For more than 165 years, Baird & Warner has maintained its independence because it gives us the freedom to improve and learn, to invest and innovate, and to make a difference — in our communities, with our clients, and in our own lives.
That independence has allowed us to create a collaborative culture that truly empowers everyone to be their very best. We’ve heard more than once from agents that, “If I’d known, I would have joined a long time ago.”
Baird & Warner has always fostered an environment of working together with a shared goal in mind. In our culture of collaboration, we’re not just here to grow our business, we’re here for each other — it’s just the right thing to do.
That’s why we were named No. 1 Top Workplace in real estate eight years in a row by the Chicago Tribune. Because here, we’re empowered to be the most effective professionals in an environment that’s set up for our success and our well-being.
Q: What’s the secret to winning 8 Top Workplace awards?
A: I always say that winning the award is great, but it’s important that we actually are a top workplace. We continually invest in our people and a culture of empowerment that enables everyone to succeed. When I see the supportive environment and the passion people have for their jobs and upholding our values, it makes sense that we’d be recognized as a top workplace.
Q: What’s something you think other brokerages just get wrong today?
A: Fundamentally, this business is about people. Brokerages latch onto new technology and think it will solve everything, but that’s really missing the point. Success comes from treating your people well, training them properly, and supporting them. We look for the best tech, but at the end of the day, we know that this industry is all about providing a one-to-one service to buyers and sellers, and we believe in coaching our people to do that.
Q: How does Baird & Warner stay so current despite being more than 160 years old?
A: We’re the oldest independent brokerage in the country, but we’re not stuck in the past. We’re always looking for ways to get better, to grow, to bring in new technology to help our agents succeed. At the end of the day, it’s all about providing great service, and we’re comfortable adapting to what our customers need and want, and finding ways to help our agents run successful businesses.
Q: Why do agents like working for Baird & Warner?
A: Agents who thrive at Baird & Warner like that they can grow their business and still be a part of a supportive, empowering culture. We know agents that come from brokerages where they’ve been nickel-and-dimed on everything — we don’t do that here. They appreciate having the support they need, whether it’s our excellent managers, or access to the tools and services they need to make their business grow.
