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IRVINE, Calif., Jun 19, 2014 — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC real estate brokerage family, today announced it was recognized with a Gold Stevie Award in the Startup of the Year category of the 12th annual American Business Awards presented June 13 in Chicago.

American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The awards drew more than 3,300 nominations in a wide range of categories; 240 executives worldwide participated in the judging. Startup of the Year category judging considered entrants from across U.S. industries.

“We are pleased and honored to accept the Gold Stevie Award in the Startup of the Year category,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President Stephen Phillips, who attended the ceremonies at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel. “Our real estate brokerage network has come a long way in a short period of time.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has grown exponentially since it transitioned its first affiliates in September 2013. As of mid-June, the network counted more than 29,000 agents and 850 offices operating in 42 states. “Our network carries the name of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., one of the world’s most trusted and respected corporations,” said Phillips. “When you have a really great brand, strong and passionate affiliates and a lot of hard-working people on your team, wonderful things can happen.”
This is the network’s second award in 2014. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in March was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study.

“It’s an honor for us to recognize and celebrate such an outstanding class of organizations and individuals,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. “The judges were especially discerning this year. Winners should be proud that the judges recognized their achievements and their ability to express those achievements in a way that captured the judges’ hearts and imaginations.”

Details about The American Business Awards and the lists of Stevie winners announced are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest numerical Equity Score among real estate brands included in the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com for details.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (June 9, 2014) – HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate today announced a number of executive leadership changes within Intero Real Estate Services that will further advance the company’s growth strategies. Effective immediately, Tom Tognoli assumes the role of president and chief executive officer where he will provide strategic and operational oversight for Intero Real Estate Services and the Intero franchise network. Tognoli replaces Gino Blefari, who has assumed the role of senior vice president of HSF Affiliates, the franchise arm within the HomeServices of America enterprise. John Thompson will become chief operating officer and continue to be an integral part of Intero’s executive leadership team by overseeing Intero’s daily operations. Robert Moles will continue in his role as the Intero Real Estate Services chairman.

Tognoli, who founded Intero Real Estate Services in 2002 along with Blefari, and Thompson, is a result driven leader with 25 years of real estate industry experience. Tognoli began his career as an agent in 1989 and held numerous leadership positions within Century 21 and Coldwell Banker and upon inception of Intero became its chief operating officer.

With more than 25 years of experience in real estate brokerage sales and executive management at Coldwell Banker and Century 21 and as executive vice president of Intero for the past decade, Thompson, brings extensive business development skills, industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to his new role as Intero’s chief operating officer.

“Both Tom and John have proven themselves to be dedicated and accomplished leaders with a firm grasp of the real estate industry and the experience, creativity and drive to bring Intero to new levels of success.” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “We look forward to their joining the HomeServices executive leadership team and working with them in the months and years to come.”

“This is a great honor and a great opportunity,” stated Tognoli. “Intero has a very bright future, and I look forward to working alongside John, Bob and our talented sales leadership team as we steer Intero to continued growth and success.”

“I am extremely confident about our future, as we are constantly investing in new ways to both enhance the client experience and attract new consumers,” said Thompson. “Being part of HomeServices of America provides us with access to resources as we further expand our ability to serve the real estate needs of our new and existing customers.”

“Tom and John are renowned for their ability to attract and retain seasoned professionals, capacity for identifying emerging leaders, and talent for helping new agents unlock their potential,” said Moles. “And together with John and Tom, we will continue to embrace the people and communities we serve as we strengthen what we’ve built over the last 11 years.”

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.

IRVINE, CA (Mar. 19, 2014) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced it was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” in the 26^th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest ranking in the Real Estate Agency category based on consumers’ perception of its brand familiarity, quality and purchasing consideration, among other qualifying elements. The study was based on opinions of more than 40,000 U.S. consumers surveyed online earlier this year.

“We are delighted to be recognized by consumers in the venerable Harris Poll EquiTrend® study,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “This terrific honor by consumers is a tribute to our powerful brand – whose namesake is the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. – and the top-quality affiliates and agents who represent it.”

Added Stephen Phillips, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: “We are humbled by the honor, particularly since our brand was not even a year old at the time of the study. We look forward to a bright future as part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”  

The brand received the highest numerical Equity Score among large real estate brands included in the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study, which measures and compares the brand health of more than 1,500 brands across 170 categories from airlines and apparel to retailers and real estate. Consumers responded with their brand perceptions, gauging their emotional connection to the brand, plus brand awareness, influence and familiarity. According to Harris, a brand is defined as a set of persuasive promises about a product, service or organization that differentiates it from others in a universally positive, contextually relevant or personally compelling way.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, which transitioned its first affiliates in September 2013, has grown exponentially with independently owned brokerages operating across America. The network is built on a foundation of quality with rigorous standards for affiliation. “Our network members clearly understand the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ brand promise and the responsibility to uphold it,” said Phillips. “We all believe it’s an honor to be part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

MINNEAPOLIS (January 27, 2014) –HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that Greg Mason has assumed the role of chief executive officer of Edina Realty Home Services–inclusive of its brokerage, mortgage, title and escrow and insurance businesses. Bob Peltier, former president and CEO of Edina Realty Home Services has been named Chairman Emeritus of the company.

