HOUSTON – (March 18, 2008) – Representing the quality and exceptional customer service that is the hallmark of John Daugherty, Realtors, we are proud to recognize five sales associates – Kathy Wetmore, Laura Sweeney, Lisa Kornhauser, Barbara Josephson, and Marc Ziegler - nominated by the Houston Business Journal as “Top 25 Realtors in Houston.”Each year, the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) recognizes the top sales associates, individuals and teams, in two categories: sales volume and number of transactions. A breakfast for the winners was held on Friday, March 14th at the River Oaks Country Club with the results published in that day’s issue of the Journal.Kathy Wetmore, John Daugherty, Realtors’ top agent for each of the past 7 years, has sold more homes since 1990 than any other sales associate in the company. She has been named among the “Top 25” since the HBJ began accounting for residential real estate agents. In 2006, Wetmore was named the top-selling agent and top female agent in Houston according to the HBJ ranking. Wetmore attributes her success to her total commitment to the business. “You can’t do this job part-time,” she says. Providing unsurpassed service is routine for Wetmore. And she fuses all aspects of her work with patience and a sense of humor. “When I sell a house, I want that client as a client for life,” she says.Laura Sweeney has been the number two sales associate at John Daugherty, Realtors for the past three years and last year was no exception. “2007 was actually my best year ever,” said Sweeney. Having previously been recognized by HBJ as one of the “Top 25,” she attributes her success to hard work, her focused approach to real estate and strong negotiation skills. Sweeney’s record for unsurpassed achievement in the close-in market is notable, but her true hallmark is the passion, professionalism and commitment she brings to each transaction, regardless of size.Lisa Kornhauser has been a top producer since joining John Daugherty, Realtors over six years ago. By specializing in Bellaire, West University and the Inner Loop areas, she is able to give clients comprehensive market-focused service. Kornhauser says real estate is a 24-hours a day business for her, and she stays in constant communication with her clients. “The customer, in my opinion, always comes first,” she said. “Their needs are always at the hierarchy of everything I do.”Barbara Josephson is annually recognized among John Daugherty, Realtors’ top five agents, so it is no surprise that she is nominated again as one of the “Top 25,” an honor she has been awarded five times. Josephson, whose sales for 2007 were over $33 million, has been recognized as a top Realtor by “H” Magazine, Texas Monthly and the Houston Chronicle. “It is an honor, and I am thrilled to be chosen and to be a part of this elite group of Realtors,” said Josephson.Marc Ziegler, one of the most successful Realtors in Houston, is honored to have been nominated to the “Top 25” again after being awarded the honor in previous years. “This honor recognizes all the clients I work with,” he says. “It is a culmination of our good efforts that has gotten me here.” Ziegler knows the importance of providing his clients with honesty, reliability and motivation unsurpassed by any other sales associate in the industry.“These exceptional sales associates have worked tremendously hard to reach this pinnacle of success,” said John A. Daugherty, Jr., president of John Daugherty, Realtors. “Agents of this stature continue to raise the bar in our industry. They are the best of the best.”