The Relentless Archives - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

30 Under 30

January 8, 2025 By C21 Communications

The first-ever CENTURY 21^® 30 Under 30 honorees have been announced. This recognition celebrates agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21 brand who excel in production, service, community involvement, and social media. For over 50 years, the CENTURY 21 brand has been a trusted name in real estate, and this new award highlights the next generation of industry leaders. Despite a challenging year, these agents have helped clients navigate the housing market and achieve their homeownership dreams. The 2024 honorees include standout professionals from across the country.

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Alyssa Christison

CENTURY 21 Asa Cox Homes

“After three years in real estate, this recognition means the world to me because it represents the trust and connections I’ve built with my customers, clients, and colleagues. I’ve poured my heart into this work, dedicating my time to building relationships, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and making a difference.”

Logan Burns

CENTURY 21 Affiliated

“I am extremely grateful to be receiving the 30 under 30 award. It is a testament to the hard work that I have put into my real estate career and motivates me to continue delivering exceptional service to my clients.”

Matthew Mandeville

CENTURY 21 Limitless

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I am truly grateful for the recognition of my work. This achievement would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of all the staff at Century 21 Limitless who have supported and believed in me along the way.”

Mallory Bare

CENTURY 21 New Millennium

“Being chosen for the 30 Under 30 recognition for CENTURY 21 is an incredible honor that represents my relentless work ethic, dedication to the business, and passion for serving my clients and community. It’s a humbling and exciting reminder that consistent hard work and a genuine love for helping others creates meaningful and recognizable impact!”

Adam Hayes

CENTURY 21 Broadhurst

“Being named one of the 30 Under 30 in the CENTURY 21 brand is an incredible honor that I’m truly humbled by. It’s a reflection of the amazing clients, mentors, and colleagues who have supported me along the way. Mere words cannot describe how grateful and happy I am to be recognized. I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to say that without the inspiration and leadership that the President/owner Jamie Broadhurst and BIC Amanda Unerli have given to me for the entirety of my career, I would not be the Realtor I am today.”

Adam Kutchmire

CENTURY 21 LIST with BEGGINS

“Receiving the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 recognition is a profound honor and a reflection of my passion for this industry. I am very grateful for all of my clients’ trust and support during these challenging years in real estate—it’s their belief in me, along with my business partners and mentors, that makes this achievement possible.”

Christopher Smith

CENTURY 21 Community

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as part of the 2024 inaugural CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 program. It is truly humbling and rewarding to see the hard work, dedication, and perseverance I put into every deal and transaction for clients and customers recognized and appreciated. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, clients, the brokerage, the CENTURY 21 brand, and everyone who continues to influence and shape who I am today. This recognition inspires me to continue striving to be not just a great realtor, but a person who uplifts my community.”

Rachel Shealey

CENTURY 21 803 Realty

“Being named to the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 Real Estate Agents is a humbling achievement that reflects my commitment to excellence and my drive to make a meaningful impact in the industry. It inspires me to continue striving for success and to help my clients achieve their real estate goals with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.”

George Valencia

CENTURY 21 A Better Service Realty

“Receiving the 30 under 30 Award from the CENTURY 21 brand is a Tremendous Honor and Privilege. All Praise, Glory and Credit to God! I am truly Blessed with the Best most amazing clients, as well as Best Team, from my Broker, to my office Manager, our office Staff, our Transaction Coordinator, my Assistant, to all Real Estate vendors involved, without them and their hard work or support, none of these awesome recognitions would be possible. I’m looking forward to a Successful, Productive and Prosperous 30’s! Let’s Go!”

Noah McBride

CENTURY 21 Magnolia

“It’s an honor to be selected for 30 under 30 in a brand that means so much to me. Hopefully it inspires the next person to do something even greater.”

Nicole Isaacs

CENTURY 21 Full Service Realty

“Being recognized as one of the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 is truly an incredible honor! I am truly grateful for my amazing clients who trust me with their real estate journeys and for the opportunity to keep helping people, thanks to the support and guidance of my incredible office.”

Jordan Barnhill

CENTURY 21 Tri-Cities

“Being named to CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and passion I put into helping my clients achieve their dreams. This recognition inspires me to continue raising the bar in real estate and serving my community with excellence.”

Sean Hassard

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

“I’m deeply honored to be named one of the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30. This recognition is a testament to the relationships I’ve worked hard to build, the systems I’ve developed to serve my clients better, and the amazing support from my family and office. It’s inspiring to see how dedication and a focus on quality can drive success and make a meaningful impact in our industry.”

Logan Everett

CENTURY 21 Affiliated

“I am beyond grateful to my incredible family, friends, and all of my clients for entrusting me with their investments. Your continued support through repeat business and referrals means the world to me and has been key to my success in this industry. After countless hours of hard work and dedication, it’s truly an honor to be recognized by the best real estate company in the world. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your trust and encouragement! Here’s to many more milestones together!”

Wendy France

CENTURY 21 Bradley Realty, Inc.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for the C21 30 under 30 recognition. None of this would be possible without the support of my amazing mentors, colleagues, family & clients. Serving is a huge passion of mine and I look forward to many more years to come.”

Jeremy Sifuentes

CENTURY 21 A Better Service Realty

“Being named to the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 is an incredible honor that highlights my commitment to my clients, community, and the values of excellence in real estate. This recognition inspires me to continue helping others achieve their dreams through real estate.”” – Jeremy Sifuentes A special thanks to my father, Ernie Sifuentes, who has been a part of the CENTURY 21 Brokerage for over 24 years. I’m proud to continue the legacy he started and make him proud every step of the way.”

James Boyer

CENTURY 21 Sunbelt Realty

“I feel immensely honored to be recognized as one of the CENTURY 21 brand’s ’30 Under 30′; this award inspires me to contribute even more to my community, my church, and the profession I am so passionate about. Thank you.”

