Maureen Francis
July 14, 2007
After a festive day at the HER Real Living event in Columbus, Ohio, we gave our farewells to the Buckeye state and made our way north to arch rival Michigan.
Our hosts in Birmingham, Michigan were Maureen Francis, Missy Caulk and Todd “Black Tie” Waller.
The trip north was smooth sailing. So much so, that we arrived an hour early. This afforded us an opportunity to freshen up with nice cold showers. After the showers, we noticed that the shower water was not draining. Darn, our tanks were full again. We couldn’t meet anyone with our shower full of nasty soapy water now could we? We needed to find an authorized dump spot. Not an easy task in the middle of town.
We googled one and as we made the detour when we noticed someone behind us waving their hands out of their window and honking their horn. Could it be a blogger? A blog fan? It was Maureen! She rolled up next to us laughing and telling us that we just passed her office and asked us to follow her. Sheist! Since we couldn’t dump, I had to bring out the nose stimulizers to freshen the place up a bit.
Missy Caulk
After we followed Maureen to her company parking lot, Missy rolled in behind us. We greeted them with the bloggerazzi TV cam. It was too embarrassing to tell her the real reason why we passed her office. So we blamed it on our darn gps which has become a scapegoat for many of our mishaps. Now you know what that funky smell was guys 
Todd “Black Tie” Waller and Maureen
As we chatted, Black Tie Todd rolled up. We watched him from afar as he put on the top half of his tux. What a way to get noticed - half tux and half jeans. So funny yet so incredibly genius. In a sea of agents, what better way to have consumers remember you and actually approach you and ask what the heck is up with the tux. Todd has mastered the art branding by branding himself first and foremost. I can’t wait to see the Black Tie franchise grow. Way to go Todd!
After a brief autograph session, we got the grand tour of Maureen’s Sotheby’s office. As a street level brokerage, they took full advantage of their prime location by having a large plasma T.V. in the window that displayed the company’s hottest listings. More attractive than a window plastered with tiny black and white property information sheets.
In the back office we proceeded to do a impromtu ambush interview with them about everything real estate related. I wanted to understand how they marketed themselves and their clients listings both online and offline as well as some of their other advertising and marketing habits. It’s quite interesting how each of them had different things that worked for them. The video will be one to watch for sure.
After the grilling, we made our way onto the streets to experience real life. Coincidentally, today was the annual street fair. Many local vendors littered the streets with all sorts of arts, crafts, products and services. Our visit couldn’t have been timed more perfectly.
As we made our way to one of Maureen’s favorite lunch spots, I noticed one of mine - the SoupMan. Known as the soup nazi and made famous by Seinfeld, this original local New York City favorite soup stand was now a franchise. I schmoozed with the ladies who worked the booth in front of the store and asked how I could get a free t-shirt for the Blog Tour. Dumbfounded by my bluntness, they suggested I speak with the owner of the store, who just happened to be inside.
With the bloggerazzi TV camera running, we made our way into the store. Now imagine me wearing my sunglasses, headphones with a mic in one hand and a camcorder in the other and an entourage behind me (Maureen, Missy, Todd - with his half tux and Joe). Yes, we did get some stares.
I found Judy the store proprietor and asked her how I could get a free t-shirt. She was overwhelmed by our blogger enthusiasm and just laughed. I got a free double x and a brief interview with her and her daughter. She was a great sport. In this case, “No soup for you” turned into a free t-shirt for me. If you want something, just ask for it. You never know…
After the shenanigans, we finaly sat down for some great food at a New York style diner. The conversation at lunch was nothing short of bloggerific and the food hit the spot. They even had one of my favorites - gyro - pronounced yeeh-roh. Yummy.
Gyro - Yeeh-roh
After stuffing our bellies silly, we got up the energy to ask some locals about their online and offline real estate habits. As usual, I held the camera and Joe held the mic. Together, we asked the questions. The feedback we received was a mixed bag but informative nonetheless. We even found someone who did not own a computer. The reason being they heard you could get worms and viruses. Huh?
After watching us in action for a while, Missy took center stage and became a bloggerazzi herself.
She was quite a natural and even looked like a real reporter, unlike Joe and I. One of the couples she interviewed was in the market to buy and may become a client. Imagine that. By taking our blogging offline, we were able to connect with real people buying and selling real estate.
Birmingham Blog Crew
It was such a pleasure getting to know Missy, Maureen and Todd in person. We can only get a glimpse of a person by reading their blog. If you have the opportunity to meet your fellow local bloggers, I suggest you take the leap and meet in person. It’s well worth it.
Maureen and Todd signing our board
Missy doing real estate graffiti
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Dmitry - Mr. Maureen Francis
Street Fair
You’re my boy blue!
Guerilla Blogvertising
Rudyrazzi gone wild
Real Estate Signs of the times
Chilln’ with ma peeps
Thanks again guys! We had a blast in Birmingham. Let’s go Buckeyes Wolverines!
Next stop…..Chicago…..
Hey Guys, all that talk of authorized dump sites got me to wondering, what kind of specialized facilities are you going to require when you roll into Reno? I believe the GSR (Grand Sierra Resort) should have you covered with their dedicated RV Park. Check out http://www.grandsierraresort.com/activities/recreation/rvpark/
In my last comment, when I asked you guys about authorized dumping spots I was referring to your RV. As for you two, Diane and I will be putting you up in a Dodd Mitchell designed suite at the GSR. If you are unfamiliar with Dodd Mitchell’s work, check out: http://www.doddmitchell.com/
[Note: turn up your speakers.]
You captured the day really well. I had a blast ! Wore my Tulia shirt to work-out in ! Have fun, thanks so much for stopping. PLEASE don’t put in the video us singing ” Hail to the Victors” with Todd’s cell phone accompanying!!!!!!!!
Through the glass ceiling.
Oh snap! The word’s out that I wear jeans “south of the headshot!”
It was a great day boyos! Thanks for dropping by and spreading the bloggerazzi love in Michigan. Next year, we expect a stop in Ann Arbor…after all, Google Adword’s midwest HQ is in our humble city!
[I second Missy's plea.....NO SONG FOR YOU!]
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No worries Guy.
Can’t wait to sleep in the suite. Thanks so much. You and Diane are super.
Todd, Missy, Maureen— Birmingham was one of the best days we shared on the tour. Thanks for making it special.
Look at Dmitry working while Maureen has fun with Missy, Todd and the Blog Tour USA guys!
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