While this is Simonetti’s first time as a Remix franchisee, it’s not his first experience as a broker owner. In the early days of his career, Simonetti decided to open a boutique brokerage on his own.
“I was working at a small company and I learned the nuances and how to do things from the owner of the broker, but then I decided I could do it myself so I went out and started. Simonetti and Associatesand I managed to get some agents under my wing.
While Simonetti was comfortable with his career trajectory, it was during a transaction involving a Remix agent representing a buyer that he first became interested in the brand.
“She was amazing,” Simonetti said of the Remix buyer’s agent. “I looked at all the tools he brought to the table, his professionalism, his network and I felt like I was way behind. So, I did some research and I met with two of my local Remix brokerages and was very impressed with both of them.”
Within just a few months at Remax, Simonetti said he was exposed to things he had never seen or imagined before during his time at the small brokerage.
It’s the culture he experienced when he first joined Remix that he wants to cultivate in the Remix nexus.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the average age of realtors get older, and I don’t think we’re doing enough to attract younger agents,” Simonetti said. “I’ve noticed with Remax and some of the new corporate leaders that they really understand that the future comes from new agents and we have to invest in that. Remax was never thought of as a training company, that’s where the established agents went, but I think we’re pushing in a different direction now, and I think that shows an understanding of the future.”
Simonetti said he is excited to work with successful, experienced agents as well as new agents, teaching them the tricks of the trade and passing on the lessons and knowledge learned throughout their careers.
Looking ahead, Simonetti said he is focused on building the firm and attracting more agents.
“I see my job as a broker-owner as reviving the Remax name in the area, making sure people know we don’t quit and looking to learn from the best, both top agents as well as new agents,” Simonetti said.