Melody Burch

CENTURY 21 Toma Partners

Albert Sanchez

CENTURY 21 A Better Service Realty

“This award means so much to me. I feel blessed to have earned my clients trust and I am grateful to Century 21 and their constant support!”

Vanesa Quiroz Sanchez

CENTURY 21 Tri-Cities

“Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. It represents not just my individual work, but also the support of my clients, colleagues, and mentors who have helped me along the way. It is a reminder of the responsibility and commitment I have to keep evolving and serving my community.”

Emily Ervin

CENTURY 21 Sunway Realty, LLC

“The CENTURY 21 brand has become more than just a part of me, it is me. All of my growth and accomplishments have come from being valued by this company. I am honored and proud. I will strive to make C21 proud as a representative for the 30 under 30 recognition. Thank you to my wonderful loyal clients, my incredible broker Becky Reed, my family, and to C21. I wouldn’t be me, without you.”

Marissa Lightsey

CENTURY 21 Peak, Marking & Associates

“Receiving this honor is a true highlight of my career and means the absolute world to me. I have been with CENTURY 21 since I was 22 years old and I couldn’t be more proud of that. My husband, Daniel Lightsey, and I bought our franchise in July of 2021 from our predecessors who kept this machine running for over 40 years. We plan to do the same. We live in Mexico, Missouri and have two children, James (7) and Ellie (4) who give us the motivation to succeed. Our community means the world to us and we owe so much to our town.”

Jordan Borders

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Top 30 Under 30 CENTURY 21 real estate agents is an honor I will always treasure. I share this recognition with the amazing families I’ve had the privilege to help and the incredible support system behind me.”

Daniel Miller

CENTURY 21 Ace Realty

“I’m deeply humbled by this recognition. Fostering meaningful relationships and putting people first is at the heart of everything I do; an honor like this just reinforces the importance of being genuine and putting in the work.”

Ryan Paul

CENTURY 21 Ace Realty

“After just 5 years in the real estate industry and nearly $50 Million dollars in sales – being recognized as part of the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30 means that all of my hard work & dedication has paid off! Taking a transaction from listing & showings, to accepted offer to closing and seeing the smiles on my clients faces makes working all of those late summer evenings worth it. Becoming a successful established realtor is all in large part due to the loyalty and continued trust from my family, friends, buyers and sellers. I love what I do!”

Jonathan Lopez

CENTURY 21 Circle

“I’m honored to be selected for the CENTURY 21 30 Under 30. This recognition motivates me to continue empowering my community through education on investment opportunities and building generational wealth, while delivering exceptional service to my clients.”

Caitlin Grisler

CENTURY 21 Platinum Properties

“Receiving this award is a testament to the support and encouragement of my brokers who guide and believe in me, my clients who trust me every day, and my family who is my biggest support system (on those late nights and weekends because we work when our clients need us). I couldn’t do what I do without all of them.”

Kali Foxall

CENTURY 21 Purdum-Epperson, Inc.

“Receiving the CENTURY 21 30 under 30 award is a recognition of my dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in real estate. It symbolizes the trust my clients have in me and inspires me to continue striving for success in my career.”

Stockton Miller

CENTURY 21 Scheetz

“Receiving this award is a surprise that only enhances the privilege I have had, throughout the last four years with the CENTURY 21 system of providing my clients with true white glove service! I appreciate my incredible team of colleagues and leadership, who I have to thank for pushing me to deliver exceptional experiences and constantly raise the bar.”

Jose Cruz

CENTURY 21 Triangle Group

The post 30 Under 30 first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/30under30-2024/

M&A – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AGENTS

December 20, 2022 By C21 Communications

Andrew Hauck learned everything he knows about real estate from his mom. As the broker/co-owner of CENTURY 21 Signature Realty in Saginaw, Michigan, Andrew started selling real estate with her when he was just 21 years old and still in college.

Today, his brokerage boasts 10 offices serving Saginaw, Midland, Bay and Genesee Counties in Central Michigan near Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay and based on transaction volume, CENTURY 21® franchise affiliate in Michigan in 2021.

Destined to Close Deals

The son of CENTURY 21 affiliated agent Jan Hauck, Andrew grew up watching his mom show houses, take calls and negotiate deals. You couldn’t miss what his mom did for a living – bulky MLS books stacked in the closets, For Sale signs leaned against the wall, and everyone knew there was no talking or horsing around when she was on the phone. Yet despite the 70 hours she dedicated to her business each week, she was always at his games and school events and was there to pick him up from school every day

Fast forward to college, Andrew studied business with plans of going into management consulting. About half-way through, he realized that a real estate business could be more lucrative and rewarding, so he decided to follow in his mom’s footsteps. Between finance and macroeconomics classes, Andrew earned his real estate license and started gaining real-world experience, learning the importance of providing exceptional experiences to his clients. By the time he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he’d already helped clients purchase and sell several properties.

After a few years, Andrew went back and earned an MBA to shore up his credentials. “There weren’t many 25-year-old agents who already owned their own house and had five years of experience, so that helped with my credibility. It was even more valuable when I became a broker-owner.”

The CENTURY 21 Brand Can Open Doors

He’s been a loyal CENTURY 21 affiliated agent from the start. His mother started the brokerage as an affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC in 2005 with two partners, Ken Kujawa and Dr. Sam Shaheen. In early 2019, Andrew purchased his mother’s stake in the brokerage and took over operations while she returned to sales.

As a new broker/owner, his mom cautioned him to never underestimate the importance of empathy, camaraderie and a building agents can call home. He knew that to be successful in real estate, you had to play an active role in the community. So, at a time when many brokerages were cutting costs and closing offices, Andrew made his offices a cultural cornerstone.

“We operate in smaller markets, where it’s so important to be visible and active in the community. For us, it’s just part of our culture. Our offices are involved in local events, from pet adoptions and fundraisers to parades. We look for opportunities where we can really get involved, not just slap our logo on a program.”

