RedKey Realty Leaders, an independent agency based in St. Louis, recently announced a major expansion move. The company added Circa Properties, another boutique brokerage with a strong local presence, but the merger is more about alignment than anything else, according to RedKey leaders.
RedKey Realty is the top independent real estate agency in St. Louis. After entering the scene in 2012, the company grew by 300% in its first year. RedKey recorded 1,327 home sales in 2022, with its highest-value sale reaching $2.85 million, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.
In an episode of HousingWire‘s RealTrending podcast in March 2024, RedKey Realty CEO Jill Butler said her definition of a successful brokerage lies in talent management.
“I truly think that a brokerage is in the talent management business. Think about it that way, that we’re managing the talent of the agents and the staff, and we’re always looking for talent,” Butler said.
“I think about the people I work with, the agents, the staff, and the gifts that they have, and how we can help develop that.”
With Circa Properties now on board, Butler remains optimistic about her company’s success.
“I’ve watched Circa since their inception and love their spirit and the way they approach real estate and client service,” she said in a statement. “When I learned more about their culture and vision, it seemed like the natural evolution for both teams.
“Circa’s leadership team was seeking a ‘perfect fit’ that truly aligned with their values, had a unique flavor, and was committed to — and passionate about — remaining independent and locally-owned.”
The merger will add 30-plus agents to RedKey’s existing team of more than 200. Two Circa staff members will also join RedKey’s staff of 13. Circa founder Christopher Thiemet and three other partners — Johanna Dueren, Joel Svoboda and Jen Ross — are also joining RedKey.
Thiemet said in statement that joining forces with RedKey was a natural decision for Circa’s leadership team, as the former complemented the strengths that Circa spent years perfecting in the St. Louis housing market.
“Our tagline has always been ‘The Art of Partnership’ and this merger embodies that. This partnership truly benefits both parties and will help Circa’s agents continue to grow and enhance client service capabilities,” Thiemet said in a statement.
