Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Stevenson.
Hi Colette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the embodiment of never say never. My story begins with a trailblazer—my mother—who founded a company in the early 1970s that managed the local MLS. In a world where few women were recognized in business, she built something remarkable. She didn’t just run a company; she carved out a space for herself and earned the respect of her peers through grit, vision, and integrity.
Ironically, I had no interest in joining her world. I craved adventure, creativity, and the freedom to shape narratives. So I pursued a career in advertising, sales, and marketing—working with top-tier companies across niche industries, from industrial machinery to event ticketing. It was fast-paced, dynamic, and deeply fulfilling.
But life has a way of bringing us full circle.
Eventually, I found myself drawn to another niche—one that mirrored the camaraderie and culture I’d loved in my earlier career. And it brought me back to my first love: the beach. It was there, in that familiar rhythm of waves and innovation, that I began to see my mother’s legacy in a new light. She hadn’t just built a business; she’d built a foundation for something greater.
I realized I didn’t want her story to end with her. I wanted to honor it, evolve it, and lead it into the future. I am humbled to stand at the helm of that legacy as the one leading the vision and redefining it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth building ever is.
We made the bold decision to dissolve the original company—not because it lacked value, but because its structure no longer aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving market. The future required agility, innovation, and a model that could scale while staying deeply connected to its stakeholders.
So, we reverse-engineered our approach. We built a new corporation designed to respond quickly, foster collaboration, and create an ecosystem where every player benefits—from clients to employees to vendors. Our business model rewards those who embrace the culture, who believe in an enduring industry, and who value a company that listens, reinvests in itself, and is committed to creating an environment where everyone wins.
This isn’t just about growth—it’s about building something sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready. And while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been purposeful. Every challenge has sharpened our vision and strengthened our resolve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about REsides, Inc.?
What is REsides—and why does it matter?
REsides is not just an MLS. It’s a strategic platform built for forward-thinking brokers and agents who understand that the future of real estate lies in choice, data ownership, and revenue diversification. We’ve reimagined the MLS as a business partner—not just a utility—by creating a model that empowers participants to unlock new revenue streams and capitalize on opportunities that traditional structures have long overlooked.
REsides is not traditional—and proudly so. We believe real estate is without boundaries. Brokerages should be able to expand freely, without artificial parameters that limit growth, stifle innovation, and ultimately hurt their bottom line. Our model is designed to remove those barriers and open up new pathways for success.
To understand REsides, you must first understand the role of an MLS. MLSs like REsides fuel nearly every real estate marketing website in the industry. We are the engine behind listings, the source of truth for property data, and the infrastructure that drives the entire marketplace. MLSs are not just background systems—we are the heart of real estate. We are what’s making the market work.
This is a responsibility we take seriously. As members of the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), we are part of a national movement to elevate the role of MLSs in shaping the future of real estate. Our mission is to create credible, transparent data and to find new opportunities for brokers to gain ground in an industry that’s constantly shifting.
REsides is built for brokers who are ready to think differently. We encourage them to choose a primary MLS of choice—one that aligns with their business goals, supports innovation, and acts as a strategic partner. Secondary MLSs can still serve their purpose, but the primary should be the one that drives growth, unlocks new revenue streams, and helps brokers build resilient, future-ready companies.
By choosing REsides, brokers gain access to a business model designed to reward those who embrace a collaborative culture, value long-term industry sustainability, and want to be part of a company that listens, reinvests in itself, and creates an environment where everyone wins—clients, employees, vendors, and brokers alike.
This is about more than listings. It’s about leadership, leverage, and legacy.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The real estate industry is at a pivotal moment—and the future is at risk if we don’t evolve. Traditional processes, attitudes, and norms are being challenged, and that disruption will only accelerate over the next few years. Brokerages are consolidating, expanding beyond their historical boundaries, and seeking new ways to remain competitive in a landscape that no longer rewards complacency.
Agents will be held to higher standards. They’ll need to be more competitive, more skilled in their sales processes, and more intentional in their relationship-building. Success will require a deeper understanding of the market, the consumer, the properties, and the true cost of homeownership—down to the penny.
Artificial intelligence will play a defining role in this transformation. It can either be a competitor or a competitive edge. The industry must be willing to release outdated systems, slough off excess, and embrace AI as a tool to serve the consumer more effectively—because ultimately, that’s what matters most.
Real estate is unlike any other industry. We’re not just selling properties—we’re helping people find the places where their lives unfold. Where families grow, friendships are built, and memories are made. And we’re creating opportunities for wealth that can span generations, often within the lifetime of a single agent.
Brokerages will need to align with MLSs that aren’t just keeping up but leading with open minds and bold solutions. MLSs must evolve into their next generation—into platforms that fuel innovation, support strategic growth, and help brokerages unlock opportunities they’ve never been able to access before.
At REsides, we’re not waiting for the future to arrive—we’re building it.
Pricing:
- REsides is pioneering a tier subscription model allowing agents to subscribe on their own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.resides.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resides.io/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourresides/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11262720/admin/dashboard/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/REsidesMLS/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@REsidesAdvantage
