Our Speakers
Damon West
KEYNOTE SPEAKER | Topic To Be Announced
From a life sentence in a Texas prison to becoming one of America's most sought-after motivational speakers, Damon West's journey is an extraordinary story of redemption, resilience, and transformation.
A former Division I college quarterback, internationally recognized keynote speaker, college professor, and four-time bestselling author, Damon knows firsthand how quickly life can change—and how one decision can change everything.
After battling addiction and receiving a life sentence for organized crime, Damon spent more than seven years in prison. It was there that he discovered a powerful lesson that would ultimately transform his life: You may not always control your environment, but you can choose how you respond to it.
That lesson became the foundation of The Coffee Bean, his bestselling book coauthored with Jon Gordon. Today, Damon's message has reached audiences around the world, from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, and organizations such as the U.S. Army.
Damon's story is about more than overcoming adversity. It's about personal responsibility, servant leadership, and discovering that no matter where you are or what you've been through, you still have the power to influence what happens next.
At REcon 2027, Damon brings a message that perfectly embodies this year's theme: Your Move. What Will You Set in Motion?
Brazz Vanover
ADAPT & ADVANCE
With more than two decades in law enforcement, including extensive experience as a highly trained hostage negotiator, Brazz Vanover knows what it means to make critical decisions when the stakes are high and the pressure is real.
Today, Brazz is a real estate business owner, leadership developer, and co-host of the First Things First podcast alongside Matt Cordova. Together, they explore faith, leadership, personal responsibility, and the principles that shape how we live and lead.
His unique background in law enforcement and business leadership gives him a powerful understanding of human behavior, negotiation, conflict resolution, and the importance of remaining steady when circumstances change.
Known for his direct approach, practical wisdom, and ability to challenge conventional thinking, Brazz equips audiences with real-world strategies that extend far beyond real estate transactions.
At REcon 2027, Brazz will challenge attendees to stop resisting change and start using it to their advantage. Because success isn't about having the perfect plan. It's about knowing when and how to adapt, make the next decision, and keep moving forward.
Tara Vanover
National Mortgage Leader | Coach | Top 1% Producer
REcon 2027 | READ THE ROOM
Understand the Market. Recognize the Opportunity.
The market is constantly sending signals. Are you paying attention? Brooks challenges real estate professionals to look beyond the headlines, identify opportunities, strengthen their strategies, and make smarter moves in any market.
With 19 years in the mortgage industry, more than 3,000 families helped, and recognition among the top 1% of mortgage professionals nationwide, Brooks Kelly knows what it takes to build a successful business in an ever-changing market.
A 13-time D Magazine Best Mortgage Professional, National Director of Sales at Planet Home Lending, and Top Tier Mortgage Coach with GO! Coaching, Brooks is passionate about helping real estate professionals increase production, strengthen relationships, and build businesses that thrive regardless of market conditions.
Known for his straightforward approach, practical strategies, and well-timed sarcasm, Brooks believes success comes from working smarter, delivering genuine value, and being willing to do what others won't.
Outside of work, Brooks is a husband, father of two boys, former Texas Tech golfer, and still convinced his next golf club might finally be the one that fixes his game.
Tara Vanover
BREAK FORMATION
Tara Vanover is an entrepreneur, real estate business owner, and passionate leadership developer known for challenging people to think differently, take ownership, and refuse to settle for ordinary.
With a diverse background spanning law enforcement, ministry, nonprofit leadership, and business ownership, Tara brings an unconventional perspective to leadership and professional growth. Her experiences have shaped a leadership philosophy centered on personal responsibility, developing people, challenging limitations, and building organizations that create lasting impact.
As a co-owner of one of the Texas Panhandle's leading independent real estate brokerages, Tara has helped build a culture focused on developing professionals, raising standards, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Her speaking style is bold, direct, and unapologetically challenging. Rather than simply offering motivation, Tara pushes audiences to examine their own decisions, recognize where complacency has taken hold, and confront the habits and thinking that keep them from moving forward.
At REcon 2027, Tara's message, Break Formation, challenges one of the most common barriers to progress: waiting for someone else to go first.
Because every movement begins with someone willing to step out of line, challenge the status quo, and lead the way.
Matt Cordova
EVENT EMCEE & CLOSING SPEAKER | YOUR MOVE
Matt Cordova is a pastor, speaker, leadership mentor, and co-host of the First Things First podcast alongside Brazz Vanover. With a strong foundation in pastoral ministry, Matt has dedicated his life to helping people navigate challenges, discover their purpose, strengthen their faith, and grow into the leaders they were created to become.
Through First Things First, Matt and Brazz bring together their different backgrounds and perspectives to explore faith, leadership, personal growth, and the importance of keeping what matters most at the center of everyday life.
As Director of Faith and Wellness for a Texas Panhandle real estate brokerage, Matt brings his pastoral experience into the professional world, helping individuals develop the emotional resilience, character, and intentionality necessary to lead well through life's challenges.
Known for his engaging personality, powerful communication, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Matt blends real-world wisdom with timeless leadership principles. He has a unique ability to turn meaningful conversations into moments of personal reflection and challenge.
At REcon 2027, Matt will serve as event emcee, connecting the day's messages and guiding attendees through an experience focused on growth, leadership, and action. He will also deliver the conference's closing message, Your Move, challenging attendees to turn inspiration into intentional action.
Because inspiration without action changes nothing. The next move is yours.