When I sat down with the team behind Stickney Real Estate, there was a comfortable energy in the room. The banter is professional but fun-loving, so it felt less like a conference room and more like a family room. And this makes perfect sense because they are a family.
George Stickney celebrates forty years in real estate this year and has achieved the very rarest of admirable accomplishments. He works cheerfully alongside all three of his sons.
George got his start selling homes in 1985. He had always enjoyed looking at houses, and it was his wife, Joan, who originally encouraged him to pursue a career in real estate. Their sons, David, Kevin, and Jacob, watched as the family business grew in multiple directions over the decades. They confess none of them anticipated this would be their future vocation until after their college years.
David began his professional career in financial planning with an economics and business management degree. Kevin was a business management major with sales experience and entrepreneurial interests, and Jacob was a real estate major but had considered working in commercial real estate initially. Their distinct backgrounds brought even more depth and breadth to a complex business that is much more than simply selling houses.
George uses a helium balloon analogy to describe how he has developed different aspects of the business, sending them up to carry them through both prosperous and more challenging seasons. “Of course, in the beginning, I was interested in making the most sales. But I was also curious about land. I took classes about land development. I learned about the relocation business and I also was a homebuilder for many years. It has been fun showing my sons every facet of this industry.”
And while all three sons have their individual strengths, is there any typical sibling competition that pops up at work? They all say no. Only in good fun. They all work in concert to serve the best interests of clients and can look to one another as a resource.
David shares they are all involved with new listings and assisting with buyer needs. They allow one another to weigh in with their opinions, and it is a collegial knowledge exchange that helps them to “Not just make the quick, easy sale. It is about maintaining clients for life.”
Kevin says from the very first interaction with a client to well beyond the sale, “We are focused on educating, advising, and serving our client’s interests at all times to build relationships of trust and confidence. It is how much we care that drives each of us.”
Jacob is thrilled by the joy his clients radiate. “When you see their reaction when they get the house they want. That energy. It’s incredible to make that phone call and tell them - you got it. You got the house you wanted.”
All of the Stickney men agree the best part of their business is the people. This is evident as nearly all of their clientele are either past clients or referrals. The fact they also enjoy each other… ‘most of the time’ they playfully add - only makes all of them more motivated. It sounds like there is rarely an idle moment. From first-time home buyers, move-up/down buyers, to land sales, new construction, and upper-bracket properties, this team can handle it all.
George has enjoyed watching the success of his colleagues just as much as attaining his own, if not more. “It has been so fun to watch all of these young people grow. All the young people we have in this office. I get excited when they have a great year too.”
Working together day in and day out might not work for every family. The Stickneys have created something special, and George is aware. George beams and says, “They are all awesome. Truly. They can nearly answer more questions than I can now. I’m a very proud Papa.”
Will there be a third generation of Stickney children joining the legacy? Time will tell. They need to get through elementary school first. For now, George and his sons will enjoy seeing their hard work grow the Stickney brand as they help others dream up big plans for their families.