Company: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Irvine, CA
Company Description: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a brand-new real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. HSF Affiliates LLC, based in Irvine, CA, operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Startup of the Year

Nomination Title: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Irvine, CA

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2013 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a brand-new real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) transitioned its first affiliates in September 2013 and has grown exponentially by adding independently owned brokerages operating across America in a constant stream. The network is built on a foundation of quality with rigorous standards for affiliation.

Since September 2013, BHHS has added dozens of new affiliates from all parts of the country, creating a truly national brand with over 28,000 agents, in 750 offices operating in 37 states (as of mid-May), growing by almost 50% since December.

In joining BHHS, affiliates gain access to the brand’s robust technology suite – the Global Network Platform – plus business consultation, professional education, marketing support and the Luxury Collection program that adds marketing clout to high-end listings.

New affiliates often talk about the Brand Magnetism the Berkshire Hathaway brand has had on their business:

•One affiliate tells of repeated attempts to recruit a top selling team in their market with no success. After the transition to BHHS, the team came to them because they wanted to be a part of the Berkshire Hathaway brand.

•A new Vail, CO affiliate placed its yard sign in front of its Vail Village office at the start of the ski season and was surprised to see tourists gathering and taking pictures next to “Warren Buffett’s yard sign.” This happens almost daily now in the village.

•Another affiliate tells of man who spotted an agent’s brand-new yard sign and then called the agent to talk about Warren Buffet and what the brand represents. After a lengthy chat, the man surprised the agent with 20 new listings to sell from his real estate portfolio!

“We’re pleased with the rapid growth of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and our momentum continues to build,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates BHHS, “Affiliates understand the strength and long-term potential of a real estate brand whose namesake is Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the world’s most respected corporation according to Barron’s.”

BHSS launched its 2014 national brand campaign in March with its first-ever television spot. Titled Good to Know.™, the spot depicts the homeselling process in reverse—from the final sale to the family’s initial indecision. An agent guides the family through the process, providing the knowledge they need to make a confident decision. National print and digital media are running alongside the spot.

Recognition

Earl Lee, CEO, was named one of the 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders of 2014 by Inman News in part for overseeing the successful launch of the new brand in 2013.

In March 2014, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study. Said CEO Earl Lee, “This terrific honor by consumers is a tribute to our powerful brand , whose namesake is the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. – and the top-quality affiliates and agents who represent it.”

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Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Earl Lee
Chief Executive Officer

Earl Lee is chief executive officer for HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the real estate brokerage networks of Prudential Real Estate, Real Living Real Estate and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. He also serves as president of Prudential Real Estate.

Lee led the Prudential Real Estate network for most of the past decade, first as president of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates from 2000 to 2006, and as president of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services from 2008 through 2011. He oversaw Prudential Relocation for a year and half between these assignments.

Before joining Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Lee was senior vice president, principal broker and partner of Prudential Locations LLC located in Hawaii.
Lee has served on the National Association of REALTORS’®