The management team of Vanguard Properties gathered in the sunlit lobby for a moment before the party. From left to right: Nina Dosang – CTO, Chelsea Hawk – Creative Director, David Chole – COO, Pam Hoffman – Oakland Sales Manager, Jennifer Supman, SVP and Managing Broker.
The expansion of the Peloporditandai Feature was marked by the addition of a beautifully renovated 7,000 square foot space at the top of Mountain Boulevard in Montclair, which can be described as fate. The emergence of peace or happiness is not just a coincidence; there is nothing random in the way you run your business.
Successful real estate management requires agents with exceptional market knowledge, a friendly atmosphere, a strong brand presence, and excellent leadership. When all these factors align in the summer of 2024, Vanguard Properties in the Bay Area and Private Equity became the leading broker for focused and active talent in the Inner East Bay Area.
Before opening the office, Vanguard recruited Pam Hoffman to lead the Montclair team. Hoffman comfortably occupies a modern version of the same corner office where she ran agents from Pacific Union and Compass until 1989.
„One of the promises we make to every agent is great leadership,“ said David Chole, Chief Operating Officer of Vanguard Properties, at the grand opening on October 10, 2024. „Pam Hoffman is an icon in this area. She has led many of these agents, you could say, ‚raised‘ them.“
Hoffman described this transition as a „refreshing and profound experience“ made possible by the amazing team at Vanguard Properties and their willingness to put their trust and resources in agents and the office. Her team has grown to over 34 agents, all working in the newly renovated office with the skill of local craftsmen.
Like other Vanguard Properties offices, the Montclair location is managed by professionals who prefer to work directly, surrounded by experienced colleagues, rather than in satellite offices or national real estate conglomerate headquarters. These agents know that being around a dedicated team of strong agents and leaders will enhance their business and customer service. They find that when surrounded by new colleagues they respect, everything from pricing and home search strategies to problem-solving for buyers and sellers becomes clearer and more accurate.
„We have never seen as many agents stay with a company all at once. It’s amazing,“ said Chol. He noted that the current brokerage trend started when large conglomerates began buying local brokers in the past seven years. „These agents learned real estate at a time when brokers focused on providing quality service to their agents and tried to get to know each agent personally, rather than competing for market share or promoting the brand image over each agent. These agents appreciate Vanguard’s commitment to the ‚agent-first‘ principle,“ he said.
A relaxed seating area with modern furniture and natural light welcomes guests in the lobby of Vanguard Properties, Montclair.
According to the National Association of Realtors report in 2024, Vanguard has an average agent tenure of 16 years, more than three times the national average for agents working at their current company. This longevity is a direct result of Vanguard’s commitment to continuing education, mentoring opportunities, and unwavering service to its agents.
„It’s truly beautiful how organic this growth is because we don’t have an HR department,“ said Chol. „Our agents hire people they respect and enjoy working with. They want to be here because of the quality of attention and care we provide.“
Since its founding in San Francisco in 1985, Vanguard Properties has remained committed to providing high-level service through independent ownership and strong local roots. As the largest real estate broker in the San Francisco Bay Area, Vanguard now has 17 offices, each with its own unique personality.
„Real estate is local, as is our agent business,“ said Chol. „This is a truth that permeates everything we do. Our management team consists of experienced local real estate professionals who guide company decisions – not private equity investors or venture capital executive boards.“
However, real estate is a people business that requires a high culture. At Vanguard Properties, they believe that if you create the right culture and attract the right people, everyone wins. The expansion of Vanguard in Montclair is another testament to this promise – to open offices only in places that have been approached by the agency community through trusted messengers. „When we find people who have a certain character strength and truly align with our core values, we will take a leap of faith with them and believe that this will lead us to success. The rapid growth of the Montclair office is a shining example of the wisdom of this development approach,“ said Chol.
Visitors to the grand opening of Vanguard Properties will join in discussions and friendships in the evening.
Despite its reputation as a broker of elite luxury goods, Vanguard exudes a genuine atmosphere of comfort and humility. Simply put, they have fun because they love what they do and inspire each other. Positive energy filled the glass-walled offices at the Montclair opening, as the voices and laughter of over 180 agents, community members, and friends filled the bright, spacious room.
„The Vanguard Properties brand is synonymous with selling high-end luxury goods, but true luxury is the service we provide to agents and their clients,“ said Chol. „We serve all price points, and every price point receives the same level of attention and detail.“
Some Vanguard agents specialize in first-time home buyers, while others focus on million-dollar listings. They encourage each other by creating a friendly and welcoming environment in the fields they serve.
„The best business for agents is built on referrals, and as a company, we mirror the same ethos. We always prioritize our agents and maintain high standards, ethics, and quality of service. Our agents trust the Vanguard Properties brand and they give us their closest friends in the industry because they know we will treat them with care,“ said Chol. „We are steadfast in this industry, and we are proud that our agents are the best representation of our character.“
Come and see our new office at 1900 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, California. vanguardproperties.com | (510) 590-4290 | DRE#01486075
First published: October 18, 2024 at 16:51