"Individuals who are considered for this award are a virtual who's who of some of the most pioneering, innovative professionals in the real estate industry," says Brian Buffini. "I know Gino to be an exceptional leader who runs an exceptional business. He exemplifies business-to-business leadership as he helps brokers, owners, and managers be more profitable and their agents be more productive -- he's the essence of our industry."

Adds Dermot Buffini, Buffini & Company's CEO, "I find it truly remarkable that Gino can operate as CEO of one of the fastest growing real estate franchises in America, and still be actively involved every day in mentoring agents to succeed and achieve their goals in the real estate business. Gino is a great example to so many of us in the real estate industry of what true leadership looks like -- helping others."

RISMedia's Power Broker Reception and Dinner is an exclusive, invitation-only event honoring the Top 500 brokers in RISMedia's Annual Power Broker Report & Survey, which is published in April. RISMedia's Real Estate Leadership Award is designed to recognize a member of the real estate community who embraces innovation and exercises resilience to blaze new paths to success for real estate professionals and consumers alike.

Past winners of RISMedia's Real Estate Leadership Award include: Ron Croushore, CEO of Prudential Preferred Realty; Ed Krafchow, Chairman of the Board, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mason-McDuffie; and Mark McLaughlin, CEO of Pacific Union International Inc.

About Buffini & Company:Buffini & Company was founded by Brian Buffini in 1995, and has successfully provided training, coaching, and events to over 3 million entrepreneurs in 37 countries. The company teaches a proven system for generating leads and working by referral. Members in Buffini & Company's One2One Coaching program earn almost seven times the National Association of Realtors national average.