HomeServices of America Announces Leadership Changes for RealtySouth

MINNEAPOLIS (January 07, 2015) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire  Hathaway affiliate, today announced that effective immediately, Richard Grimes has assumed the role of chief executive officer of RealtySouth; Jim Dye has been promoted to senior vice president and general sales manager; and Ty Dodge, former president and CEO of RealtySouth, has been named Chairman Emeritus of the company.

RealtySouth is one of Alabama’s largest real estate companies with 16 real estate offices throughout Birmingham, Huntsville, Orange Beach, Auburn and Tuscaloosa. In 2013, RealtySouth handled nearly 7,300 transactions and nearly $1.7 billion in sales volume.

Grimes began his real estate career as a Realtor® in 1992 and in 1998 joined First Real Estate as executive vice president and co-owner. In 2002, when First Real Estate merged with RealtySouth, Grimes led the new home sales division as regional vice president, directing land development projects and builder relationship programs. In 2009, Grimes was named senior vice president of RealtySouth. Grimes’ real estate experience, his negotiation skills and ability to foster relationships has enabled him to deliver the growth and profitability instrumental to RealtySouth’s continued success.

With more than 35 years of experience in real estate brokerage sales and as senior vice president of RealtySouth since 1998, Dye has been involved in nearly every aspect of real estate and brings extensive industry knowledge and management experience. As vice president and general sales manager, Dye has responsibility for the overall growth and profitability of the brokerage division of the business and will provide guidance and direction to the company’s 16 sales offices and nearly 760 Realtors®.

Dodge began his real estate career in 1978 as a sales associate and the next 20 years, held multiple executive leadership positions with Johnson-Rast & Hays Company, Inc. He joined RealtySouth in 1998 and has served as president and CEO since 2008. Under Dodge’s leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest real estate companies in Alabama. Dodge, a long-time resident of the area, is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership and is active in the real estate industry on both the state and national levels. In 1971, Dodge retired from the U.S. Army as a Captain, having served in Vietnam where he received three Bronze Stars; a Purple Heart; and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

“Ty and I have worked together for many years, and I have learned a tremendous amount from him,” said Grimes. “He has built a team of immensely talented agents, sales managers and employees. I look forward to leading RealtySouth to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by Jim and our exceptional management team.”

“I am proud of everyone at RealtySouth and what we have achieved,” said Dodge. “With Richard and Jim at the helm, I’m confident that RealtySouth will continue to grow and prosper, serving consumers, our associates and staff better than ever before. Their experience and vision ensure a very bright future for the company.”

“Ty’s leadership helped guide RealtySouth to its position as one of the foremost real estate companies in the country,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “On behalf of all of HomeServices, we thank him for his innumerable contributions and we wish him well as he enters this new chapter of his life. Richard is a dedicated leader with a firm grasp of the real estate industry and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the months and years to come.”