Keller Williams Realty was established in 1983 as a single office in Austin, Texas, by Gary Keller and Joe Williams. Today, it’s an award-winning company with nearly 800 locations across the U.S. and offices in 24 countries. The company is recognized as the largest real estate franchise by agent count and is the U.S. leader in units and sales volume.
Our leadership’s philosophy is to pull out all the stops to ensure our agents are equipped to meet clients’ needs. We have the latest-and-greatest in technology, marketing tools and resources. Our training and coaching programs are unmatched: In 2017 and 2015, Training magazine, the leading business publication for learning and development professionals, named us as the number one training and coaching organization across all industries in the world. In 2016 and 2014, we held the number two spot.
As a company we support many charitable causes. In 2017 Keller Williams’ associates raised $20 million to aid hurricane victims. On the second Thursday in May of each year, every Keller Williams office shuts down for RED Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate) so team members can donate their time to worthy organizations and causes in their communities. KW Cares, our nonprofit arm, assists associates and their families who face hardships or emergencies, be it fighting a serious illness or recovering from a life-altering accident.
As an employer, Keller Williams ranks high when it comes to culture. We are known for creating a supportive, positive work environment and strong coworker relationships. CareerBliss.com named us the #1 Happiest Company in America for 2018 as published in Forbes magazine.
In 2008, Keller Williams Realty opened its commercial division, KW Commercial. Currently there are 600 KW Commercial offices in the U.S., staffed by over 2,000 agents. Each KW Commercial office handles brokerage, leasing and consulting for all property types: office, industrial, retail, multifamily, land and development, and hospitality/specialty. You will find the most knowledgeable commercial brokers in the industry in our organization. We are now the 17st largest commercial company in the country, and the 12th most recognized name in commercial real estate brokerage.
The Launch of Keller Williams ONEChicago
In 2015, after decades of success as a business owner, real estate syndication executive, and chief appraiser for a transportation company with properties in 10 states, industry veteran Kris Keller, CCIM, was tapped by KW Commercial’s management team to take on a new challenge: launching and building the commercial arm of a new franchise, Keller Williams ONEChicago.
Kris’ impact on the organization’s professionalism and growth, coupled with his effectiveness as a leader in the field, quickly led to his appointment as Regional Director for KW Commercial and a member of KW Commercial’s Leadership Council. Eighteen months later, he was asked to join KW Commercial’s Executive Leadership Council.
About Kris Keller
Named in Crain’s as one of the Most Influential Commercial Real Estate Brokers in Chicago in 2017, Kris Keller is lauded for his expertise, understanding of the marketplace, and ability to deliver the best possible outcome to clients.
Prior to joining the KW Commercial family, Kris ran his own firm, National Realty Network. For 25 years he led a team of professionals responsible for commercial sales, leasing, investment, valuation, acquisition, development, and tenant/owner representation for all property types throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
Kris has contributed countless hours and ideas to the betterment of the industry. His participation on local, state and national industry boards over the years has led to numerous awards. He also supports nonprofit organizations such as the Center for Enriched Living and FEED6, personally leading groups of colleagues, friends and family in the packaging of more than 600,000 meals for the hungry the past few years.