He says the national name recognition of the CENTURY 21 brand has given the brokerage a huge advantage, especially in Michigan where the brand has had a presence since its founding in the ‘70s. “The CENTURY 21 brand is the most recognized and respected name in real estate*, so we never have to explain who we are. We can focus on our value proposition, which makes everything so much easier.”

Not a ‘status quo’ kind of guy, Andrew is relentless in looking for what’s next, what else the brokerage can do to differentiate itself and take it to the next level. That’s another reason why he appreciates the CENTURY 21 brand. “They’ve always been very proactive in helping brokers achieve their business goals and willing to evolve. As a broker, that’s how I approach my own business, so that’s always been a great value to me.”

Mom’s Greatest Lesson

While Andrew is the first to say he learned everything he knows about real estate from his mom, he says the most important thing he learned from her was professionalism. “From the minute she became an agent, she was nothing but professional. I’ve seen too many treat it like a hobby or just a side gig, but to her, it’s always been a serious commitment to deliver extraordinary experiences.”

This professionalism is one of the biggest challenges Andrew sees brokers facing today. “When you only focus on money – how many deals you’re making and for how much – you lose sight of what’s most important, and that’s helping people. Real estate is about improving the lives of agents and helping communities. Professionalism means providing mentoring, oversight and accountability. If you don’t, things can get sloppy, mistakes are made and deals fall through.”

Andrew says that’s why his brokerage is selective in the agents they choose to affiliate, seeking professionals who want to learn and serve their community.

Focusing on Agents, First

Despite serving relatively small communities across Central Michigan, CENTURY 21 Signature Realty has earned a spot on the Real Trends 500 list every year since 2018, which ranks the top brokerages nationwide. It’s also the only Real Trends 500 company in the Great Lakes Bay region, a fact Andrew attributes in part to his mergers and acquisitions strategy – the brokerage has completed three in as many years with another in the works.

“The CENTURY 21 brand is an enormous help during the search and discovery phase by assisting with local market conditions, verifying brokerage and agent data, and even setting up meetings with potential M&A targets. It also provides resources, assistance and personnel to ensure the acquisition is a success.”

When considering other brokerages for mergers and acquisitions, Andrew says it’s very important to only consider companies that share your values and culture. CENTURY 21 Signature Realty has an “agents first” approach.

“We’re here to work for the agents, not the other way around. We offer constant support, celebrate their successes, and hold high standards and morals. It’s about sharing and caring. It’s about trusting each other and working as a team. If a potential M&A doesn’t share these values, I’ll walk away. It’s not worth diluting our culture.”

Andrew says most brokers struggle with something – it might be mentoring agents, marketing, name recognition or a lack of tools. When speaking with a potential acquisition, Andrew’s team digs to identify what’s missing and how CENTURY 21 Signature Realty could make a difference on day one.

“A lot of broker-owners are wearing too many hats. They cut the checks, input data, deal with difficult closings, handle marketing. But you can’t do it all well. That’s why we’ve built a strong support team, so our leaders can focus on providing agent learning and coaching opportunities.”

Just as important as sealing the deal on an acquisition is on-boarding the agents, teaching them about all the new tools and programs they can access through the CENTURY 21 brand, and bringing them into the culture. That’s an area where Andrew says he and his partners really excel. New agents start out with a 30-day mentoring program to learn the ropes, and both new and experienced agents are enrolled in CENTURY 21 University® courses to expand their skills and learn about all the available resources.

So, four years after he took the helm, what does mom think about his real estate business?

“I think she’s very proud. She sees how hard I work and how much goes into it. But I also think she misses her real estate partner, since she’s still out there listing and selling but I’m more focused on the operations side of things now. We were a great team!”

*2021 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Brand awareness question based on a sample of 1,200 respondents. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. Recognition question based on consumers aware of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4%. The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited (formerly Millward Brown), a leading global market research organization, from November 9-27, 2021.

©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. The CENTURY 21® System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This is not intended, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The Minnesota registration number for this franchise system is #F186. Century 21 Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.

The post M&A – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AGENTS first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/ma-its-all-about-the-agents/

Century 21® 2022-07-26 09:32:39

July 26, 2022 By C21 Communications

Eugene F. Pridgett III, owner of CENTURY 21 The Gene Group in Dayton, Ohio, has a long list of roles he’s played: Air Force veteran, stockbroker, software engineer, real estate broker, business owner, husband. Now he can add another – television star.

He was recently featured in an episode of “Military Makeover: Operation Career,” hosted by Montel Williams highlighting Century 21 Real Estate LLC. This special episode explored how the real estate industry and the CENTURY 21® brand provides great opportunities for military service members looking for a new profession as they transition to civilian life.

The CENTURY 21 brand is proud to support veterans who affiliate with a CENTURY 21 brokerage through its exclusive Recruiting America’s Heroes program for newly retired veterans, transitioning veterans, active military, reservists, military spouses and surviving military spouses. Where applicable, participating agents receive up to 40% off the online real estate pre-licensing course, up to 40% off continuing education courses through the CE Shops (in select states) and a welcome gift from the CENTURY 21 brand.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

Gene enlisted in the Air Force after college, specializing in avionics and programming software for F15 fighter jets. “It was my job to get the sorties in the air,” Gene says, which meant being responsible for the jet’s software and fixing things that went awry. He learned skills that have lasted a lifetime – analytical problem solving, quick thinking, working under pressure, teamwork, attention to detail, dedication to serving.

He expected these would translate well to a career as a stockbroker after he left the military, but ironically, it was the sales part that didn’t suit the future real estate broker. “I was too truthful. I’d tell clients, ‘You know, this isn’t a smart move because these fees are crazy. You can’t make the kind of money you’re looking for this way.’ Finance is, obviously, all about the money, but I was more about watching out for my clients’ interests.”

