“There is always a choice in how you look at real estate: You can grouch about how hard the business is or you can be grateful,” says Ron Cadieux of HER REALTORS®/ The Raines Group. Read on to learn how, in the real estate industry, gratitude can prove to be synonymous with success.
Sandy Raines and Ron Cadieux
HER REALTORS®/ The Raines Group
Years in real estate: Sandy, 30 years; Ron, 12 years
Region served: Central Ohio
How do you remain number one in the market?
Ron: We are the top REALTOR® in Ohio and 55th in the country. We have been able to maintain a strong organization because we have well-run systems in place to give personalized service that meets customer needs. We have our own in-house marketing person, which is huge, and we have a runner, someone who is also referred to as our client service assistant. If anything is needed at one of our listings, from replacing outside brochures to removing garbage or newspapers on the street, she gets it done. She goes through the house to make sure everything is where it should be. Lastly, we have a stager who works exclusively for our team. She is our secret weapon. She has the eye to see a home through the buyer’s eyes and to stage it so it looks its very best.
How do you connect with your community?
Ron: We stay in touch with events and services. For one big event we host each year, we rent out a movie theatre and have as many as 400 past and present clients; people come and have a wonderful time. We also have a cargo van and a moving truck that clients can use at no cost. We even have a power washer that clients can use.
What sets you apart from the competition?
Sandy: We work together very well. Ron has a Ph.D and is an organizational psychologist by training. I was a gymnast in college and later a coach, and as such, I understand how a good coach can keep the team motivated, which is exactly what I am able to do with our team—keep them motivated and excited about what we are doing.
How do you stay happy in the industry?
Sandy: Any time you give back and help people, it is very satisfying. Also, it is gratifying to provide support to our team members. Mindset is key. We focus on what we can do, resolving issues and doing it together. There is no competition on our team. We work well together. And when it gets tough, we encourage our clients. We tell them the house is going to sell soon. Sometimes I get a discouraged client to smile just by saying, “SS” for “sell soon.” I have them put “SS” under their pillows—I will even text them simply, “SS.”
How do you overcome the obstacles?
Ron: That is actually one of our greatest strengths. Sandy and I both love to innovate. We balance off each other. And we have our general manager, Stephanie, who is our “velvet hammer.” So the three of us, along with a fantastic coach, make us the best we can be. There is always a choice in how you look at real estate: You can grouch about how hard the business is or you can be grateful. We go with gratitude.
