Each year the RE/MAX brand honours real estate professionals who have gone above and beyond, significantly contributing to both the brand?s success and the real estate industry over the span of their careers. This year the award was presented to Peter and Val Gilmor, Chairman and co-founders of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, at the international RE/MAX convention held in Las Vegas during February.
This marks only the second time in the brand's 42 year history that the award has been presented to real estate professionals outside of North America, with the first time being Pelham Henwood, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Midlands, whose office is situated in Pietermaritzburg. Henwood received the reward in Denver in 2008.
Dave Liniger, Chairman and co-founder of RE/MAX LLC, says that the RE/MAX Distinguished Service Award recognised the efforts of unique individuals who have gone above the call of duty to better the RE/MAX family, the real estate industry and the larger community. "The award honours those who have been loyal to the company and its objectives over their careers and through their efforts and daily contributions, have woven a considerable part of themselves into the fabric of the organisation and contributed to the organisations' many achievements over the years," he says.
As co-founders of the RE/MAX of Southern Africa region, the pioneer expansion of the brand outside of North America, Peter and Val Gilmour truly embody the essence of what the award stands for and have been a dynamic force within the South African real estate industry, making an impact on the market at almost every level. Together with their partners, Peter and Val originally purchased the RE/MAX Franchise Rights for Southern Africa in 1995 and grew the brand successfully until the region was purchased by RE/MAX?International in 2000.?In 2009, RE/MAX International announced that the Southern African Franchise Operations were re-acquired by Peter and Val Gilmour under a new Master Franchise Agreement. This year the brand celebrates it 20th year of operation in the southern Africa region with a footprint in 10 countries - South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Lesotho, Mauritius and the Seychelles.RE/MAX of Southern Africa has grown considerably in the past two decades, despite the tough trading conditions that have dominated the last few years.
"We are extremely honoured to have been presented with this award by Dave Liniger and RE/MAX LLC in front of our peers at the international convention. It marks an amazing milestone in our journey with the brand and the real estate professionals within the global RE/MAX network," says Peter Gilmour.
Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett says that through the leadership and contributions of Peter and Val Gilmour, the brand has seen exponential growth over the past twenty years. "Despite the fact the real estate market experienced tough economic conditions during and post the recession, RE/MAX of Southern Africa has continued to make headway in the industry, attracting new agents and acquiring new franchises," says Goslett. "RE/MAX of Southern Africa's success and growth was recognised internationally when it was awarded as the top RE/MAX region in the world for 2012 at the group's Las Vegas convention in March 2013."
He notes that the Gilmours have established and grown the brand to become the largest real estate company in the country that is almost twice as large as its nearest competition with over 2 200 agents and sales in excess of R22 billion achieved for 2014. "It is good to know that the property professionals in our country that fall under the RE/MAX umbrella are among the best in the world and are able to assist buyers and sellers with their expertise in the industry," Goslett concludes.
