Seeing year-over-year growth for more than a decade has been a source of pride for John Lawrence. “In the last two years, we have grown by 60 percent by providing agents with the tools and resources they need to be successful, aggressive training and coaching, and having expectations for them,” says Lawrence, managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. Lawrence’s emphasis on education stems from his days teaching at-risk middle schoolers and coaching girls’ basketball.
“My agents like working with me because they feel that I truly care about their businesses, that I’m available to help them when needed and that I do what I say I’m going to do,” says Lawrence, whose market is Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and the near west suburbs. “I’m a relationship-driven person and they feel that. I am also a teacher at heart and they know I have their best interests in mind as I make decisions for the office.”
Always looking for ways to share new information and skills, Lawrence hopes to find many opportunities to both teach and learn from his agents.
“We are big believers in the Matterport 3D camera,” he says. “We purchased one in 2015, and our clients love the virtual tour. My staff is also very strong with social media, and that is good for our branding and promoting of the great things our agents are doing.”
Being installed for his second year as President of the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors (OPAAR) in September 2017, the association’s 100th anniversary was special to Lawrence. OPAAR named him Realtor of the Year in 2013 and he received the 2012 Walter R. James Award for community service.
Lawrence also earned the 2012 Director of the Year award from Opportunity Knocks, a nonprofit organization that serves young adults with special needs. He currently sits on the board of directors.
“I’m just a regular husband and dad who likes to hang with family and travel,” Lawrence says. His favorite annual vacation is to Aspen each year for two weeks of snowboarding.
