Category: Careers

In celebration of Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate’s 62^nd anniversary this month and Charlie Schwartz, II’s milestone anniversary last month, we reflect on the profound impact both have had on our company and the real estate industry.

In the world of real estate, some individuals become living legends, shaping their companies and industries with a blend of wisdom, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Among these luminaries is Charlie Schwartz, II, who has not only made a lifetime study of real estate but has also left an indelible mark on PSA. As we honor Charlie’s remarkable half-century journey and mark this significant milestone for our company, we reflect on PSA’s continued success, his personal insights, and the lessons that have defined his distinguished career.

In what ways has the company evolved since you first joined, and what do you believe has contributed to its longevity and success?

When I started, we had two offices: 913 Delaware Avenue and 1313 McKennans Church Road. I got office key number 37 so I’m figuring that was the total roster 50 years ago. The company had already grown from the original 12 agents who occupied 1013 Washington Street.

PSA has always strived to form relationships in the community and to be on the cutting-edge of technology as applied to real estate. What we thought of as cutting-edge technology back then seems rudimentary today. That is because we are constantly evolving and innovating. We are home-grown and locally owned and based, even as we number 500 or so now. Some years ago, we set ourselves on a path to serve as many markets within our sphere of influence as possible, i.e. not to be a boutique company. That is why you’ll see PSA signs everywhere in Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the eastern shore of Maryland.

As you celebrate this milestone, what legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind in the real estate industry and within your company?

On a state and regional level, I am proud of the work that I did as NCCBOR® president back in the mid-1990s. That was the transition time from local MLS systems and associations to the regional giants that we have today. I still have some tar and feathers left on a few jackets after an unsuccessful attempt to merge the county associations into one state body, i.e. combine them with DAR®. This may yet happen, who knows. It still makes sense.

It is important to understand that the residential real estate selling, leasing, property managing, etc. business in all of its forms is different from the business of running a real estate company. And from the company perspective, I have no doubt that the commitments that Joe, Chris, and I have made over the last ten years or so have built a solid foundation to insure that the transition to the next generation of PSA leadership has been successful and that the formula that our founders put in place over 40 years ago can serve the future generations as it has previous ones. Market independence, financial prudence, and business acumen will always be in style.

For my part, I thank all of my mentors, some who are still around, some who will be present tomorrow, and those who are long gone but not forgotten. I pray that in some small way I have passed along the values we cherish to the PSA family that I love.

In an ever-changing industry, how do you stay inspired and motivated to continue your work in real estate year after year?

It is precisely because the business is ever-changing that makes it so interesting. For example, the implications of the Burnett v. NAR® decision are far from settled. The lawsuit is being appealed as I write this and, regardless of that outcome, perhaps other copycat suits will follow.

I’ll just say that certainly both buyers and sellers will continue to want some form of representation in real estate transactions. Clearly those transactions are becoming more rather than less complicated so a go-it-alone approach will not be fruitful for either buyers or sellers. If one accepts that premise, then it is about how compensation for those representation services will be structured – not whether they are necessary or not that they will be worked out going forward. I have seen significant adaptation to industry/market changes in the past and we will adapt as we always have. Good and faithful service never goes out of style.

Continuing the Legacy

Charlie’s 50-year journey with Patterson-Schwartz is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of relationships. From humble beginnings with one office and a handful of agents, we’ve grown into a regional powerhouse with a footprint that stretches across Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland’s eastern shore, while staying true to our roots.  

Our legacy of values, handed down by mentors, is a testament to the enduring spirit of PSA — a family built on cherished values and a commitment to excellence in all that we do. As we celebrate Charlie’s remarkable 50-year milestone, we’re reminded that success in real estate, like any other field, hinges on a willingness to adapt and a commitment to excellence. 

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage and offers a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We’ve been guiding home buyers and sellers since 1961, and invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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Meet Juan Fuentes, Jr., an unstoppable force at PSA. Since launching his career in 2015 from the buzzing Greenville office, Juan has blazed his own trail, swiftly pivoting from sales to leadership. Bolstered by an arsenal of over a decade’s managerial experience, he’s not just leading; he’s redefining support, constantly staying a beat ahead of market trends. You can often find him showing new agents the ropes in our Successful Start program, serving up hot topics at office round table discussions, and greeting attendees at the door of our latest Mid-Month Mixer event. Explore Juan’s exhilarating journey at PSA, unravel the principles that fuel his momentum, and get a front-row seat to the spirited, family-centric culture he fervently champions.

