On Monday, September 20, the residential real estate industry lost one of its true pioneers in advertising and marketing. Ed Toomey passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sandusky, Ohio.
Ed Toomey was the President of AdWriter, Inc., a Douthit Communications Company and was a recognized leader in his field with over 30 years experience in residential real estate advertising and marketing. Ed’s involvement in the real estate brokerage business was focused on in-depth research of home buyers and sellers, understanding their desires, their needs and how to reach them most effectively.
As an active participant in creating the future of real estate media services, Ed was a member of the Board of Directors and was a founding member of the National Association of Real Estate Publishers.
He was also President of Homes Illustrated, the publisher of print and online real estate magazines. Ed was also instrumental in the design and creation of the unique Externet®, a dynamic online Homes Magazine owned and distributed by AdWriter, Inc. Ed also spearheaded the development of the industry’s premier advertising software system, The AdWriter AdVantage, which today, powers the core functionality of numerous advertising and marketing departments of major brokerage companies across the nation.
But most importantly, Ed was a truly great man. Stated directly, he was of the good guys – simply one of the best.
Ed will long be remembered for his incredible hearty hand shake, his uncompromised integrity, his true respect for the people of the residential brokerage business and his unforgettable warm smile. For those that were fortunate enough to know Ed, he was the kind of person that created many meaningful partnerships that were all firmly founded in long-lasting friendships.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Rhoni Esparza, sister, Mary Jane (John) Keller, niece Christine (Wayne) Milliken, great-nephew, Darian and his fiancée, Debra Plesluska.
Funeral services with full military honors are being held today, September 26, in Sandusky, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s name to the Salvation Army located at 3333 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio.
