02 Jul Keller Williams History: How Did The Company Start?
Keller Williams history is a fascinating story of vision, hard work, and strategic innovation. As one of the most prominent real estate franchises in the world, Keller Williams Realty has transformed the way people buy and sell homes. This article takes you on a journey through Keller Williams history, exploring its rise from a small startup in Austin, Texas, to an international real estate empire.
The Early Years: A Visionary Beginning In Keller Williams History
The story of Keller Williams history begins in 1983, when Gary Keller and Joe Williams joined forces to create a new kind of real estate company. Fueled by their passion for the industry and a desire to create a supportive environment for agents, they established Keller Williams Realty in Austin, Texas. With a focus on agent-centric business practices, education and cutting-edge technology, Keller and Williams set the stage for a revolution in the real estate world.
Rapid Expansion: The Growth of a Real Estate Powerhouse
The 1990s were a transformative period in Keller Williams history, as the company began to expand rapidly throughout the United States. By 1997, the firm had reached 6,500 associates in 100 offices, becoming the fastest-growing real estate company in the nation. As more agents were attracted to the unique value proposition offered by Keller Williams, its presence continued to grow, and by 2000, it had become the 6th largest real estate franchise in the US.
Innovative Business Model: The Birth of the Agent-Centric Approach
A critical turning point in Keller Williams history came in the early 2000s, when the company introduced the agent-centric business model. This revolutionary approach shifted the focus from the brokerage to the individual agents, empowering them with the tools, resources, and training needed to succeed. This model included profit sharing, which allowed agents to receive a percentage of the company’s profits as an incentive for helping to grow the business. This groundbreaking strategy led to increased agent loyalty, better retention and higher productivity.
The Global Expansion: Taking Keller Williams to the World
With its strong foundation in the United States, Keller Williams began to look towards international markets in the 2010s. In 2012, the company launched Keller Williams Worldwide, which served as the international division responsible for expanding the brand globally. Today, Keller Williams operates in over 50 countries, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and South Africa, with more than 1,060 offices and over 180,000 associates worldwide.
Embracing Technology: A New Era in Real Estate
As technology continued to advance, Keller Williams recognized the importance of staying ahead of the curve. In 2017, the company made a significant investment in technology, creating Keller Williams Innovation Labs and launching its proprietary customer relationship management (CRM) platform, Command. This technology-focused approach has allowed the company to develop cutting-edge tools and services, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
The story of Keller Williams history is one of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless focus on the needs of its agents. Through its agent-centric business model, global expansion, and commitment to technology, Keller Williams Realty has become a dominant force in the real estate world. As the company continues to grow and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, there’s no doubt that Keller Williams will remain at the forefront of real estate for years to come.
This short video tells the stories of some of the company’s leaders and why they joined Keller Williams.