Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty announced today its six-month anniversary since offering leading industry funding to active duty military personnel who are transitioning to civilian careers, veterans and spouses to acquire training and real estate licenses for careers as professional real-estate agents.
“To date, we’ve helped 42 post-military individuals and spouses acquire their real estate license to jump-start new careers as agents for PenFed Realty,” says Kevin Wiles, president Mid-Atlantic region. “We’d like to help hundreds more men and women who have served in our nation’s military and the spouses of active duty personnel and veterans.”
Under the Real Heroes program, participants get training and licensing fees covered to obtain a real estate license, up to $2,500. The program also helps participants get on track to pursue careers as agents with PenFed Realty, a company recognized as providing exceptional performance and service to its clients. Three recruits shared their stories:
According to recently separated Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Peck, who was assigned to an intelligence agency as a language analyst and is now a Mid-Atlantic real estate agent, PenFed Realty took the financial risk out by covering her start-up fees to pursue a new career and provides her with great job flexibility. “They interviewed me and I got hired by one of the most admired global brands,” she says. “The company made it possible for me to move into a profession that I am passionate about. I sold three properties in my first month,” she exclaimed.
Another recent recruit, retired Army Col. Randy Haufe, transitioned from the Army after 25 years, which included deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, working in logistics. “I was proficient with contracts, which helped me with my new career,” Haufe says.
Haufe continues, “One year before retiring, I attended a job fair where I met a branch manager of the firm. She mentioned the Real Heroes program, which piqued my interest since I wanted to start my own business. Real estate is a great fit for veterans because we often help people solve problems, are highly organized, disciplined, resourceful and have a strong network. I’ve been with PenFed Realty for less than a year and have closed on five properties.”
A military spouse, Katherinne Nieves says, “I feel honored to be able to benefit from this program. Once I heard about Real Heroes, it gave me the motivation I needed to start a new career and build my own business. Recently, I assisted one military family with their first home purchase, and have become a resource to the extended Fort Meade family in the Howard County office. I’m about to close my third sale, and currently helping a dual military couple look for a home to buy.”
“Sarah, Randy and Katherine are all on their way to brilliant careers in real estate,” says Wiles.
“Our company was founded on excellent performance, integrity, commitment, discipline and hard work—an ethos our military veterans also follow. We proudly carry the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices name, a global symbol of quality,” Wiles explained. “At the same time we consider ourselves a family-oriented organization. We are delighted to have 42 post-military personnel and spouses as part of our family.”
Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has says about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: “I would want to be associated with somebody where the financial strength was unquestioned and where the name stood for integrity. What other quality would you want that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices does not have; and I don’t think you could find one.”
For more information, visit www.penfed.org/NMFA-real-heroes and PenFedRealty.com