How long have you been at PSA? How did you grow with the company?

I joined PSA in March of 2015 as a full-time salesperson. I am “born and raised” in the Greenville office and have really enjoyed my time here. After about two and a half years of building my business as an independent agent, an opportunity to join the leadership team presented itself. Having over 13 years of managerial experience from my previous career helped to make that an easy decision. Being able to support agents in the same way that I had been supported just made so much sense to me. I’ve continued to work in sales while a manager, which helps keep me entrenched in market trends. This, in turn, allows me to serve our agents from a first-hand perspective.

What keeps you here?

100% the people. Our agents, our support staff, the entire team. The vibe, our culture, is family-based. We’re big enough to deliver, yet small enough to care.

Do you have a motto that you follow for your business, real estate, or in general?

In general, I believe in doing good by people. Doing what’s right even when it’s not the popular choice is a conscious decision. It’s always served me well in every single aspect of my life. Adversely, and because I’m imperfect, straying from this principal has never ended well for me.

What are your greatest strengths?

Knowing my weaknesses and knowing them well. I always know where I can improve so I try hard not to pretend or overcompensate in those areas. I just own it until I’m better. You get a more genuine me as a result!

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

I really do enjoy playing golf whenever I can, but if that’s not possible, I like working with my hands. Home projects, and there are always plenty, are like therapy for me.

Ready to grow with us?

Juan embodies the spirited passion and dedication that set PSA apart. With his unique blend of sales expertise and leadership acumen, he consistently elevates our Greenville office, championing a culture that feels like family. If Juan’s journey of transformation and unyielding commitment to doing what’s right resonates with you, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz! 

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We’d like to introduce you to Sue Bass, a cherished member of the PSA Corporate Services team. Since 1986, Sue’s journey with PSA has been marked by consistent personal and professional growth. From her beginnings in the Hockessin residential sales office to her current responsibilities spanning administration, property management, and licensing, Sue has displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her dedication and adaptability have left an indelible mark on the company. Join us as we explore Sue’s impressive growth, her approach to navigating change, and how she contributes to the unique culture here at PSA.

How long have you been at PSA? How did you grow with the company?  

I’ve been with PSA since 1986 and to say the least, I’ve had a LOT of personal and professional growth. My journey here began when Mary Julian, my boss at B. Gary Scott REALTORS®, brought me with her help establish and grow the newly formed residential sales office in Hockessin. I served there as an administrative assistant for 11 years, contributing significantly to its growth and development. When I first joined that office, we didn’t even have the internet!  Times have changed so much since then. 

• In 1997, I transferred to Administration and worked directly with the President/CEO, owners, and leadership team – and still do today. We have a fantastic leadership team with many years of real estate experience.  
• In 1998, Contributions Committee Coordinator was added to my list of responsibilities. I’m very proud of all the charitable organizations we support in our community! 
• In January 2001, I was asked if I would take on the responsibility of in-house Property Manager for Hockessin Office Park, our three-story corporate headquarters, under the direction of Charlie Schwartz. I never thought I would be a property manager of a three-story building with multiple tenants, but they had faith in me and I think it’s worked out well for everyone for the past 22+ years!   
• In August 2011, I was given the additional responsibilities of managing our printed supplies inventory and various duties for our Marketing and Technology Departments, one of which includes on-boarding newly licensed and experienced sales associates into all our different systems.  
• In February 2015, Licensing Coordinator was added to my list of responsibilities to include helping sales associates with any questions about obtaining their Pennsylvania and Maryland licenses or transferring their licenses when they join PSA. I’m also the coordinator of our referral office. 

Before joining PSA, I worked for several other real estate companies: Carroll W. Griffith Real Estate (bought out by B. Gary Scott REALTORS®), Tom Livizos Real Estate (for three whole months!), and Spectrum REALTORS®. Patterson-Schwartz was and still is considered to be the best of the best and I can attest to that fact based on my experience working for those other real estate companies. I was thrilled to be hired by PSA and never thought about leaving! PSA is a company with the utmost integrity, always implementing new technologies and very much family-oriented, whose owners and managers genuinely care about their sales associates and employees like they are family.

