Community Stands in the Heart of ‘Berkshire’
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hawaii’s founding partners. Photo courtesy BHHS Hawaii
By Caroline Wright
A few years ago a small, close-knit group of professionals, armed with solid working relationships built over many decades of local and national real estate experience, decided to form a brokerage in Hawaii.
This might sound like the beginning of a fairly mundane story. Indeed, for any other group it might have been just that. However, this group built its brokerage with support from Berkshire Hathaway, the fabled company owned by legendary investor Warren Buffet.
“By affiliating with a brand owned by one of the most successful men in the world, we knew things would be done the right way, and for the long term,” said Tracy Bradley, co-president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaii Realty, or BHHS Hawaii. “Warren Buffet is all about created sustainable value, and that’s what Berkshire has set out to offer from day one… and they’ve delivered.”
Before launching BHHS Hawaii, founding partners Tracy Bradley, Richard Lim, Scott Bradley and Herb Conley had worked closely together many times over their long careers. All knew of Earl Lee, who had served as president of Prudential National. “He was so highly thought of in our industry, nationally and locally. When we asked him to be part of our firm it felt as if we had always worked together,” explained Tracy Bradley.
To enlist the rest of the team, the partners talked to agents with whom they’d developed close relationships over the years. “Too many agents missed being a part of a firm where they felt leadership had their back -a firm with a proven track record of success that cared about them as individuals,” Bradley said.
An initial group of 23 agents formed the Founder’s Circle, agreeing to join the company without even knowing its brand or terms. “That showed their big-picture thinking, and most of all their willingness to embrace change for the opportunity for growth,” Bradley recalled.
Thanks to a solid foundation of trust and respect in its leadership, the new company was quickly able to develop an effective support system. In just three years, BHHS Hawaii, a general brokerage with a focus on the higher end of every market, has become one of the top 10 firms on Oahu, with three branches and more than 100 agents. “That’s a testament to our associates’ commitment to personal and professional growth, and to having fun in the process!” Bradley said with pride.
With a deep sense of community, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaii Realty will support the annual USMC Toy For Tots drive on Oahu. After the natural disasters of flooding and volcanic destruction on Maui and the Big Island this year, many island families are facing profound economic hardship this Christmas. The partners and agents at BHHS Hawaii have pledged to collect 500 items for the drive; toys may be dropped off at any of the company’s three locations on or before Nov. 30.
“There are so many challenges for so many families this year,” said Bradley, noting the great need for items for teenagers. “This is an easy way for everyone to help our neighbors!”
BERKSHIRE
HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES HAWAII REALTY
Three locations:
931 Hausten St., Honolulu
46 Hoolai St., 2nd Floor, Kailua
1001 Kamokila Blvd., No. 10, Kapolei
792-3910
BHHSHawaii.com
