Press Release

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Promotes Montgomery and Appoints Steffen

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. –  Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., the franchise arm of Weichert, Realtors®, has announced two key staff appointments as part of its continued expansion throughout the U.S.     

In the South Central Region, Kurt Montgomery of Plano, Texas, has been promoted from Senior Development Director to Area Vice President. Montgomery will be assisting Western Division Regional Vice President Craig Harrison in developing franchise opportunities throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Utah. 

In the West, Ronald (Ron) H. Steffen of Calabasas, Calif., a veteran real estate professional for 20 years, was named Director, Regional Development for southern California. He will work with Harrison in expanding franchise growth from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Steffen’s appointment coincides with the franchise organization’s first signing in the Golden State, a Central Valley real estate company that is now known as WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Valley Associates. 

Montgomery joined the franchise organization in May 2005 following a five-year stint as senior development director for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and 10 years in the sporting goods industry, most notably as a financial analyst and product manager at Reebok International. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in international management from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of Management, Glendale, Arizona.

Steffen has more than eight years’ experience in real estate franchise sales and operations. He was a top producer with the Cendant organization’s franchise sales division and a recipient of its coveted Chairman’s Award, prior to being named a regional vice president for that company. He also represented the Coldwell Banker brand throughout the western U.S. Previously, Steffen was with the Dial Corporation and in commercial real estate sales and financing. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business. 

In announcing the two appointments, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates President Martin J. Rueter said, “Our franchise organization is at a very exciting stage of growth, and we expect Kurt and Ron to be key players in helping us continue to surpass the ambitious goals we’ve set for ourselves.” 

Home to more than 5,400 sales associates among its franchised sales offices, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates launched its first independently owned and operated franchise in January 2002 and since has grown to more than 250 signed offices in 23 states. It was the only real estate organization to be named in the Top Ten New Franchises 2005 by Entrepreneur Magazine and also was on the magazine’s 2005 list of Top 100 Fastest Growing Franchises.

For information on affiliating with Weichert, go to www.weichertfranchise.com or call 1-877-533-9007. 

Weichert has 18,000 sales associates in more than 440 company-owned and franchised sales offices in key markets throughout the U.S. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. For more information, call Weichert's customer service center at 1-800-USA-SOLD or visit Weichert's Web site, www.weichert.com. Each Weichert franchised office is independently owned and operated.