F riday Harbor, WA – 27 August 2009 – Gary Franklin, long-time Island resident and real estate broker, is joining forces with the Scott family of Anacortes and Mount Vernon to buy the San Juan Island Windermere Real Estate office in Friday Harbor. John Dunning, who owns the Windermere office on Orcas Island, is the seller.
Franklin will continue as managing broker, the position he’s held for several years. The Scotts own and operate Windermere offices in Anacortes and Mount Vernon. “The stars aligned just perfectly” said Franklin. “John Dunning was ready to focus on his new Vacation Rentals business and the Orcas Windermere office, the Scotts were looking for new opportunities, and I have wanted an ownership role for several years. ”
Jim and Mary Scott opened a real estate office in Mount Vernon in 1977, and have been Windermere owners since 1989. Sons Josh and Nate manage the Mount Vernon office and the Anacortes office respectively, and daughter Megan O’Bryan is Benefits Manager and an active sales agent. “We are delighted to join Gary in the Friday Harbor office,” said Jim Scott. “Over the years, Gary and John have worked hard to build a very successful office. The agents are experts in the island’s real estate market, and are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the complex issues that affect buying and selling island real estate. Additionally, they’re all wonderful people who are committed to the island community-which is an important part of the Windermere, and our family’s, philosophy.
Says Franklin, “As an island resident, I’m excited to continue my role as a local business leader, and to know that our agents will continue to have strong, experienced leadership behind them. This is truly a win-win situation for all of us.”