Why Affiliate with Coldwell Banker? A Q&A With NJ Agent BettyLou DeCroce
What brings an established real estate company to affiliate with Coldwell Banker? We reached out to New Jersey Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce to answer that question
What brings an established real estate company to affiliate with Coldwell Banker? We reached out to New Jersey Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce to answer that question. Gallo & DeCroce Realtors, owned and operated by BettyLou and established by her late husband, NJ Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce, recently affiliated with Coldwell Banker in the company’s Mountain Lakes, NJ office. We are thrilled to welcome BettyLou and the Gallo & DeCroce Realtors team to Coldwell Banker! Here is what she had to say:
Gallo & DeCroce Realtors has been in the real estate industry for nearly 50 years. What makes you want to affiliate with Coldwell Banker now?
“Gallo & DeCroce has been an independent agency proudly serving the Morris County, NJ region for decades. We knew we eventually needed to change the structure of the company, and we felt that aligning with Coldwell Banker, an established brand that has been serving the Morris County community for a long time, would allow us to continue the level of service we have always provided people in this area.”
What type of support is important to you from a brokerage?
“Coldwell Banker has the resources and reach of a worldwide company but never loses sight of enabling each individual to thrive amongst competition in their local market. One-on-one coaching is a priority, as is unrivaled customer service. The company’s technology and service streamline daily tasks so agents can focus on effectively serving their clients. There is persistent innovation. Coldwell Banker’s new ‘North Star’ branding has reinvigorated a company that has been a household name for more than 110 years and reaffirmed its commitment to agents. I am content with fact that the Gallo & DeCroce team is in good hands.”
What type of office culture do you have?
“It’s a collaborative passion for the real estate business coupled with the dedication and joy of helping our neighbors buy and sell their homes. Coldwell Banker was a good fit.”
Who is someone you admire in the real estate industry?
“I count Barbara Corcoran as an influence in joining Coldwell Banker as she had a lot of support from her branded organization, as well. Her success as a real estate agent, investor, businesswoman and beloved media personality are inspirational.
“I of course remain in admiration of my husband and all he accomplished as a business owner and public servant. Alex and Dean Gallo formed our company in 1970 and led it to decades of success based in the same Parsippany, NJ office. Alex was New Jersey’s longest-serving Assembly member, and it’s been my privilege to continue serving the 26th District.”
What aspects do you most enjoy about working in real estate?
Serving the needs and bettering the lives of New Jersey residents has always given me the greatest fulfillment. That’s true whether representing their interest in government or helping them experience the happiness of buying a new home!
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.
