Brokerage Beat: News from C21, KW, Howard Hanna, more 

Editor's note: The brokerage business is a busy one, with frequent moves, mergers and milestones. Here we highlight some of the latest activity among brokerages across the U.S.

Largest C21 firm in Indiana expands with merger

Century 21 Scheetz, the brand's largest franchise in Indiana, has joined forces with Century 21 Breeden Realtors. The unified company, which now has 10 offices and over 420 agents, will operate as Century 21 Scheetz. 

Breeden has conducted business in the Columbus area since its founding in 1951. Co-owners Mark Pratt and Tara James said their team will benefit from the sales support, marketing resources and access to mortgage and title companies that Scheetz provides as the state's leading C21 affiliate.

"We're truly excited to come together and create powerful synergies as a combined company," Pratt said in a press release. Breeden's late owner Jan Hexamer-Gardner "would be proud to see the spirit and legacy she helped build carried forward with strength and purpose," he added.

 Scheetz CEO Tracy Hutton praised Breeden's "legacy of professionalism, goodwill, and commitment to their clients and communities," qualities that "made a lasting impact across the Columbus market."

"For decades, Mark, Tara and their exceptional team have built a reputation rooted in service and integrity," Hutton said. "I'm honored they've chosen to grow with us as we build on a shared commitment to excellence."

KW affiliate adds 20-agent team in Illinois

Keller Williams Premiere Properties welcomes Pat Callan and his 20-agent team into the fold in Illinois. Callan brings over 50 years of industry experience, the past 31 of which he spent as the owner of the Wheaton-based Realty Executives Premiere, a Realty Executives International franchisee that is now operating as PRG Group, LLC.

Callan and his team generated $130 million in sales volume last year. He views KW as "the best place for our agents to continue to grow their business," adding in a press release that the brokerage "is supported by the best-rated training, systems, and models."

Callan will now serve as Premiere Properties' senior advisor. He has built a "legacy of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the real estate industry" that is "unmatched," according to Jeannine Prombo, Team Leader, Keller Williams® Premiere Properties.

PRG Group, LLC's "track record of excellence is a perfect fit for our culture of growth and collaboration," Prombo said. "We're poised to reach new heights, and we couldn't be more excited about the future together."

Kuper Sotheby's merger cements decades-long partnership

Kuper Sotheby's International Realty has announced a merger with Port Aransas Realty, enabling the Austin-based firm to extend into the Texas Coastal Bend region. After working together for over three decades, the brokerages' partnership is now official.

In reflecting on the merger, Port Aransas Realty Founder Becky Corder — who described the brokerage as her "life's work" — said "there is no better family and company to entrust with our legacy."

J Kuper, Kuper Sotheby's principal broker, said there are "truly impressive" opportunities for development in Corpus Christi, North Padre Island, Port Aransas, Rockport and other areas that his firm will now serve.

"This has really become the belle of the ball as far as the Texas coast goes," Kuper said of the region, which the company noted in a press release is undergoing a transformation as more people view it as a resort-style coastal destination.

More brokerage news

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has announced a new partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that unites two iconic Pittsburgh-based institutions. Howard Hanna will serve as the presenting sponsor of the new "Take it to The House Sweepstakes," which will offer NFL fans prizes tied to the team's kickoff and punt return touchdowns once regular season games begin in September. The brokerage will also support fan events, including the SteelHERS Social and the Steelers' first-round draft pick's city tour.

The Agency has announced the opening of a new office in Valle de Bravo, its ninth location in Mexico. The new office, which demonstrates the company's commitment to global expansion and growth in Latin America, will be led by Ricardo Umansky and Alex Cuttler. The luxury brokerage launched 30 new offices in 2024 and has already expanded into seven new markets this year.

Illustrated Properties has named Christina Pappas to lead the brokerage into the future as its new president. Pappas, who succeeds Daniel Dennis, brings extensive industry experience to the firm, which is marking 50 years operating in the Palm Beaches. She previously held leadership roles with Florida Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In addition to her new role, Pappas will remain president of The Keyes Company, forming a unified leadership for the independent enterprise.

Engel & Völkers Minneapolis has renewed its franchise commitment, extending an affiliation with the global luxury brand that began in 2015. Led by license partners Geoffrey Bray and Lindsay Bacigalupo, the brokerage has expanded fivefold and grown its gross commission income by 1,457% over the last decade. The firm said it has plans for further regional expansion moving forward.

Coldwell Banker Warburg has expanded its team with the addition of broker Gina Conzo and agents Albert Safdie and Georgina Pazcoguin. Conzo brings deep expertise in downtown Manhattan's luxury market, while Safdie recently closed a record-breaking sale of a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Connecticut. Pazcoguin, an internationally acclaimed ballerina and author, brings a global network and creative edge to New York City's high-end real estate scene.