2025 KBOR award recipients are, from left Angie Robbins, Affiliate of the Year; and Jeremy Doerr, Realtor of the Year.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER – Jeremy Doerr, Re/Max Partners, Syracuse, and Angie Robbins, Ruoff Mortgage, Warsaw, were presented with the 2025 Kosciusko Board of Realtors Realtor and Affiliate of the Year awards Friday, Dec. 12. The awards were presented at the annual KBOR Christmas party.

A record number of county realtors and affiliates gathered at The Owl’s Nest for an evening of festivities, including raising funds for its children’s charities. But the highlight of the annual event was the announcement of the Realtor and Affiliate of the Year. Information on the award recipients was presented by the 2024 recipients, Melody Cusick, Realtor of the Year, and Nicki Parson, Affiliate of the Year.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was the family members of the recipients sneaking in and being called out of hiding to present the awards.

Both award recipients have ties to the Syracuse and Milford area.

Doerr was born in Wisconsin and lived there through the second grade, when his family moved to Syracuse. He is a 1991 graduate of Wawasee High School and joined the U.S. Army from 1991-1995. “Their pride in that service has never faded,” read Cusick.

She further stated that after completing the military, Doerr worked in a few different roles before joining Dana, where he eventually became a supervisor on the shaft line. In 1998, he went to DePuy, taking on multiple supervisory positions in CNC manufacturing, production, and packaging and shipping.

It was in 2017 that someone close to him provided persistent encouragement, and he took a leap of faith to become a realtor. Once established, Cusick stated he “became very active with association events, including serving on the KBOR Board of Directors.”

The Doerr family surprised Jeremy Doerr, holding the award, with the presentation of the 2025 KBOR Realtor of the Year. Shown in front is Doerr’s mother Sandy Lund, his wife Michelle Doerr and his father Phil Lund, far right. Others in the photo include Phil and Sandy Lund, Bob and Lyn Doerr, Tony and Dawn Lunc, Jessica Lundy, Brandy Swope, Kerstin Doerr, Joel McFadden, Kendra Doerr and Jena Kammerer.

Outside of work, Cusick described Doerr as being all about family. With his spouse, they enjoy their four daughters, as well as two brothers, a sister, and his parents, who live in Florida. They share life with their cat, Nitty, and their granddog, Fendi, each with big personalities of their own.

In the community, Doerr is active in Rotary with Tour de Lakes, the local food pantry, and is always there to help the chamber when needed. “When not serving clients or volunteering, you can usually find him surrounded by family and friends or escaping to one of their favorite places: the mountains of Tennessee,” said Cusick, adding, “Riding through the hills in their Polaris Razor or relaxing at a cabin has always been one of their happiest places.” It was noted that one place he doesn’t love is the beach, or more specifically, the sand.

His pride in his military service was noted as running deep, having enormous respect for anyone who has served or continues to serve. “They love that their firm hosts meals for veterans at the Syracuse Cafe, and our Realtor of the Year quietly supports a veteran’s fund as another way to give back.”

Cusick concluded by stating, “Our 2025 Realtor of the Year is someone who leads by example, puts people first, and shows up for his community with a genuine heart.”

His wife, daughters, brothers, sisters-in-law, and sister were announced as being present to hand him the award. However, there was a surprise: his parents had arrived from Florida for the occasion.

Doerr was shocked to see his parents as well as other family members, giving each a hug. He briefly spoke of his journey to being a realtor. “It’s been great, it’s been really good … if you work hard and work with the affiliates and affiliates have done such a good job supporting this industry … I appreciate all of you. Wow, holy cow.”

Affiliate Of The Year

Robbins, a native of Milford, was described as having deep roots in Indiana. She spent 25 years building a successful career in the banking industry.

Angie Robbins, second from left, was surprised by her family and her manager. In front are Kayler Auer, daughter; Robbins; Jennifer Renolds, Ruoff manager; and Karissa Auer, daughter. In back are Scott Robbins, husband; and David Pailer, boy friend of Karissa Auer.

Parson read, “Her colleagues have seen firsthand the energy and heart she brings to everything she does. As her manager from the West Side Indianapolis office puts it, ‘We’ve been friends for 30 years, and when she jumped into mortgage, I knew immediately we wanted to work together.’”

Robbins, when not making big moves in her professional life, is all about family, with three daughters and one son, and five grandkids that keep them busy and smiling. “When they get a chance, they love motorcycle rides with their spouse, trips to their condo in sunny Florida with their grandkids, traveling with friends, and of course, quality time with their family,” said Parson.

She added Robbins is a devoted caretaker of a kitty named Lily, who may be her whole world but apparently thinks everyone else is fair game, given Lily’s reputation for biting family members.

Parson further stated Robbins is involved in her community. A nominator summed up her community impact by writing, “They are very active with the Syracuse Chamber. They are a stand-out with fundraising and support and always offer to help where and when needed.”

Concluding, Parson stated, “All of these things paint a picture of someone who works hard, loves her family harder, and is always making a positive impact on the people and the community around her.”
Surprising Robbins were her husband, daughters, and manager. Robbins had attended the event with one daughter, Karissa Auer, as she is a realtor member.

Throughout the evening, guests could participate in placing bids on approximately 20 silent auction items, all carrying various themes and purchase various kinds of baked goods. There was one wrapped auction item that was a mystery, with clues presented throughout the evening as to what it could be.

All silent auction items were donated, and all proceeds went to KBOR’s children charities, which include Boots for Scholars, Back-to-School Backpacks, and three scholarships for Kosciusko County graduating seniors.

Kayley and Bryce Good check out the various silent auction items available at the KBOR Christmas Party.