I just returned from Dallas where I spent 5 days at our Keller Williams’ annual convention, Family Reunion. This year is the 30th anniversary of KW and they just announced that we are now the largest real estate company in the United States. This makes me proud and it is not the only thing that does.
There is a reason why KW has risen to the top. Well, there are several but one of them stands out and I truly believe that “culture” is what elevated Keller Williams to the top spot in the United States and one step closer to being #1 in North America and the world. The story below is just one example of our culture at work.
While at Family Reunion this past week, we were told about our KW market center in Des Moines, Iowa, where our agents are being denied commissions by one of their competitors. The competitor is paying KW agents no more than $1 if they sell one of their agency’s listings.
At our inspirational Brunch, Wednesday morning, Mo Anderson, the Vice Chairman (extraordinaire) of the Board for KW told the agents present that the sleeping giant was about to awaken and that this competitor had no idea who he was dealing with. It is not 58 agents that this is affecting, but rather 80,000! She then told us that we were going to make these agents “whole” and that we were going to do it in under one minute. She gave me chills.
In a letter to the KW family yesterday, Mo wrote:
We are so proud of the incredible generosity you displayed during our Inspirational Brunch on Wednesday.
We were honored to share the story of the amazing associates in our Greater Des Moines market center. Ever since the market center opened, they have been struggling against a competitor with dominant market share who is paying only $1 of commissions on listings. These Keller Williams associates have been unfairly denied approximately $100,000 in commissions they rightfully earned for helping their clients move into the homes of their dreams. We challenged you – our Keller Williams family – to make our brothers and sisters whole.
And, WOW, did you ever respond! Within 60 seconds, you wrote checks and stuffed envelopes with donations totaling $107,684! We received pledges for an additional $36,200. (Darlins, you better pay up on those IOUs!)
All of these contributions are going to the KW Family Fund that Mary Tennant set up expressly for this purpose. We are committed to making our Greater Des Moines family whole – and we’re going to continue to help them until these unfair business practices end.
[…]
Please take the high road. Do not mention our competitor in your conversations or social media postings. The last thing they deserve for their shameful behavior is free publicity.
Keller Williams family, your actions truly show commitment in all things. Where in the world but KW could such an outpouring of generosity take place? It capped an historic Family Reunion and your response will be remembered forever. We not only announced that we’re the #1 real state company by agent count in the United States – but we showcased for the world the extraordinary culture that got us to this point and the passion and determination that are going to power us forward. You stood up as a real family and covered the backs of our brothers and sisters in need.
Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your commitment. And thank you for proving that we’re #1! We feel blessed to be part of your family.
With love and appreciation,
I, too, feel blessed to be part of the Keller Williams family. The leadership of our organization is a constant inspiration for all of us and not only in our businesses, but also in our families and our lives.
Congrats Keller Williams & Thank you!
Onward!
Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
