Being able to maintain standards during tough times is certainly a measure of one’s worth, and Frank Howard Allen Realtors has once again (as it has consistently since 2002) been named best at what it does by the readers of NorthBay biz—a testament to its ability to ride through good times and bad. This year, it’s even being awarded Best Company to do Business with in Marin County.
“We really are part of the fabric of the North Bay,” says Claudia Coury, Frank Howard Allen’s director of marketing. “We’re a successful, nearly century-old, locally owned and operated business and a consistent contributor to local organizations that benefit children, culture, the arts and well-being.”
Frank Howard Allen first opened its doors in Marin County in 1910, owned first by Frank Howard Allen, Jr. himself. In 1949, Allen named son Charles Howard “Howdy” Allen a partner, and the firm became known as Frank Howard Allen & Son. Howdy took over in 1953 upon his dad’s passing. The Brackett family has owned the firm since 1989; Larry Brackett still serves as chairman/CEO.
Frank Howard Allen has always specialized in the North Bay, helping clients “Love Where they Live,” the company’s motto, in Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and San Francisco counties. More than 600 professional agents work for Frank Howard Allen, spread across more than 20 offices. As with any service-oriented business, the firm’s magic is its people, like Ed Reiners, Petaluma office manager, who was recently recognized as 2009 Citizen of the Year by the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Argus-Courier newspaper.
“Our integrity, experience and seasoned agents have let us earn people’s trust,” Coury adds. “It’s key to note that more than 150 of our 370 CORE [Company Owned Real Estate] agents and administrators have been with Frank Howard Allen for 10 years or more.”
Last year, Frank Howard Allen led the Marin market, both in terms of units sold (24.2 percent of the total in the county) and dollar volume (22 percent).
In addition, the realtor is committed to helping its communities, holding a first ever Coat Drive last November during which more than 1,500 coats were collected and distributed to Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa, Committee on the Shelterless (COTS), Homeward Bound of Marin, Open Closet, Petaluma People Services Center and Social Advocates for Youth (SAY).
“We understand how important it is to give back to the communities we serve,” says Brackett. “It’s only natural to enrich and nurture the things that make the North Bay such an extraordinary place to live. We also feel it’s our responsibility to do what we can to help, because this is where we do business.”