Edina Realty is one of the nation’s largest real estate companies with approximately 60 real estate offices throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In 2013, Edina Realty closed nearly 31,500 real estate transactions and more than $7.2 billion in sales volume.

Mason joined Edina Realty Home Services in 1986 and served as corporate legal counsel where he was actively engaged in virtually all aspects of the home transaction lifecycle and, as a member of the executive leadership team was instrumental in Edina Realty’s expansion into key regional markets. In 1997, Mason was named president of Edina Realty Title and was responsible for it becoming one of the leading residential title service companies in the Midwest. He also served as managing director of title services for HomeServices of America, Inc., overseeing the company’s title and escrow operations nationwide. In 2011, under Mason’s leadership, the HomeServices Title & Closing Network—a group of local companies working cooperatively to provide a full spectrum of title and closing services through a national network operating in all 50 states—was established. He is active in the American Land Title Association and Real Estate Services Providers Council.

Peltier began his real estate career in 1978 and has held numerous executive leadership positions at Edina Realty before being named Edina Realty Home Services president and CEO in 2009. He is considered an expert in key industry areas including new construction and development, technology and general market trends and under Peltier’s leadership, Edina Realty has grown to more than 60 offices and more than 2,200 REALTORS® throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin and, together with Edina Realty Mortgage, Edina Realty Title and Edina Realty Insurance, is considered one of the premier real estate companies in the Midwest and one of the largest and most respected nationwide. Peltier, a long-time resident of St. Paul is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership and is active in the real estate industry on both the state and national levels.

“I am extremely proud of everyone at Edina Realty and what we have accomplished,” said Peltier. “Greg is extraordinarily well-qualified to serve as CEO and under his leadership, coupled with our remarkable agents and management team, Edina Realty is poised for continued growth and success.”

“Bob and I have worked together for many years and his strategic insight and vision have been at the center of Edina’s unparalleled success,” said Mason. “He attracted and inspired a team of immensely talented executives, agents, sales managers and employees. I look forward to leading Edina Realty to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by our world class management team.”

“Bob’s leadership, dedication and uncompromising commitment to his agents, employees and customers guided Edina Realty to its position as one of the largest and most successful 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. Greg brings extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership qualities to Edina Realty and the HomeServices executive team and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the months and years to come.”

ATLANTA, Dec 09, 2013 — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential Georgia Realty has joined the growing network and now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. The brokerage, an established frontrunner in the Atlanta real estate market, follows affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Washington.

“We are thrilled to now be part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Dan Forsman, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brings an unparalleled level of quality and innovation to the real estate market and we are excited for what the future holds.”

Forsman and Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates, introduced the new brand at an agent event today at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta where they spoke about the implications of the transition on the local real estate market. Guests were also invited to a private tour of the museum in honor of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ new corporate membership and donation to the museum.

“Dan and his company have built a stellar reputation by delivering the highest value and exceptional service to clients,” said Lee. “We are proud they are now part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and we look forward to their continue growth and success.”

Added Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc.: “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is a highly regarded real estate company both nationally and regionally and we are delighted they have joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network.”

The brokerage also unveiled a suite of innovative digital resources for its agents and consumers, including a new real estate mobile app with custom local search options and a new digital advertising network, which will revolutionize the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta real estate market.

As part of the transition, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties agents also gain access to a robust real estate technology platform, ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and more.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ new “Cabernet & White” yard signs will begin appearing throughout Atlanta starting today. The company is part of a long line of Prudential Real Estate affiliates that have and will continue to join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014 and beyond.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 20, 2013) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced that Prudential First Realty has joined the growing network and now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty. The brokerage, a leader in the Des Moines real estate market, follows affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia and Washington.

“We are honored and excited to join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said David Peers, general manager and chief operating officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty. “Starting this next chapter with the Berkshire Hathaway brand name – the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s – will bring even more opportunities to our agents and clients and strengthen our position as a leader in Iowa real estate.”

Peers and Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, introduced the new brand at the Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines today and spoke about the implications of the transition on the local real estate market. They helped unveil the new “Cabernet and Cream” signage, and agents and brokers from the company’s three offices were on hand to celebrate and display the first yard sign at a local property.

“We are thrilled to welcome First Realty to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Peltier. “For the last 50 years, First Realty has built its reputation as a frontrunner in the real estate market with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced agents. We are proud to have the company join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network and represent the brand in Iowa.”

