Published May 7, 2026

The Happiest PLACE - Contest Winners Take Disney

Name: Summit Living | Colorado Real Estate Company | PLACE
Address: 358 Blue River Pkwy., Ste. G50, Silverthorne, CO, 80498, US
Telephone: (970) 389-1491

Written by Jason Smith

The Happiest PLACE - Contest Winners Take Disney header image.

Dream Big, Work Boldly: Reflections from the PLACE Winners Event in Anaheim

Three members of Colorado Real Estate Company had the incredible honor of qualifying for the PLACE Winners Event in Anaheim, California, alongside approximately 1,100 top-performing agents, operators, and operations managers from across North America.

PLACE recognizes excellence by rewarding those who reach meaningful goals in performance, leadership, and impact. This year, Carter Van Vleet, Deborah Dutoit, and I earned the opportunity to attend this unforgettable event in the heart of Anaheim — home to Disneyland, a place forever tied to the power of vision, creativity, and bold dreams.

There was something especially meaningful about gathering in a city built on imagination. Anaheim was more than just the backdrop for the event — it became part of the message. Being surrounded by driven professionals, inspiring speakers, and the unmistakable energy of possibility made one thing clear: big dreams are not reserved for a select few. They are built by people willing to believe in a vision and work relentlessly to bring it to life.

That spirit naturally brought many of us back to the example of Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney was a dreamer, but more importantly, he was a doer. He understood that vision without action remains only an idea. He famously built worlds that had never existed before because he believed imagination, paired with courage and discipline, could create something unforgettable. That same mindset was echoed throughout the PLACE Winners Event.

The culture at PLACE shares much of that same foundation. It is built on vision, innovation, and a commitment to creating something greater than ourselves. It challenges people not only to set ambitious goals, but to pursue them with consistency, collaboration, and purpose. Like Disney, PLACE understands that extraordinary results begin with a clear mission and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when the path requires grit and resilience.

What stood out most at the Winners Event was the caliber of people in the room. Being surrounded by so many high-achieving professionals was both energizing and humbling. These were individuals who had committed to growth, embraced accountability, and pushed beyond comfort in pursuit of excellence. The event was a celebration of achievement, but it was also a reminder that success leaves clues — and there is tremendous value in learning from those who are committed to building at a high level.

For me, attending this event was not only a reward, but a reset. It was a chance to reflect on what is possible when strong culture, clear goals, and intentional action come together. It reinforced the importance of dreaming bigger, leading better, and staying committed to the work required to turn possibility into reality.

Anaheim was the perfect place for that reminder. Day two, winners and their families were treated to a day at the "Happiest PLACE"

In a city shaped by one man’s belief that imagination could change the world, we were challenged to think bigger about our own lives, businesses, and leadership. The Winners Event was a celebration, yes — but it was also a call to action. To keep building. To keep believing. To keep pursuing excellence with the same kind of courage and creativity that made Disneyland possible in the first place.

I’m grateful for the experience, proud to have shared it with Carter, Deborah and my family, and even more inspired for what comes next. Feeling grateful, energized, and ready to bring a little more magic into everything I do.

Because if there’s one thing this event reinforced, it’s this: Dare to Dream! Our job as agents is helping people step into new chapters of their lives with a PLACE of their own. If you are daring to dream of moving to the mountains or acquiring your retreat/second home, contact us to make your vision a reality.