Last year, we changed how we did things and named five Broker of the Year finalists. We then crowned Jim Davidson the winner at Benefits Selling Expo in Austin. The entire production turned into such a hit that we decided to do it again. I mean, who knew editorial, advertising and marketing could work so well together?

But, jokes aside, we figured there's never been a more critical time for leadership to emerge. And for us to recognize, encourage and honor it. Jesse Jackson once said, “Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.”

Right now, we're seeing a distinct lack of leadership on both sides of the aisle. So it's ultimately up to us.
Readers had no trouble responding. Once again, the number of nominations that poured into our office far outstripped last year's. And, once again, our editorial board struggled to narrow that list down to these five finalists, but somehow we managed.