neighborsGood

Charter One Realty Leads By Example In Supporting The Coastal Empire And Lowcountry Communities

BY HANNAH MASSEN

When it comes to real estate in the Lowcountry, Charter One Realty has been an established leader for more than three decades – with the agency’s depth of market knowledge, negotiation skills and years of experience inspiring trust and confidence from their many clients. However, along with the team’s passion for real estate, the agents at Charter One Realty are also driven by another passion that is helping them lead the way, and truly “lead by example” in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry: their passion for giving back -- and for being a good neighbor by giving their time, energy and donations to those less fortunate in the community.

“All of us here in Charter One Realty recognize that we have been blessed with success due to the support for our business from our community,” said Tom Reed, Broker-in-Charge, who among other philanthropic activities serves as Chairman of the Board of Osprey Village, a nonprofit organization developing affordable housing options and support services for local adults with developmental disabilities. “Giving back to our community as a way of saying ‘thank you’ is in our company’s DNA. Every year, we donate 10% of our profits to support area non-profit organizations whose missions align with our goals for benefiting the community. We recognize that these organizations are enriching the lives along with the quality of life for all of the citizens in our community. The way that we look at it, we are simply doing our part. We view it as both a privilege and a responsibility. Our community supports us and we owe it to the community to reciprocate.”

Since its inception, Charter One Realty (which has ten offices throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry) has supported the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and watched it grow into one of the most renowned small-town symphonies in the world. They also support the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina as they elevate the Lowcountry’s thriving arts scene through producing plays, hosting art classes, and holding gallery shows for local artists.

The real estate firm does not only support arts and culture organizations – they are proud to lead efforts to help support a number of other established and important community organizations throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, including Deep Well, Hilton Head Heroes, First Presbyterian Day School, and the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Charter

One was named a Diamond Sponsor by Volunteers in Medicine and was proud to present VIM with a check for $20,000 last year. The firm is also leading the way and setting an example for others by providing financial support to help local organizations make muchneeded purchases, helping to purchase two box trucks for Osprey Village and three box trucks for Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity.

In addition, not only do the agents at Charter One Realty lead the way in helping people buy and sell their homes, but they are leaders in helping to give of their time and talents in helping to build homes for an important cause, as well. Many of the agency’s volunteers help Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity build houses for families in need on and off the island.

A proven leader in so many ways, the charitable arm of Charter One Realty donates a significant portion of its profits to local organizations every year – but notes that their dedication to helping the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry thrive, and their love for their community, goes far beyond the numbers.

“The Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are our home and the people behind these organizations, and those they serve, are our neighbors,” said Reed. “We value the strength of the relationships we have built with those neighbors, and the community we are all building together.”

That’s what leadership, and being a good neighbor, is all about.

3takeaways

FOR CREATING A COMPANY CULTURE THAT “GIVES BACK”

1Attract those whose personal values align with your company’s values. “At Charter One Realty, our vision and mission statements are founded on the principles of Integrity, Professional Service and Leadership, with leadership in the communities in which we work and live a key factor for our charitable arm.”

2Foster a culture that lends itself to a desire to serve -- and hold each other accountable to deliver when needed.

3When it comes to volunteering, do it together! Working together, celebrating the big wins together and laughing together as often as you can makes it fun - and it’s awesome to be part of such a great work family.