Meet the people behind the Forsythe passion for service. Our unique business model and unmatched growth strategy are the products of their experience and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards—for themselves, their employees and their customers.

 

TIM FORSYTHE – CEO

Like grandfather, like father, like son.

After earning a degree from the University of Minnesota, in 1979, Tim joined his father, Jerry, in continuing Al Forsythe’s legacy of exceptional service in the real estate and appraisal industry. Within the next two decades, Tim had earned his SRA and SRPA designations, purchased Forsythe Appraisals, and set up the framework for aggressive expansion.

Along the way, he has also earned the respect of his peers. A participant in numerous annual ERC, Mortgage Bankers Association and TAVMA conferences and conventions, Tim has served on the Advisory Board for Lender’s Service, Inc., Board of Directors for MAPA (Minnesota Association of Professional Appraisers), Board of Directors for Minnesota Union Builders, and the Board of Directors for The Retreat.

Tim lives with his wife, Mary, in Dillon, Colorado. They have four sons, two of whom are branch managers in Colorado, and a third son who is a branch manager in Texas.

 

JOHN FORSYTHE, SRA - PRESIDENT

Adding strength to family leadership.

John joined Forsythe Appraisals as an appraiser in 1985. After gaining success as an independent insurance agent, his entrepreneurial spirit served him well in his new profession. By 1987, John had earned his SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute, and in 1993, was named Vice President of Forsythe Appraisals. John embraced all aspects of appraising, becoming the company’s expert on relocation appraisals, heading that division. John earned his ASA designation as a machinery and equipment appraiser. He established the company’s reputation in litigation, complex and unique properties, upper bracket, and special-use appraisals. John also developed a rigorous training program for new appraisers, which is still used today. He was named President of Forsythe Appraisals in 1997.

Today, John is actively involved with clients as well as with Forsythe’s Chief Appraiser, Alan Hummel, overseeing the daily operations of the corporate office and Forsythe’s overall growth strategy.

John’s family keeps him balanced. His wife, Carlene, and his son and daughter enjoy a very active lifestyle. Their children’s school activities and sporting events take top priority. Travel, time at the lake, skiing, and golf are enjoyed as a family.

 

ALAN HUMMEL, SRA – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF APPRAISER

Like the Forsythe brothers, Alan is the product of a successful family-owned appraisal business. Here are some of the highlights of our chief appraiser’s unparalleled career:

For 23 years as President and CEO of Iowa Residential Appraisal Company, Alan provided his clients—from Des Moines to the Twin Cities—solutions to an equally broad variety of real estate issues. During this time, Alan served as the National President of the Appraisal Institute and as a member of their executive committee and board of directors. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives on mortgage fraud and appraisal issues.

As Forsythe’s chief appraiser, Alan is integral to Forsythe’s continued growth—as a company and an industry leader. At any given moment, you’ll find him busy spearheading quality control or mentoring the next generation of Forsythe appraisal experts. And he continues to be invited to speak nationwide on these and other topics, from predatory lending and technology-related issues to banking associations and numerous real estate industry groups.

Alan attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He and his wife, Karen, reside in St. Paul, Minnesota, with their four children.

 

KITTY GARNETT – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Kitty Garnett came to Forsythe Appraisals in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and a background in human resources management and in operations. While managing the appraisal office for Tim and his father, Jerry Forsythe, Kitty constructed the foundation for Forsythe’s mold-breaking operations business model. She implemented and installed the company’s first computer system and helped to design our proprietary appraisal management software – a more than $1 million investment that has enabled Forsythe to achieve the highest level of customer service while managing rapid growth.

Named Vice President of Operations in the mid 90’s, she was responsible for all aspects of the business of the home office and branches. In 2003, Kitty was promoted to Senior Vice President and, along with Al Gottschalk, is responsible for branch operations, which includes managing and growing current branches and establishing new branch offices. Her focus is customer service, operations, insurance, legal, human resources, employee development, and special projects. In her “spare time,” Kitty is instrumental in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with Forsythe customers.

 

AL GOTTSCHALK – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Al joined the Forsythe family in the early 1990s as a field appraiser whose managerial talents were quickly recognized.

In 1994, armed with a degree in Business Administration and a wide range of skills in the areas of financial management, customer service, sales and work process, Al was selected to open our Chicago branch—the first office outside of Minnesota. Just four years later, he built the branch to 15 appraisers and 10 office staff.

This made the decision to promote Al to Vice President of Branch Expansion in 1999 all the easier. In collaboration with Kitty Garnett, Al soon took Forsythe to the next level by taking our model to additional markets.

He was promoted to his current position in 2003, where he is responsible for negotiating leases, purchasing/vendor management, corporate budgeting, establishing and meeting branch and company budgets and goals. Also, along with overseeing Forsythe’s advanced technology and communications systems, Al continues to develop and manage several key customer relationships.