Opportunity Knocks, Again!
After only twelve years in the business and having grown to 12 offices, Coldwell Banker, the largest real estate firm in the country, came knocking and bought Hosack Real Estate in 1986. George explained: “I’ve always felt fortunate for selling to CB because they always have a finger on the pulse of the market. They're the most innovative which means they're always adding value, always bringing something new to the table for our agents. I’m thankful and think it's wonderful they chose to buy us. I was only in my mid 30s--so pretty cool!”
Great Agents Portend Big Growth
As far as George is concerned it’s no accident that many millennials are choosing to start with CB. “They see our technology, education, and the tremendous growth and opportunity at the company. And because of this tremendous interest we should be able to reach 1,100 agents this year, about 10% more than last year.”
George’s advice to new agents is simple: In order to succeed they have to put the time in. It's not an easy business and like anything you have to commit to it. You make your own rules and are ultimately responsible for your own success. “We give all our people lots of help with tremendous marketing, and support. But you have to put the time in. If you commit 40 hours you can be successful. Of course, the ones who make a ton of money put in more. But with 40 hours you can do well in this business. And when someone comes in from another real estate company they grow their business and make more money with us. You're not just maintaining something, you’re growing it.”
The Belief That CB Is Just Better
George has a lot of pride in what CB and its corporate owner Realogy continue to accomplish. They have the best marketing in the business, they have listing concierges and technology that no one else has. The have the resources, experience and size to make a real difference in how well agents do. Says George: “We have all those things, and importantly, Realogy has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world for eight years running. Behaving ethically is very important to all of us. We make it a point to do things by the book.”
Staying Motivated Still Comes Easy
After all this time being atop the heap of Pittsburgh’s real estate market George is at his desk before 9:00 each day. While he loves to golf he only does it on the weekend. He takes his lunch in his car or at his desk and is in the office till 5:30-6:00.
“Outside of work, my family is the most important thing to me. We have 2 boys, one of them has two young sons. My wife is still the most important part of my life. Everything else revolves around her. We spend all our spare time together and now we look forward to spending time with our grandkids. Both of our boys are here in Pittsburgh, which is wonderful, so I talk to them on daily basis and see them several times a week.”
Still an Optimist, After All These Years
Through the peaks and valleys of the economy and real estate market George is bullish about business, Pittsburgh and CB’s future. “I’m optimistic, I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve made the choice many times not to leave to go somewhere else with Coldwell Banker. And we won’t leave. Our boys feel the same way. We feel very fortunate to have our family here.”
“Pittsburgh has wonderful growth ahead. You can see it: downtown is growing, and new businesses are coming in which makes me optimistic about real estate. I’ve been through many ups and downs in the business and at CB we've never had a bad year. So I have to say that combination of having so many wonderful agents working here and having a great company that we can rely on during the good times and bad has helped us continue to grow and continue to have very successful years, and I think it's going to continue. 2020 will be a great year for us.”
