Long & Foster Real Estate, the nation’s No. 1 privately owned residential real estate company, was named a 2016 Family Business Honoree by Washington SmartCEO. Companies chosen to receive the award were recognized for their distinguished achievements in both business and the community.
“I am honored that Long & Foster has been chosen as a recipient of SmartCEO’s Family Business Award,” said P. Wesley “Wes” Foster, Jr., founder and chief executive officer of The Long & Foster Companies. “Since starting this business in 1968, it’s always been our mission to offer excellent opportunities for our agents and employees to grow their careers and reach their fullest potential while focusing on integrity, innovation, honesty and good old fashioned customer service. That’s still true today and, as a family-owned company, I know it will continue to be important to Long & Foster for years to come.”
Jeffrey S. Detwiler, chief operating officer of The Long & Foster Companies, said SmartCEO’s Family Business Awards highlight many excellent companies in the area. He said being named to a list that includes many distinguished businesses is an honor.
“Family firms make up more than 80 percent of all businesses in North America. Their impact on jobs and the economy is undeniable. Not only are they driving innovation, change and stewardship, they are also representatives of the American Dream,” said Jaime Nespor-Sawmon, president of SmartCEO. “We are proud to recognize Greater Washington’s top family businesses for their impact on the region and their continued dedication to helping it grow and prosper.”
SmartCEO celebrated the 30 honorees with a cocktail event on May 9 in which more than 250 executives, friends and family attended. Long & Foster Real Estate was founded by P. Wesley Foster, Jr., and Henry Long in a small office in Fairfax, Virginia, 48 years ago and now has over 220 offices with more than 11,000 sales associates and 1,800 employees representing the company. In 2014, Larry “Boomer” Foster, nephew of Wes Foster, was named as a president of Long & Foster Real Estate, cementing the company’s dedication to its family approach to business.
For more information, visit www.LongandFoster.com.