Year of success celebrated at Gallo Realty annual meeting
Management, agents and staff of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty held their annual company meeting Jan. 13 at the Baycenter in Dewey Beach. As is customary each year, the company closed all offices so everyone could celebrate the numerous accomplishments the firm attained in 2015.
Company Vice President Andrew Ratner led the meeting, which summarized the company's very successful 2015 year and set goals for 2016. Ratner emphasized the importance of committing to achievement goals and providing the best customer service possible, all part of the company vision and mission statement.
"Customer service is critically important to our success," Ratner said. "It is what sets us apart from other firms and why it is part of our motto, 'Community-minded, customer-focused.' At the beginning of each year, I think it is really important to remember this and recommit to these ideals."
On the national level, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will: launch a new television commercial; sponsor another sweepstakes program in conjunction with HGTV; participate in networking groups including ReThink Council, the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals, and Facebook groups; refine its Luxury Collection brand; and expand into an international franchise. The network is composed of over 40,000 agents in 1,200 offices in 47 states.
Gallo Realty experienced a successful 2015 in sales, rentals and commercial transactions, and all three of its offices grew in strength. The company welcomed 13 new agents and support-staff members in 2015, in all three offices: Frank Albany, Jennifer Antonucci, Brenda Baker, Anthony Bordonaro, Deb Brzoska, Patty Carulli, Theresa Evans, Joelle Genevish, Russ Kline, Micah Parker, Carol Parsons, Erin Stasi and Debbie Vitale.
Ratner summarized the company's performance figures for the past year. The Rental Division reported more than 3,867 bookings for the 2015 period, almost 100 more than 2014. "We have three teams of top-notch agents who go the extra mile for our guests," he said. "They work tirelessly to ensure that our guests have the best experience possible."
In 2016, the Rental Division will switch to a new, improved, more powerful property-management software, which will prove a boon to clients and homeowners alike.
"This switch is a leap into the future," he said. "The software will make rental transactions easier and faster for both guests and rental agents - this is an important investment and a commitment to continuing excellent customer service."
The Sales Division experienced an excellent year in 2015, with 852 closed sales resulting in $306 million in sales volume. "Gallo Realty is No. 3 in the county in market share, which is strong," Ratner noted. "But we are No. 1 in a critically important category, units sold per agent. Our company average is over 10 units sold per agent in 2015 - our agents are productive and focused on customer satisfaction."
New tools for success will be available for 2016, including agent websites, new video-marketing products, a mobile app branded to each agent, and expanded social media resources.
Ratner presented awards after the luncheon. The Chairman's Circle Diamond Award for over $100 million in sales volume went to The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group. The Chairman's Circle Platinum Award for over $18 million in sales volume went to The Andy Staton Group. President's Circle Awards for over $7.5 million in sales volume went to Barbara Morales Associates, Laurie Bronstein and The Lurty Team. Leading Edge Society Awards for over $5 million in sales volume went to Lana Warfield, Joanne Young, Beth Evans and Cindy Baker. In the Honor Society for over $3.5 million in sales volume were Joe Choma, Jill Cicierski, Kathy Ford, Jeremy Smith, David Plivelich and Denise Moore. A Platinum Club Rental Award for over $185,000 in gross commission went to Melanie Anderson. Gold Club Rental Awards for over $120,000 in gross commission went to Carolyn Turner, Rachel Cooper, Alyssa Bishop, Maureen Kyritsis, Kim Rebman and Angela Yerton.
At the end of the event, the company presented its second annual Community Service Award to sales agent Chris Beagle. “Our company motto is ‘Community-Minded, Customer-Focused,’ and Chris Beagle exemplifies this ideal through his devotion to supporting CAMP Rehoboth, among many other groups,” Ratner said.
For more information, go to www.GoToGallo.com.
