Courtney Smith
The Real Estate Mom
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A Southern California native, Courtney graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California.
She began her professional life as a producer of tv commercials and as a Hollywood studio executive. After Courtney completed her third home renovation, she was urged to consider a new career. So began a successful run in residential real estate which now spans more than two decades. Above all, she strives for exemplary customer service with a can-do spirit.
Courtney is a mother of two, a classically trained pianist, French speaker and never turns down a good meal.
Kurt Wisner
The Mayor
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Kurt, also born and raised in California, graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Communications.
He started his real estate career in West Seattle, where he was the number one realtor for the better part of a decade. After taking a two-year sabbatical, during which he traveled the world with his brother, Kurt landed in Los Angeles and has been practicing real estate in California ever since. He brings the life lessons he learned around the globe to his career, and is always certain to keep his priorities straight.
Kurt is a sucker for a killer bottle of wine and an afternoon game of golf (not in that order!).
David Podley
Team COO
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A Southern California native, David has a degree in theatre from from the University of California, Irvine and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
He was introduced to residential real estate sales by listening to hours of conversations about escrows while riding in his dad’s car. After receiving his MBA, he worked in the investment consulting field, and then transitioned to operations management at a regional real estate brokerage that sold in 2018. Had he known operations was such an exciting part of every business, he would have skipped the theatre degree.
David is a father of three, tries to read 50 books a year, and believes the Oxford comma is incredibly important.
West De Young
Team Sales Manager
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A proud native born Alaskan, West graduated with a BS in Communications from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.
With a background in public relations, managing restaurants and contracting, West has been a Realtor since ’93 and an office manager since ’01 with his areas of expertise ranging from West San Gabriel Valley to NELA. He’s been a state director for CAR since ’99 helping shape + mold the future of Real Estate practice and serves as an Ethics Advocate for his local association.
West loves playing guitar, reffing soccer, fitness, reading classic literature, music, vintage movies and a great burger + fries.
Alyssa Valentine
The Listing Expert
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Born in Pennsylvania, Alyssa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University.
After living in Chicago + Lake Tahoe, Alyssa found her way to NELA. The diverse landscape and architecture drew her into a now 15 year career focused on an authentic + client-first approach. As a perpetual student of interior design trends and having renovated 12+ properties, Alyssa enjoys maximizing her client’s property value through creative design tweaks + minor improvements.
When not hanging with her family, Alyssa can often be found scouring the flea markets + consignment shops of LA, much to the chagrin of her husband, Anselm.
Eugene Ridenour
The Listing Expert
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Eugene was raised in Los Feliz and graduated from USC w/ a degree in Communication Arts & Sciences.
Growing up surrounded by architectural works by Neutra, Schindler and Lloyd Wright, he fostered a love of architecture and design, which drew him to a career in real estate. A top producing agent for 15+ years, Eugene has owned and operated his own real estate brokerage and worked in management at Berkshire Hathaway.
Eugene loves spending time with his family, going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, or on the tennis court where he lives by the adage: You only live once, but you get to serve twice.
Jennifer Cahill
The Listing Expert
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Born and raised in Orange County, CA Jennifer graduated with degrees in English and Political Science from Cal State Fullerton.
She dove right into a decade long career in law and property management building a portfolio of 100+ properties along the West Coast. A passion for design and the need for a good challenge encouraged her into rehabbing homes and obtaining her real estate license. Clients appreciate the dedication and calm demeanor she brings to every deal.
Jennifer delights in French food, Italian wine, hot yoga, dry wit and the Sunday paper. She’s a mom, wife and shares the same birthday with her rescue pup, Ezra.
Anselm Clinard
The Buyer Specialist
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Anselm hails from Lynchburg, VA and graduated with a degree in Theater from the University of Virginia.
He moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and later began working as a producer and director. After meeting his wife, Alyssa, in 2005, his interest in real estate and her encouragement led to him obtaining his license. Following the birth of their second child, it seemed natural for Anselm to focus exclusively on real estate alongside his wife. He loves the art of the deal and working with a creative & diverse client base.
Anselm’s off-duty love is soccer. He plays in two men’s leagues and coaches AYSO for kids.
Blake Hood
The Buyer Specialist
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Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Blake graduated with a Bachelor’s from Southern Methodist University.
After buying and renovating his first home in 2011, Blake caught the real estate bug. He subsequently linked up with the Courtney + Kurt team — where he specializes in assisting first time buyers. His charm and easy-going nature make him a natural fit with the team.
Blake loves finding a good deal, planning a good project, and having a good time along the way.
Blake relishes the simple things in life: a game of basketball, some good music, a well crafted sandwich.
Geoff Martin
The Buyer Specialist
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Geoff is a born-and-raised Angeleno with a degree in communications and photography from Lewis & Clark College.
Geoff began investing in and managing industrial warehouses in 2000. Though Geoff comes from commercial real estate, the opportunity to help a friend find a home drew him to the residential world. Since then, friends have become clients and clients have become friends. He believes the greatest service he can provide is to make the buying process as easy, smooth and fun as possible…helping people find their way home adds value to their lives and his alike.
Geoff is an avid heli-skier, dog lover, sartorialist, and bakes a mean pie.
