Reflections on a proud legacy

By John Jacobi, Founder, Windermere Real Estate

Next year marks Windermere Real Estate’s 40^th anniversary. Who could’ve imagined that what was once an eight-agent office in northeast Seattle would eventually expand into 10 states and become the company that it is today.

During these 40 years, there have been many reasons for me to be proud of Windermere and our network of owners, agents, and staff, but one of my proudest moments occurred just a few weeks ago when the Puget Sound Business Journal published the results of an independent survey ranking the most respected company brands in Washington State. Contenders included the likes of Microsoft, the University of Washington, Nordstrom, and Starbucks. To our delight, Windermere was selected by 58.8 percent of the respondents as the most respected brand in the real estate category; our closest competitor received 16 percent of the vote.

Part of why this recognition means so much to me is that in the early years of Windermere, we knew we wanted to be different from other real estate companies. While others were focused on being number one in size or sales, we aspired to be the most respected. Our goal was to turn the traditional real estate model on its head by focusing first on community; because only then can you truly understand and anticipate the needs of those who live within the communities. Over the years, our owners and agents have embraced this approach with zeal through the Windermere Foundation, our annual Community Service Day, and their own local involvement and projects.

Windermere has always focused on three basic principles: hire the best people; give them the best tools; create thriving communities. It’s not rocket science, but it has worked pretty well for us for nearly four decades. Now, as the leadership of this company passes onto the next generation of my family, I am filled with pride at what we have been able to accomplish together. During the past 40 years, I have been grateful for many things, but earning the respect of our community is a badge of honor I’m incredibly proud to wear.