The year 2012 ended on a high note for Mel Foster Co. The residential real estate division achieved a sales increase of 12.69% from last year and the number of sides increased 9.72%. Insurance division was up 16% in direct, written premiums, while Commercial real estate was up 83% from last year. Rob Fick, Chairman, President and CEO of Mel Foster Co., Inc., is quick to point out that the hard work of the sales associates and staff had a significant impact on our sales growth.
Fick congratulated his sales associates and staff on an incredible year during Mel Foster Co.’s annual awards reception Thursday at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. Mel Foster Co. agents and staff gathered to celebrate their 2012 accomplishment. “Market conditions can only help a company achieve a certain degree of sales growth. What really drove our success in 2012 was the hard work done by our agents and staff. Company-wide, our associates place a high value on building and nurturing relationships and giving clients unparalleled service. Loyalty to clients and to company lead to remarkable results,” said Fick.
Fick, along with Marc Engels, President of the Insurance Division and Lynsey Engels, General Manger of the Real Estate Division, presented the 2012 awards. A total of 114 agents were recognized for achieving membership in the company’s different sales club levels including Chairman, Executive, President and Honor. Top honors were awarded to:
- Diana Franks – Residential Top Illinois Sales
- Brad Boeye – Residential Top Iowa Sales
- Thad DenHartog – Commercial Top Sales
- Leigh Butler – Insurance Top Personal Lines
- Mike Smith – Insurance Top Producer
- Mike Kessel – Insurance Top Employee Benefits
Mel Foster Co. residential real estate has four offices in the Quad Cities; two in Davenport, one each in Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois. There are also offices in Clinton and Eldridge, Iowa and Galesburg, Geneseo, and Kewanee, Illinois. In 2012, Mel Foster Co. welcomed 25 agents and staff into the company.
While external factors including warmer than usual winter temperatures, a slightly improving economy, low interest rates and decreasing unemployment played a role in the company’ success. The average sale price of homes continued to show sign of strength in 2012. The average sale price for Mel Foster Co. Residential Real Estate was $146,553, an increase of nearly 3% from last year. Equally good news was the days on the market for Mel Foster markets, residential and condo, saw ten days less from 80 days on the market in 2011 to 70 days on the market (Iowa & Illinois combined) in 2012.
Mel Foster Co.’s Commercial Real Estate boasted an 83% increase from 2011, its highest sales volume since 2005. Ten commercial agents located in the Bettendorf office ended 2012 as the number one commercial real estate company for volume in the CMLS (Commercial Multiple Listing Service).
Mel Foster Insurance, headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, saw continued growth in all areas of expertise including personal, business, employee benefits and group retirement planning. As one of the largest Independent Agencies representing over 25 regional and national carriers, 2013 will continue to focus on bringing added value to the insurance experience.
With all three divisions of Mel Foster Co. Inc. seeing an increase, the total sales volume increased by 19.37% from 2011. Looking forward to 2013, Mel Foster Co. Inc. will focus on continuing to build relationships within it team as well as outside the company. The market continues heading in the right direction.