With the change, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliates gain access to a robust real estate technology platform, ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and more.

“A respected leader in the Iowa marketplace, First Realty makes a strong addition to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” added Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “First Realty is known for its commitment and dedication to its clients and we are excited to have the team on board.”

First Realty’s new yard signs will begin appearing throughout Des Moines starting today. The company is part of a long line of Prudential Real Estate affiliates that will join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014 and beyond.

MINNEAPOLIS (November 12, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Rubloff Properties and its subsidiaries Rubloff Insurance and Sterling Title Services LLC.

Prudential Rubloff Properties and its subsidiaries will merge with Chicago area brokerage Koenig & Strey Real Living Real Estate, which HomeServices acquired in September 2009. Each will retain their names until the combined company transitions in spring 2014 to become Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., Prudential Rubloff Properties is one of the largest brokers in the Chicago area market, with more than 860 sales associates and professional staff located throughout Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities as well as a branch office in New Buffalo, Michigan serving the Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Through Rubloff Insurance and Sterling Title Services LLC., the company provides one-stop shopping to its clients, including title insurance and escrow services, and property and casualty insurance. In 2012, Prudential Rubloff Properties had nearly $2.2 billion in sales volume.

Koenig & Strey Real Living serves the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities with more than 730 agents and staff. In 2012, Koenig & Strey had nearly $2 billion in sales volume.

The transaction unites the two companies, creating an organization with nearly 1,600 real estate professionals and staff providing customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities with exceptional strength and resources to help them buy and sell their homes. In 2012, the combined firm closed more than $4 billion in sales volume. Based on historical data provided by MRED, Chicago’s MLS provider, the combined company captures the No. 2 market share position based on volume.

The companies’ current principals will have leadership positions in the combined organization. Nancy Nagy will serve as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, Michael Pierson will serve as president and Chris Eigel will serve as chief operating officer.

“Nancy, Michael and Chris are each highly regarded for their leadership skills, their real estate experience and their unwavering commitment to their agents, employees and buyers and sellers,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Bringing together the leadership, resources and talent of these two companies uniquely positions them to deliver on their shared mission of providing an exceptional customer experience and creates an outstanding opportunity for introducing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to the Chicago market.”

With this transaction, HomeServices of America has nearly 22,000 real estate professionals operating in 25 states. In 2012, the company’s associates facilitated more than $55 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 193,000 transactions and more than 153,000 mortgage, insurance, title and escrow transactions. HomeServices of America’s growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their community and long-standing traditions for excellence.

“Combining Prudential Rubloff with Koenig & Strey represents a new chapter in the history of our great companies and is a game changer in Chicago real estate,” said Nancy Nagy, president and CEO, Koenig & Strey Real Living. “I have tremendous respect for both Michael and Chris and look forward to working closely with them as we bring Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group to the Chicago market.”

“By being part of HomeServices and joining forces with Koenig & Strey, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of our new and existing clients,” said Michael Pierson, president and chairman, Prudential Rubloff Properties. “This brings together two legendary companies to create one magnificent future.”

“HomeServices is an organization known for its strength and stability, which is consistent with our standards of integrity, work ethic and creativity, making this a win/win for our customers and our sales associates,” said Chris Eigel, chief executive officer Prudential Rubloff Properties.

“This is an important transaction to HomeServices and we are looking forward to having Michael, Chris and their teams join the HomeServices family,” Peltier said.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov 06, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC,  today announced that Prudential Northwest Properties has joined the network. The brokerage, one of Portland’s largest, now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. It is among the first companies to go live under the new brand following affiliate launches in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Washington.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our company,” said Jason Waugh, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “We have the privilege and honor to use the storied Berkshire Hathaway brand name, which stands for the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s. The brand will bring our company even more distinction in the marketplace and greater advantages for our agents and clients.”

Waugh and his father Bert Waugh Jr., the brokerage’s chairman, introduced the brand and unveiled new signage during a presentation to agents and employees at The Nines Hotel, Portland. “The Berkshire Hathaway name is known worldwide for trust, integrity, strength and stability, and these are the same qualities on which we built our company,” Bert Waugh added. “For us, this is the right brand at the right time.”

“Northwest Real Estate is a tremendous company and an exemplary charter member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” added Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc. “We are proud that Jason, Bert and the team are carrying the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand into the Portland market.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliates also gain access to a robust real estate technology platform, plus ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and more.

Northwest Real Estate’s new “Cabernet and Cream” yard signs will begin appearing throughout Portland starting today. The company is the next in a long line of Prudential Real Estate affiliates that will join the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand through 2014.

“We’re pleased to welcome Northwest Real Estate to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “The Waughs and their team are well respected in the marketplace, and they will be terrific ambassadors of our new brand.”