Press Releases
HILL & CO. PROVIDES THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENTS
INNOVATIVE UNIFIED MESSAGING TECHNOLOGY
San Francisco, CA – January 22, 2008 – Hill & Co. Real Estate is the first residential real estate brokerage in San Francisco to implement a complete, advanced Unified Messaging (UM) technology to meet the communication needs of their geographically dispersed and highly mobile workforce.
“Having a reliable unified messaging system is no longer a ‘want to have’—it is a ‘must have’, especially in the world of selling real estate,” said Jeremy Ferguson, Director of Technology at Hill & Co. “Our agents are always mobile and geographically dispersed throughout the San Francisco area. We needed a reliable, user-friendly communications system that helped our workforce stay in touch with each other as well as our clients. We also needed to upgrade our IT and communication systems to stay ahead of the competition.”
After evaluating a few unified messaging solutions, Hill & Co. decided to implement and deploy Active Voice Kinesis* throughout their organization and all service branches. “We chose Kinesis because it offers the best-of-breed Unified Messaging system that met our specific needs and the easiest way to migrate from traditional VM to Unified Communications in a gradual approach without the need to replace other existing investments or retrain our staff,” Ferguson explained.
The largest single value Hill & Co. has realized through Kinesis is its ability to improve their agents’ ability to respond to clients in a timely manner.
Commenting on agent experience with Kinesis is Ron Sebahar, a broker associate at Hill & Co. “The ability to instantaneously know, via e-mail, when a client or anyone integral to the real estate transaction process has left a message in my voicemail box has proven extremely valuable in allowing me to respond quickly and demonstrate a higher level of responsiveness, care and professionalism. This technology is perfectly suited for my often erratic schedule, which keeps me away from my desk for long periods. Having experienced several successful years in the real estate industry, I now truly believe that timely communication is crucial and this technology helps to achieve that,” he said.
Ferguson added: “For over 50 years, our company has harnessed a reputation in San Francisco as a premier brokerage firm; we want to elevate that reputation among our peers by providing our workforce advanced technologies that will help them succeed in what they do best.”
“We are pleased that Hill & Co. found our Kinesis Unified Messaging solution to be the perfect match for their specific business communication needs after evaluating other solutions,” said Eyal Inbar, General Manager of Marketing, Active Voice. “In a highly competitive market such as real estate, companies like Hill & Co. have to look at strategically improving their organization to stay ahead of the competition. Active Voice’s ability to integrate with their existing phone system and infrastructure, as well as emulate the telephone user interface of their aging Octel voice mail system allows Hill & Co. to not only gain a competitive advantage of increased productivity, but eliminates any need to retrain employees or replace their existing IT investment .”
About Active Voice
Active Voice, LLC, a subsidiary of NEC Unified Solutions, is a global leader in Unified Messaging, computer telephony and voice messaging solutions, powering the communications infrastructure of businesses worldwide. The Seattle-based company has offices in the United States, Australia and the Netherlands. Over 200,000 Active Voice systems have been installed in more than 60 countries. Active Voice’s products are sold and supported through a network of independent telecommunications manufacturers, dealers, computer resellers and strategic partners. For more information, visit our Web site at www.activevoice.com or contact Active Voice's Sales Support at 1-800-284-3575 or by e-mail at sales@activevoice.com.
* The registered trademark KINESIS is licensed from Kinesis Corporation (www.kinesis.com), designer and distributor of ergonomic computer accessories. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
INNOVATIVE UNIFIED MESSAGING TECHNOLOGY
San Francisco, CA – January 22, 2008 – Hill & Co. Real Estate is the first residential real estate brokerage in San Francisco to implement a complete, advanced Unified Messaging (UM) technology to meet the communication needs of their geographically dispersed and highly mobile workforce.
“Having a reliable unified messaging system is no longer a ‘want to have’—it is a ‘must have’, especially in the world of selling real estate,” said Jeremy Ferguson, Director of Technology at Hill & Co. “Our agents are always mobile and geographically dispersed throughout the San Francisco area. We needed a reliable, user-friendly communications system that helped our workforce stay in touch with each other as well as our clients. We also needed to upgrade our IT and communication systems to stay ahead of the competition.”
After evaluating a few unified messaging solutions, Hill & Co. decided to implement and deploy Active Voice Kinesis* throughout their organization and all service branches. “We chose Kinesis because it offers the best-of-breed Unified Messaging system that met our specific needs and the easiest way to migrate from traditional VM to Unified Communications in a gradual approach without the need to replace other existing investments or retrain our staff,” Ferguson explained.
The largest single value Hill & Co. has realized through Kinesis is its ability to improve their agents’ ability to respond to clients in a timely manner.