So, he returned to what he knew best, beginning what would become a 20-year career in software engineering for a major aerospace corporation that supported the military. Gene worked in configuration management, ensuring completed software was clean with no backdoors or additional software added in that could create issues.

Looking for a new challenge after two decades, he again turned to those invaluable skills he learned in the Air Force. Real estate had always interested him, so he began investing in and flipping houses. Over time, he developed algorithms to identify the best investment opportunities and how to best evaluate properties. (Because that’s what you do when you’re an ex-military software engineer who goes into real estate.)

What he found was that he loved helping people more than anything.

(Don’t) “Show Me the Money”

“It all came back to that foundation of service, which is what the military is all about – I wasn’t the warfighter, I supported the warfighter. Anything you do consistently over time becomes the baseline, becomes absorbed. Our greatest purpose on this planet is to be of service to others. You never see a
U-Haul following a hearse, because you can’t take it with you. I wasn’t in it for the money.”

So, he earned his real estate and then broker’s license and started his own independent brokerage. As his business grew, the offers started coming in – offers to merge, be purchased, affiliate with a brand. He’d always listen politely to what they had in mind, but he was never interested because they were always just about the money.

“When the CENTURY 21 brand approached me, they talked about a partnership, and that got my attention. My affiliated agents know I’m not sitting in the command quarter making decisions, I’m out on the battlefield with them,” Gene says, peppering his comments with military terms. “The CENTURY 21 brand operated the same way as me. I was talking to the heads of the departments and the president and CEO, Mike Miedler. They have approximately 14,000 offices, but he took the time to get to know me. I could reach out to him if I needed to talk, and that meant a lot. It still does.”

Gene was also attracted to the brand’s 50-year track record and reputation as the most recognized and respected name in real estate¹. “The CENTURY 21 name is known around the world, which makes a big difference. They also had a robust tool set and systems that allowed me to plug in and help me grow my business. I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel and I didn’t have to use any tools that maybe didn’t align with my approach.”

Military – The Making of a Good Agent

Gene has seen from experience that veterans often make great real estate agents because of their transferable skills. Both the military and real estate are all about service and working toward the greater good. Veterans are dependable and value consistency, so they seek careers with systems and processes in place that create predictable outcomes. They’re very goal oriented and excellent problem solvers. They’re used to quality training so they can continuously improve and grow their skills. They want a reliable source of correction when things start to go off track, so they’re very coachable. They thrive in environments where they work alongside leaders who want to contribute to their success for a mutually beneficial outcome.

“A diamond is coal – the only difference is pressure. Veterans have just been under different pressures. That’s not saying the diamond is better than the coal, because the coal will heat your home. It’s just that we need to be in a different setting to be our best. And I think real estate is that type of setting.”

While he doesn’t specifically focus on recruiting veterans, they naturally find their way to him based on his proximity to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. But he says most of his military-related agents are actually military or veteran spouses, which he considers to be veterans, too. “When your spouse is active duty, you are, too. You’re part of the squadron.”

Hungry and Humble

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group currently has 40 affiliated agents in Dayton and four in Cincinnati, with another 30 in the queue waiting to affiliate. But he’s very selective about who he chooses to partner with.

“They have to be hungry and humble. When I meet with prospects, I tell them real estate is work, it’s effort. You have a great responsibility and there will be challenges. But you’re the one that helps clients work through the emotions of buying and selling a home. You are their trusted advisor, and you have to be committed to that.”

Gene lives by three rules, both in business and in life:

Do what’s right because it’s right.
Trust can’t be granted – it must be earned.
Give more than you expect to receive.

“If you’re not in alignment with these, you won’t be a good fit for my brokerage.”

Many of the agents Gene affiliates are new to real estate, which is by design because he can mentor them on the right way to do things. He developed an onboarding system that helps agents move from “green to gold” quickly. There’s a team that walks them through the affiliation process, helps with the paperwork, orders business cards and guides them on all aspects of real estate. His goal is to remove obstacles and decision fatigue, so they remain excited about their new profession and do not become overwhelmed.

He also plugs them into everything the brand offers, from C21 University® to the marketing and productivity tools. “If they want to go into commercial real estate, build a team – whatever direction they want to head in, I know the CENTURY 21 brand and I can help them.”

Working with agents and supporting them as they build a business has been a perfect match with Gene’s focus on service. “I’ve always met sales milestones and that’s been great. But helping an agent make an income she never thought was possible, enough to take her kids to Disney World – that means so much more to me.”

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the typical agent handles 9-10 transactions a year². “Those statistics are based on the wind shear agents face. But what if I could take that wind shear away? That’s what I’m trying to do – create an environment where challenges are minimized so agents can grow faster and go farther with the right systems and tools. My philosophy is, ‘If you want to go fast, go it alone. If you want to go far, go with a team. If you want to go real far and real fast, go with us!’”

Wind shear… Spoken like a true aerospace engineer.

Serving Those Who Serve

The Realogy Military Rewards program, available through Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (formerly Realogy Holdings Corp.), the parent company of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, supports military and veteran family homebuyers and sellers by offering $350-$7,500 in cash back³ after closing when they buy and/or sell a home with a participating agent, based on the home sale and/or purchase price.

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group is also invested in supporting members of the military who are relocating to or from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Gene believes having a veteran leading the agency adds a level of confidence because they know he understands their unique challenges.

Gene’s team has a special process in place to help military clients with a PCS (permanent change of station), who typically have a very limited time to find a home and a tight deadline to move. Prior to the client arriving, they have several phone conversations to understand their needs and aspirations. The agent blocks several days off and prepares a showing execution plan so properties that meet their criteria are lined up and ready to view. His team shows them how to apply for VA financing, walks them through making an offer, and ideally, they leave with a contract so there’s one less thing to worry about.

