RISMEDIA, July 1, 2011—ERA Franchise Systems LLC recently honored ERA Japan, its first international master franchisee, on the occasion of the company’s 30th anniversary with the global real estate franchise network. In June 1981, ERA became the first real estate franchise network in the United States to expand internationally with the opening of ERA Japan’s first office in Tokyo. Principals from ERA Japan joined ERA’s chief executive officer and corporate staff in Parsippany for the ceremonial dedication of a cherry tree, which was planted on the grounds of the ERA® headquarters to commemorate this significant milestone. The cherry tree carries great cultural meaning and significance for the Japanese, symbolizing the cycle of life.
Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems, was on hand to welcome ERA Japan’s leadership team, Susumu Ando, president; Yuji Saito and Minoru Asai, managing directors. Young noted that in addition to being ERA Real Estate’s first international master franchisee, ERA Japan also was the first real estate company in Japan to affiliate with a U.S.-based franchise system.
“We are deeply proud of our relationship with ERA Japan, which spans decades and miles,” says Young. “ERA Japan both pioneered and championed our international expansion efforts. Today, ERA Real Estate has a presence in 42 countries and territories, making us a truly global brand. We are proud to honor our longstanding relationship with ERA Japan and it is great our privilege to host Mr. Ando and his senior executives here at our world headquarters in New Jersey.”
“For 30 years, we have distinguished ourselves in the marketplace based on the ERA values of service and innovation,” says Ando. “As one of the leading real estate companies in Japan, we are able to maintain our position thanks to the sound listing management tools and prospecting practices ERA Real Estate provides as well as the brand’s relevant consumer-focused products.”
Since its founding in 1981, ERA Japan has expanded its presence to every prefecture in the country. With 416 offices and 2,700 sales associates, it is a full-service real estate company, providing brokerage, leasing and property management services. In 2010, the company closed 19,000 transaction sides for brokerage and 45,000 transactions for leasing.
In July, Young will attend ERA Japan’s 30th anniversary celebration in Tokyo, which will take place during ERA Japan’s annual sales convention on July 13-14.
Ando added, “We are also deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support we received from our ERA colleagues since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. To be able to express my personal thanks to Mr. Young face to face was a critical component of our trip.”