Commenting on agent experience with Kinesis is Ron Sebahar, a broker associate at Hill & Co. “The ability to instantaneously know, via e-mail, when a client or anyone integral to the real estate transaction process has left a message in my voicemail box has proven extremely valuable in allowing me to respond quickly and demonstrate a higher level of responsiveness, care and professionalism. This technology is perfectly suited for my often erratic schedule, which keeps me away from my desk for long periods. Having experienced several successful years in the real estate industry, I now truly believe that timely communication is crucial and this technology helps to achieve that,” he said.
Ferguson added: “For over 50 years, our company has harnessed a reputation in San Francisco as a premier brokerage firm; we want to elevate that reputation among our peers by providing our workforce advanced technologies that will help them succeed in what they do best.”
“We are pleased that Hill & Co. found our Kinesis Unified Messaging solution to be the perfect match for their specific business communication needs after evaluating other solutions,” said Eyal Inbar, General Manager of Marketing, Active Voice. “In a highly competitive market such as real estate, companies like Hill & Co. have to look at strategically improving their organization to stay ahead of the competition. Active Voice’s ability to integrate with their existing phone system and infrastructure, as well as emulate the telephone user interface of their aging Octel voice mail system allows Hill & Co. to not only gain a competitive advantage of increased productivity, but eliminates any need to retrain employees or replace their existing IT investment .”
About Active Voice
Active Voice, LLC, a subsidiary of NEC Unified Solutions, is a global leader in Unified Messaging, computer telephony and voice messaging solutions, powering the communications infrastructure of businesses worldwide. The Seattle-based company has offices in the United States, Australia and the Netherlands. Over 200,000 Active Voice systems have been installed in more than 60 countries. Active Voice’s products are sold and supported through a network of independent telecommunications manufacturers, dealers, computer resellers and strategic partners. For more information, visit our Web site at www.activevoice.com or contact Active Voice's Sales Support at 1-800-284-3575 or by e-mail at sales@activevoice.com.
* The registered trademark KINESIS is licensed from Kinesis Corporation (www.kinesis.com), designer and distributor of ergonomic computer accessories. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
San Francisco, CA – December 18, 2007 – Stephanie Ahlberg, a Broker-Associate and a #1 Top Producer with Hill & Co. Real Estate, has been selected as an author in the recently released book, California Real Estate Client Strategies published by Aspatore Books. California Real Estate Client Strategies, ISBN: 9781596227576, is an authoritative, insider’s perspective on the ins and outs of achieving success as a California real estate agent.
A fascinating read for real estate professionals and for the public at large curious about agent values and practices, the book provides unusually candid and timely insight into today’s real estate market and how it is impacting buyers, sellers and the agents themselves.
Featuring top brokers and REALTORS® from real estate agencies across California, this book provides a broad, yet comprehensive overview of the unique aspects and challenges of working in the California real estate market. Discussing the competitive nature of real estate on the West Coast and the importance of standing out in the crowd, these authors raise critical points around understanding the real estate knowledge exclusive to California, including escrows, second homes, investment properties, and fractional ownership properties.
From understanding the demographics of the state’s different regions to strategies for negotiating on behalf of one’s clients, these leaders articulate the finer points around California real estate now, and what will hold true into the future. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great minds of today, as experts offer a wealth of details around what it takes to secure long-term success in this endlessly demanding industry.
“I was very pleased to be asked to participate in this book,” said Ahlberg. “I have had the privilege of having excellent mentors– those who taught me the business – and I hope I can impart at least some of what I have learned to others.”
The Inside the Minds series is revolutionizing the business book market by publishing an unparalleled group of executives and providing an unprecedented introspective look into the leading minds of the business and legal world. For complete information on Inside the Minds, please visit www.Aspatore.com or email store@aspatore.com. Available at bookstores nationwide, the book can also be purchased by calling 1-866-ASPATORE or visiting http://www.aspatore.com/store/bookdetails.asp?id=570
Stephanie Ahlberg
Stephanie Ahlberg was the #1 Top Producing agent at Hill & Co. Real Estate in 2006. She had previously earned #1 Top Producer honors in the years 2005, 2002, 1994 & 1990. She was named the #2 Top Producer for the years 2004, 2003, 2000 & 1998, and has been a Top Ten Producer every year since 1988. A seasoned veteran, Ahlberg is in her 28th year selling residential real estate.