Gene quotes Chaka Khan lyrics to illustrate his relentless approach to service, whether it’s to relocating military families, non-military clients or agents: “Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall.”

And that perfectly sums up how Gene rolls.

¹ Study Source: 2021 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Brand awareness question based on a sample of 1,200 respondents. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. Recognition question based on consumers aware of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4%.

The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited (formerly Millward Brown), a leading global market research organization, from November 9-27, 2021.

² 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile.

³ The cash back bonus is offered in most states. In some states, a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The program is not available for employer-sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska and Oklahoma. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard MAX gift card will be issued. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a program-introduced real estate agent. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. The program award is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new construction, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the award would not be available. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Other terms and conditions may apply. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Please check with a program coordinator for details. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply.

©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. The CENTURY 21® System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This is not intended, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The Minnesota registration number for this franchise system is #F186. Century 21 Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.

The post first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/11925-2/

Century 21® 2022-07-20 21:33:00

July 20, 2022 By C21 Communications

Does fear hold you back? Whether it’s a fear of failure, fear of rejection or fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth (Google it, arachibutyrophobia is a real thing), fear can stop you from living your best life.

As The Relentless podcast fast approaches its one millionth download, we’re getting ready to launch Season 3, which will to focus on the notion of moving fearlessly. In a world filled with noise and distractions, we’ll look at how today’s most interesting entrepreneurs move fearlessly past obstacles and the assumptions that hold others back. We’ll talk with the people who transform what scares them into something that inspires as we explore how to build confidence, take risks and tackle the hard problems.

Since we started this podcast three years ago, we’ve packaged together more than 13 hours of content and spoken with over 30 guests — a diverse mix of successful entrepreneurs and effective salespeople who look at sales differently. In this special episode, we’re rounding up some of the best advice guests have shared over the past two seasons.

Bounce Back and Learn from Failures

Every entrepreneur experiences failure and rejection — it’s unavoidable. What you do with that failure will leave a lasting impact, whether positive or negative. Do you learn a valuable lesson, strategize how you’d approach the situation differently next time and bounce back even stronger? Or do you allow it to create fear that holds you back?

Actor and comedian Adam Ferrara is no stranger to rejection. Yet through countless auditions that ended in failure, he’s taken away a few important lessons that have helped him grow personally and professionally. He knows that even if you don’t get the part, the contract, the listing, you can learn from every failure or rejection and use it to hone your skills and grow.

Build Empathy

In business, being able to read the room and understand what others are feeling is a vital skill. When a deal is heading south, customers are on the fence or a valued employee is about to bolt, what happens next just may depend on your ability to pick up on their emotions and understand why they’re feeling that way.

We explored empathy in two episodes. Famed author, serial entrepreneur and public speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk discussed how everything starts with listening to people. Every interaction — from passing conversations to negotiating major deals — is impacted by how other people feel about you and how you interpret and respond to their emotions.

By understanding the situation, reading the room and anticipating peoples’ needs, you can be proactive and address any issues instead of being forced into reaction mode. Michael Atwood, the broker and co-owner of CENTURY 21 Atwood Realty in Minnesota, explained how empathy impacts the customer experience. Because when we’re invested in our clients, participate with them and get excited about their journey, they feel appreciated and supported.

Learn Digital Body Language

Body language often says way more about our feelings and intentions than the words we speak. It’s human nature — when we’re engaged in a conversation and trust the person we’re speaking with, we naturally smile, uncross our arms and make eye contact. But in an increasingly digital and remote world, we’ve lost the opportunity to use these nonverbal cues to connect with people.

So, does body language have a digital equivalent?

Erica Dhawan, communication expert and author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance, examined how to take real-world emotional body language and translate it for the digital world.

Create Joy and Delight

Every entrepreneur knows that customer satisfaction is paramount to a successful business. But what if you could elevate that satisfaction to a whole new level? Creating joy and delight is all about surpassing expectations and delivering such a positive experience that customers will remember it, tell their friends and come back for more.

Tina Roth Eisenberg, a Swiss designer and serial entrepreneur who founded Tattly, which offers fake tattoos designed by real artists, gave tips on how to add surprise and delight to your products and services.

Coming Soon: Season 3

These are just a few important takeaways from some of our inspiring guests. As we gear up for the launch of Season 3, we invite you to listen to this special episode for highlights of Seasons 1 and 2.

The Relentless is the podcast that looks at sales differently, created in partnership with Century 21 Real Estate LLC and Slate Studios — is a Webby honoree for best branded podcast and is ranked among the top 1% of all podcasts. Visit The Relentless website to join the conversation, and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher or TuneIn.

© 2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

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Defying Mediocrity is Game Changing

June 3, 2022 By C21 Communications

21 Years with the CENTURY 21® brand

When Jamie Skeen boldly purchased his town’s largest brokerage after fewer than two years as an agent and just two years out of college, some thought he was crazy. But this game-changing move kicked off an illustrious professional path as the broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Legacy in Northeast Tennessee.

In his (quite fittingly) 21^st year with the CENTURY 21® brand, it’s no surprise that Jamie has been named to the 2022 RealTrends Game Changers list. Honoring those who have dramatically grown their brokerage in the past five years – a time when the real estate industry was shuttered by a global pandemic and the virtual halting of the economy – Jamie significantly grew his brokerage.

CENTURY 21 Legacy is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, boasting 10 offices that stretch from Athens, just north of Chattanooga through Maryville to Knoxville, the tourist meccas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend, and up to Greeneville, Johnson City and Kingsport, just south of the Virginia border. A Greeneville native, Jamie is passionate about the local communities and the picturesque mountains, which he explores on his two American Quarter horses.

Starting with just 24 agents in 2003, CENTURY 21 Legacy has skyrocketed to 330 agents. Last year, CENTURY 21 Legacy was the #1 CENTURY 21 company in Tennessee in units, and the #8 CENTURY 21 company in units in the US.

