Victoria Clark has bucked the dual trends of shrinking real estate brokerages and privately-owned real estate firms giving way to nationally-franchised companies.
Her father founded Connecticut Commercial Realty & Select Homes in 1990 in New London. It was a single-office firm until 2006, when Clark set out to expand into the Hartford-Springfield market and opened the Somers office. She is now CEO of Connecticut Commercial Realty & Select Homes, and managing broker of the Somers office.
“When it comes right down to it, most real estate is local; no matter the shape of our logo and color of our signs, if we are not providing good service, we will not be successful,” Clark said. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Clark began a career as a social worker until the arrival of children made her decide to stay home. In 2005, she took up real estate, and found that her social work background has aided her in her new career.
“It is not so much about sales, as it is about guiding people through a process,” which is very similar to human service work, she explained.
Then came the real estate market crash. Clark said the market is finally starting to show signs of improvement.
“Property values in many of our local markets have started to level off, which makes being honest, even when the news is not good, a little easier,” she said.
Under her leadership, the Somers office has grown to 12 realtors and an office manager.
Clark is also very active in many community programs. She is currently working with the Somers Rotary Club in organizing the Somers Great Escape Road Race, an event that raises funds for student scholarships. She also serves on the Economic Development Commission for the town of Somers, and is a member of The Breakfast Club, a networking group in South Windsor, and The North Central Chamber of Commerce.