Aspatore – Publishers of C-Level Business Intelligence
Aspatore Books is the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms. Aspatore annually publishes a select group of C-Level executives from the Global 1,000, top 250 law firms (Partners & Chairs), and other leading companies of all sizes. C-Level Business Intelligence™, as conceptualized and developed by Aspatore Books, provides professionals of all levels with proven business intelligence from industry insiders – direct and unfiltered insight from those who know it best – as opposed to third-party accounts offered by unknown authors and analysts.
Aspatore Books is committed to publishing an innovative line of business and legal books, those which lay forth principles and offer insights that when employed, can have a direct financial impact on the reader's business objectives, whatever they may be.
For information: www.Aspatore.com
Contact: rpollock@aspatore.com
Phone: 1-866-ASPATORE
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
A fascinating read for real estate professionals and for the public at large curious about agent values and practices, the book provides unusually candid and timely insight into today’s real estate market and how it is impacting buyers, sellers and the agents themselves.
Featuring top brokers and REALTORS® from real estate agencies across California, this book provides a broad, yet comprehensive overview of the unique aspects and challenges of working in the California real estate market. Discussing the competitive nature of real estate on the West Coast and the importance of standing out in the crowd, these authors raise critical points around understanding the real estate knowledge exclusive to California, including escrows, second homes, investment properties, and fractional ownership properties.
From understanding the demographics of the state’s different regions to strategies for negotiating on behalf of one’s clients, these leaders articulate the finer points around California real estate now, and what will hold true into the future. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great minds of today, as experts offer a wealth of details around what it takes to secure long-term success in this endlessly demanding industry.
“I was very pleased to be asked to participate in this book,” said Ahlberg. “I have had the privilege of having excellent mentors– those who taught me the business – and I hope I can impart at least some of what I have learned to others.”
The Inside the Minds series is revolutionizing the business book market by publishing an unparalleled group of executives and providing an unprecedented introspective look into the leading minds of the business and legal world. For complete information on Inside the Minds, please visit www.Aspatore.com or email store@aspatore.com. Available at bookstores nationwide, the book can also be purchased by calling 1-866-ASPATORE or visiting http://www.aspatore.com/store/bookdetails.asp?id=570
Stephanie Ahlberg
Stephanie Ahlberg was the #1 Top Producing agent at Hill & Co. Real Estate in 2006. She had previously earned #1 Top Producer honors in the years 2005, 2002, 1994 & 1990. She was named the #2 Top Producer for the years 2004, 2003, 2000 & 1998, and has been a Top Ten Producer every year since 1988. A seasoned veteran, Ahlberg is in her 28th year selling residential real estate.
Aspatore – Publishers of C-Level Business Intelligence
Aspatore Books is the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms. Aspatore annually publishes a select group of C-Level executives from the Global 1,000, top 250 law firms (Partners & Chairs), and other leading companies of all sizes. C-Level Business Intelligence™, as conceptualized and developed by Aspatore Books, provides professionals of all levels with proven business intelligence from industry insiders – direct and unfiltered insight from those who know it best – as opposed to third-party accounts offered by unknown authors and analysts.
Aspatore Books is committed to publishing an innovative line of business and legal books, those which lay forth principles and offer insights that when employed, can have a direct financial impact on the reader's business objectives, whatever they may be.
For information: www.Aspatore.com
Contact: rpollock@aspatore.com
Phone: 1-866-ASPATORE
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
The Golden Gate Lutheran Church was built in 1910 and was in desperate need of seismic retrofitting. Unfortunately, the ministry couldn’t afford to have the work done.
Still, there was some interest. But the nearly 10,000 square foot building made of unreinforced masonry had fallen out of escrow with buyers twice before, not surprising considering the significant and complex retrofit work that was required. The situation was bleak until the team of Woodruff-Miller with Hill & Co. brought forth the perfect buyer and oversaw the complicated transaction to its happy conclusion.
The buyer was Siamak Akhavan, owner of BMP Construction, a seismic retrofit engineering company. He clearly saw the potential in the property and had the expertise to address the work required.
“In the end, the buyer is happy to have a great space to work on - one that he will eventually call home and that will also allow him to provide non-profit space to the community,” said Marcus Miller of the Woodruff-Miller Team. “The sellers are no doubt relieved that they can now move to other churches and be free of the huge liability this building represented.”
The Woodruff & Miller offer wasn’t the highest bid for the property, but it was the one that seemed the most feasible. After falling out of escrow twice, that was enormously important. Ultimately, it seems everyone’s prayers were answered.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
Still, there was some interest. But the nearly 10,000 square foot building made of unreinforced masonry had fallen out of escrow with buyers twice before, not surprising considering the significant and complex retrofit work that was required. The situation was bleak until the team of Woodruff-Miller with Hill & Co. brought forth the perfect buyer and oversaw the complicated transaction to its happy conclusion.
