At United Real Estate, we know that strong brokerages are built on more than production—they’re built on purpose. That commitment was recently exemplified by Gary Polsgrove of United Real Estate Louisville, who was honored with the John R. Carpenter Service Award by the Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® (GLAR).

The award recognizes REALTORS® who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to service—both within the profession and in the communities they serve. For Gary, service is not a side initiative; it’s a leadership principle.

While real estate is his profession, Gary’s deeper mission is rooted in ministry and community outreach through Second Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated men and women as they transition back into society. Through long-term mentorship, job-readiness training, interview preparation and continued post-release support, Gary and his team focus on creating stability—not just reentry.

This year, Gary helped introduce an Amazon-based wish list system that made participation easier and expanded engagement across the brokerage. The response brought Agents, staff and partners together—gifts arriving daily, wrap parties filling the office and a shared sense of purpose strengthening the culture along the way.

“My real estate business is my job,” Gary shared, “but I love ministry and impacting the men and women we serve.” His belief is simple but powerful: when even one or two people stand beside someone who’s been written off, lives and families can change.

For brokerage leaders, Gary’s story is a reminder that service-driven leadership doesn’t just impact communities—it shapes culture, unites teams and creates meaning beyond the transaction.

Service is a core value at United Real Estate Family of Companies, and leaders like Gary Polsgrove show what’s possible when purpose leads. His work demonstrates how brokerages can be platforms for lasting impact—professionally, personally and across generations.

Learn more about Second Hope or how to support its mission at www.2ndhope.org