Celebrating Leaders Who Create Lasting Impact
The FUTUREist Awards 2026
We are thrilled to recognize the real estate professionals who created a brighter future for their communities in 2026. From transforming lives to demonstrating extraordinary leadership, this year's FUTUREists were the people and businesses that reshaped real estate for the better. In celebration of their impact, AppFolio donated $75,000 to nonprofits chosen by the finalists.
Get 2027 Updates
FUTUREist in Community
This category recognizes real estate professionals who make a meaningful impact on their communities and foster a sense of belonging for all. The following finalists embody this spirit, creating places where everyone feels at home.
Winner
Focus Property Management
Established: 2019 | Kaukauna, WI
Focus Property Management believes property management is about more than buildings, it's about people.
Runner Up
PJ Morgan Real Estate
Established: 1996 | Omaha, NE
Guided by their core value, Invest in the Community We Love and Live In, PJ Morgan Real Estate turned generosity into a tradition: the Charity of the Year initiative, a standing commitment to make a lasting impact on Omaha.
Runner Up
Ascend Real Estate and Property Management
Established: 2010 | Bakersfield
For Ascend Real Estate & Property Management, investing in Bakersfield means showing up in the boardroom and on the front porch.
FUTUREist in Housing
This category recognizes real estate professionals who are dedicated to the long-term goal of creating equitable housing opportunities for all residents. The following finalists exemplify this commitment, working to ensure access, fairness, and opportunity in housing for every community they serve.
Winner
AGB Real Estate
Established: 2021 | Nashville, TN
AGB Real Estate is committed to closing Nashville's affordable housing gap for the people who need it most, including young adults aging out of foster care and people emerging from chronic homelessness.
Runner Up
Integrated Asset Management
Established: 2023 | Des Moines, IA
Integrated Asset Management (IAM), founded by Tina Smothers, treats housing as a tool for building community, not just a lease to renew.
Runner Up
West Indianapolis Development Corp
Established: 1992 | Indianapolis, IN
Established in 1992 by residents who wanted a stronger voice in shaping their neighborhood's future, West Indianapolis Development Corporation (WIDC) has spent more than three decades leading and advocating for housing and economic opportunity in West Indy, where its headquarters sit today.
FUTUREist in Leadership
Recognizes real estate leaders whose actions create a lasting legacy of positive change, both in their company and the community.
Winner
Artcraft Management
Established: 1993 | Richmond, VA
At Artcraft Management, leadership means creating a positive impact on team members, residents, and communities.
Runner Up
Red Door Management
Established: 2024 | Phoenix, AZ
Red Door Management builds strong communities by first building a strong company culture.
Runner Up
Dean Callan & Company Property Management Services, Inc.
Established: 1963 | Boulder, CO
At Dean Callan & Company Property Management Services, leadership and giving back has been part of the culture since 1992.
Committee Members
A special thank you to our 2026 FUTUREist Awards Committee who generously lent their time, insights, and expertise to help select this year's honorees. Your continued leadership and commitment to advancing the real estate industry made this year's recognition possible. We are grateful for your contributions and for carrying forward the spirit of FUTUREist excellence.
Building the Future, Making an Impact
In the spirit of building brighter futures for everyone, our FUTUREist Award Winners and Finalists selected a nonprofit of their choice to receive a gift donation from AppFolio. See where their award made a meaningful impact.
Focus Property Management
Redefining Futures Foundation $15,000
PJ Morgan Real Estate
PACE Omaha $5,000
Ascend Real Estate and Property Management
Children First Bakersfield $5,000
AGB Real Estate
Emera Cares $15,000
Integrated Asset Management
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa $5,000
West Indianapolis Development Corp
Artcraft Management
Red Door Management
African Parks $5,000
Dean Callan & Company Property Management
SPAN $5,000