In a real estate market defined by cautious optimism, modest price growth, gradually increasing inventory, and easing, yet still elevated, mortgage rates, Mel Foster Co. agents delivered exceptional performance in 2025, the Davenport company announced.
At its annual awards breakfast Tuesday, Jan. 27, Mel Foster recognized 51% of its agents for their achievements last year. The event was at the Mississippi River Distilling Company’s Celebration Center in downtown LeClaire.
In a news release Thursday, Jan. 29, Mel Foster credited its team with having navigated a changing market with confidence, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on their clients. The year’s achievements reflect not only strong performance but Mel Foster’s culture of excellence – one driven by teamwork, innovation, and community impact, the release said.
The 2025 top honors went to Geri Doyle, who won Top Residential Iowa Sales and Top Agent for the whole company; and Dee Shepherd, the Top Residential Illinois Sales agent.
The Cornerstone Award, which honors agents who exemplify the companies’ values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, was presented to these agents: Kerry Condon, Eve Anderson, Jay Pettit, Paula Nabb and Cindy Ottens. The annual celebration also honored agents for their inclusion in the Chairman’s Club, Executive Club, President’s Club and Honor Club.
“This year truly reflected the strength of our people,” Lynsey Engels, president of Mel Foster Real Estate Brokerage, said in the release. “Even as the market continued to test our industry, our agents continuously raised the bar for service, professionalism, and results. Their commitment to their clients and to one another is what continues to set Mel Foster Co. apart.”
For a complete list of award winners, visit here.
Year in review
Among some of Mel Foster Co.’s achievements in 2025 were:
- Nine agents earned placement on the Real Trends Verified Premier List, which recognizes the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide.
- Agents reached new heights in 2025, with 18 of its 137 residential agents posting their strongest year to date.
- In addition, 31% of the agents increased their sales volume by 20% or more, demonstrating both resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing real estate landscape, the company said.
- Mel Foster also is a leading land developer in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. In 2025, it sold 24 residential lots across three of its company-owned subdivisions: Century Heights, Bettendorf; Georgetown Square, Davenport; Townsend Farms, Eldridge; and Maple Leaf Heights in Geneseo, Illinois.
The real estate giant also celebrated its commitment to education. Through the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate, the company is shaping the next generation of real estate professionals while elevating the skills of its current agents. The school has been led by Carie Nesbitt, director of Talent Acquisition and Agent Development, since it was launched in 2024.
In 2025, three Iowa Pre-Licensing courses produced 11 newly licensed residential Realtors, while continuing ed courses ensured existing agents stayed current and compliant. Throughout the year, Mel Foster Co. also delivered 35 in-person training sessions, hundreds of recorded webinars, more than 200 live webinar opportunities, and 21 company-wide events.
Community involvement
Founded in 1921, Mel Foster Co. is a recognized brand in real estate and insurance specializing in residential and commercial sales, other property transactions such as farm and land, land development and management, relocation, and new construction. It operates offices in Davenport and Clinton, Iowa, and in Aledo, Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee, and Savanna, Illinois.
For more than 100 years, Mel Foster Co. has believed that its role in the community extends far beyond real estate. The company lived that philosophy in 2025 with agents and staff investing their time, resources, and energy into the people and places they call home.
Through its Think.Buy.Be.Local campaign, Mel Foster Co. agents and staff supported more than 100 local businesses during Small Business Week despite inclement weather. Initiatives included participation in the River Bend Foodbank Community Hunger Drive, holiday family support, senior care baskets, a school supply drive in partnership with WQAD, and a blood drive with ImpactLife.
Through Project Jack, Mel Foster Co.’s support helped sponsor 35 classrooms, making an impact on an estimated 770 area students. It also continued its long-standing community traditions such as the John Deere Classic, Quad City Times Bix 7, Quad Cities Marathon, Festival of Trees, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Plant Sale.
“What makes Mel Foster Co. special has never been the transactions — it’s the people,” said Ms. Engels, who was honored as a 2024 QCBJ Woman of Influence. “Our agents and staff show up every day with heart, professionalism, and a genuine desire to serve. Being part of a company that continues to invest in its communities, support local businesses, and lift others along the way is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
She added that while the industry continues to change, “our purpose remains the same. In 2026, we will continue to lead with integrity, invest in education, embrace innovation, and put people first because that’s how lasting success is built.”
