BP: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities currently facing your firm and its agents?
Pat Kelly (Vice President, Operations): The challenge for us is to always stay ahead of the curve, to remain forward-thinking in terms of technology, and to continue to hire and train the best agents. We know that our agents truly are our business, and we are devoted to providing them with the best resources while teaching them the best ways to generate leads and bring customers to them.
KJ: As for the opportunities, they are endless, because we are committed, as a company, to leaving the old, tired business legacies behind and to constantly improving our unique business model.
BP: How are you attracting and retaining top agents?
PK: By our proven commitment to providing each agent with the best resources and coaching. By taking less money out of the agent’s pocket—we take a flat fee for every transaction instead of the hefty percentages and fees collected in more traditional business models—and by promoting and enjoying a truly convivial spirit within the company, a culture where everyone has a voice and there is simply no room for negativity. We are big into special office events and celebrations that commemorate successes. We are collaborative and approachable, with a management team that listens and supports, and we live the goal that everyone wants of a healthy work-life balance. We not only thrive on success, we make it eminently achievable. That is what motivates and supports every one of us as we reach for the next rung.
BP: How is your brand evolving to help you connect to consumers?
ME: We recently launched a new, glossy magazine and a series of videos that I think clearly designate us as a contemporary lifestyle brand. And we make the effort to become a visible part of every community we serve. We support and participate in walks for Alzheimer’s, Cystic Fibrosis and other worthy causes in a number of cities, for example, and we recently launched Realty ONE Group Cares, our own charitable foundation. Giving back is very much a part of our philosophy.
BP: What’s in store for the future of Realty ONE Group?
JOB: The marketplace is always evolving and we expect to keep evolving with it, anticipating changes and moving quickly to be the first to provide the best solutions for our agents and consumers.
ME: We acquired a powerhouse real estate company in Arizona two years ago, and we will remain open to the right mergers and acquisitions as a means to further expansion. But the chief inspiration for our continued growth will always come from within…from hiring and coaching quality people who love what they do and inspire each other.
KJ: I wake up every day to win. I expect nothing less from our people, and I’m rewarded every day by the quality of the work they do, their dedication and professionalism. Every one of us has the will to win. The best is yet to come.
For more information, visit www.realtyonegroup.com.
