Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY KELLY KILMER | PHOTOS BY PEAK RES

Jessica is currently serving as CEO of the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) and has been with working with them since 2016. Prior to this, she worked in Springfield, MO, starting in 2012 for the local board, and prior to that, she was a REALTOR® and broker herself.

What is OAR anyway?

OAR is the state association and represents over 12,700 agents statewide and has three main missions:

1. Member outreach

2. Risk management — offer GRI and legal line for REALTORS®

3. Advocacy — helping shape property laws that protect REALTORS® and consumers

Right now, they are working on several projects to build up the real estate community. A very important one is to increase the professionalism of the REALTOR®. REALTORS® can obtain a license in a relatively short amount of time, and OAR is passionate about providing resources and information that will build REALTORS® into true professionals in their field.

They are also working on the promotion of housing availability, affordable housing and more. The market in 2020-2021 looks very different than it has in the past, and this is affecting many consumers in negative ways, especially those in need of housing assistance.

On the legal side of things, OAR is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics National Association of REALTOR® has added — a standard to ensure all parties are protected that states that fair housing should be provided to all.

Jessica is continually proud that OAR has won NAR President's Cup Award for four straight years in a row. The President’s Cup recognizes the hard work state and local REALTOR® leaders and association staff perform to advance the REALTOR® party. This high honor continues as REALTOR® leaders and state and local associations are urged to achieve especially important advocacy and RPAC goals.

Jessica also points out that they have and maintain a public portal showing what we are doing and the importance of using a REALTOR®. They are continually looking for ways to bridge the consumer and the REALTOR® profession.

In addition, OAR also offers a weekly podcast, Talking Real, that is intended to be a resource for industry issues for REALTORS® and the public. "We want to keep our agents up to date on hot topic issues and bring up the level of professionalism," Jessica shares.

Who is Jessica Hickok?

Jessica feels she was called to real estate and is in her 21st year in the industry. She has a background in organizational communication and leadership and feels she is most cut out for association management, although she was a REALTOR® first! She loves developing leaders and bringing people up in the industry.

She is not afraid to accept a challenge and doesn’t hesitate to embrace change. She feels that leaders should be able to take on complex projects and create a culture that can manage change and initiate change and see things through.

When asked about life, Jessica states that work/life balance is something she is always working on; she is fortunate to love what she does, even though she feels she is always “on.”

Married 23 years with two boys, 20 and 17, they love to go back to Table Rock Lake and spend time relaxing whenever they can. Her family is her biggest support system.

Jessica feels she has been very supported on her journey professionally as well. Mentors and support systems have been what have helped her get where she is today. She is always seeking those who are smart! She states, “The colleague/staff team at OAR are amazing at keeping me sharp. They bring ideas and are amazing.”

The team has a great culture and often has face-to-face meetings weekly, often over lunch or chips and queso. “I consider them a team of advisors, not really staff, because they hold me accountable,” she shares.

Her secret to success? “Success can’t be reached without authenticity. You must be true to yourself and acknowledge those who helped along the way. Don’t fall in love with things that don’t love you back.”

Jessica is so grateful for her family and their support. She is grateful for her team and the opportunity.

To the REALTORS®, USE THE RESOURCES that the associations provide. There are there to educate, elevate and protect the agents.

Jessica Hickok and the team are here for you

9807 Broadway Ext.

Oklahoma City, OK 73114-6312