Compass Realty Agent Information

Compass was founded in December 1992 as an independent, home-based agency. Its founders, Larry & Emma Thomas, were seeking a new business model based on independence and increased take-home income. This new format later became known as the Independent Business Partner Model.

The first four years were spent developing the home-based operating system, marketing systems, and the education system needed for training new agents. In 1996 the company had just three agents and the need for Internet technology was recognized. A six-month plan was implemented, and in 1997 a first generation website was introduced.

By April 2003, the number of agents operating under the Compass logo equaled ten, and the decision was made to change to a more aggressive growth plan. An additional seventeen agents were hired and trained over the next twelve months. Now numbering twenty-seven, the need for an outside offi ce became apparent, and in July 2004 the fi rst

Portland Agent Service Center was opened in its present city center location. This new outside location caused agent growth to explode. A Commercial Division was established, and over the next twelve months the number of agents operating under the Compass logo swelled to over 100. Additional licensed staff was added as the workload increased. A new innovation was then introduced: licensed staff to help agents with closing and listing detail work, thus freeing agents to become more productive by working with clients rather than getting bogged down in detail paper work.

Compass continues to grow, with the goal of 250 agents in our current location, and seven 100-agent offices planned for the Greater Portland-Vancouver area. Ownership opportunities are available for brokers with management interests.