This next installment of the Female Founders series on Union Street Media’s YouTube channel features Laurie Cadigan, Owner and CEO of Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty. Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty is an award winning brokerage that specializes in unique and luxury homes in the Greater Boston area, though their full service approach and clientele include everyone from first time buyers to retirees. Click the video above to watch the whole interview with this highly respected, down to earth, and visionary leader. 

After graduating from college, Laurie Cadigan didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. Based on a suggestion from her college roommate’s mother, who worked in real estate at the time, Cadigan got her real estate license. 

Since then, Cadigan worked in and out of the real estate industry until a sales management job opened up. “I decided I was going to become a realtor again just to sell real estate because my kids were thinking of colleges and my agents were working at home in fuzzy slippers and I thought it would be a great plan,” she reflects. 

Cadigan then joined JM Barrett and Company. After a few years, Cadigan wanted to do more and suggested that the company franchise. Instead of franchising, the owner asked Cadigan if she wanted to buy the company. “I almost fell off my chair— that’s exactly how it happened,” says Cadigan. 

JM Barrett and Company joined Sotheby’s International Realty in 2012. “The brand just opened amazing doors for us,” says Cadigan, adding “They just provide the services, the tools, the network, and the passion for real estate in this market that we were looking for.” 

In addition to growing through her affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty, Cadigan has leveraged technology, her own foresight, and strategic partnerships. Cadigan says she and her team have “embraced a suite of products” to grow the Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty brand, including strong partnerships with Union Street Media and MoxiWorks. Cadigan says that having conversations and “being in the mix” with those partners makes them feel valued, an essential ingredient to a successful relationship. She also stays on the edge of what’s next and is better able to focus on business development, such as strategic acquisitions, by relying on partnerships to both provide services and insights.

As for what she thinks needs to happen in the industry, Cadigan says that people are too stuck on leads. “I think that we still need to understand that the basic human nature is all about people wanting to feel connected, loved, appreciated,” she says. 

“I think that people actually find that if you find a realtor or any service professional that really understands you.”

—Laurie Cadigan

“You want someone at the end of the day when you bought your first home to put their arms around you and say ‘oh my goodness you’re home and you did it and here you are,’” says Cadigan. “You’re not going to find that from my competitors that are online.” That said, Cadigan has mastered balancing both, acknowledging that local connections on a global scale are what it’s all about.

To learn more about Laurie Cadigan and Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty visit: https://barrettsothebysrealty.com/

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