Radha Herring, Owner of Myrtle Beach Realty Firm, Wins State’s Top Business Award

May 9, 2012 By

Adaptive Business Strategies Helped Firm to Thrive in the Recession

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Radha Herring, owner and broker-in-charge of Myrtle Beach area firm Watermark Real Estate Group, is the SBA’s 2012 South Carolina Small Business Person of the Year. The SBA selected Herring based on her growth in sales, financial performance, response to adversity and community involvement.

A Myrtle Beach native, Herring started Watermark Real Estate Group in 2007 after a ten-year corporate telecommunications career in Raleigh, N.C. Watermark was the first totally web-based real estate firm in the Myrtle Beach area. Its virtual structure gave the firm the flexibility to help clients buy and sell residential and vacation properties along the 60-mile Grand Strand.

The year that Watermark opened for business was also the year that the housing market imploded and the recession began, deflating the real estate industry. Undeterred, Herring decided to approach the industry’s struggles as business opportunities. For example, while many realtors at the time avoided distress properties, Herring realized a chance for clients to find coastal properties at reduced prices. Watermark quickly began offering potential buyers free access to lists of bank-owned properties.

Herring also realized that the tightening financial markets offered another niche for Watermark to fill. Because cash transactions were now accounting for 50 percent of all real estate sales, Watermark started focusing on the major Myrtle Beach area real estate product that required cash: condominium units within luxury hotels, known as “condotels.” At the same time, Watermark’s agents worked on strengthening relationships with area lenders in order to match clients with the banks best equipped to handle their mortgages.

Herring’s optimistic approach to the recession’s obstacles paid off. In 2009, Watermark’s sales were 15 times higher than the previous year, and sales continued to through 2010 and 2011. Watermark also grew from two agents in 2008 to nine agents today.

Watermark is a member of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, where Herring serves on the Legislative Policy Council. A Clemson University engineering graduate, she also serves on the Clemson Extension advisory board and is a member of the university’s Alumni National Council. In addition, Herring is active in her local Association of Realtors, where she serves on the board of directors and as vice-chair of the Real Estate Leadership Program.

 

Filed Under: Awards, Feature Stories

WATERMARK REAL ESTATE GROUP RECOGNIZED BY US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WITH BLUE RIBBON SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

March 8, 2012 By

March 6, 2012, Washington, D.C. — Watermark Real Estate was selected to receive the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The company was recognized for their dedication to the principles of free enterprise and their contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity. Watermark Real Estate also received this award in 2010.

Two other South Carolina companies also received the award. These include Pino Gelto of Hilton Head and South Atlantic Bank of Myrtle Beach.

“The recipients of this year’s Blue Ribbon Award excelled in business amid great uncertainty and thrived despite difficult economic times,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.  “More important than profits, their successes have provided much-needed jobs and hope to the people in their communities.”

The awards program, sponsored by Sam’s Club®, honors companies that demonstrate excellent business practices in several areas, including strategy, employee development, community involvement, and customer service.

“These award winners embody the spirit of American free enterprise,” said Donohue.  “Today, the Chamber celebrates the positive impact made by these South Carolina companies and is proud to recognize them for their outstanding achievements.”

This year’s 75 Blue Ribbon winners were selected from a record number of nationwide applicants and will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2012, May 21–23, in Washington, D.C.  On March 15, seven of the Blue Ribbon recipients will be announced as award finalists, and one will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year during the summit.  The winner will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

Blue Ribbon businesses are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which will be decided in March through online public voting.  All area residents are encouraged to visit www.uschambersummit.com/ceaaward to cast votes on behalf of our area businesses. Additionally, 25 Free Enterprise Honorees were commended for their strong business practices and contributions to the economy. Watermark Real Estate Group was recognized with this award in 2011.

To learn more about America’s Small Business Summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

 

Filed Under: Awards, Press Release

Vote for Watermark !!

March 5, 2012 By

We are excited to announce that Watermark Real Estate Group has been awarded the 2012 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the US Chamber.

The recipient that receives the most votes by March 12th, wins the Community Excellence Award! If you could take a moment to vote for Watermark, we would truly appreciate it. Voting link:  http://goo.gl/zymAE

 

The U.S. Chamber is honored to announce the 2012 Blue Ribbon Award Winners! These 75 small businesses were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants for their innovative business practices and strong contributions to their communities. The Chamber also applauds these 25 Free Enterprise Honorees. “These award winners embody the spirit of American free enterprise,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO . “Today, the Chamber celebrates the positive impact made by these companies and is proud to recognize them for their outstanding achievements.”

Filed Under: Awards, Feature Stories

US Chamber awards Watermark

March 29, 2011 By

The U.S. Chamber is proud to announce its 2011 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners. Seven of these businesses will be chosen as finalists for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club® on Monday, March 14! All award winners will be recognized at America’s Small Business Summit, May 23–25, in Washington, D.C.  In addition, 25 Free Enterprise Honorees were commended for their strong business practices and contributions to the economy

Filed Under: Affiliations and Groups, Awards, Feature Stories, National Association of Realtors

Watermark is awarded MBACC ICE Award 2011

March 29, 2011 By

For the second year, Radha Herring, Broker-in-Charge of Watermark Real Estate Group, was awarded the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Incredible Customer Experience Award (ICE Award) for Real Estate; Individual Category.

“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that service must be a top priority when it comes to promoting, protecting and improving business along the Grand Strand,” Brad Dean, President and CEO of the chamber said in the release. We were thrilled to see so many nominations come in this year, and we’re excited to recognize and honor those organizations and individuals who uphold the highest standards of customer service.” 

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Hundreds were in attendance at the Palace Theatre Saturday night for the Myrtle Beach ICE Awards to honor those in the community that display exemplary customer service.

ICE, which stands for incredible customer experience, is organized by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Filed Under: Affiliations and Groups, Awards, Feature Stories, National Association of Realtors
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