Coldwell Banker and Coldwell Banker Commercial Welcome 10 New Affiliated Companies through Inclusive Ownership Program in 2020
The Coldwell Banker brand furthers its commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in real estate, welcoming 10 new companies in less than 10 months since program launch
MADISON, N.J. (December 15, 2020) – Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a Realogy (NYSE: RLGY) brand, announced 10 brokerages joined the brand as part of its Inclusive Ownership program in 2020. This industry-first franchise approach, first announced in February, was created as a way to increase representation of minority, women, LGBTQ+ and veteran entrepreneurs in the real estate industry.
| Company Name | Location | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Coldwell Banker Action Holdings | Grand Island, Neb. | Amber Schuppan |
| Coldwell Banker Omni Group | Santa Ana, Calif. | Tina Marie and Rich Hernandez |
| Coldwell Banker Commercial Northland | Flagstaff, Ariz. | Becky McBride |
| Coldwell Banker Signature | Oxford, Miss. | Martin and Barbara Mesecke |
| Coldwell Banker EvenBay Real Estate | Warren, Ohio | Janice Stevens, Michael Stevens, Forrest Kobayashi |
| Coldwell Banker Commercial Global 1 | Snellville, Ga. | Ray Mokhberi |
| Coldwell Banker Lewis & Associates | Springfield, Mo. | Michelle Lewis and Jessie Gilliland |
| Coldwell Banker Hometown Real Estate | Lake Worth, Fla. | Nancy Uhlman |
| Coldwell Banker Pickett Fences Realty | Land O'Lakes, Fla. | Booker Pickett |
As part of the program, each new brokerage that affiliates with the Coldwell Banker brand will receive financial incentives to support diverse business owners in the critical first two years of business. Owners will also receive membership and conference registration for an industry partner group of choice, such as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Asian Real Estate Association of America, and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.
Many of the newly affiliated owners come to the Coldwell Banker brand with decades of real estate experience and expertise in their markets. Some served their communities as independent brokerages and are now joining the Coldwell Banker brand while others made the leap to broker-ownership for the first time. These owners represent a diverse group of women, Asian-American, African American, Hispanic, and veteran entrepreneurs. They serve a wide array of communities, from cities to small towns and represent almost every geographic region of the continental United States.
QUOTES
“I am extremely proud to welcome these 10 new brokerages to the Coldwell Banker brand. I am confident Coldwell Banker will be the place where these businesses find long-term growth and success. I also believe adding this group and future Inclusive Ownership firms will enhance Coldwell Banker’s long-term performance, as we benefit from diverse perspectives. Personally, I have found our newly established mentorship program to be mutually beneficial as we learn just as much from our newest affiliated leaders as they do from our executive leadership team. It is our goal as a brand to serve communities and professionals who have been traditionally underrepresented as property and business owners to build a culture of inclusion and equity, and ultimately build wealth for diverse communities and promote home ownership for all.”
– M. Ryan Gorman, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate
“Since launching our Inclusive Ownership program in February, we’ve had great interest from talented real estate brokers. As real estate markets remain brisk across the country, this is an opportune time to join the brand, as consumers look for the advice and professionalism that Coldwell Banker agents offer. With the Inclusive Ownership program, our goal is to provide financial incentives and support in those crucial first few years of business so that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can build a robust business and serve the real estate needs of every individual.”
– Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate
“When I found out I was the first Black owner to be part of the Inclusive Ownership program, my first thought was: Let’s change that! I’m excited and willing to do whatever it takes to bring more Black broker-owners to the brand, because the real estate industry is long overdue for a change. Initiatives like Coldwell Banker’s Inclusive Ownership program are one important step in getting more Black real estate professionals into ownership. I’m proud to be part of a company that prioritizes home ownership and wealth generation for all people, especially those who have historically been left out of those opportunities.”
– Booker Pickett, broker-owner, Coldwell Banker Pickett Fences Realty
About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Powered by its network of over 94,000 affiliated sales professionals in 3,000 offices across 43 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker® organization is a leading provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. The Coldwell Banker brand prides itself on its history of expertise, honesty and an empowering culture of excellence since its beginnings in 1906. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is committed to providing its network of sales professionals with the tools and insights needed to excel in today’s marketplace and is known for its bold leadership and dedication to driving the industry forward with big data and smart home expertise. Coldwell Banker Real Estate was the first real estate brand to harness the power of big data; the CBx Technology Suite uses predictive analytics and machine learning to analyze markets, target buyers and sellers and provide agents with a simple platform to create unique and effective marketing plans for each listing. The brand was named among the 2020 Women’s Choice Award® Most Recommended brands for customer experience and overall quality. Blue is bold and the integrity and values of Coldwell Banker give the Gen Blue network an unbeatable edge. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. To join Coldwell Banker Real Estate and unlock the possibilities of Gen Blue®, please visit www.coldwellbanker.com/join.
About Realogy Holdings Corp.
Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) is the leading and most integrated provider of U.S. residential real estate services, encompassing franchise, brokerage, relocation, and title and settlement businesses as well as a mortgage joint venture. Realogy’s diverse brand portfolio includes some of the most recognized names in real estate: Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, Corcoran®, ERA®, and Sotheby’s International Realty®. Using innovative technology, data and marketing products, best-in-class learning and support services, and high-quality lead generation programs, Realogy fuels the productivity of independent sales agents, helping them build stronger businesses and best serve today’s consumers. Realogy’s affiliated brokerages operate around the world with approximately 189,000 independent sales agents in the United States and more than 129,000 independent sales agents in 114 other countries and territories. Recognized for nine consecutive years as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, Realogy has also been designated a Great Place to Work three years in a row and one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity. Realogy is headquartered in Madison, New Jersey.
Athena Snow
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.
