"My biggest goal for the year is to get people as excited as I am, which is a lofty goal. I want to generate enthusiasm and get across the idea that what we are doing through SILVAR is vital, important and good," Bernasconi said.

His path to real estate began four years ago when he became fascinated with the "art of sales."

"I was all of a sudden caught up in the idea that there is an art form to sales and you need certain skills to be successful," Bernasconi said. "People who do well are amazing to watch, but there is a huge disparity between who does well and who doesn't. I've become obsessed with perfecting the art."

For Bernasconi, who now works at Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos, it was also about the challenge of getting into the real estate profession, where the rate of failure is 70 percent within the first three years. "That is daunting. People are going in droves to get their license, but the reality is they may not make it or they may lose money in the first years."

Bernasconi, who grew up in Los Gatos, has always been adventuresome. After graduating from Los Gatos High School in 1986, he headed to New York City, where he performed in a rock band, which led to the opening of a nightclub in San Francisco. It was there that he first became exposed to real estate.

"My partner sold real estate, and he thought I would be good at it because of my character and confidence. But at first I looked at sales as being kind of a smarmy, sort of slap-on-the-back image, not a noble image," Bernasconi said. "As I learned more about what a noble profession it is, I've found that it isn't always treated that way by everyone."

That's one of the other reasons Bernasconi wanted to get involved in organized real estate.

"As a member of SILVAR, we have a common voice. As a Realtor you are held to a higher standard of practice and a code of ethics that doesn't just apply to anyone who has a license," said Bernasconi, who indicated there are 500,000 real estate licenses issued in California, but only 200,000 agents have the designation of "Realtor."

Calling himself a "reluctant leader," Bernasconi said he doesn't feel compelled to "make a better world" during his one-year term as chairman of the district group that meets Wednesday mornings. He does hope to embrace the membership and get them excited about the ideals of the association.

"If we hold our peers to the same standards and all operated at a higher level, this will benefit the consumer," Bernasconi said. "I hope to inspire others to elevate the standards of practice so we can take better care of people going through a transaction that might be the biggest investment they ever make."

He has a great deal of admiration for the Realtors in the local community and believes they practice the profession at the highest level. During the coming year, Bernasconi wants to raise awareness about a variety of issues.

"I'm hoping to make our meetings more informative and bring great value to our members. I like to encourage person-to-person contact between Realtors and our affiliate members. Showing up, shaking hands and sharing common goals is important."

Bernasconi, who also serves as a director of SILVAR's Charitable Foundation Trust, thinks Realtors make a strong presence in the community through charitable works and involvement in a variety of events and activities. He cited several Realtor-sponsored fundraisers and efforts, including "Home for the Holidays," which benefits the Housing Industry Foundation, and the RSVP program, which provides assistance to seniors in the community, as examples.

Although Bernasconi described his venture into real estate as a "shot in the dark," he admits that it turned out to be a great fit that allows flexibility in his life. "For me, it's not just about selling houses but that I want to be a trusted adviser for life. Perhaps I can provide value to you and your family, and if I've gained your trust, then you will refer me to someone else," he said.

Bernasconi thinks his clients don't call him enough to take advantage of his great network of resources. He encourages people to get in touch with Realtors for assistance with their home.

"Although this is the age of info, there is great value in building a relationship with a Realtor. It's my job to have answers to questions," Bernasconi said. "If you need a roofer, electrician, gardener or housecleaner, I can find someone to fill the role that is reputable and can get the job done. This is one way Realtors can be a great resource."

When he's not handling a real estate transaction, Bernasconi can be found on a snowboard, up in the air on a hang glider, riding a dirt or mountain bike or on the go-cart he made in metal shop that he mysteriously received back on his 38th birthday after a disappearance of 20 years.

Although he's a risk-taker, he is first and foremost a family man who just celebrated his 10-year anniversary with wife Christina. They have a 1-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son.

"I'm pretty good at setting personal and professional boundaries. Right now I love selling houses and working at Alain Pinel Realtors, but most of all I love being a husband and father," Bernasconi said. "I am also excited about my year as district chair and believe I have the potential to make a difference."