“I was the leader of the band on that one but believe me, it was not a hard sell (to the other REALTOR® companies),” he remembered. The initiative culminated with the first agreement between the association and a key vendor – Multacc Corporation. Today, the provider is SUPRA of Salem, Oregon. The system has grown into a regional one consisting of St. Louis and five neighboring associations. Carole McCabe, senior vice president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker, also recalled Mr. Hatridge’s instrumental role in the start of the lockbox system. “Some members at the time thought it was a crazy idea and would never work. Vernon took the forwardthinking approach and was a big part of one of the best things to happen in our industry at the time. Imagine now showing houses without lockboxes!”
Today, Mr. Hatridge’s office—with its production awards and golf tributes (one of his favorite hobbies besides riding his motorcycle)—still looks out on bustling Clayton Road. While he has seen many changes throughout his 44 years, there are, of course, many constants. He was asked his opinion on a number of topics during a recent sunny spring afternoon in his office: On the REALTOR® brand and what it has meant to his career: “The relationship with the association has been unbelievable. Because of Mr. Aydt, I was really motivated to get involved and I have met terrific people. The learning experience has been invaluable, particularly the years on (the) Contracts and Forms and Professional Standards Committees. The association really helps lift the ethics and professionalism of real estate in this area.”
On the “passion” that most REALTORS® have for the business: “It stays fresh absolutely every day. Every After nine years with Laura McCarthy, Mr. transaction is different and Hatridge moved on to the old Ira Berry challenging in its own way. I tell my REALTORS®, again in a successful sales agents, you can have the exact same two manager capacity, where he did his part to transactions on paper, and yet, when you help the firm retain its ranking as one of the go through the process with those parties, area’s top companies. He later advanced the difference between them is night and to president with Dolan REALTORS®, then day. And that is because the people, the owned by a regional corporation, but found circumstances and the details involved in that his real love was as a branch manager. every transaction are all so unique.” “It was just too much administration for what I had a passion for and that was being On the relevancy of the REALTOR® to much closer to the action as a branch the transaction and relationship with manager,” he said. consumers: “Relevant data is something a good agent can still find for any He soon moved back to IRA Berry consumer. The actual process of REALTORS® (now combined with Coldwell buying and selling a home is still Banker) and later to Gundaker REALTORS®. something most people do not know— During this time, in 1989, he attained in many cases, cannot know. They need the honor of “Manager of the Year” from a good agent to get the most out of the the association, a very prestigious and transaction. It is also one of the most competitive award. He stayed on with emotionally charged decisions anyone can Gundaker through the 2001 merger of be associated with, plus it also may involve Coldwell Banker and Gundaker, all the a job relocation, the loss of a loved one, a while at his familiar location in the Ladue divorce or other major life-stressor. It can business district. His wife, Helen Reid, also make the job of an agent very stressful is a long-time Coldwell Banker Gundaker and challenging, but it also provides an agent at his office. This definitely has its opportunity for good agents to fill that advantages. valuable niche.” “She always says ‘You know it’s really good I work with you and you are my manager because you are the only one who could understand how crazy my job is,’” he said, laughing.
On young people entering the real estate profession: “My situation was somewhat unique when I started—going right from college to the business. You rarely saw that at that time. You still don’t see a whole lot
of it. But you are seeing it more than you used to. I continue to be impressed by the great skills of our young people today who we are recruiting. That is particularly true when it comes to technology and their ability to leverage technology in our profession. Starting young worked out for me and today, with the technology factor, there are a lot of advantages to starting early.” And finally this from Ms. McCabe, who has worked with Mr. Hatridge for many years, included a stint as one of his agents:
“
Vernon has been a loyal, dedicated, professional and supportive member of (our) management team for many years. There is one statistic that he is one of the top in our company year in and year out—the retention of productive sales associates. That really sums up how sales associates feel about Vernon’s leadership. They know he cares deeply about them. Congratulations to Vernon on earning this honor.
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of a common key (lockbox) system. Kansas City already had such a system but for various reasons, St. Louis had resisted … until now.