Employees receive honor that recognizes commitment to exceptional service

The Long & Foster Companies has named Julie Harding and Debbie Shobe as its 2024 Wes Foster Award for Employee Excellence winners. Harding is an executive assistant to the company’s President and CEO and its Vice President & Finance Director at its home office in Fairfax, Virginia. Shobe is executive assistant to the Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of the Southern Virginia region in Richmond, Virginia. The Wes Foster Award, formerly known as the Foster Family Award, recognizes Long & Foster employees who achieve excellence in customer service.

“We are proud of Julie and Debbie and greatly appreciate the many contributions they make to our company,” said Patrick Bain, president & CEO of The Long & Foster Companies. “Both Julie and Debbie are true professionals who are dedicated to providing excellent service to everyone with whom they work—promoting the can-do attitude that Wes Foster encouraged within the company.”

Nominations for the awards are accepted for any employees who exemplify the organization’s Core Values (Respect, Listen, Take Ownership, Celebrate Success, Participate and Be Real), as well as its five keys to exceptional service—being accessible, listening, being responsive, having a can-do attitude and caring about their clients and colleagues. The company then presents two $5,000 awards—one to an employee in its field operations and another to an employee within its shared corporate teams—to those individuals who embody that commitment to exemplary service.

Harding, who joined Long & Foster in 2018, is known for her unwavering positivity, dedication, and kindness. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, whether through complex tasks or simple everyday needs, all with a smile and a can-do attitude. Her ability to juggle numerous responsibilities while remaining helpful, gracious, and patient makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Harding’s professionalism and attention to detail, even in the most challenging situations, is exceptional.

During her more than 20 years at Long & Foster, Shobe has become known for her unwavering dedication to customer service. Her continually positive attitude and her ability to maintain and demonstrate excellence sets an example for all of her peers. Shobe shows a selfless dedication to Long & Foster, handling whatever task is needed to help the Long & Foster Real Estate team in Richmond to achieve success.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit longandfoster.com.