EXIT Founder & Chairman, Steve Morris, Co-Chair, Tami Bonnell, U.S. CEO, Craig Witt, and Associate Broker, Marki Lemons-Ryhal all have something in common, and it’s more than just our differentiating brand. Together, they’ve made headline-making contributions to the real estate industry, and for that reason they’ve all been recognized, once again, amidst RISMedia’s exclusive group of industry leaders as 2026 Real Estate Newsmakers.
“Through ongoing challenges in 2025, from economic uncertainty to changing rules and regulations, [RISMedia’s] Newsmakers served as shining examples of what it takes to succeed, come what may,” said RISMedia Founder and CEO, John Featherston. “The 2026 Real Estate Newsmakers demonstrated the dedication, ingenuity and integrity it takes to serve their companies, clients and communities at the highest level. They stand out as true professionals we all can look up to.”
For nearly three decades, Steve has been sharing his industry insights, mastery of the mind, and wisdom through RISMedia’s flagship publication, Real Estate magazine. Many within the brand have heard how he forged his path through the school of life, working as a trader on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange, in sales with the insurance, cosmetic, and real estate sectors before running a top real estate office and leaving it all to introduce the revolutionary idea of single-level residuals to real estate and founding EXIT Realty in 1996. Now in his 80th year (and showing no signs of slowing down), with EXIT soon to celebrate its 30th anniversary, he has fittingly been inducted into the Hall of Fame category.
EXIT executives Tami and Craig round out the recognitions, both within the Luminaries category and both for their distinctive contributions to EXIT’s expansion over the course of 2025. While Tami focused on heart, hustle, and purpose-powered impact, reinforcing our brand’s mission-driven culture through live training events on mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, and brokerage sustainability with EXIT ownership across the U.S., Craig raised his voice on advocacy for better real estate licensing standards and continuing education reform through many high-profile industry appearances.
One of EXIT’s most successful and prolific associates, Marki, has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame category. A fifth-generation entrepreneur whose instilled work ethic has helped her build a multi-faceted career including training, speaking engagements, and authoring several books, Marki is now one of the foremost AI Influencers in the business, with roles in several levels of industry governance. Her ReMarkiTable business continues to help real estate professionals across North America shift into the future.
All of this year’s winners, in the six different Newsmaker categories, will be honored at the 38th Annual CEO & Leadership Exchange, including an official induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame. You can also read the full 2026 Real Estate Newsmaker feature in the Q1 issue of Real Estate magazine.
