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Former Harsch realtors Kim Burnham, Judy Giamborino and Rebecca Gold along with realtors Lynne Blake, who also worked at Harsch at one time, and Carlyne Mills celebrated the grand opening of the Williamstown Realty Group on 4 Water St. on Thursday.
The business, located in the former TGL Photoworks building, serves clients in Berkshire County, eastern New York and Southern Vermont. The women advertise 100 years of combined experience in the industry, but, on Thursday, all exuded the eagerness of new entrepreneurs.
"I think because I'm young and a Williamstown native, I have a different perspective than some others do," Gold, a 1994 Mount Greylock Regional High School graduate, said. "I know about different aspects of the surrounding area, like what the area has to offer in terms of art and theater and shops and businesses."
Gold, a state-licensed sales associate, earned teaching certification and degrees in special education at Ithaca College and Massachusetts
"It's exciting and a great new location," she said of the group's new venture.
The women have been building a client base and real estate listing since April 17. No sales have closed yet, Gold said.
"But, we're close!" she added.
Gold and the other women welcomed as many guests as could fit into their renovated office during the opening celebration, before the crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk.
Burnham, 1975 Mount Greylock graduate, said her local ties would only increase the effectiveness of the new business. Giamborino, a 1979 Greylock grad, agreed, adding that she believed the business would thrive without resorting to "cut-throat" competition with other nearby agencies.
"Everyone is always there for each other," Giamborino said of the local real estate industry. "That's why I've stayed in real estate here."
Giamborino spent much of her early career in North Adams as the assistant manager of the city's ice-skating rink before switching to real estate full-time. She is licensed to work in Massachusetts and Vermont and also works as executive director for the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce.
Burnham has an in-state and New York license and 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. She is also an administrative assistant at the town's Department of Public Works. She said she hopes to blend her office decor with the other businesses on the block including Mezze Bistro & Bar and the Browns clothing store, and she might soon expand her hours into the evening. During the celebration, a representative of Mezze carried over complimentary cocktails for the attendees.
Mills, a Nashua, N.H. native and long-time North Adams resident, has 20 years of experience as a realtor and has owned her own agency, she said. She is best friends with Blake, a North Adams native and Drury High School graduate.
"We just decided it was time to pool our experience together," Mills said.
"I think together, we'll be a force to be reckoned with," Blake said.
The office is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and by appointment. Phone: 413-458-1950. Web site: www.williamstownrealty.com.
