Gina Carr's CENTURY 21 Advantage Expands Services with Merger

by Lori Tilt

Sometimes even Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets can play on the same team!  Left to right:  Bulldog fans, Pat and Kristy Serkadakis and Yellow Jacket fans Gina Carr and Don Kyle.

In a strategic move to improve services for clients, enhance career opportunities for agents and expand community outreach programs, Gina Carr of CENTURY 21 Advantage proudly announced plans to merge with another successful real estate company — CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta.  The new company will operate under the name of CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta beginning in January 2006.

"Gina always has been a visionary business leader," explained Don Kyle, Ms. Carr's business partner and husband.  "Under Gina's management and guidance, this merger presents a true opportunity to take the business to the next level.  This venture will benefit our clients, employees and the community.  Our entire team is excited about the possibilities."

Improved Resources for Home Buyers and Sellers
"While our Towne Lake office will continue to serve clients primarily in Cherokee County," explained Ms. Carr, "this merger will allow us to expand our resources and offer access to experts in nearby Marietta and Roswell, as well.  Because our new business partner, CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta, is a recognized leader in the National Relocation Network, our affiliation with them also should bring more relocation buyers to Cherokee County."

Enhanced Career Opportunities for Agents
The ability to attract and retain the best agents also was a favorable factor in the decision to combine companies.  Ms. Carr firmly believes in giving agents the right tools to do their jobs and sought a business opportunity to build on her already strong foundation.  "As part of our merger, we will be adding a full time, in-house manager to help enhance our training efforts, work with our recruits and manage the day-to-day operations," said Ms. Carr.  "This staffing addition will help our agents become even more productive and successful, allowing them to better serve our clients.  Of course, I also will continue to oversee our operations and actively promote the business."

Selecting the Right Business Partner
Since Ms. Carr's real estate firm has been growing steadily since 1995, selecting a business partner that would compliment their services and enhance their business was no easy task.  Ms. Carr was impressed with CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta and the owners, siblings, Pat and Kristy Serkadakis, because they are owned by a second-generation real estate family and truly understand the business.  Because they specialize in servicing nearby Marietta and Roswell and are also experts at corporate relocations, they were a logical choice to enhance Ms. Carr's team. 

Pat, a graduate of the University of Georgia and President and co-owner of CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta, obtained his real estate license in 1968, and his vision and leadership have enabled his company to be one of the dominant real estate companies in the area and in the entire CENTURY 21 system.  Kristy is the Vice President of Sales and Relocation and is co-owner along with her brother Pat.  Kristy also is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and she has been with CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta since 1979.  She is a life member of the Cobb Association of REALTORS® and has been honored as Realtor of the Year.  Kristy, who will manage the Towne Lake location, said that customers of CENTURY 21 Across Atlanta can expect the high level of service to which they have become accustomed.

An Entrepreneur with a Heart
Having good business instincts and an entrepreneurial spirit just seem to "come naturally" to Ms. Carr, so it no surprise she also is developing another successful business.  In addition to her growing real estate firm, Ms. Carr also owns Around Town Community Magazine, Inc., a franchising company which franchises local community magazines, including The TowneLaker, Sixes Living Magazine, Around Canton, Around Woodstock, Around Acworth and Around Roswell.  Ms. Carr is working to establish Around Town franchises in metropolitan Atlanta and other U.S. cities.  For more information about Around Town, please visit aroundtowncm.com or call (770) 516-7105.

When asked about her motivation to expand the businesses, Ms. Carr summed it all up nicely, "I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities in my life.  However, the most rewarding aspect of my success in business is being able to help others.  The more my ventures grow, the more I can give back and make a positive difference in the community."  Pam Carnes, President and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce said, "Gina has had a tremendously positive impact on Cherokee County with her outreach activities.  It is inspiring she has found a way to expand her business efforts and do even more good in the community."