Red Oak Realty's Founders Pass Baton to New Owners

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Oak Realty, one of the largest independent real estate firms in the East Bay, today announced that the company has two new owners. Under the leadership of general manager, Vanessa Bergmark, and financial and operations director, Kevin Hamilton, the company will continue to preserve and extend Red Oak's commitment to putting its clients, employees, communities and the environment first.

In a separate press release, Red Oak Realty recently announced its decision to provide in-house mortgage financing for its clients. Other initiatives that Ms. Bergmark and Mr. Hamilton plan to undertake include achieving green certification of its operations.

Ms. Bergmark and Mr. Hamilton will also further the vision of Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF), ensuring that the company continues to lead economic development and social impact activities in the Oakland and Berkeley communities. Locally owned and operated as always, Red Oak Realty is committed to doing business with local vendors.

Vanessa Bergmark is a specialist in negotiation and local real estate practices. She brings to her new role a wealth of expertise, having led sales teams at both Red Oak Realty and large real estate franchises. Ms. Bergmark is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State.

Kevin Hamilton has led finance administration for large real estate companies including the local division of an international franchise. As a result, he possesses the expertise necessary to ensure Red Oak agents are proactive in addressing the dynamic real estate needs of the Bay Area – all the while maintaining profitability and sustainable growth for the company. Mr. Hamilton holds an MBA in finance from San Francisco State University.

"The other founders and I are thrilled that Vanessa and Kevin have stepped-up to broaden Red Oak's capacity for being one of the best places to work in the Bay Area," said Pat Leaper, one of Red Oak Realty's founders who continues to be an active partner in the company.  "Their track record of making smart business decisions has been shaped by their experience and thorough understanding of the Oakland and Berkeley markets."

"Kevin and I look forward to leading Red Oak in adding value for its clients and the cities and towns where we all live and work," said Vanessa Bergmark, general manager for Red Oak Realty. "We're also pleased to unveil a new framework for doing business – one that accommodates the varying priorities and work-life balance needs of our employees. As parents of young children ourselves, we understand that this operating framework is a must for any company wanting to achieve success in today's progressive business climate."

"Unlike companies that are headquartered out-of-state, Red Oak can be more responsive to local trends and the unique needs of East Bay buyers and sellers," said Kevin Hamilton, financial and operations director for Red Oak Realty. "Our seasoned team of area experts is well-suited to usher in the next generation of real estate and put the control of homeownership back in the hands of customers."

About Red Oak Realty

Founded in 1976, Red Oak Realty is one of the largest independent real estate brokerages in the communities of Oakland and Berkeley and their surrounding cities. Named by The San Francisco Business Times as one of the most productive 25 companies in the Bay Area, Red Oak Realty offers its clients a proactive administrative staff, state-of-the-art technology and dedicated agents who are committed to putting clients' needs first. The company is still locally owned and operated. Finally, Red Oak Realty gives back four percent of annual profits to local community groups through its 501 (c) 3 non-profit, charitable organization, Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF). To date, ROOF has given away over $800,000 to these groups. For more information, visit www.redoakrealty.com or call Red Oak Realty at (510) 292-2000.

SOURCE Red Oak Realty