McLain broker AJ Smith wins Coldwell Banker Pathfinder award

MADISON – Andreas “A.J.” Smith was presented with the Coldwell Banker Pathfinder Award at the Coldwell Banker Global Conference in Chicago.

The three-day conference culminates in an award ceremony recognizing Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliated real estate professionals who exemplify the brand’s core values and leadership throughout the past year.

Smith, senior advisor of appraisal services and a broker with Coldwell Banker’s McLain Commercial Real Estate in Huntsville, was nominated by principal and managing broker Scott McLain. He finished ahead of more than 25 other contenders nationwide for the honor.

According to Coldwell Banker Commercial, the Pathfinder award is presented annually to the owner, manager, sales professional, or Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliate company employee who found an innovative solution to guide their clients or their business to achieve exceptional outcomes in 2022.

“The award basically acknowledges minorities that are exceling at commercial real estate and who are active in mentoring the next generation of minorities in the CRE space,” said Smith. “Minorities represent only 2% of the overall commercial real estate professionals in the country. It’s the mentorship, the advocacy for, and success inside the CRE space that is recognized.”

Smith was second in the state in 2022 for Coldwell Banker Commercial selling.

One of those big projects is Smith’s involvement in brokering multiple locations for Dutch Bros. Coffee openings in Huntsville and across North Alabama over the next several months.

Smith said he went into the evening of the gala knowing he was nominated but having no idea he had won. He was also the only commercial banker in North Alabama to be nominated and to win.

“Every year we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our top award winners and the exceptional results that they delivered for their clients,” said Dan Spiegel, senior vice president and managing director of Coldwell Banker Commercial. “This success is a direct reflection of our incredible professionals and their embodiment of our Coldwell Banker Commercial’s core values.

“It is their commitment and dedication to doing right by our clients, giving back to the community, and winning together which makes them truly outstanding individuals.”