Charlie Gerken

A Branson native and third generation Realtor®, Charlie graduated from Branson High school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, with an emphasis in Advertising & Promotion, from Missouri State University.

For five years, he was the Marketing Director for Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, the largest architectural firm in Southwest Missouri. His responsibilities included coordinating design qualification statements for multi-million dollar projects; many of which today are Branson's biggest attractions!

Charlie has a Missouri Salesperson and Broker's license and is a partner of Gerken & Associates Realtors®. Aside from selling commercial and residential real estate, his responsibilities include firm management, promotional materials and information systems.

Committed to his career, Charlie is a GRI (Graduate Realtor® Institute) Designee. GRI is a designation awarded by the Missouri Association of Realtors® to National Association of Realtors® members who have successfully completed the required 12, eight-hour courses of advanced lectures and exams held throughout the state of Missouri.

A certified Internet professional, he has completed the e-PRO training program and exam for real estate professionals, endorsed by the National Association of Realtors®. An e-PRO agent streamlines the entire transaction, from showing to closing, through a number of online tools and advanced software.

Actively involved in the local board of Realtors®, Charlie is a member of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors® Honor Society. He is also a two-year committee member of RPAC (Realtor® Political Action Committee), a group which raises funds for those in political office who are supportive of protecting private property rights.

Recognized by the advertising industry for excellence, Charlie has received 14 ADDY Awards for his creative work. Now this is the kind of guy you want to market and sell your property!

With over eight years experience as a freelance designer and consultant, Charlie offers small businesses the marketing power of large corporations. His past clients include:

• Wonders of Wildlife
• Arlan Homes
• BMW Engineering
• TOSA Medical
• Springfield Design Association
• Lake Country Soccer
• John Horner Consulting
• Boy Scouts of America
• Platinum Place
• Gerken & Associates Realtors®
• Branson Arts Council
• Sygna Technology
• Love Of The Games
• Physician Business & Leisure Magazine
• Church Army Branson
• Leaders In Orthopedics
• SL Ramps
• Missouri Association of Realtors®
• West Plains Public Library
• Dogwood Tree Vineyards

Charlie was named Rookie of the Year for his first year in real estate by the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors®. He's also been honored by The Springfield Business Journal with its prestigious 40 Under 40 Award, a recognition given to 40 outstanding businesspeople under the age of 40 in Southwest Missouri for their leadership, accomplishments and community service.

Playing an active role throughout Southwest Missouri communities, Charlie has lectured at Drury University, Missouri State University and public schools student programs. In addition, he volunteers design work for not-for-profit organizations, including the Branson Arts Council and Church Army Branson.

Charlie has served as a Springfield Ambassador to the Chamber of Commerce and member of the Springfield Ad Club. Currently, he serves as a Branson Chamber Ambassador and volunteer for numerous area events held throughout the year. Elected for a 3-year term, Charlie currently serves on the Branson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

A Board of Director for the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club, Charlie actively volunteers with local professional leaders to address various community service needs, most recently the Women's Crisis Center and Salvation Army. In addition, he has served as the Rotary Float chairman and driver for Branson's Annual Adoration Christmas Day Parade for the past two years.

A graduate of the Branson Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce's Leadership program, Charlie is thoroughly familiar with Branson's evolution, environment, community service, marketing, government and future economic development plans.

General Interests
Dogs, water skiing, to-do lists, motivational books, graphic design, online activities and staying fit.

Pets
A black miniature Schnauzer. Her name is Friend. She won first place in the Springfield Schnauzer Strut for obedience and tricks.

Books
The Hidden Life Of Dogs — Elizabeth Thomas
Million Dollar Habits — Brian Tracy
On The Road — Jack Kerouac
Secrets Of Power Negotiating — Roger Dawson
The Art Of Exceptional Living — Jim Rohn
Psycho-Cybernetics — Maxwell Maltz