RE/MAX Broker Shares His Journey From Independent to Franchise Model — RISMedia
Josh Naughton
Broker / owner
RE / MAX innovative properties
Londonderry, New Hampshire
www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/joshua-naughton-londonderry-nh/101915141
served region: Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts
Years in real estate: 19th
Number of offices: 6th
Number of Agents: 102
Jordan Grice: You previously ran your brokerage as an independent company. Why did you choose to explore opportunities with a franchise brand?
Josh Naughton: We were trying to figure out how to grow our business while supporting our agents with better tools, technology and marketing. The other part of it is building a real business that was beneficial to me and my partners, and we felt that a franchise was a better way to do that. Having a franchise behind us is something we have found invaluable.
JG: What attracted you to the RE / MAX brand?
JN: When we got around to it, we explored other franchises. We were pretty much convinced that we wanted to get involved with a franchise company to capitalize on their brand and support. RE / MAX® has a phenomenal local support network with people to call or write to you.
JG: How was the switch to RE / MAX?
JN: It was a success story across the board. RE / MAX had everything to make the transition go smoothly and our agents were receptive to this because they saw the value of the brand and the tools. They saw what they were going to get and how we wanted to help them grow their business.
JG: Which RE / MAX tools and resources do you and your agents find most valuable?
JN: While they have great marketing, webinars, and educational opportunities accessible through RE / MAX University®, their events are valuable too. As a realtor, you are very local and day-to-day when it comes to selling real estate. Having a network of RE / MAX agents who can come together at conferences and conventions and send recommendations around the world is a huge advantage.
JG: What is your advice to brokers who want to grow through acquisitions?
JN: I think the most important thing is that the agents have to come first. Make sure the resources are in place so agents can continue to get the support they had and not have to worry about something being left behind. You need to create a seamless transition for the agents who will be integrated into the company. Another thing is culture. Your agents need to know that they are part of the office culture and that the owners and managers are there to support them.
JG: What do you think is most valuable to today’s broker when deciding which brokerage firm to join?
JN: Competitive compensation plans are worth. It’s manager and owner support. It’s worth resources and education, tools and technology, and being one step ahead of everything so the agent doesn’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. Another big part of this is coaching that helps them get their business from where they are today to where they want to be. You don’t need agents every day, but you have to be available when they need you.
More information is available at www.remax.com.
Jordan Grice is RISMedia’s Associate Content Editor. Email him your property news at [email protected].