Why Eight of The Agency's Finest Just Made This Prestigious List

Lucía Torres · 2026-08-17

Every year, the Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence shines a spotlight on the professionals who are truly setting the bar across industries like finance, law, and real estate. It's not just about awards or titles—it's about recognizing people who bring real skill, genuine collaboration, and a relentless commitment to excellence to every single client interaction. That kind of recognition doesn't come easy. And honestly, we couldn't be prouder to share this news: eight of The Agency's own—three powerhouse teams and five standout agents—have been named to this year's list in the Residential Real Estate category. That's a big deal, and it says a lot about the culture we've built here. ### The Honorees You Should Know These are the folks who wake up every day and lead with integrity, hustle, and heart. Let's give them the spotlight they deserve: - Craig Knizek - Blair Chang - Santiago Arana - Sandro Dazzan - Rita Whitney - The Umansky Team - The Haskell Group - The George Ouzounian and Gina Michelle Team Each of these agents and teams has carved out a reputation for going above and beyond. Whether it's navigating a complex negotiation or simply being there for a client at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday, they've proven that real estate is about so much more than square footage. It's about trust, connection, and delivering results that actually matter. ### What This Recognition Really Means The Leaders of Influence list isn't a popularity contest. It's a carefully curated selection of professionals who've shown they can lead with skill and collaborate across the board. For our industry, this kind of acknowledgment carries weight. It tells clients and peers alike that these individuals aren't just good at what they do—they're among the best in the region. And let's be real: the Los Angeles market is no walk in the park. It's fast-paced, competitive, and constantly shifting. To stand out here takes more than just listing a home and hoping for the best. It takes strategy, patience, and a deep understanding of what buyers and sellers are actually looking for. These honorees have mastered that balance. ### A Culture of Excellence What makes this even more special is that it's not just one or two people getting recognized. It's a reflection of the entire agency. When you have eight honorees from a single brokerage, it speaks to a culture where people lift each other up, share knowledge, and push for better outcomes together. We've always believed that the best results come from genuine connection. That's why our agents don't just close deals—they build relationships that last long after the keys are handed over. It's that human touch that sets them apart, and it's exactly why they've earned this honor. The full issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal with all of this year's Leaders of Influence is on newsstands now and available online. If you get a chance, flip through it. You'll see a lot of impressive names, but we think you'll agree that ours stand out just a little bit more. ### Congratulations to Our Honorees To Craig, Blair, Santiago, Sandro, Rita, and the entire Umansky, Haskell, and Ouzounian-Michelle teams: thank you. Thank you for leading with integrity, for inspiring connection across our industry, and for showing all of us what it means to do this work the right way. We're so proud of you. And we're excited to see what you accomplish next. If you're curious about working with any of these incredible professionals, or if you just want to learn more about what makes The Agency different, we'd love to hear from you. After all, this recognition isn't just about the past—it's about the future we're building together.