Honoree George Grabenhorst Receives 2023 Oregon State REALTOR of the Year Award

Correction Notice: In our June 2023 feature, “Salem Business Legacy: Honoree George Grabenhorst Receives 2023 Oregon State REALTOR of the Year Award,” we inadvertently misrepresented aspects of Mr. Grabenhorst’s illustrious career. We sincerely regret this oversight and any confusion it may have caused. Please find the revised and accurate story below. We appreciate your understanding and trust in our commitment to accurate journalism.

George Grabenhorst, Senior Advisor at SVN Commercial Advisors LLC, has received the prestigious 2023 Oregon State REALTOR of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the real estate industry. The award is considered one of the most significant honors in the Oregon real estate community and is presented annually to a member of the Oregon Association of REALTORS who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the profession.

Grabenhorst’s expertise in the commercial real estate market has earned him the respect and trust of the industry and his peers. His clients and colleagues describe him as a true leader in the industry. “George is a true leader in our industry,” said Curt Arthur, Managing Director of SVN Commercial Advisors LLC. “His expertise and dedication have helped countless clients achieve their real estate goals. We are proud to have him as a member of our team.”

George’s illustrious real estate career started in 1987 when he joined his family’s business, Grabenhorst Brothers Real Estate. By October 1991, George had taken the reins of the family business, renaming it Grabenhorst & Associates, Inc, thus continuing the 82-year-old reputation his family had built.

However, George’s true calling was engaging with clients and making a tangible difference in their lives. With this realization, he decided to close his business in 1999, shifting his focus back to the day-to-day operations of connecting with clients instead of the administrative duties of running a large business with 40 agents.

As the new millennium unfolded, George navigated through various ventures. The mid-1990s saw him join Prudential Real Estate Professionals, focusing on residential leasing and industrial sales. He then transitioned to Rushing Real Estate, Inc. in 2004 as their Principal Broker, securing the prestigious Top Sales Producer and Broker of the Year accolades in 2006 and 2008. He then moved to Re/Max Equity Group in 2011 and SVN Commercial Advisors in 2013, both times as a Principal Broker.

Throughout his career, George has been actively involved in various real estate organizations. Serving on the board of the Salem Association of Realtors from 1989 to 1995 and again from 2008 till the present, George held the position of President in 1994 and 2011. His service extended to the Oregon Association of Realtors, where he held the President’s position in 2017 and was honored as the Realtor of the Year in 1997, 2011, and 2023.

Grabenhorst’s influence extended beyond his real estate ventures. His civic involvements encompassed roles such as the Chairperson for the Marion County Planning Commission, four-time president of the Salem Football Official Association, and a past EMT volunteer for a rural ambulance team in Sweet Home, Oregon.

On a personal note, George is a fourth-generation real estate professional. His family legacy traces back to 1910 when his great-grandfather, George H. Grabenhorst, Sr., founded W.H. Grabenhorst & Co., which eventually became one of the largest developers in the mid-Willamette Valley area. Today, George and his wife, Sunny Lyons, raise horses on the same 110-acre property he grew up on, located south of Salem.

When not busy with his profession, George enjoys a plethora of hobbies, including hunting, fishing, model airplane building, equestrian activities, archery, and golfing. He has a particular interest in U.S. history, especially the World War II era. His motivation in life and work is to help people reach their goals, as he eloquently expressed, “My job in real estate gives me a very diverse look at life. Everyone’s needs are different, and it’s in these differences that I find personal satisfaction and happiness. My work is ever-changing; it’s never boring.”

In conclusion, Grabenhorst’s receipt of the 2023 Oregon State REALTOR of the Year Award is a testament to his dedication and achievements in the real estate industry. His expertise, leadership, and community service have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the community, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of real estate professionals to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities.