Randall W. Hannaway, a founding partner of Colorado Group Realty, Steamboat's largest and most respected locally-owned real estate and development firm, shares how he got his start in real estate and what exciting activities he enjoys doing outside of work.
How did you get your start in real estate? I moved to Steamboat in 1986, and within a year or so I stumbled upon 27 acres for sale near the base of the ski area. It intrigued me that the developers had invested over $5,000,000 in infrastructure, and that it could be purchased for just over $1.2 Million. Even though I didn’t have any real estate experience I knew the property was special so I put together a plan to purchase it. One of the smarter decisions I ever made…
What path has your career taken? Starting at a small real estate company I was fortunate to be mentored by a great broker named Flint V. He was a very wise and hilarious broker who greatly shaped my real estate foundation along with sharing some huge life lessons in a very short time. Within 18 months of my becoming a broker, Flint retired. It just wasn’t the same without him so I left the firm to start my own company and never looked back. Growing up on a dairy farm I gravitated towards brokering large ranches and guest ranches which I enjoyed immensely. Over time, I became more involved in development and large luxury projects. Today I strive to work only with people I enjoy. Regardless if it’s a first time, second home buyer, or a large luxury/commercial development, the people and the project have to be fun. Even in the most trying of times you can still have a great time in this business because you have the pleasure of helping people.
Why is your company successful? A few things: 1. People 2. Culture 3. Systems. We hire brokers who are dedicated to giving back to their community (every broker at CGR holds a key position in a non-profit or community committee). We love the outdoors so in order to allow plenty of play time we strive to provide a very productive work environment for our brokers and staff. Our thirst for recreation was a huge driver in creating systems that allow our brokers to be outside where you actually meet customers. Very few deals are done in the office, we understand this and push our brokers to be where our clients are… on the slopes, golf course, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, you name it, they are outside.
What are your favorite parts of your job? An easy question to answer: Meeting new, seriously smart and like-minded people while making their transition to Steamboat seamless and fun.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Just about anything you can imagine outdoors, especially with my wife, Jane, and two children John (13) and Sarah (11). We all love to ski, snowmobile, bike, hike, camp, etc… My personal passions are technology, music and flying. When I’m not with the family you will find me with my largest smile piloting an airplane, hot air balloon or helicopter. Aviating in the Rockies is an amazing experience year-round. I love the beauty, excitement and challenge that flying offers every time my feet leave the ground.
For more information on Colorado Group Realty, please visit www.mybrokers.com.