The Brokery, a locally owned residential real estate brokerage, has announced the acquisition of the Arizona division of Kenneth James Realty, effective November 1. Co-founders Tucker Blalock and Oleg Bortman of The Brokery will retain ownership of the company, while Kenneth James Realty founder Karl Freund transitions into a new role as Director of Agent Development at The Brokery.
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Following the acquisition of Kenneth James Realty, a brokerage that has achieved over $1 Billion in sales and over 2,300 transactions, The Brokery will grow from a team of 110 to 160 agents, and the combined brokerages will have an annual sales volume of approximately $650 million. The Brokery will retain its five local offices in the Arcadia, Biltmore, Scottsdale, and North Central Phoenix neighborhoods, absorbing Kenneth James’ Phoenix office which will close in November.
“We have been looking to grow,” said Blalock. “But it has been an intentional process to find a brokerage that shares our culture and core values. When a mutual friend introduced us to Karl, we quickly recognized the synergies between Kenneth James Realty and The Brokery. This move is a major step toward solidifying our position as the go-to local independent brokerage in the Valley.”
Freund, who founded Kenneth James Realty in 2014, brings more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry and a passion for building strong teams through education and training. “I’m excited to join The Brokery and implement our proven training program,” said Freund. “I’ve seen how this experiential approach builds the skills and confidence agents need to achieve long-term success.”
At a time when many independent brokerages are selling to large national firms, Blalock and Bortman say they remain committed to offering a true local experience, where agents know that brokerage owners are invested in their success, and clients know they’re being served by professionals who live, work, and play in the same communities they represent.
“In addition to enhancing The Brokery with best-in-class training, our expanded team will bring our Relentlessly Local™ service to a wider geographic area, particularly in the thriving East Valley,” said Bortman. “We’re excited about the synergy, the momentum, and the opportunity to welcome new agents who want to grow with us. We see ourselves as a bold alternative to corporate, tech-driven brokerages — offering instead a highly personal, relationship-focused approach.”
