By Misty DUPLESSIS

Local Real Estate agent and entrepreneur Michael Shaar was recognized by the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors.

About 1,800 members belong to the organization that named Shaar Realtor of the Year during a ceremony held on Dec. 14. Shaar was chosen for the award by his peers due to the contributions he makes to the organization.

“The awards committee of association saw nominations in his name and he came to the top of the group,” said PFAR CEO Terry Murphy.

Shaar joined the organization in the early 1990s, but his appreciation for the Real Estate business began early.

“I grew up in the business. My parents purchased their first apartment building in Burbank the year I was born, so I have been exposed to it my entire life,” said Shaar, adding that during high school he and his brother worked at the apartment doing maintenance, gardening and other hands-on work.

Shaar owns and operates SIG Property Management in La Crescenta, which has about 125 properties in its database – and shows no sign of slowing down. As of Jan. 1, Shaar expanded his work force after purchasing a local management company.

Along with a growing staff, SIG will be updating its computer software systems to ensure efficiency.

“We will be utilizing a new web-based software for the company which will, among other things, allow our tenants to pay their rent online and our owners to view their reports 24 hours a day,” said Shaar.

Not only is Shaar involved in the day-to-day operations of a growing property management company and active in PFAR, he also finds time to get involved in several civic organizations including the Crescenta Cañada Rotary Club, the CV Fireworks Association, and many nearby chambers of commerce, serving on the boards of many.