Two Twelve Next Level Referrals

Member Spotlight: Tom Pessemier

At the heart of great mortgage lending is persistence, advocacy, and the belief that every client deserves someone willing to fight for them. That's exactly what sets Tom Pessemier apart.

Tom's approach goes far beyond rates and paperwork—he sees the person behind the loan and works tirelessly to find solutions where others see roadblocks.

Here are just a few stories that highlight his commitment:

🇺🇸 Helping Veterans Access the Benefits They've Earned
One veteran believed he didn't qualify for a VA loan. Rather than accepting the initial answer, Tom made multiple calls to the VA, advocating on his client's behalf until he finally reached the right person. The result? The client qualified, purchased his home, later completed his master's degree through the GI Bill, and now serves in a state department.

🏡 Finding Solutions Others Missed
After being denied by three lenders, a self-employed chiropractor came to Tom looking for answers. Through a careful review of tax documentation, Tom discovered a missing referenced form caused by a CPA error. Once corrected, the client qualified and successfully purchased a home.

✈️ Going Beyond the Guidelines
When a veteran relocating from South Carolina to Florida was denied by another lender due to work history concerns, Tom didn't stop at the first "no." He escalated the issue, spoke directly with leadership, clarified VA guidelines, and secured financing—closing the loan in just 18 days.

Tom often says they're "too thick-headed to give up," and these stories prove it. His work is a reminder that great lending isn't just about numbers—it's about advocacy, expertise, and serving people through one of life's biggest decisions.

We're proud to spotlight Tom Pessemier and his dedication to helping families achieve homeownership when others say it can't be done.

Member Spotlight Recap: Thad Deleon-Taylor | Deleon-Taylor Media 🎥

This week, we had the opportunity to hear from Thad Deleon-Taylor of Deleon-Taylor Media, a Richmond-based filmmaker who specializes in creating cinematic brand films that help businesses connect with their audiences through authentic storytelling.

His company focuses on elevating brands through documentary-inspired filmmaking, producing visual narratives that go beyond traditional marketing and create lasting emotional connections.

During his spotlight, Thad shared how the most effective brand films are not centered on products or services—they are centered on people. By taking a documentary filmmaking approach, he uncovers the stories, values, and experiences that make each business unique. Rather than simply advertising what a company does, his films reveal why it exists and who it serves.

From small businesses and nonprofits to nationally recognized organizations, Thad's work is built on the belief that authenticity is what resonates most with today's audiences. His cinematic style combines compelling visuals, thoughtful storytelling, and genuine human moments to create films that build trust and strengthen brand identity.

Thank you, Thad, for sharing your passion for storytelling and demonstrating how powerful brand films can help businesses stand out, build credibility, and create meaningful connections with both current and future clients. We look forward to seeing the stories you continue to bring to life through your lens. 🎥✨

✨ Member Spotlight Recap – David Wells ✨

This past Wednesday, we had the opportunity to hear from David Wells with M.W. Butler Electrical! 💡

David gave an engaging and hands-on presentation, even bringing in an interactive electrical display to help showcase the type of work his team performs and to better educate the group on how different electrical systems function. His presentation highlighted not only the technical side of the industry, but also the importance of communication and trust throughout every project.

One of the biggest takeaways from David’s spotlight was his commitment to keeping customers informed every step of the way. From explaining the work being performed to being transparent about processes, solutions, and expectations, David emphasized how clear communication helps build confidence and long-term trust with clients.

That level of professionalism and customer care is a big part of what makes M.W. Butler Electrical stand out. Their dedication to exceptional client relations, honesty, and quality workmanship has helped them build a strong reputation throughout the community.

Thank you, David, for an informative and interactive presentation and for sharing more about the values that make M.W. Butler Electrical such a trusted name in the industry! ⚡👏

David Wells

This past Wednesday, we had the opportunity to hear from Sherry Parker of Preferred Title & Settlement Services, Inc.!

Sherry shared valuable insight into the title and settlement process, with a strong emphasis on the importance of protecting buyers, sellers, and agents from fraud during real estate transactions. She spoke about the growing risks of wire fraud, scams, and cyber threats in the industry, and how having a knowledgeable and trustworthy title team can help ensure a secure and smooth closing process.

In addition to her professional expertise, Sherry is also a devoted mother and an active supporter of community organizations and nonprofits, including Start 1 Spark. Her commitment to both serving clients and giving back to the community truly stood out.

Thank you, Sherry, for sharing your knowledge and helping educate our group on the importance of protecting clients and creating safer real estate transactions. We appreciate all you do for the Richmond community! 👏

✨ Member Spotlight Recap | Austin Reynolds ✨

This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Austin Reynolds of Reynolds Risk Management LLC, and his story was one of resilience, leadership, and genuine care for others.

