Jim Gillespie: Remembering His Second Sale

The ultimate goal for most of us is to find a job we enjoy in an industry we like. We want to make money and have a fair shot to advance and find success. We also want to feel like we are making a difference. The thousands of Coldwell Banker agents I have met over the last eight years while working in the brand’s corporate headquarters are no different.

The ultimate goal for most of us is to find a job we enjoy in an industry we like. We want to make money and have a fair shot to advance and find success. We also want to feel like we are making a difference.

The thousands of Coldwell Banker agents I have met over the last eight years while working in the brand’s corporate headquarters are no different. While they have different backgrounds and motivations, and some are more successful than others, I have been amazed at their dedication to working with their clients. A cynic might think real estate agents are in it only for their commissions, but overwhelmingly I have learned those with Coldwell Banker view their pay as a byproduct of the work they enjoy doing. They are motivated by the opportunity to help people.

Over and over at meetings, I have asked agents what the best moment in their real estate career has been. Not once has someone shared how much they have made on a particular deal. Instead, the stories are heartwarming examples of how they have enjoyed helping a client.

This caring is part of the Coldwell Banker brand culture. Our CEO Jim Gillespie, who will become Chairman Emeritus on January 1, has played a big part in creating this part of who we are during his 37 years with Coldwell Banker.

Jim is one of the kindest, most genuine and caring people I have ever met. So it’s no surprise to learn that as a then 30-year-old rookie real estate agent way back in 1976, Jim did something special when he worked with the receptionist at the LeGrange, Ill., YMCA ,where he previously worked, to find her a home.

As we honor Jim as enters a new chapter in his career, I’m excited to share the story of Jim’s second sale. Watch the video above.

Senior Manager, Public Relations & Giving for Coldwell Banker. Grew up in Sarasota and attended college at Western Carolina University. Athena wanted to wake up in that city that doesn’t sleep so headed to Madison Avenue to start her marketing career. She has been with this awesome brand for more than 15 years and can be found generating buzz about CB in every way possible. Athena helps to grow the brand’s position as the most storied real estate company within the industry and has led many high-profile endeavors; she was at the forefront of the brand’s pioneering smart home campaign, raised $6 million in two years to build 130 Habitat for Humanity homes, and led the Homes for Dogs program in partnership with Adopt-a-Pet.com that resulted in tens-of-thousands of dogs finding their furever home. She currently leads the CB Supports St. Jude program, which encourages the Coldwell Banker network’s 96,000+ real estate agents to make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for every real estate transaction they represent. In her spare time, you can find her either digging up a new area in her yard for another flower bed or planning her next travel adventure. She's the proud mom of three cats Jolene, Ziggy and Lucy.

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11 Comments

  1. SPBEYER
    December 6, 2012

    That was mother and father. My earliest memories are of that home. Unfortunately as to that last comment as to my parents being renters instead of home owners. They are in default and currently facing foreclosure. But i did enjoy growing up in a house instead of an apartment truth be told.

    Reply
    • SPBEYER
      December 6, 2012

      come to think of it, I would probably not exist if they had not gotten that house. L0Lz;)

      Reply
      • Jim Gillespie
        December 6, 2012

        Hey this is Jim. Sorry to hear about the problems your mom and dad are having. They obviously hold a special place in my heart so if I can do anything even if it’s just a little bit of advice please encourage them to reach out to me.

        Reply
  2. google
    December 6, 2012

    Jim,
    Over the years there has never been a better representative of Coldwell Banker and my affilliate office than you. Winter Park, Colorado is not Washington or New Jersey. I could never have chosen a more down to earth, well spoken and heart felt person to represent the entire company and brotherhood of realtors in Coldwell Banker. I was proud the many times I have personally shook your hand, had dinner together (go Illini) and spoke of you and your efforts to my company. I believe in leading by example and you are living proof.
    Thanks,
    Stu Huster
    Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

    Reply
  3. Aisha Vadell
    December 6, 2012

    Jim,Jim,Jim??? I thought WE agreed if there would be any career moves, we would need to get the Okay to do so??? I don’t remember you consulting with me??? Of course they would want you, you are the BEST!!!!! I am sad to see you go, but I do have the party interview video in New Orleans. Thank you for being such a spirited great leader, I will miss your wonderful, warm smile on and off stage, and if you ever come near North Dakota, give a shout out to Coldwell Banker 1st Minot Realty, the best in the North West! Please stay in touch somehow, and I wish you a blessed journey

    Aisha Vadell
    aisha@coldwellbanker.com

    Reply
  4. Lori Arnold
    December 6, 2012

    Jim, You know what an INTEGRAL part of CB Apex you have been. Thank you for ALL the support you have always given me and our entire company. One thing a good leader always does is find the next leader and Budge is wonderful. You two have been such a dynamite team. We will miss you dearly!

    Reply
  5. Sharon Stauffer
    December 7, 2012

    Congratulations on 37 years with Coldwell Banker. I myself am celebrating my 25 year with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty in Rehoboth Beach, DE. When I first started I was a sales agent but transferred in to our rental division 2yrs later.We are now one of the largest resort/vacation companys in the area. I too love my job because I like helping people and your right, the check seems like a bonus although it comes in handy:)

    Reply
  6. Ed Dolinsky
    December 7, 2012

    Jim,

    You know you have become a friend and a confidant to Coldwell Banker Hunter Realty, its agents, staff, management and especially me. You will be missed but you are not going away which is good for Coldwell Banker. You did a great job I appreciate your efforts on our behalf. But you’re not going to miss out on our sports emails. And you know if there is a sports event in Cleveland, all you have to do is contact me. Budge is going to do a great job but no one can say HELLO COLDWELL BANKER like you.

    Your sports buddy, Ed Dolinsky

    edolinsk@coldwellbanker.com

    Reply
  7. Jan Krolczyk
    December 10, 2012

    Dear Jim, although we have never met, I would like to offer my warmest wishes and heartfelt best of everything in your future. You seem to be a man with a wonderful soul and kind heart. Please stop by and say hello if you are ever in our neck-o-the-woods here in Cottonwood, Az. at Coldwell Banker/Mabery.
    Wishes for the best of everything in life are coming your way,

    Jan Krolczyk jank@cwbanker.com

    Reply
  8. We ARE Naples Real Estate
    January 10, 2013

    You are loved and respected by so many…what more is there than that!?

    Reply
  9. Fusion 2013 - Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage - SeaCoasters Know...
    March 14, 2013

    […] Nov. 17th 2011, Coldwell Banker CEO Jim Gillespie announced the merger of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast and Coldwell Banker Advantage of Raleigh and […]

    Reply

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