New firm grows from nine agents to 114 in 2 years

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Since Murney Associates opened its doors in July 1997, the company has grown and prospered. Starting with nine agents and a support staff of one, the brokerage office now houses 114 licensed agents served by an office staff of 11.

Twila Hillme, broker/manager, co-manages the daily business of the office with Harry Chalfant, while owner Patrick Murney is content to center his attention on his personal client list.

Murney, who was licensed in 1979, while still in college, began his sales career in Springfield in 1983. Hillme obtained her real estate license in 1985 and worked as an auditor for the Missouri Real Estate Commission until 1993. She then became office manager for Carol Jones, Realtors.

Murney said that while the growth of the company has exceeded anything he imagined, size has never been a high priority. His purpose from the beginning has been to give excellent service and provide a pleasant atmosphere in which associates can conduct their business, he said.

Everything is open and aboveboard in the office, Murney said. Relocation clients are posted, changes are announced and agent input is invited.

The company, made up mostly of experienced agents, works on a broker/agent split, with agents paying their own expenses and running their business as they see fit.

Support is available when needed and a regular weekly marketing meeting and home tour is scheduled. Broker/trainer Jack Rhoads conducts the meetings and keeps associates up on real estate trends, and rules and regulations. Associates are encouraged to use the time to market a listing or share a need.

Murney Associates will be opening a new office in Christian County by May of this year. Nixa resident Melinda Hayes will be managing broker of the office, with space for 25-plus licensees.

According to MLS 1999 sales statistics, business is good. If it keeps up, this could be another record-breaking year for Murney Associates.

Meanwhile, pre-sales have already begun at the new Waterford Subdivision, where construction will begin this year. Three Murney Associates agents represent builders in the development. Michelene Middleton and Cleo Hanson will be exclusive agents for Middleton Homes, and Roger Richardson will represent Buster-Hayes Properties.

In assessing whether there is a single factor most responsible for the huge success of the company, Hillme said without reservation, it is Patrick Murney. Patrick is well-liked by everyone and the agents have great respect for him, she said.

Murney Associates headquarters. In September of 1997, shortly after moving to a temporary location on Montclair, Murney Associates moved into permanent quarters at 1625 E. Primrose.

In pursuit of Murney's goal of providing a pleasant working atmosphere, the principals in the firm, with the help of an interior designer, took the offices from folding chairs to a warm and inviting environment comprising 12,000 square feet.

The lobby, floored with distinctive African tile, is separated from the offices to allow "Quiet space for clients and privacy for the agents." The office space has been arranged to maximize outdoor light, which is augmented by soft interior lighting.

Top-producing agents have enclosed outer offices, while the bulk of the associates have workspaces sectioned by interior dividers.

A central control room has a row of computers, copy machine and other office equipment used by all associates, and the lunchroom has full kitchen facilities.

The building also contains a number of board rooms, each equipped with television, VCR and computer so agents can work with clients in a comfortable atmosphere without running back and forth to their desks.

The decor of the planned Christian County office will be very much like that of the main office, Murney said.

A unique aspect of the Murney Associates office in Springfield, something that sets the workplace apart and contributes to its atmosphere, is a special member of the staff Murney's black labrador retriever, Topper.

Topper is a fixture at the real estate office, and his job is to accompany associates to lunch or out back for a run, and to wander freely among the offices, greeting his friends. He spends the bulk of his busy day as company mascot, sprawled on a personalized rug in Hillme's office.

While not a top producer with the firm and woefully short on listings, Topper is a popular addition. His 6th birthday party, in 1998, was attended by no less than 250 guests.

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Topper takes a few moments to greet Murney employee Becky Supak.

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The firm that began with nine agents and one support staff member in July 1997 now has 114 agents and a support staff of 11.

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A plesant business atmosphere has been a priority for Patrick Murney.[[In-content Ad]]