Keller Williams Realty, commonly known as Keller Williams, is a technology-driven and international real estate franchise that has revolutionized the industry. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Keller Williams has emerged as the largest real estate franchise in the United States, boasting an impressive sales volume. Let's delve into the journey of this influential company and discover what sets it apart from the competition.
A Legacy of Success
Founded in 1983 by Gary Keller and Joe Williams, Keller Williams started as a single office in Austin, Texas, specializing in local residential real estate. Within a short span of time, the company's commitment to excellence and innovative approach propelled its growth. It quickly became the largest single office residential real estate firm in Austin, with an impressive roster of licensed agents.
Expanding Horizons
In the early 1990s, Keller Williams expanded its operations beyond Texas, adopting a franchising model. This expansion marked a significant milestone for the company. Keller Williams began offering profit-sharing opportunities to its associates, demonstrating their dedication to supporting their agents during challenging times. This strategic move allowed the company to not only weather the storm but also emerge as the leading real estate broker in Austin.
Caption: Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams, speaking at an event in 2012.
An International Footprint
As Keller Williams continued to flourish, it ventured into international markets, expanding its reach and influence. In 2012, Keller Williams Worldwide was established to oversee the company's international franchising efforts. Vietnam, Indonesia, Southern Africa, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom were among the first countries to embrace Keller Williams' innovative approach to real estate.
By 2014, Keller Williams had surpassed 100,000 agents worldwide, solidifying its position as the largest real estate franchise globally. This remarkable achievement stemmed from a dedication to offering agents unparalleled support and resources. It became the go-to choice for agents seeking to excel in their real estate careers.
Caption: Keller Williams Realty franchise signing in South Africa in 2012.
Embracing Technology
In recent years, Keller Williams has embraced technology and positioned itself as a leading innovator in the real estate industry. In 2017, KW Labs was launched, dedicated to developing and testing cutting-edge technology alongside Keller Williams agents. It introduced "Kelle," an artificial intelligence app that serves as a virtual assistant for real estate professionals. Additionally, Keller Williams introduced "Referrals," a platform for agent-to-agent referrals, enhancing collaboration and networking within the industry.
With an unwavering focus on technological advancements, Keller Williams has remained at the forefront of the real estate landscape. Its commitment to delivering exceptional service and leveraging advanced tools has solidified its status as a leader in the industry.
A Tradition of Giving Back
Keller Williams firmly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. Through its charitable arm, KW Cares, the company offers support to both local communities and its associates during challenging times. KW Cares provides assistance to those facing serious illness or life-altering accidents. Furthermore, Keller Williams is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, partnering with organizations such as the Ryan's Well Foundation, Homes For Our Troops, and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Every year, Keller Williams organizes RED Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate), a day dedicated to community service. On RED Day, all Keller Williams offices close as associates volunteer their time to make a positive impact in their local communities. From rebuilding homes to hosting blood drives and contributing to food shelters, Keller Williams associates embody the spirit of giving.
Recognitions and Accolades
Keller Williams' outstanding performance and commitment to excellence have earned it numerous awards and recognitions. It has been featured in Inc.'s Top 100 Real Estate Company list and has consistently been recognized as an Inc. 5000 Honoree. Entrepreneur magazine has included Keller Williams in its Best of the Best franchise list and Franchise 500 rankings. Additionally, Training Magazine named Keller Williams the number one training company in 2017 and inducted it into its prestigious Training Hall of Fame in 2018.
In 2018, Keller Williams was acknowledged as one of the "happiest companies to work for" by Career Bliss, as reported by Forbes. These accolades reflect the company's commitment to creating an environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
Keller Williams Realty has left an indelible mark on the real estate industry, revolutionizing the way properties are bought and sold. With its innovative approach, commitment to excellence, and dedication to giving back, Keller Williams has set a standard that others aspire to achieve. As the largest real estate franchise in the United States, it continues to lead the way, leveraging technology and empowering agents to reach new heights of success.