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Best Thing That’s Ever Happened to My Business

After acquiring the former CENTURY 21 Billy Williams & Associates, Jamie continued to sell real estate personally while managing his growing brokerage. Just five years into business, the subprime mortgage crisis hit, forcing him to quickly change his priorities. He found the most crucial need was coaching nervous agents on how to handle the challenging market and recession. But in crisis, he found a new purpose. He quit personal production and began devoting all his time to running the brokerage and providing the services, coaching, tools and training agents needed to handle the challenging market and recession. Ensuring agents had the ability to be relentless and succeed became his top priority.

“It was a tough time, but it was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to my business. I realized I couldn’t continue to run a company that size and continue to sell. You get to the point where you ask yourself: am I going to work in my business or on my business? It was a big change in mindset, but I knew I couldn’t do it all and do it well.”

Jamie’s experience has taught him that each market has its own unique set of circumstances. In 2008, inventory was high and sellers were desperate, but there were few buyers. Today, buyers are plentiful but exhausted by the low inventory, and competition for listings is fierce. Despite the two markets being almost complete opposites, the impact on agents can be quite similar.

“Regardless of how the market is performing, agents want the same things — support, services, more leads, better training and a beneficial split.”

That’s when working with the CENTURY 21 brand, the most recognized name in real estate and the most respected brand in the industry* is invaluable. Jamie shows agents how the C21® brand offers quality leads, industry-leading tools that help agents work more efficiently, as well as valuable support and coaching, which agents can use to significantly impact their success. In the end, Jamie knows these resources can position an agent to relentlessly manage any market.

One Big Family

After 21 years with the CENTURY 21 brand – considerable longevity for any broker, but especially one who joined so early in his professional – Jamie says it’s had a tremendous impact on his business.

“It’s like one big family. From the brand team to the brokers, they care and are always willing to help. From day one, I’ve had great learning opportunities and the support to help me succeed as I grew in my profession. I can still call the brand team or other C21 affiliated brokers, and they’re always available to offer advice and answer questions. The C21 brand has given me what I need, and the collaboration has helped me so much.”

Jamie particularly values the sharing culture, especially among the broker/owners. From the start, he focused on building relationships with larger C21 affiliated brokers to ask questions and hear their perspectives on challenges and opportunities. It’s something he continues today, and he also readily passes on what he’s learned to other brokers who are starting out.

Creating a Legacy

Throughout his professional growth, Jamie’s business philosophy has been simple – do the right thing.

“When you focus on doing the right thing for your agents to succeed, consumers will achieve their homeownership dreams. By running a business based on solid ethics, you usually win in the end.”

It’s clear that giving back is baked into the brokerage’s DNA. Jamie created a ”Leaving a Legacy” fund, which enables agents to contribute part of their commissions as a charitable donation, and Jamie matches a portion. At the end of the year, part of the fund is donated to Easterseals by the brokerage — the CENTURY 21 brand has supported Easterseals since 1979. Then each office gets to choose a local community charity to donate the rest of the funds raised, so they make a local impact.

Through this program, CENTURY 21 Legacy is the #1 contributing CENTURY 21 company in Tennessee for Easterseals and has donated more than $200,000 dollars to Easterseals and local charities since 2017.

With CENTURY 21 Legacy’s focus on giving back, you might assume the name CENTURY 21 Legacy was chosen because Jamie wanted to create a legacy of charitable giving. But it was actually inspired by the previous owner.

“Billy Williams was someone I really looked up to. He was one of the first brokers in Tennessee to start a franchise, the president of the Tennessee Association of REALTORS® and was always just the most professional, progressive guy. I saw he was leaving a legacy in our community, the real estate industry and within the CENTURY 21 network, and I wanted to continue that legacy.”

It must be working, because Billy’s son, Mark Williams, remains affiliated with CENTURY 21 Legacy and is a top-producing and CENTURY 21 Hall of Fame agent. “He’s just as solid as his dad, too.”

Jamie has a message to any brokers considering becoming a CENTURY 21 franchisee: “This is probably the number one move you can make for your business. The level of support is incredible, and the tools and systems will make a significant difference.”

Would he ever consider leaving the C21 family? Jamie admits that during one renewal, he did shop around with other brands, and he’s glad that he did.

“It was an important business decision, so I wanted to make sure that I was making the right choice. And what I found just reinforced that I was in the right place. There was no comparison, so I ran back and renewed. I didn’t really realize how far ahead the C21 brand was, until I looked!”

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Robert Hirsch 2020’s- It’s a trusted name, and we’re cutting edge.

September 8, 2021 By C21 Communications

If you’ve been following our series, we’ve been revisiting each decade, since the start of C21. We’ve strolled through the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, the ‘00s, and we are wrapping up with 2020 and beyond. We’ve accomplished so much, as a brand, and we’ve been celebrating our 50^th, with our #relentless affiliates who continue to defy and deliver, day in and day out.

We spoke with Robert Hirsch of CENTURY 21 Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland and he began to share his sentiments on how impactful its been, is, and will be, as a CENTURY 21 Real Estate agent. We’ll be honest. We had no intentions of speaking so futuristically with Robert but once he began to share his thoughts of where the brand is going and what it means for him, well, keep reading.

Joining the ranks of our #relentless in 1975, Robert has been with CENTURY 21 Real Estate for his entire career.

“I never imagined you could have a career that would last 45 years.”

Robert says he believes that C21 has provided him with everything he’s needed, over the years to grow his business and it’s survived even through the most challenging times of real estate. He says, with such a trusted name, like CENTURY 21 Real Estate behind you, you’re a player in the game, despite the competition.

As Robert shared the things he remembered most, throughout his career, he talked about every intention the brand has made to remain progressive to help affiliates have an edge in the market. From the gold blazers to being one of the 1^st real estate brands to leverage television for advertising, he recalls a simpler time to when Co-Founders Art Bartlett and Marsch Fisher would personally visit the awards parties, hosted by offices across each region.

