Seeking to make a life in the United States after living in Germany for many years, Gloria Frazier settled in Florida on the recommendation of a fellow ex-patriot, who was also a friend and future business partner of nine years. Back stateside, Frazier and her friend became real estate agents because they loved the independence. After developing strong relationships with loyal clients, the two did something very brave and unheard of for women in the early 1980’s.

They had an outstanding client that was pulling away because of a not-so-outstanding broker that Frazier and her friend worked with. To save that client and to follow-through on the unparalleled service they were known to deliver, the pair resigned from their current office on a Monday and opened their own business four days later on a Friday in March, 1981. On the heels of this leap of faith, they took another one. The Florida market was touch and go at that point. Confident they needed a franchise affiliation to stay in business, the partners signed on with ERA Real Estate one month later – April, 1981 – forming ERA American Realty of NW Florida, Inc.

“There were nine real estate offices in our market at the time,” recalled Frazier. “By the end of 1984, it was just us. I credit ERA and the staff at the time for being there for us. They helped us to grow during a tough time. I remember telling our ERA representative that I would be happy with ten to twelve great agents. He told me that wasn’t the way to grow my business and suggested I hire many good agents so they could concentrate on buying and selling while I focused on expanding our market share. With that advice, we grew our agent base and began merging with and acquiring other real estate businesses.”

Upon affiliation, ERA American Realty was promised training, referrals (the fax machine!) and brand recognition; something Frazier notes they still receive today. Back then, ERA would send Frazier and her agents to Pensacola for training. It’s at this time that she began and cultivated lasting friendships within the ERA network of brokers.

Known as a member of the original ERA vanguard, ERA American Realty was instrumental in shaping the ERA brand and is still considered an integral part of ERA’s direction today.

“We have always been early adapters,” said Frazier of her company. “But not before being fully informed. I ask a thousand questions before trying something new. However, I do like trying new things because if you don’t, you are not growing. Change is good.”

Ensuring that her company continues to give back to the brand, Frazier has represented her company by serving on ERA’s National Advisory Council twice. Recalling the first time the brand changed its logo, Frazier said, “Our NAC input helped shape that new logo which we used for 18 years. It is great that ERA continues to let ERA American Realty and our fellow ERA companies to have input on brand direction.”

Nearly 35 years after inception, ERA American Realty of NW Florida has been a Gene Francis Memorial Award finalist (2007) and winner (1991) and is still a Top 25 company. They use that position to educate others, brainstorm ideas and share best practices at ERA events and training sessions.

“I have sat in Top 50 meetings with Gloria and her team and have sincerely enjoyed the ideas and input that they bring to each event,” said fellow inductee Michael Harrington, Senior. “Gloria has always been very open and gracious.” Former ERA president Mac Heaver agreed adding, “Gloria is a loyal and motivational leader.”

It’s Frazier’s loyalty that has become the crux of the family and community culture at ERA American Realty of NW Florida. Many of their agents enjoy longevity at the company because as a family, the team will help you work through both professional and personal challenges. And together, they are on a mission to “change lives through real estate”, which is aptly captured in the company’s mission statement:

  • We create opportunities for financial independence, security and wealth
  • We treat everyone with professionalism and respect
  • We take care of those in need
  • We grow our family with trustworthy and caring people
  • We support and educate all members of our family, empowering them to pursue their dreams

Taking care of those in need, ERA American Realty of NW Florida is very active in their community, contributing time and money to several local charities including the Muscle Dystrophy Association. In 2015 alone, the company sent more than 21 children to MDA Summer Camp. In 2013, ERA American was nominated for the Circle of Light for Community Service Award and won the prestigious award in 2014.

“We do what is right in the community,” said Frazier. “It’s who we are and it sets us apart from our competition. We’re happy to help whenever we can and we take pride in it.”

Congratulations to Gloria Frazier and everyone at ERA American Realty of NW Florida, Inc. for their entry into ERA’s Hall of Fame!