The 1950s: ... economic expansion ... suburban development ... Elvis Presley ... Baby Boomers ... happy days ... boom times.

In central Ohio, an important event was under way, too. A visionary, Harley E. Rouda Sr., who embodied true American entrepreneurial spirit, ventured out into the burgeoning business scene to establish his own real estate company in 1956.

Rouda started HER Realtors in the basement of his home after working three years in the residential real estate industry. With a build-a-better-mousetrap drive and determination, he created a tried-and-true real estate model that has withstood the test of time.

At the heart of his business philosophy, and to which the company credits its enviable growth path, was hiring the most professional and educated associates available. Other competitive advantages included the ability to forecast, flexibility in the wake of change, a caring spirit and the addition of affiliated services, such as title, mortgage, warranty and relocation.

In the 1990s, HER Realtors, guided by the founder’s son Harley Rouda Jr., distinguished itself nationally as the leader in sales associate technology innovation and implementation.

To continue its growth, in 2002 HER Realtors joined forces with another privately held, regional residential real estate powerhouse, Realty One, to create Real Living, Inc., a network of leading real estate companies built on family, innovation and results. Real Living, now one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate franchisors boasts nearly 4,000 sales associates and employees and more than 160 offices nationwide.

Click here to learn more about our 50 Years of Family, Innovation and Results!

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