“They were approachable. Corporate is still very approachable.”

Over the course of Robert’s 45 years in real estate, he posed a question.

“ The C21 technology makes us a player, right off the bat. Are you brand new? You’ve got all these resources.

Why reinvent the wheel, when you don’t have to?”

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When he started as a small office with two dozen agents, he realized he was surrounded by other real estate companies who were larger and who had been around longer. Robert says, because he was with C21, he had all the print material, support, and marketing collateral he needed, which he says, made him equal to the companies that had a dominant market share. He didn’t have to invent a mailout or a door-hanger. Robert says, this was a game-changer, and it made him a player.

Robert believes that because the brand has always worked to stay ahead of the curve, with technology, it’s given him an edge and that same edge will take his business to the next level.

“It’s a trusted name, and we’re cutting edge. You still have to talk to people, despite things like social media and things becoming generally electronic. When people see C21, by your name, people will talk to you because it’s a nationally recognized name.”

Even when recruiting new agents, Robert shares his sentiment on the direction the brand is going with leveraging the latest technology.

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“C21 is cutting edge and I press this in recruiting meetings. I tell potential recruits that we are a high-tech organization. I mean, you can access our tools, courses and, technology from your bedroom. That is our culture today. It’s become a selling point in how new agents will be able to leverage C21 technology right from where they are.”

Robert believes that as new technology emerges, CENTURY 21 Real Estate will remain ahead of the curve, for the industry. In continuing to take on the latest advancements, and making them available for affiliates to access them, wherever they are, is the leverage, Robert believes, makes CENTURY 21 Real Estate the brand that can take your business to the next decade and beyond. #OurBrandofRelentless

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OJ Rodriguez 2010’s- “Keeping up with the times.”

August 3, 2021 By C21 Communications

For many decades, whether it was from a television commercial, a newspaper advertisement, a yard sign, or from our signature gold blazers, CENTURY 21 Real Estate had become a household name. We’ve been sharing the stories of our #relentless, who’ve been a part of our growth and momentum, throughout the decades, and though each recount was different, there have been consistencies from every story.

As a brand, we’ve been intentional from the start, in defying mediocrity and delivering the extraordinary to those who are among our ranks. This mindset is carried throughout our affiliates and has impacted the lives of those who seek to achieve the dream of homeownership, throughout the world. We’ve looked for ways to push the bar and set the standard, and disrupt the real estate industry with unconventional partnerships, progressive marketing, and by offering tools that have helped our affiliates more than keep up with the trends in an ever-changing market.

OJ Rodriguez, of CENTURY 21 Citrus, purchased his first franchise in 1998 and then, fifteen years later, acquired another franchise that opened in 1972. Altogether, he’s celebrating #121wins with 49 years in and CENTURY 21 Citrus topped 2020 in the top 5 for the state of California. When we spoke with OJ about what he remembers most about the 2010s, without hesitation, he shared, “A monumental moment was probably when they did the rebranding.”

OJ Rodriguez 2010's- — CENTURY 21 Real Estate advertisement, prior to the rebrand of 2018.

OJ’s says the branding was more than just a good idea. He believes it was a strategic move, and it’s given agents an edge in today’s competitive market.

Over the decades, OJ says he’s seen the evolution and progression of the brand. Through advertisements, yard signs, and the marketing collateral made available for affiliates, OJ shared that the new branding has a modern and luxury feel that, he says, has helped him reach an extended market.

“Everyone considered the old logo tried and true. In my opinion, trying to go into luxury will be easier because the rebrand looks more like a luxury brand logo than you know.”

In the modern digital age, OJ says, the refresh was needed and helps him keep up with the times. From the colors to the wordmark, to the step and repeat patterns, he’s embraced the new design and is looking forward to the continued momentum of the brand for the next decade.

Be sure to check back in for the last decade we will cover, in this series, as we continue to share the stories of our affiliates who have experienced the evolution of the brand throughout the decades. #OurBrandofRelentless

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Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career

July 8, 2021 By C21 Communications

By the start of the 2000s, there had been numerous technological advances that changed the landscape of real estate as we knew it. In hearing some of the stories of our #relentless throughout the decades, we’ve seen how from the start of the ‘70s, through the year 1999, real estate transactions had gone from a handshake to wearing gold blazers as a form of marketing, to CENTURY 21 Real Estate becoming the official sponsor of Major League Baseball. We had many firsts in the real state game all while continuing to push the bar and not settling to just be your average real estate company.

Sandy Tams of CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises was no rookie to the industry in the 2000s. She had been in real estate for 30 years, specializing in new home sales. It was the year 2006 when Sandy began being approached by agents and managers from other real estate companies, who encouraged her to join them. Sandy considered but she was looking for a certain level of professionalism and didn’t find it with the companies who initially reached out to her. Then, a CENTURY 21 Real Estate agent encouraged her to give their office a try, and Sandy was introduced to the manager. Sandy said that as soon as she walked through the doors of CENTURY 21 Beggins, she was taken back by the level of professionalism she experienced. It was then, that Sandy left new home sales and became a real estate agent.

Sandy Tams 2000’s- The Decision that Saved My Career image 1

It may be safe to say that most agents can recall the housing crash of 2008. Just after Sandy left new home sales and started her new career as a real estate agent, she says the market crash impacted just about every agent she knew.

“It was a tough time. People were still wanting to buy and sell, and agents didn’t know how much the homes would be from the first time we took clients to view them, until the time they closed.

The struggles we all went through to survive. Commissions were cut, because the value of the property was reduced, and we had to be out there every day, finding a new client or customer. It was because I was a CENTURY 21 [real estate] agent, that I got through it. It was the strength of the brand and the name recognition that definitely helped.”

