Welcome to West Michigan School of Real Estate
At West Michigan School of Real Estate, we are dedicated to providing top-quality, in-person real estate education. Our courses are taught by industry professionals who are committed to helping you build a successful career in real estate. We offer a supportive learning environment and practical training to prepare for your exam.
Meet Our TEAM
Program Director
The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the real estate pre-licensing program. This includes managing the curriculum, ensuring compliance with all relevant state real estate licensing regulations, and supervising both instructors and administrative staff. The Program Director handles course scheduling, monitors student progress, addresses student concerns, and ensures a high-quality educational experience from start to finish. In addition, the director maintains program records, reports to state licensing bodies when required, and drives improvements to course content and delivery.
Experience:
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Experience: 5 years in real estate business
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Education: Western Michigan University
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Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®
School Administrator
The School Administrator is responsible for ensuring the classroom and facilities are clean, organized, and fully prepared before each class session. This role plays a key part in creating a welcoming and professional learning environment by managing the physical setup of the classroom and addressing basic logistical needs. Duties include setting up chairs and tables, checking that technology is functional, restocking supplies, and ensuring the room is tidy and comfortable for students and instructors. The administrator also greets students and instructors and provides light support during class sessions as needed.
Experience:
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Experience: 2 years in real estate business
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Education: Bachelor’s in Marketing from Michigan State
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Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®
Doug Borton
Instructor
Doug Borton is an experienced real estate investor, salesperson, and educator with more than 15 years of hands-on industry experience. As a licensed REALTOR®, he brings real-world insight into buying, selling, investing, property management, market analysis, and real estate regulations. In addition to his professional practice, Doug has extensive teaching experience in traditional, hybrid, and online learning environments, where he is known for translating complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand instruction. His background in curriculum development, mentorship, and adult education allows him to deliver engaging, well-structured courses that prepare students for both licensure and long-term success in real estate.
Instructor
Experience:
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Experience: 28 years in real estate business
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Education: Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration in Marketing, Western Michigan University
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Licenses/Certifications: REALTOR®, Associate Broker, State of Michigan Licensed Residential Builder, Real Estate License Instructor – MREA, Real Estate Continuing Education Instructor - MREA
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Community Involvement: GKAR - Professional Standards Committee 2018 - Current, Risk Management Committee 2005 - current, West Michigan Forms Committee 2024 - current, Michigan Realtors - Public Policy 2024 & 2025, Richland Twp - Board of Review 2010 - Current, Past Board of Directors - Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® (GKAR), Past President - GKAR (2010), Grievance Committee - GKAR, Membership Committee, REALTOR® of the Year GKAR (2016)
Instructor
Trisha Kidd brings over two decades of comprehensive real estate experience to her role as an instructor at the West Michigan School of Real Estate. Having served as a Pre-licensure Instructor for the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® from 2015 to 2022, she has a proven passion for guiding future agents through the fundamentals of the industry. Trisha’s extensive background spans real estate sales, brokerage management, legal research, and corporate real estate development.
Experience:
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Director of Project Management & Project Manager | PlazaCorp Realty Advisors, Inc.
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Associate Broker | Treystar & Jaqua Commercial
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Pre-licensure Instructor | Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®
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Real Estate Paralegal | Honigman LLP
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Associate Broker / Co-Owner | Miller Connection Realty, Inc.
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Real Estate Salesperson
