Teamwork is the Difference at Chaplin Williams

At Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty, you’ll never see a newspaper advertisement proclaiming that they’re the best in the business, a billboard congratulating the agent of the month, or a member of their team parading from cubicle to cubicle in a tell-take “golden jacket”.  This lack of shameless self-promotion isn’t a sign that they’ve fallen on hard times – business has been booming since the creation of the company in 1999, and shows no signs of slowing – but rather serves as a testament to what makes them one of Amelia Island’s premier real estate companies: teamwork.

In a business traditionally based on commission, where every agent is essentially running a one-person operation, Chaplin Williams’ teamwork philosophy might seem slightly unconventional, but that hasn’t stopped it from touching a chord with customers.  “We don’t lock drawers. We don’t hide files.  We work for the greater good of the customer, and if that means they need two or three agents to get the job done, then two or three agents will work together to get the job done,” said Dee Chaplin, who shares the titles of owner and broker with long-time family friend Hugh Williams.  “We weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel on purpose, it’s just a concept that seemed pretty basic to both of us.”

Not so basic was the idea of founding a company based on friendship, a notion foreign to the corporate working world.  “When we first started mapping the company and deciding the direction in which we wanted it to go, the biggest decision was that the friendship would never suffer,” said Chaplin.

Fortunately, forming a real estate company rooted in their existing relationship wasn’t a cause of complications.  “It made it much easier,: said Williams, who has been best friends with Chaplin’s husband for more than 30 years. 

Not to be beat when it comes to number dropping, Chaplin has been best friends with Williams’ wife for more than 20 years and claims credit for introducing the couple.  “She’s the perfect matchmaker, personally and professionally,” said Williams.

Of course, Chaplin’s gift for matchmaking isn’t the only secret to the company’s success.  Both Chaplin and Williams have extensive knowledge of the way the work of real estate works, meaning both buyers and sellers reap the rewards of their combined knowledge.

Williams was general manager of the Oyster Bay project and is a land developer.  Chaplin worked on the Dune’s Club development and currently owns a property management company with her husband, providing an established customer base on which to build.  This diversified background has ultimately meant more bang for their customer’s buck, allowing Chaplin Williams to provide a wide-ranging selection of services, including property appraisal, mortgage assistance and relocation information.

“We try to be a full-service real estate company,” said Chaplin.  “Some of the negative comments you hear about REALTORS® are that they don’t take the time to know what you want, and [changing that mindset] is what we’re all about.”

Also important to the Chaplin Williams marketing philosophy is knowing what you don’t want, which is being harassed by salesmen.  “We want to be your real estate information provider,” said Williams.  “We work hard to spread the work about what we’re doing, but that doesn’t mean we want to pester people – some people are just looking for information, which is what we’ve provided different resources for finding your dream home without being bothered.”

More than just words, Chaplin Williams puts its customer-friendly attitude to the test by offering satisfaction guarantees with their listings agreements, warranties with their properties and a constant string of specials to attract the attention of buyers and sellers looking for a real estate company willing to work with their best interests at heart.  “We’ve got an excellent team of people that feel comfortable with each other, trusting with each other and are dedicated to working together for the greater good of the customer,” said Chaplin.  “Our team works together as a team because we know what a wonderful place this is to call home, especially if you have someone showing you around.”