Minneapolis, Minn. (June 9, 2014) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate today announced that Gino Blefari, founder, president and chief executive officer of Intero Real Estate Services has been named senior vice president of HSF Affiliates, effective immediately and on January 1, 2015 will assume the role of chief executive officer of HSF Affiliates. Earl Lee will continue as chief executive officer of HSF Affiliates for the remainder of the year and effective January 1, 2015 will assume a senior advisory role for HSF’s domestic and global expansion strategies. Stephen Phillips, chief operating officer of HSF Affiliates and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Bob McAdams, president of Real Living Real Estate will continue in their roles without change or interruption.

HSF Affiliates was formed in 2012 and operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Residential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. As of April 30, 2014 the combined networks include nearly 500 Franchisees/Affiliates and nearly 45,000 agents in more than 1,600 offices nationwide.

Blefari began his real estate career more than 25 years ago and has held executive leadership positions at Century 21 and NRT prior to founding Intero Real Estate Services in 2002. Under Blefari’s leadership Intero has experienced rapid year-over-year growth and is one of Silicon Valley’s largest and fastest growing residential real estate brokerage firms. HomeServices acquired Intero Real Estate Services in May 2014.

“Earl has been instrumental in developing and executing the initial business growth strategies of HSF,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Gino is renowned for his vision, leadership skills and real estate experience and will be a tremendous addition to the superb senior leadership team already in place at HSF.”

“I am extremely proud of everyone at HSF and what we have accomplished,” said Lee. “Leading a team of talented employees while playing an integral role in generating visibility and momentum for the organization and its brands, have been the highlights of my career. Gino brings extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to the organization and coupled with our franchise/affiliate companies and their extraordinary agents, HSF is poised for continued growth and success.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the HSF Affiliates team during this pivotal and exciting time,” said Blefari. “Earl has inspired a team of immensely talented executives and employees and I look forward to working with him and the HSF team as we lead HSF to its next stage of growth and performance.”

“Gino brings a wealth of experience and industry relationships to HSF Affiliates and the HomeServices executive team. We look forward to working with him in the months and years to come,” concluded Peltier.