Eight of The Agency's Finest Just Made LA's Most Coveted Real Estate 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. This isn't just a list of names—it's a recognition of people who bring skillful collaboration, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a level of knowledge and professionalism that elevates every single client interaction. We're thrilled to share that eight of The Agency's own—three powerhouse teams and five standout agents—have been named to this year's prestigious list in the Residential Real Estate category. It's a huge honor, and honestly, we couldn't be prouder of what this says about the caliber of work happening every day in our offices. ### The Honorees Who Made the Cut Let's give these incredible professionals their well-deserved moment in the spotlight: - **Craig Knizek** – Known for his sharp market insights and a client-first approach that builds lasting relationships. - **Blair Chang** – A master of navigating complex deals with a calm, strategic mindset that gets results. - **Santiago Arana** – His deep understanding of luxury neighborhoods and global buyers makes him a force in the market. - **Sandro Dazzan** – Brings a blend of international perspective and local expertise that clients rely on. - **Rita Whitney** – A trusted advisor whose attention to detail and genuine care set her apart. - **The Umansky Team** – A name synonymous with top-tier service and record-breaking sales. - **The Haskell Group** – Consistently delivering exceptional outcomes through teamwork and tenacity. - **The George Ouzounian and Gina Michelle Team** – A dynamic duo whose combined strengths create seamless experiences for buyers and sellers. ### Why This Recognition Matters Being named a Leader of Influence isn't just about closing deals. It's about how you treat people along the way. The LABJ specifically looks for professionals who demonstrate integrity, foster genuine connections, and push the industry forward through collaboration. For eight of our own to be recognized in a single year? That speaks volumes about the culture we've built here at The Agency. It's not just about the numbers, though those are impressive in their own right. It's about the late-night calls with anxious sellers, the creative solutions for tricky negotiations, and the unwavering belief that every client deserves white-glove service from start to finish. That's what these honorees bring to the table every single day. The full issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal featuring all of this year's Leaders of Influence is available on newsstands now, and you can also access it online. We highly recommend flipping through it—you'll see why this group is making waves not just in LA, but across the entire real estate landscape. ### A Moment to Celebrate To our honorees: congratulations. We're so proud of your ability to lead with integrity and inspire connection across our industry. This recognition is well-earned, and we can't wait to see what you accomplish next. Here's to setting standards, breaking barriers, and showing the world what true excellence in real estate looks like. Cheers to you all!