We all sat around the virtual table when I kicked off the Vanguards winner selection process. 

“I chose my 50 winners, but I wanted to say yes to double that number,” I said at the time. “I’m just telling you right now, if you have a convincing argument for someone to be on the winners list, I won’t be the hold up this year.”

Typically, I’m one of the more conservative voices in the group. I say yes to the fewest people and I am one of the most stringent about who passes my vote. This year was nearly impossible. I cringed as I remembered that, by my own voting system, I needed to put in a number representing yes, no or maybe, and I slipped in a number that was between yes and maybe. I had already said yes to 50, but there were so many other Vanguards that left me beyond impressed. 

Coming off one of the most competitive years for the program in the history of HousingWire, I am proud to present this year’s list of 50 winners. You can read all about them starting on page 36. Many of this year’s winners rose through impossible odds to become the top executives in the housing industry today. 

Speaking of choosing, it’s your turn to help choose. In the next magazine issue we are going to look at the future of many different sectors of the housing industry. Help us decide which industry is the top dog and deserves the cover spot. 

Just click here to fill out the survey. We have one question on it: which industry should be on the December/January Magazine cover?