You Won't Believe How The Keyes Company Survived 100 Years in Florida's Cutthroat Real Estate Market!

The Keyes Company, part of the prestigious Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), is marking a significant milestone this February: a century in operation. Founded by Kenneth Keyes amidst Florida’s early real estate boom, the company has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, adapting to the shifting tides of the real estate market over the decades. From the challenges of the Great Depression to the complexities of today’s digital landscape, Keyes has consistently focused on meeting the evolving needs of its clients.

“Very few companies reach 100 years, especially in an industry as cyclical and competitive as real estate,” said Christina Pappas, current president of The Keyes Company. “What makes this milestone so meaningful is that Keyes didn’t survive by standing still. Every generation of ownership looked honestly at the market, at our customers, and at the risks in front of us – and chose to evolve.”

Today, The Keyes Company operates as a full-service real estate organization, boasting a statewide footprint and a vast network of real estate professionals. This adaptability has been crucial in navigating Florida's dramatic transformation over the last century.

“Survival is not accidental – it’s intentional,” remarked Mike Pappas, CEO of The Keyes Company. He emphasized that the guiding question for the company has always been: What do consumers need right now, and how do we deliver it better than anyone else? This philosophy has propelled Keyes through wars, economic recessions, and technological disruptions, and continues to shape its mission today.

Milestones in Keyes' Journey

A look back at the company’s timeline reveals a series of pivotal moments that showcase its growth and adaptation:

• 1926–1930: The Keyes Company was founded in February 1926, with Kenneth Keyes also managing property for Tatum Brothers. Rapid growth led to multiple office relocations, culminating in an office on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road by 1930, the same year Keyes addressed the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conference in Chicago.
• 1930–1945: The company’s mantra, “Give the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you,” guided it through the Great Depression. By 1934, it surpassed $1 million in annual sales and became the largest brokerage in Florida by 1936. During World War II, Keyes served as a local real estate office for the federal government.
• 1950s-1970s: In 1957, the company’s influence grew as Kenneth Keyes served as chairman of the National Association of Realtors. Ted J. Pappas joined in 1962 and later led a significant sales volume increase, culminating in a record $90 million in 1968.
• 1990s: Brothers Mike and Tim Pappas acquired the firm, and in 1996, Keyes became one of the first Florida companies to offer virtual realty services.
• Early 2000s: Keyes expanded its Family of Services, adding title, property management, insurance, and mortgage offerings to better support buyers and sellers.
• 2016: The acquisition of Palm Beach-based Illustrated Properties positioned Keyes as one of the largest independent brokerages in the nation.
• 2023: Christina Pappas ascended to the role of President, marking the third generation of Pappas family leadership, continuing the legacy of adaptability and service.

As The Keyes Company enters its second century, its commitment to leveraging technology and expanding services to meet the diverse needs of Florida’s communities remains unwavering. “One hundred years ago, this company was built on service and adaptability,” Christina Pappas stated. “Those values are just as relevant today – and they will carry us into the next century.”

For more information, visit Keyes Company.