The buyer was Siamak Akhavan, owner of BMP Construction, a seismic retrofit engineering company. He clearly saw the potential in the property and had the expertise to address the work required.
“In the end, the buyer is happy to have a great space to work on - one that he will eventually call home and that will also allow him to provide non-profit space to the community,” said Marcus Miller of the Woodruff-Miller Team. “The sellers are no doubt relieved that they can now move to other churches and be free of the huge liability this building represented.”
The Woodruff & Miller offer wasn’t the highest bid for the property, but it was the one that seemed the most feasible. After falling out of escrow twice, that was enormously important. Ultimately, it seems everyone’s prayers were answered.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
San Francisco, CA - November 29, 2007 - Hill & Co. Real Estate has named Garey De Martini Director of Marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in all facets of marketing, promotion, branding and public relations, De Martini will oversee brand development for the company and its agents. He will also be instrumental in helping to create state-of-the-art marketing programs to promote the sale of client homes.
"In San Francisco's current real estate market, marketing is more important than ever. Homes are still selling when they are priced right and well promoted," said Jay Costello, President of Hill & Co. "We want to be sure we're doing everything we can to promote our company, agents and the homes we represent properly. Garey has proven he can do that."
Most recently De Martini was the Director of Marketing with another San Francisco brokerage. His career includes stints as manager in the marketing departments of the San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury News. He also served as Creative Director at two leading ad agencies in Silicon Valley.
A native of San Francisco, De Martini is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley. He met his wife Maria in 2001, and they married in 2003.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
"In San Francisco's current real estate market, marketing is more important than ever. Homes are still selling when they are priced right and well promoted," said Jay Costello, President of Hill & Co. "We want to be sure we're doing everything we can to promote our company, agents and the homes we represent properly. Garey has proven he can do that."
Most recently De Martini was the Director of Marketing with another San Francisco brokerage. His career includes stints as manager in the marketing departments of the San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury News. He also served as Creative Director at two leading ad agencies in Silicon Valley.
A native of San Francisco, De Martini is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley. He met his wife Maria in 2001, and they married in 2003.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
San Francisco, CA - November 29, 2007 - The name is familiar but the team member is brand new. John Woodruff Sr. recently joined his son John L. Woodruff III and Marcus Miller to form a now three-person group focusing on residential and commercial real estate in San Francisco.
The Woodruff-Miller Team (woodruff-miller.com) has been in place at Hill & Co. for seven years, the evolution of a successful practice established in 1987. Together, they have forged an enviable track record of success, and established a strong reputation for comprehensive market knowledge and superior service.
John Sr., a former Director of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, has been in real estate for more than 35 years. He introduced his son to the business, and for more than 10 years was a broker/investor in Park City, Utah.
John Sr. has held senior positions with companies across the country. In addition to his position in Park City, he was a Senior Investment Broker with Merrill Lynch Commercial Real Estate in San Francisco, Regional Vice President for Previews Inc. in New York, New England, Eastern Canada and Special Properties Director for Land Vest in Boston.
"My father brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge to our team," said John III. "He will be a wonderful asset for all of us. His success, energy and approach to the business inspired me to get into real estate twenty years ago. I am delighted to now be working side-by-side with him."
In addition to fine homes, hospitality and investment properties, John Sr. has marketed some very unique properties - from islands off the coast of New England to college campuses and ski resorts. Past clients include the Kennedy family, the Rockefellers, corporate celebrities and national developers.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.
The Woodruff-Miller Team (woodruff-miller.com) has been in place at Hill & Co. for seven years, the evolution of a successful practice established in 1987. Together, they have forged an enviable track record of success, and established a strong reputation for comprehensive market knowledge and superior service.
John Sr., a former Director of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, has been in real estate for more than 35 years. He introduced his son to the business, and for more than 10 years was a broker/investor in Park City, Utah.
John Sr. has held senior positions with companies across the country. In addition to his position in Park City, he was a Senior Investment Broker with Merrill Lynch Commercial Real Estate in San Francisco, Regional Vice President for Previews Inc. in New York, New England, Eastern Canada and Special Properties Director for Land Vest in Boston.
"My father brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge to our team," said John III. "He will be a wonderful asset for all of us. His success, energy and approach to the business inspired me to get into real estate twenty years ago. I am delighted to now be working side-by-side with him."
In addition to fine homes, hospitality and investment properties, John Sr. has marketed some very unique properties - from islands off the coast of New England to college campuses and ski resorts. Past clients include the Kennedy family, the Rockefellers, corporate celebrities and national developers.
Hill & Co.
Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City's finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco's complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.