Susie Park
The Buyer Specialist
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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susie graduated from Cal State L.A. with a BA in Broadcast Journalism.
Having grown up in Silverlake and now living in Highland Park, Susie prides herself in knowing the Eastside of LA like the back of her hand. She spent her college years as a freelance writer while also working in hospitality as a bartender. Behind the bar she learned invaluable people skills and the art of remaining calm under pressure. These strengths and her love of architecture make real estate a natural fit.
She loves road trips, warm weather, everything coconut and beach days with her husband and their 2-year-old daughter.
Mark Grimes
The Buyer Specialist
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Born + raised in the SF Bay Area, Mark has been a SoCal resident for almost 20 years living in three LA neighborhoods: Atwater Village, WeHo and Mid City.
Previously, Mark was a Retail Buyer and later moved on to wholesale product development + marketing and created home textiles + women’s accessories for multiple large retailers. After working with C+K on his personal real estate transactions, he entered the field professionally. Working with retail buyers on large scale product deals has given him invaluable negotiation experience, and reimagining his own properties has given him the vision to advise our clients on their purchases.
On his down time, you can find Mark at the flea market or hunting online for the next great interior design purchase, traveling + spending time with friends and family.
Karina Del Toro Groves
The Buyer Specialist
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Born and raised in North Hollywood California, Karina as been a SoCal native her entire life.
After college at Cal Sate Northridge , Karina pursued her passion in the non-profit arena. As a director of operations for a few years. After taking some time off for the birth of her second child, Karina was motivated to return to a more dynamic, for profit career, that better fitted her busy parenting style and allowed her to interact with more adults.
When not working, or parenting her two children Gabriel & Alina, Karina enjoys exploring new restaurants and neighborhoods with her husband Scott.
Aldie Valera
The Marketing Guru
Aldie, a graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Film and Video Production, was born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles.
He has worked as an office administrator and marketing coordinator in the real estate field since 2012 and joined Courtney + Kurt’s team in 2014. With an eye for design and creativity to think outside the box, he’s excited to help the C+K team evolve + reach new levels. Aldie is the co-founder of Almonds Charitable Organization and coordinates art shows + benefits for charities.
Aldie loves traveling, shooting + editing short films and walks with his rescue Terrier, Quincy.
Kevin Brennan
The Buyer Specialist
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Born in Chicago, Kevin grew up on the East Coast, the Rocky Mountains and the Bay Area.
He made his way to SoCal where he graduated with a Communications degree from Cal State Fullerton. He embarked on a 16-year corporate career in fashion wholesale, holding senior level executive and VP positions. Possessing the rare ability to tap into both the highly analytical and fluid creative mind has facilitated Kevin in finding the balance of art and commerce throughout his career. This, plus his affection of design/architecture, has made the transition into real estate seamless.
Kevin and his family proudly call Northeast Los Angeles home. He enjoys spicy Mexican food, iced tea, collecting art and design books + a cold lager. Above all, he enjoys spending time with the two Ls of his life.
Jane Summers
Director of Listing Prep
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Born and raised in Australia, Jane arrived in Los Angeles 7 years ago with a Master of Visual Arts from Sydney University.
For many years Jane pursued her passion as an artist/sculptor and as an art director in the film industry. With accolades and adventures under her belt she followed her other ardent desire, design + architecture, into real estate. Having fallen in love with eclectic California structures she wields her creative flair as the Listing Coordinator.
It is an immense pleasure + privilege to be invited into peoples homes and to be entrusted with the transition of these loved and valuable assets to the market.
Steve Feighner
Listing Escrow Manager
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Born and raised in Michigan, Steve graduated with a BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Since his move to California, Steve has amassed over 10 years of experience in real estate – from residential resale to lending and the wild world of short sales – which has given him a unique and broad view of the real estate industry.
Most weekends, you can find him jogging through Atwater Village, or playing a round at one of the local golf courses. Steve relishes a day spent with his wife and young daughter, cooking and traveling SoCal and beyond.
Serena Chao
Buyer Escrow Manager
Originally from Seattle, Serena transplanted herself to NELA after spending her teen and early adulthood in our state’s capital.
Prior to a career in real estate, Serena worked in the business banking industry as a top performing Business Development Officer. Ever since she purchased her first home, Serena was inspired by the power of ownership + the true meaning of calling a house, home. Serena helps Buyers with the nitty gritty of the transaction and is currently studying for her real estate license.
Serena loves hanging with her large extended family, playing with her overgrown “puppy” Avalanche + her “see-food” diet; when she sees food, she eats it.
Rachel Zumbo
Executive Assistant
Born and raised in SoCal, Rachel graduated with degrees in Visual Communication and Communications with an emphasis in Marketing from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and San Francisco State University.
Previously, she spent time working in the fashion industry concentrating on Visual Merchandising and Event Production. Her career path took a different route when she began executive assisting for CEO’s in the tech industry while living in San Francisco. She enjoys helping others, while being someone’s right hand. She is excited to be a part of the C+K team and thrilled to learn about the real estate industry, which is something totally new for her!
On her down time, you can find her taking road trips along the coast, enjoying the Southern California beaches and spending time with her little sister Olivia who is 20 years her junior.
