originally quite by accident, and the industry has provided me with countless opportunities over the many years.  If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Tim Andersen, “The Appraiser’s Advocate,” also took time to share his holiday gratitude.

“As the Chinese say, ‘may you live in interesting times.’  These times are interesting, don’t you think?!  I’m thankful I’m not in the retail real estate appraisal arena anymore, as well as very thankful I have found a niche consulting with my fellow appraisers about the interesting times in which we live,” Andersen said. “I’m fortunate in that I do work I enjoy and thereby am able to fellowship with those whom I respect and admire.  Even though my children are long-since grown and gone, I’m thankful for them and their love (and the fact I’m a grandpa!).  But I am most thankful for Debbie, my wife, who, for some strange reason, still loves and puts up with me.  With all of these, I am most blessed.”

“This Thanksgiving, the entire team at The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) is taking time to appreciate the countless efforts made by the appraisal profession’s stakeholders to support our work,” TAF President David Bunton said. “From practicing appraisers to state regulators and sponsors to consumer groups, our work would not be possible without their valuable contributions and we are so thankful for them.”

Tony Lenamon, Americas Head of JLL Valuation Advisory, shared his holiday sentiments.

“I’m grateful for our people. I really feel that our culture here at JLL is unique to the industry. I’m thankful the people on this team create an environment every day that’s so interdependent. This is a symbiotic place where people can thrive, respect each other and plan to stay here and continue growing their careers. I’m proud to say our feedback in a recent internal people survey reflects a happy team,” Lenamon said. “Our people are hungry to build an organization where they can help each other succeed, and I am grateful that the natural result of that dedication is a truly world-class client-facing organization. Our team is engaged in the process of improving us as a whole, and each person is committed to growing individually. I’m so thankful l work for a firm that gives us the tools that we need, that commits to technology for our people, and is fully supportive of ongoing education.

“On a more philosophical level, I’m grateful to live in a country where political debate is allowed. We are fortunate to live and work in a place of democracy, a place where our votes and voices make a difference,” Lenamon added.