CRESA Portland
A Tale of Transformation
In 2022, I teamed up with CRESA Portland at a time when the real estate industry faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. Working closely with Blake St. Onge and Bill Baldwin, my task was to help them navigate these challenges and reinvent their approach to engagement and marketing in a rapidly changing world.
the beginning
Thanks to Colleen Murphy of Fluent Design, I was introduced to CRESA Portland. Right away, I recognized the difficulties of drawing businesses downtown amid pandemic uncertainties. My goal was clear: to tell CRESA Portland's story, showcasing their innovative solutions and resilience during these trying times.
Behind the scenes of filming “Hi, We’re Cresa Portland”
building trust
Trust was paramount. Engaging with the team through regular office visits and virtual meetings, I got a real sense of their dynamics. Kelsey, an unofficial recruiter and vice president, stood out with her positive energy, while Shelley’s supportive nature was key in encouraging participation. Josh, with his unique go-against-the-grain attitude, added a fun and distinct element to our interactions. Haley, as the newest and youngest team member, brought a fresh, millennial perspective, and it was exciting to celebrate her early successes, including her first big deals.
Meet Josh Haynes of Cresa Portland on YouTube
Team Dynamics
Sean Connors was a standout, admired as a jack-of-all-trades, both professionally and personally. His versatility and skill set were invaluable. Mike Witten, initially hesitant on camera, made remarkable progress, especially shining during the walking tours. Sean Heaton's consistency, positivity, and eagerness to contribute in any way possible brought a steady and reliable energy to the project. Mark Chan, our marketing consultant, kept us on track, ensuring timely updates to our social media channels.
Project Highlights
Transforming Blake's podcast series, "Think Beyond Space," into a video format was a standout achievement. This adaptation not only broadened its audience but also served as an innovative business development tool. Building tours, featuring insights into CRESA's properties, offered a fresh perspective on real estate showcasing.
Think Beyond Space: Featuring Amina Moreau of Radious
The Impact
The project’s success was evident when the team was invited to speak at CRESA's annual conference in Las Vegas. This recognition was a clear indicator of our success. Moreover, colleagues from other offices felt a sense of familiarity with the Portland team through our videos, reflecting the project's reach and impact.
CRESA Portland’s Recap of Annual Meeting on YouTube
Reflections
Looking back, I believe we laid a solid foundation for professional development and team exposure. Despite ongoing challenges in downtown Portland, our efforts in building trust and familiarity were invaluable. The team dynamics at CRESA Portland were some of the strongest I've encountered, making this project particularly memorable.
This project went beyond traditional marketing; it was about adapting to change, connecting people, and showcasing the real estate business's human aspect. The work we did at CRESA Portland is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, even in the most challenging times.
