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Christina Pappas, president of The Keys Company in South Florida, celebrates the successes of her agents and staff as part of their business culture. Pappas believes doing so builds a collaborative brokerage.
“It’s the heart of our success, and we continue to find ways to do it,” she says.
One of her favorite quotes from Napoleon is, “Give me enough medals, and I’ll win you any war,” and she believes that consistent acknowledgment of her agents and staff members helps reach business goals and build camaraderie.
To thank those who have been at the company for five, ten and fifteen years, Pappas and her father and CEO, Mike Pappas, hand out plaques and gifts. They also give handwritten work anniversary cards to their agents and employees, as well as birthday cards. “In August, I did over 400 cards, with 30 people with over 20 years with us just that month,” she says.
They were so appreciative of those celebrating their 40 years with The Keyes Company and Illustrated Properties, Miami, that they sent them on a cruise. Everyone wants to be appreciated and acknowledged. Celebrating the successes and milestones of agents and staff can foster loyalty, job satisfaction and motivation.
A 2024 Quantum Workplace study found that employees were 31% less likely to leave the company when their leaders had a formalized plan for recognition. Business outcomes for individuals who received regular recognition from their superiors increased by 12%. In short, recognition is a small act that could reap big rewards.
“We celebrate everything,” Pappas says. “Our culture is a really warm welcome and family feel.”
Make It Organic
After leaving a large franchise, Katie Beamon opened her agency, Home Love Colorado Real Estate, in Fort Collins two years ago. She convinced a fellow franchise agent, Coy Wylie, to join her as co-owner and managing broker. He brought his daughter, a licensed agent, with him. Beamon says her goals for her office of six include their excitement about their careers and a focus on customer service.
“It doesn’t matter what the market is doing or how many deals we do,” she says. "We are happy, content and passionate. You build a space they can do their best in, love their families and communities and build something they are proud of and contribute to.”
She offers recognition and fosters team spirit through in-person get-togethers—usually held at a local bar for happy hour—and the team loves throwing parties throughout the week to celebrate successes.
“We gather for a drink and a meal. We do sing-along Christmas parties with friends and family. We are centered around music, either playing it or going to hear it. In fact, Wylie is a lead guitarist in a band, and they all go as a group to listen and support him.
She shies away from empty compliments and opts instead for heartfelt one-on-ones, which give her the chance to learn about her team members’ “why.” Once she knows what they’re working toward, she helps them advance their careers so they can achieve their goals.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
With over 3,500 agents and 45 offices throughout six counties in Florida, Pappas has many milestones and accomplishments to keep track of, but she’s committed to doing so. For instance, if someone has a baby, the brokerage sends food and gifts. She and her father hand out annual awards each year for their associates. They also visit each of the 45 offices in the summertime and give out what they call “half-time” awards.
“We start in early June and do two offices a day to celebrate everyone with an entire theme throughout the year, which is Rise with the Tide this year. We bring in a photographer for updated headshots, too,” she says. Pappas wants the celebration to extend to all members of team members, so she encourages the offices to set up a breakfast or lunch for agents and employees.
“It’s just about re-engaging with our associates and meeting them where they are. We spend two hours with them,” she says.
Celebrating milestones and successes should be part of your office culture, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are Beamon and Pappas’ ideas for celebrating your company and your people:
- Find and apply to industry awards programs. “Our public relations and marketing firm look hard at all award opportunities in the industry,” Pappas says. “The applications are filled out and we put our associates and employees up for various awards.” For awards like the Best of the Best or Top 30 in the industry, voting is necessary. Pappas makes sure those who are nominated know the team is behind them. The brokerage uses social media to garner votes and awareness. “We really embrace our agents’ successes,” she says.
- Be vocal about milestones. “Every human needs to be seen,” Beamon says. “We call our agents every closing, and every single closing gets a Facebook post, so they don’t have to remember to do it.” This is a simple acknowledgment that makes an agent feel seen.
- Build celebration into your leadership style. Pappas and her father have long relied on handwritten notes, face-to-face recognition and other types of acknowledgments, which let agents know their work and presence are appreciated.
- Listen. Sometimes, acknowledgment comes in the form of listening. “People just need to be there and try not to fix everything,” Beamon says. “You get beat up in this industry. As a leader, you are the therapist, the brother, the sister. You have to be so many things.”
