Watch Video Recognizing Chris Knight's Valuation Visionary Award At ValExpo 2024
Chris Knight was honored as this year's recipient of the Valuation Visionary Award by CRN at Valuation Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. During the award presentation, a video from the Opteon team was played. You can watch the video or read the transcript below:
Lee Trice, Managing Direct of Opteon USA
I'm Lee Trice and I'm currently the Managing Director of Opteon USA. I joined Opteon in 2021 when my company was acquired. And since that time, I've really gained a great friend and mentor in Chris Knight. No one is more deserving of this Valuation Visionary Award. Chris has a unique global perspective and an impressive track record of success that very few can demonstrate.
And he has certainly made me a better leader. And I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've had to learn from this great man. So Chris, cheers mate on this recognition from your peers. And I look forward to many, many future accomplishments.
Scott Chapman, Managing Director Australia
Chris has always had bold visions to provide our customers the best possible outcomes and also our people a high performing environment that they can thrive in supported by best in market technology. He's one of those people that's never been satisfied with the status quo, always seeking a better, more seamless approach in pretty much anything he does. He enjoys challenging himself and also our people to stretch to the best of their abilities.
As a mentor and coach for me, he's consistently challenged my thinking. He always seems to know the right timing when to do so, enabling my professional growth, and also that of many others along the way. I'm very appreciative of his advice and thinking over the years. Congratulations, Chris, on your award, demonstrating outstanding leadership and delivering innovation and growth to our industry here in Australia, New Zealand and the US. Have a great night.
Nicki Brazeau, EVP of People and Culture
It’s a really special day as we celebrate an incredible achievement by someone who has not only motivated us all, but also reshaped the landscape of the appraisal industry through technology. Congratulations, Chris, on being named the Valuation Visionary. This achievement is well-earned and you're a true representation of the support. Your vision, innovation, and professional distinction have not only elevated our industry, but have set a new standard for leadership.
Your continued pursuit of growth and market disruption is exceptional. You inspire us all each and every day and it is a privilege to work with you. Congratulations on this award.
Greg Bernstein, EVP of Strategy and Growth
Hello everybody, I am Greg Bernstein and it's my pleasure to recognize Chris Knight as the recipient of the 2024 Valuation Visionary Award. I've had the pleasure of working with Chris for about five years now, and I can say with confidence that he exemplifies everything this award represents. Chris is a true visionary, often seeing opportunities where others don't. However, it's his uncanny ability to communicate and align others to his vision that truly set him apart.
Spend just five minutes listening to some of his thoughts on the future and you'll quickly find yourself challenging some of your own deep-rooted assumptions. His tenure at Opteon is marked by excellence, but Chris is also incredibly relatable and this is the primary reason so many are eager to follow him. Chris has a strong sense of direction as he navigates a rapidly changing industry, but he's also quick to adjust to learned lessons, embodying his personal mantra of good leaders walk with a limp.
From strategic planning to emotionally intelligent leadership and high level execution, Chris demonstrates excellence in every aspect of his work. Beyond his professional successes, his infectious drive to achieve inspires everyone around him. On a personal note, working with Chris has been an absolutely transformative experience for me. I'm proud to call him a mentor and a friend. Congrats Chris on this well deserved recognition.
Jessica Sturm, EVP of Property Services
I'm Jessica Sturm and I am the EVP of Property Services here at Opteon. And I just wanted to send a huge congratulations to CK on his valuation visionary of 2024 award. From the first day I met Chris when Opteon acquired the company that I worked for, I knew he was going to be a mentor and a leader to me, my colleagues and everyone here at Opteon. And he has done just that. When he talks, people listen.
I'm not sure in the beginning if it was just the accent, but people continue to listen. Chris's global presence and knowledge in the industry through multiple countries is inspiring and I am honored to be part of his team. I have had the privilege of working and reporting directly to Chris. And in that time, I can say that I grew as a leader tremendously and that Chris's mentorship has helped guide me and lead me into being more confident in my role. Chris's motivation and leadership goes above and beyond.
He probably doesn't know this, but all of those yellow sticky notes that he left all over my office that one day when I was not in, still sit on my desk. I look down at them daily as inspiration and they keep me focused and reminded of what is really important within the business. Keep up the hard work, Chris, and congratulations on your award. You truly are a visionary in our industry and I look forward to where your vision will continue to lead us.
Maria Berto, National Director - Operations
Congratulations for winning the valuation visionary award for this year. I've been fortunate to work with you in Australia and now the US and have seen your visions become a reality. For me leadership is more than individual achievement, it's about guiding and uplifting others and I've been privileged to your guidance and mentorship over the years. Your influence extends far beyond your own accomplishments, shaping the future of our industry and paving the way for others to follow. Congratulations once again.
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