Karen M. Schneider, president of Lois Schneider Realtor, believes the success of her company starts with their extraordinary sales people and the core values that are reflected in their daily business strategies. Karen serves on the Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents, which celebrates its anniversary in 2014, and will be attending the upcoming 19th Annual Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference in Boston, MA.
How did you get your start in real estate?
My mother, Lois Schneider, began her real estate career when I was eight, and my first job was in her office when I was a young teenager. She insisted that I get my license when I turned 18. When she opened her own office in 1976, I was placed on the Board of Directors and started making referrals while I worked as a psychiatric nurse for several years, followed by a career as an attorney. Initially a litigator, I was later appointed by the federal court as a Special Master overseeing conditions in the DC correctional facilities. Subsequently, I consulted on medical/legal related issues. In 2009, I decided it was time for another change and began participating in the daily managing of Lois Schneider Realtor (LSR). When my mother passed away in 2012, I assumed the role as President of the company.
What path has your career taken?
As can be seen, I have come full circle. Real estate was my first job and hopefully my last, with other exciting pursuits along the way.
Why is your company successful?
The success of LSR starts with our extraordinary sales people, who have an incredible passion and dedication to their work. My mother had an uncanny ability to recruit the best of the best. We also are blessed with great support staff, including a top-notch marketing and graphic department that create a high-quality, consistent look across all collateral materials.
From the beginning, LSR has occupied a unique market niche, a true boutique firm in the days of mergers, expansions and buyouts by huge national companies. When my mother founded the company, she opted to establish a strong brand with just a single office that she strategically opened in the heart of the upscale town of Summit, New Jersey, a direct train line away from Wall Street. Her mission was to offer unparalleled personal service through excellent local-based market knowledge and expertise, hiring only highly skilled professionals who had their finger on the pulse of the community.
Moreover, the company’s extensive philanthropic endeavors are at the heart of LSR’s business philosophy, where we feel that giving back to the community is an essential component to building meaningful relationships and establishing good will.
On a global level, the company has wisely aligned itself with Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the prestigious Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents, and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, where our clients benefit from these powerful affiliations, both locally and worldwide.
We believe our success comes from our core values that are reflected in our daily business strategies. Today, LSR remains the number-one market leader in its area, both as a local powerhouse and global partner.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
By far, my favorite part is the interaction with the sales associates and staff. LSR personnel are truly my extended family, and I have known many for over 20 years. Being able to work with such highly respected and hard-working professionals is truly a pleasure. I also enjoy working through the day-to-day challenges of the business with my wonderful staff and management team and finding ways to make LSR run as efficiently as possible.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am an avid sports fan, and my primary passion is college basketball. As a graduate of Georgetown University and the mother of two daughters who also are alumni, we take many family trips to watch the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team play, even as far as a special trip to China! I also spend a great deal of time volunteering for Georgetown as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors, Vice President of the Hoya Hoop Club, guest lecturer and alumni interviewer. Other passions include travel, skiing and relaxing at the beach.