Leaders from Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR), Sotheby’s International Realty® (SIR), and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) gathered at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville this month to toast partnerships, support, and an amazing team responsible for extending connections across both the Sotheby’s network and our Puget Sound community.
“We have yearned to bring our leadership team back together in person and celebrate a successful year and exciting pursuits ahead,” said Stacy Jones, RSIR Chief People Officer. “We were pleased to welcome this select group to a special event just for them—and to welcome our collaboration with SMWE.”
Members of RSIR’s executive team, branch managers, marketing leadership, and others from across the company connected over a glass of wine on a beautiful Pacific Northwest summer day to learn more about the SMWE relationship. Organization Capabilities Consultant Tamra Fleming joined the group as well. She’s been working with the executive team and managers to poise the company for a continued and fast-paced growth trajectory. As she’s worked with staff and brokers since March, she says she’s seen a strong common trait amongst the RSIR team—a commitment and passion for the brand and building successful brokers.
“It’s no surprise that RSIR and SMWE found each other—both are industry leaders and have a shared sensibility about inspiring their staff and rewarding their consumers,” added Fleming. “It was such a treat to wine and dine in the Manor House—a nearly century-old country home of the SMWE founders and a gorgeous venue for events.”
Along with Cal Lyford, Regional Vice President of Sotheby’s International Realty and joined by SMWE leaders Francis Perrin, Melanie Baker, and Joe Aschbacher, the group toasted recent successes, including the opening of the Blend in Kirkland and plans on the horizon.
“To celebrate with Cal, our newest partners at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, and leaders from across RSIR—those who help guide our brokers to success every day—is a real pleasure,” said Dean Jones, RSIR President and CEO. “These extraordinary innovators and broker advocates ensure wins for our global real estate advisors and clients each day. I’m thrilled we were able to gather and celebrate their hard work alongside our local partners. Cheers to that!”
The Blend, a showroom and immersive wine tasting experience space fronting RSIR’s Kirkland brokerage office, opened in July. With a focus on rotating tasting flights that pairs wines spotlighting the distinct styles and various growing regions of Washington state with small bites, the space marks the first of an exciting partnership between the brokerage and SMWE. The two companies are exploring other marketing alignments including special closing gift packages, curated wine cellars, and special events paired with exclusive real estate opportunities, both in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the Sotheby’s International Realty network.
