Keller Williams ONEChicago’s Multifamily Division Welcomes Kelly Rich as Director of Investor Relations

By: Keller Williams Realty | 5 Shares 467 Reads

Continues Commitments to Diversity and Wealth-Building

April 27, 2021 // Franchising.com // Today, Keller Williams ONEChicago ("ONEChicago"), a leading residential and commercial real estate company, announced that Kelly Rich is joining as the Director of Investor Relations for the Multifamily Investment Advisors team led by Tony Hardy. Rich is a top-producing broker who shares the team’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and wealth-building in real estate and across Chicagoland.

“We could not be more ecstatic to add Kelly to our team,” says Hardy, ONEChicago’s Multifamily Division Executive Director. “Her evident passion for real estate, strong business acumen, and impressive portfolio are going to bring tremendous value to ONEChicago Commercial.”

Rich is a Chicagoland native who previously worked with Coldwell Banker, specializing in luxury properties, rentals, and negotiations. She was inspired to start in real estate to help people build wealth, particularly in communities of color. Rich has risen to become a competitive broker - but she is still focused on her primary goal of wealth-building.

"Chicago is made up of many vibrant neighborhoods, each one filled with opportunities for commercial growth," Rich says. "We know that commercial real estate is a powerful wealth-building tool - and I enjoy being in an industry where each transaction has the potential to transform a neighborhood and lead to financial freedom for the seller, investor, and local residents."

Rich is a woman of color who started in real estate seven years ago. Historically, African Americans and Latinx brokers are underrepresented in commercial real estate. A 2017 report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that just three percent of NAR members working in commercial real estate are black. These statistics spotlight a significant area of opportunity in real estate.

"There's a ripple effect that happens when real estate companies are diverse," says Hardy. "It increases the diversity of clients and brokers, which increases access to capital in diverse neighborhoods. Representation matters, and I am proud that Keller Williams is consistently at the forefront of brokerages that encourage diversity."

Keller Williams has been recognized as Forbes’ “Best Company for Diversity” and “Best Employers for Women.” An Englewood native, Hardy joined Keller Williams ONEChicago in September 2020 and said that the accolades about Keller Williams' commitment to diversity are among the many reasons he joined the company. Hardy adds that he and his team continue to look for talented brokers from all backgrounds who "represent the diversity of Chicagoland."

"I am grateful to be part of a dynamic team that recognizes the importance of diversity in our field," Hardy says. "We’re very happy to welcome Kelly and excited for what our team's growth means for commercial real estate."

SOURCE Keller Williams

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