Austin shared how being a husband and father has shaped the way he approaches both life and business. Through Reynolds Risk Management, he focuses on helping clients find insurance solutions that truly fit their needs—taking the time to educate, guide, and care for the people he serves rather than pushing one-size-fits-all policies.

What made Austin’s spotlight especially impactful was hearing about the experiences that have shaped him into the leader he is today. From his time as a faceoff middie at the University of Alabama to overcoming adversity as a gunshot survivor, Austin’s perspective on life, community, and service carries real depth and authenticity.

Beyond business, Austin continues to pour into the Richmond community by supporting local organizations like Start 1 Spark and consistently showing up for others however he can.

His story was a reminder that leadership isn’t just about success in business—it’s about resilience, character, and the impact you leave on the people around you.

Thank you, Austin, for sharing your story and for the example you continue to set in our community. 🙌

✨ Member Spotlight Recap: Luis Montoya

This week, we had the opportunity to highlight Luis Montoya, whose work sits at the intersection of precision, creativity, and vision.

Luis shared insight into the science behind what he does—the technical foundation, the systems, and the disciplined approach that ensure consistency and high-level results every time. From process to ex*****on, it’s clear that mastery doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intention and expertise.

But what truly sets Luis apart is the artistry. Beyond the technical skill is an eye for detail, a sense of timing, and a creative instinct that transforms his work from simply functional into something meaningful and impactful. It’s where knowledge meets expression.

His spotlight was a powerful reminder that the best in any field don’t just understand how things work—they understand how to shape them into something memorable.

👏 Thank you, Luis, for sharing both the method and the mindset behind your craft.

✨ Member Spotlight Recap: Amy Verdi ✨

This past week, we had the pleasure of hearing from Amy Verdi during our Member Spotlight—and she brought both heart and expertise to the room.
Amy shared how her life as a wife and mother of three boys shapes the way she shows up in her business every day. For her, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about people, families, and helping others find a place they can truly call home. 🌞

She spoke on the importance of leading with integrity and kindness, values that are at the core of every client relationship she builds. At the same time, Amy made it clear that she takes her craft seriously—bringing strong market knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting results for her clients. 💫

It’s that balance of compassion and professionalism that sets her apart. Amy isn’t just a great REALTOR®—she’s someone you can trust to guide you through one of life’s biggest decisions with care and confidence. ❣️

Thank you, Amy, for sharing your story and reminding us what it means to serve others well. 🏡

✨ Member Spotlight Recap: Monty Shepardson

Last week’s spotlight with Monty Shepardson was more than just a story—it turned into a hands-on mini workshop that delivered real, practical value for everyone in the room.

After sharing her journey from 30 years at Yale University to launching her own e-commerce brand back in Richmond, Monty dove into one of the most impactful parts of modern business growth: paid advertising across platforms.

💡 Monty broke down the differences between major ad platforms like Google and Meta, helping attendees better understand:

How Google Ads capture intent-based searches (people already looking for what you offer)

How Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) are ideal for discovery, brand awareness, and audience targeting

The importance of aligning your ad strategy with your specific business goals

She didn’t just stay high-level—Monty shared practical insights on how to think about budget, messaging, and choosing the right platform instead of trying to be everywhere at once.

📊 One of the biggest takeaways?

Not all ads are created equal—and success comes from understanding where your audience is and how they behave on each platform.

Monty’s session sparked great conversation and gave everyone actionable ideas they could start applying immediately to grow their business.

👏 Huge thanks to Monty for turning her spotlight into a valuable learning experience!

✨ SPOTLIGHT RECAP: Kimmie Worden

Last week’s Member Spotlight featured Kimmie Worden, and it was packed with insight, experience, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring projects to life the right way.

As a Project Manager with The Service Company of Virginia (TSC), Kimmie gave us a window into a business that’s been delivering high-quality facility maintenance, management, and build-outs for over 35 years. What stood out most wasn’t just the longevity—it was the intentionality behind how they operate.

💬 Kimmie shared how TSC approaches every project with a focus on precision, communication, and relationships. With a strong in-house team and trusted partnerships across specialty trades, they ensure that every detail is handled with care—from initial planning to final ex*****on.

One of the biggest takeaways?

👉 Great projects don’t just happen—they’re managed, coordinated, and crafted by the right people.

Kimmie also highlighted the importance of adaptability in project management, especially when working across different industries and client needs. No two projects are the same, and her ability to navigate those differences is what helps TSC consistently deliver results at a high level.

👏 Thank you, Kimmie, for sharing your expertise and giving us a deeper appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes. Your leadership and commitment to excellence truly set the standard!