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“It was a tough time. People were still wanting to buy and sell, and agents didn’t know how much the homes would be from the first time we took clients to view them, until the time they closed.

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Inclusivity and Representation Matter

June 25, 2021 By C21 Communications

In October of 2020, David Walsh and Juan Sanchez set out to launch CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty in Denver, Colorado. They met over 20 years ago, while both in real estate. David and Juan are both passionate about the empowerment of others, with strong beliefs in the importance of representation and inclusivity. Setting their intentions early on, both David and Juan have had their sights on building culture from the ground up.

After only 8 months, David and Juan have attracted over 20 agents from diverse backgrounds. They’ve taken their knowledge and experience to fill what they call gaps in the market for those who are underrepresented. They believe that knowing and understanding their agents, and what they’re trying to do with their businesses, will help them provide more tailored and customized training to fit each of their agent’s individual needs. David and Juan have strong beliefs that it’s very important to affiliate people who represent, look like, sound like, and think like the clients they are serving in the marketplace, across a broad spectrum of life.

“It has been inspiring to see the growth of our new office since October 2020. As a diversity-based, Latin-owned and LGBT-run new business Juan and I felt strongly about our role in the community and the importance of our agent family being as representative of the broad spectrum of clients they serve.”- David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

Inclusivity and Representation Matter image 1 — The grand opening of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty. Watch a video from David here.

CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty is a 2020 Inclusive Ownership Organization, and when we asked David what that means to him and Juan, he spoke to the bigger picture of how he foresees making an impact outside the four walls of their brand-new office. With a heart for community outreach, the agents of C21 Bear Facts Realty are intentional about reaching out to volunteer and serve others in their market, and to work with other LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses to create more representation, and community, as a larger entity.

“Our agent count has grown rather quickly and we have professionals who can serve clients in English, Spanish, German, Czech, Russian, and even Southern Drawl. We have affiliated amazing gay and straight agents in roughly equal numbers and created a collaborative and supportive office environment that values and respects everyone, regardless of their background and lifestyle.” – David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

Juan is the networker, out of the two, and by David’s own account, Juan has never met a committee he didn’t like. Juan is a part of NAHREP and belongs to the Gay Alliance of Real Estate, and he’s intentional about building those meaningful connections with various organizations to further their efforts of LGBTQ+ representation in real estate.

David and Juan hold to their authenticity and decided on a more tactical approach to building their team. What’s their secret? When we asked David and Juan, their answer was simple. David says, “We decided to take more of a grassroots approach. It’s about building and helping others grow their LGBTQ+ businesses. We are allies with the LGBTQ+ community and other less-represented markets. The companies we partner with, the photographer all the way down to the closing gifts our agents provide to their clients are other LGBTQ+ businesses. This is an effort to cross-market and build partnerships for broader SEO efforts.”

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Juan, having previously owned a brokerage, shared that since affiliating with CENTURY 21 Real Estate, he’s felt more empowered and supported, by the brand, to help other agents recognize their potential. Juan shared that being a part of C21 has given him an additional value proposition when connecting with agents who, he feels, are the right fit for their office. Leveraging the brand power of CENTURY 21 Real Estate, Juan feels, the tools provided help bring out and empower who they are.

“Real Estate is a very personal business; you make your business your own. If you’re not really being your true self, how can you succeed in your business?” – Juan Sanchez, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

David believes that as the country looks different, lives different, and talks different, that it’s important to be capable of helping others achieve the dream of homeownership.

“Less than a year into our fledgling business and partnership with Century 21 [Real Estate], we have already made a difference to a wide swath of the Denver real estate market, learned a lot, and had a great time doing it. This is exactly why Juan and I started this endeavor and this is just the beginning! We can’t wait to grow into what comes next for our team and our business.”– David Walsh, Co-Owner of CENTURY 21 Bear Facts Realty

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How Can We Innovate to Put Customers First?

June 16, 2021 By C21 Communications

Would you be willing to walk away from your current role, on the heels of a bet?

That’s exactly what serial entrepreneur Chieh Huang, Co-Founder of Boxed.com, did and it’s landed him in not one but two successful business ventures. When host, Kristen Meinzer spoke with Chieh about his career, he shared his not-so linear path of how he’s launched disrupter companies in extremely competitive markets.

Chieh and his friends left their day jobs (with benefits, we might add!) to launch a video game studio on a bet that mobile games would be the next big thing. Armed with his 2G cell phone at the time, Chieh knew that smart phone technology would continue to scale and he and his friends had a hunch that the demand for smart phone gaming would naturally scale alongside it.

Their hunch more than proved to be accurate, as their newly launched business venture gained momentum and was later acquired by a larger gaming company in the market. This was only the beginning for Chieh and his friends.

What was next, you ask? Yes, you guessed it. There would be yet another bet that would lead to launching a business.

This time, however, it wouldn’t be in the category of gaming. Leveraging the hypothesis of their first launch, Chieh and his friends saw another opportunity to meet a demand for consumers by leveraging smart device technology.

In another highly competitive market, they saw a gap to fill that would give consumers access to essential everyday products, in bulk, at lower prices, with just a few clicks from their phones. You may be asking, do consumers really need another online store where they can purchase toilet paper, in bulk? The answer to this question, is without a doubt, yes. Yes, we do.

Chieh and his co-founders found a way to stand out in the crowd by leveraging AI technology, and the power of datasets, to create a seamless and convenient user experience. If that’s not enough, they elevate the customer experience in adding hints of personalization into each order. He also shared how they’ve built a company culture, within Boxed.com, that’s increased employee retention by carrying the “putting others 1^st” model into their relationships with their employees.

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In this episode, Chieh shares how you can enter a saturated market, find a niche, and defy mediocre customer experiences, within the walls of your company and beyond. Listen to this full episode of season 2 of The Relentless, and #jointheconversation on how you can innovate to put customers first.

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