As the third generation to run the business originated by his grandfather 85 years ago, J. Lennox Scott prides himself on helping the company’s broker associates build a powerful business and live an inspired life.
“We lead, train, coach, inspire, have marketing programs, recruit and live to this purpose to help our associates provide the ultimate in client service,” says Scott.
The Pacific Northwest market, according to Scott, is in a frenzy, as there is very little inventory available in Seattle, Wash., or Portland, Ore. Add to that the increase in buyers from China in Seattle, and Scott expects a great market over the next 10 – 15 years and beyond.
“It’s a historic moment in time in Washington real estate due to job growth and historically low interest rates,” he says. “The market is even more intense this year. We have gone from a ‘quick action’ market to an ‘instant response’ market for new listings.”
That’s a challenge that’s not lost on Scott and his team, and one of the main reasons why the firm values personal relationships and connections.
“It comes down to each of our individual brokers having a good ground game. It’s about meeting our neighbors and buyers,” he says. “Last year we did $12 billion in sales, and while that’s a lot of business, our broker associates did it one transaction at a time, focusing on each individual client and each relationship.”
Over the last several years, John L. Scott Real Estate has grown in terms of the number of broker associates within the firm, as well as the quality of its team. In 2016, the firm plans to add another 200 brokers to its current mix of 2,930—35 percent of which will have experience from other firms.
What attracts them, Scott says, is a personalized training program called Activator, which not only teaches them how to achieve success with sales, but helps with marketing and other tools that are vital to the job.
“It all starts with our approach to success: a positive mindset, skill mastery, and personal engagement activities,” he says. “We also understand that the future of real estate technology has arrived, and we’re ensuring that our team is prepared.”
In that regard, the firm has created an individual mobile app that will allow each broker associate to better connect to the MLS, buyers and sellers, and their sphere of influence.
In addition to growing throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho, the firm is planning to expand into California for the first time through its John L. Scott affiliate program this year.
“Our core value is ‘living life as a contribution,’ and that includes our family, friends, community, place of faith and personal growth,” says Scott. “We focus on the ultimate client relationship and being our best for both buyers and sellers.”
Vitals: John L. Scott Real Estate
Years in business: 85
Size: 107 offices, 2,930 broker associates
2015 sales volume: $12 billion
2015 transactions: 36,800
Regions served: Washington, Oregon and Idaho
For more information, visit www.johnlscott.com.