What keeps you here? 

My continued tenure at PSA is anchored by two main factors. Firstly, the sense of value that my accumulated knowledge and skills over the past 37+ years are recognized and appreciated by the team. This appreciation has come with numerous opportunities that have challenged me and fostered my professional growth.

Secondly, the genuine camaraderie and team spirit here at PSA is irreplaceable. We operate as a family unit, from leadership down to every team member. There’s a shared understanding that every individual is vital to our collective success, regardless of their role or status. The mutual respect and cooperation are a cornerstone of our culture, making every task an integrated effort.

Specific individuals, like Charlie Schwartz and Joe Pluscht, have significantly shaped my experience here. Charlie’s fantastic memory and caring nature, alongside Joe’s partner-like treatment, reaffirm the familial culture at PSA. Joe, among many other wonderful bosses I’ve been fortunate to work with, has made my time at PSA a truly enjoyable journey. Donna Greenspan embodies the essence of PSA’s culture. She’s not only hard-working and detail-oriented but also incredibly personable and fun. Her caring, understanding nature, combined with her loyalty and compassion makes working for PSA a true pleasure. The consistent presence of outstanding managers and supportive coworkers isn’t a given everywhere, making PSA a uniquely gratifying place to work.

Describe a typical day in your life.  

A typical day in my life would be taking an early morning 3-mile hike at Fair Hill with our two goldendoodles, Tucker and Jackson; working a full day from my home office; and then, at the end of my work day, spending time with my horse, Tex, who lives across the street from us. After all that, I relax with my husband, Bob, who retired in 2021 after 31 years as a sales associate with PSA. On weekends, we are blessed to spend time with family consisting of four adult children, their spouses, and nine precious grandchildren. 

Ready to grow with us?

Sue Bass is the embodiment of the core values that underpin PSA’s success. Since her start in 1986, she has shown an unwavering commitment to personal growth and adaptability, fostering key relationships across various areas of our company. Her consistent dedication to excellence has not only left an indelible mark on PSA but also encourages everyone around her. Inspired by Sue’s journey and want to be part of a team that fosters individual growth and values each member’s contributions? We’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz! 

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Meet Jennifer Jamieson, an admin in our Greenville, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean View offices. Jennifer joined PSA in 1986 as a receptionist at the Brandywine office and has been showcasing her strengths and experience ever since. We sat down with Jennifer to learn a little more about her and what she loves about Patterson-Schwartz, and to reminisce about how technology has evolved in 40 years. 

What was the office technology like in the 1980s?  

We had no voice mail, no digital phone displays. We took hand-written messages and slipped them into a cubby with the agent’s name on it; the agent called in and we read their messages to them. We worked with binders with MLS sheets in them, and rolodex cards, and an “access” machine. (The “access” machine was a forerunner to our computer system.) The first fax machine came our way with thermal paper you loaded into it! We went digital in the early 90s and never looked back! 

Tell us what you love about your job and why. 

I love the excitement that comes with real estate. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, something new pops up.  

Onboarding our new hires is a top favorite. I get to meet new people and help them continue the process to becoming agents. It is so gratifying when a new agent comes to me with their first listing or sale knowing I helped them reach that goal and can continue to watch them grow.  

The people I work with are the best — my office family as well as my entire PSA family. I still look forward to walking into the office daily. 

What sets PSA apart as a company? How would you describe the culture? 

I have been fortunate to have been with PSA while changes were taking place. My opinion was asked and valued and I grew with the changes that came along. The culture at PSA is one of family — everyone looks out for each other and, if you need help, it is only a phone call away. I feel supported, valued, and, I believe, when asked, my opinions matter. I’ve never thought of being anywhere else but PSA! 

What do you do when you’re not at the office?  

Outside of work, gardening is huge as are volunteering for animal shelters and reading.

Ready to grow with us?

Jennifer Jamieson exemplifies the heart and soul of Patterson-Schwartz, embodying the spirit of growth, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication to her profession. With a supportive and family-like culture at Patterson-Schwartz, Jennifer has thrived, feeling valued and appreciated every step of the way. If this sounds like a place you’d like to call home, then we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz! 

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