To me this move is one of a personal challenge, for I belong to that RE/MAX firm! The briefing was delivered on 2 platforms, one near Kemper road and the other in Blue Ash. Upwards of 500 RE/MAX Unlimited agents notified in-depth the reasons the worlds largest firm was being moved. The largest portion of the change is our new name, Comey & Shepherd, a firm I know very little about. Comey is a local brand with offices primarily on the east side of the city. According to the booklet I was handed, they have been practicing real estate since 1946.
A few moments stick out in my mind that took place during the meeting, one of which was approximately 6 members of the office staff all moving simultaneously to the back of the room each picking up a stack of blue folders and standing as if at attention in a civil war regiment. Shortly after the logo of Comey and Shepherd flashed on the power point screen, those folders were passed out as if our futures were being delivered to us without consultation. This room was a large ball room at a location I will leave anonymous and in that room it was as if everything I had been truly loyal too simply died.
We were told during the opening statements that REMAX officials were in the building, which was later discovered to be factual. Those officials have now organized a secondary meeting with all the soon to be Comey agents, during 2 hour intervals starting at 9am later this morning. My attendance my be in 1 of those later today.
Reasons for the merger were given at length, they involved unacceptable franchise agreements, financial indifference between the brokers and the regional REMAX officials, and some ethical decision made by those same officials. We were not only told, but shown in writing several quotes, notes and conversations that our brokers have had in attempts to remedy these complications.
However, this is a business that is not organized as a business. I don’t often share my opinion on sensitive matters but my loyalty has been damaged. I feel like my firm has left me, when I wasnt prepared; this is important as through my loyalty I never left my firm when they weren’t prepared. Most would say and so goes life, I believe life is simple and only people make it hard. I will not make this move hard, I will not make this shift difficult and I will not approach the task ahead of me as arduous.
Since the news was released today, I have been in contact with many brokers, current and past clients, co-workers and family. I hold close to my wishes of great things to those this change will greatly affect. My focus has not only been on those wishes but the wishes of my clients, they come first! I will do exactly what puts them in the best position to maximize their needs. When asked today my initial thoughts of what I am going to do, my reply was constant, I am not sure where I will go, but I know the choice I make will be the best one for my clients and my team.
I have a choice where to focus my energy, and I have been given leverage in this moment. Our team has helped a great lot of people this past 20 months, and we deserve to be given what is best to secure many more months, years and decades of that continued success. When asked several times today what I am going to do another response was, I am going to let the brokers fight over ME, and I will go where ever the best package can be delivered from!
This is one of the DOZENS of emails today from a broker that I’ve never met nor communicated with unitl this day:
To: Kcooper629@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, August 9, 2010 9:55:26 PM
Subject: Hey Kris!I know ***** gave you a call earlier, but I just wanted to follow up and see if there is anything we can do to make the move as easy as possible for you. I’d love to sit down and show you all we have to offer!
Let me know when might be a good time for you!My responseI can appreciate your offer for me to meet with you to see what you have to offer. However, I would rather show you what I want and then you draft a package that may be able to fit my vision. Only then would my move be as easy as possible.We all have received numerous calls and emails today.This is a time not just to make a smart decision, but a brilliant decision. I think that’s exactly what I am going to do
