Thoughts on Leadership: Motivated in Massachusetts

By Gino Blefari

“Now the first of December was covered with snow, and so was the turnpike from Stockton to Boston. The Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting, with ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go.” – James Taylor, Sweet Baby James, 1970

This week my travels find me all around Massachusetts and the entire experience feels just like a return home. Yes, it’s true that I’m a mere 50 miles from my hometown of Pittsfield, MA, a city shaped by vast swathes of picturesque countryside and tucked into the heart of the Berkshires, but beyond the familiar New England locale, it’s really the warmth of the people I’ve met that makes this trip seem familiar as a good old James Taylor song. 

I began my visit Tuesday morning at the office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential, located right in the center of the bustling Boston metropolis. The Warren Residential team members were energetic and enthusiastic; I was honored to meet each and every one of them.

The next day, it was off to Bowes Real Estate Real Living in Arlington, MA to speak with an amazing group of agents, managers and staff. I was humbled by the heartfelt reception and was equally charmed by the quaint Bowes Real Living office—a large, colonial-style house painted light yellow. (And, as a remarkable side note, these 19 agents are not only the #1 brokerage in their market but they also out-produced #2, 3, 4 and 5 combined in Arlington.) 

That afternoon, I headed to Franklin, MA for a meeting with Real Living Realty Group, which was also attended by team members from Real Living Barbera Associates in Worcester, MA and Real Living Schruender Real Estate in North Andover, MA. Real Living Realty Group is well positioned amid all the action in Franklin, just a football’s toss from Foxborough and Gillette Stadium where the New England Patriots play. Again, as I spoke for several hours, I was struck by the eagerness of the agents to learn, grow and share their knowledge.

Today, I met with the incredible team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices N.E. Prime Properties in Maynard, MA and I left impressed by the talented group. Tomorrow, I’ll meet with Real Living Realty Professionals in West Springfield, MA before flying home from Hartford, CT.

So, what’s the message? If I could, I’d name every single agent, broker and staff member I had the pleasure of meeting during my Massachusetts travels but I’ll keep things short and say that you have all inspired me through and through. And there’s the message. Success isn’t a singular, isolating thing; it happens when we come together, as friends and comrades working toward the achievement of well-aligned goals, so that no matter where we are or where we go, it’ll always feel like a trip home.

GINO BLEFARI is CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. You can follow Gino on Facebook and Twitter.