These 8 LA Real Estate Pros Just Earned a Major Industry Honor

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. These aren't just names on a list. They're the people who show up every day with a commitment to excellence, a knack for collaboration, and a level of professionalism that makes a real difference for their clients. This year, we're thrilled to share that eight of The Agency's own — three teams and five individual agents — have been named to the 2026 Leaders of Influence in the Residential Real Estate category. It's an honor that speaks volumes about the culture we've built and the standard of service we hold ourselves to. ### Who Made the List? We couldn't be prouder of the recognition these outstanding professionals have earned. Here's the full rundown of this year's honorees from our team: - **Craig Knizek** — Known for his sharp market instincts and client-first approach. - **Blair Chang** — A trusted advisor who brings both strategy and heart to every deal. - **Santiago Arana** — A powerhouse in luxury real estate with a reputation for results. - **Sandro Dazzan** — Celebrated for his deep market knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. - **Rita Whitney** — A seasoned pro whose track record speaks for itself. - **The Umansky Team** — A dynamic group that consistently delivers at the highest level. - **The Haskell Group** — Renowned for their innovative marketing and relentless drive. - **The George Ouzounian and Gina Michelle Team** — A duo that pairs expertise with genuine relationship building. That's five agents and three teams, all recognized for their ability to lead with integrity and inspire connection across the industry. Pretty impressive company to be in, right? ### Why This Recognition Matters Being named a Leader of Influence isn't just about closing deals. It's about how you conduct yourself along the way. The LABJ honors professionals who elevate the standard of service in their field — people who aren't just good at what they do, but who make everyone around them better. For us, this recognition is a reflection of what we've always believed: that real estate is about people first, properties second. It's about listening, guiding, and advocating for your clients through every twist and turn of the market. And it's about doing it all with a level of care that turns transactions into lasting relationships. > "We're so proud of your ability to lead with integrity and inspire connection across our industry." That's not just a congratulatory line. It's the standard we hold ourselves to every single day. ### A Look at the Full Issue The complete list of this year's Leaders of Influence honorees is now available in the LABJ's latest issue, which is on newsstands and accessible online. We'd encourage you to check it out and see all the incredible talent being recognized across Los Angeles this year. ### Congratulations to Our Honorees To Craig, Blair, Santiago, Sandro, Rita, and the teams — congratulations! Your hard work, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to your clients have earned you this spotlight. We're honored to have you representing The Agency, and we can't wait to see what you accomplish next. This recognition is well-deserved, and we're incredibly proud to call you part of our family. Here's to another year of leading with integrity and setting new standards in real estate.