As the residential real estate market reaches a critical inflection point, a trio of leaders rises to guide the home buying and selling experience from transaction to triumph.
WRITTEN BY: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
The residential real estate market, once a predictable waltz of property and purse, has morphed into a labyrinthine tango. New technologies, shifting regulations, and a bewildering array of competing interests have transformed the simple act of buying or selling a home into an endeavor fraught with complexity. Amidst this swirling uncertainty, the consumer often finds themselves adrift, wishing for a steady hand to guide them through the tempest.
Enter HomeServices of America, the titan of residential real estate and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. While others may falter in the changing currents, HomeServices is doubling down on its foundational principle: unwavering dedication to the client. As Chris Kelly, the President & CEO, articulates, “The company’s DNA has been to serve the consumer throughout the whole of the home buying or selling process. Our aim is to be the port in the storm and be a true valued partner.”
In a market demanding not just expertise but true empathy, leadership, of course, is paramount. HomeServices’ answer to this evolving landscape? A triumvirate of seasoned industry titans, each possessing decades of experience in the trenches of real estate, is now poised to steer the ship towards a redefined customer experience. “We are in sync,” Kelly declares, “fully aligned on doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of the consumer, and further our realtor’s expertise to help them maximize their efforts.”
Over the past few months, these three luminaries have been strategically placed in pivotal roles, ready to infuse their unique perspectives and proven methodologies into the very fabric of HomeServices of America.
CANDACE ADAMS
THE CULTURE ARCHITECT
The new SVP of HomeServices of America, Candace Adams, steps into Chris Kelly’s former role, bringing with her a formidable reputation as a true force of nature. Most recently, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway New England, New York, and Hudson Valley Properties, Adams commanded an impressive empire of 2,600 agents across 63 offices.
Her accolades speak volumes: a decade-long presence on Swanepoel’s “Power 200” list of the most influential figures in residential real estate, coupled with recognition among Real Estate Executive Magazine’s “100 Most Influential Real Estate Executives.” Indeed, Candace Adams is nothing short of a rock star in this intricate world.
Beyond the glittering awards, Adams’s true genius lies in her unwavering commitment to culture building. Her passion is to dismantle the walls that often impede true camaraderie, fostering collaborative environments where success is a shared victory. If her hallmark is cultivating a harmonious ecosystem, her superpower is an uncanny ability to influence outcomes, deftly identifying individual motivations and charting a course that propels everyone towards collective triumph.
VINCE LEISEY
THE INNOVATOR AND CONSENSUS BUILDER
Taking the helm as President of HSF Affiliates, the franchising arm of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) network, is Vince Leisey. Previously the CEO of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate in Omaha, Leisey is renowned for his innovative spirit, having sculpted business practices that have since become industry benchmarks.
In his new role, Leisey’s primary objective is to forge consensus through relationships. He firmly believes that empowering individuals to showcase their values ignites a positive momentum that ripples throughout the entire enterprise. Outside the boardroom, Leisey finds his solace in the serenity of water. He understands the relentless pace of modern life, and sees his passion for boating as an essential antidote for regrouping.
Yet, perhaps nothing distinguishes Vince quite like his sartorial choices. A man of unorthodox tastes, he eschews the traditional suit and tie, proudly proclaiming he hasn’t purchased one in over three decades. His trademark bright shirts are an extension of his vibrant personality—bold, unapologetic, and perfectly suited to the man who wears them.
JIMMY BURGESS
THE COACHING CATALYST
Rounding out this formidable trio is Jimmy Burgess, the newly appointed Chief Coaching Officer for HomeServices of America. As President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, Burgess has long been recognized as a nationally acclaimed trainer.
In his new capacity, Burgess is tasked with nothing less than empowering agents and leaders at every stage of their careers. His mission: to develop strategic coaching initiatives that seamlessly blend practical tools with real-world application. The logic is simple yet profound: the better equipped a residential real estate agent is, the better they can navigate the intricate needs of today’s discerning consumer.
Burgess champions a holistic view of training, emphasizing that true growth stems not from chasing fleeting trends, but from the consistent execution of fundamentals, imbued with heart and a service-first mindset. He’s a fervent believer in normalizing coaching, dispelling the misconception that it’s solely for those who are “struggling.” On the contrary, he asserts, “the best in any industry, including real estate, are the ones committed to coaching.”
The guiding principle that has shaped Burgess’s own journey is elegantly simple: “Small, consistent actions compound into big results.” It’s a philosophy he applies not just to business, but to relationships, health—indeed, every facet of life. His relentless pursuit of knowledge is what keeps him at the forefront, with curiosity as his sharpest tool.
With this hall-of-fame cadre of leaders at its helm, HomeServices of America stands poised not merely to adapt to the rapidly shifting residential real estate world, but to define its very future. The stage is set for a revolution, and the consumer, it seems, will be the ultimate beneficiary.
