Multi-Generation Unaffiliated Brokerage Joins RE/MAX For ‘International Brand, Local Roots’

When he was 10 years old, Owen Boone already knew what he wanted to do when he grew up: work for his grandfather, Gene Boone, at his renowned real estate brokerage, Foxfire Realty.

Now decades later, as Vice President and Director of Operations, Owen is working alongside Gene to continue the unparalleled local reputation of the family business. But in an effort to elevate productivity to new heights, the leaders are making a big change and aligning with a big brand.

In September 2023, Foxfire Realty converted to RE/MAX Foxfire, delivering new competitive advantages to more than 165 agents across four offices in Ocala, Florida.

It was a huge step forward for Gene and Owen – and especially for their agents.

A new path

Gene founded Foxfire Realty in 1976 to meet the real estate needs of the growing central Florida community. The brokerage – which closed nearly $400 million in volume in 2022 – had remained unaffiliated until its alignment with RE/MAX.

Gene and Owen had recently begun to re-evaluate the resources they were able to provide as an unaffiliated brokerage – and oftentimes the steep cost associated. The pair realized there must be a way to maintain the business’s strong culture while creating more growth opportunities for the agents.

So the two brokerage leaders attended the 2023 RE/MAX R4 convention to get a feel for the RE/MAX brand, the energy of the network, and the tools and services provided to affiliates. They left eager to dive in.

“We were completely blown away by the tools, technology and culture of RE/MAX,” Owen says. “It’s very difficult to be an unaffiliated brokerage right now and compete with franchises who offer technology and training. RE/MAX’s toolbox is so impressive – and joining RE/MAX for agent development, education, technology and marketing is going to benefit our agents and their clients in a big way.”

Local presence, international connections

The brand recognition of RE/MAX – throughout the U.S. and on a global scale – is an attractive feature for Gene and Owen, too.

“The RE/MAX national ad campaign and breadth of the brand is a notable benefit,” Gene shares. “Our market is popular with out-of-state buyers and agents relocating from other states. They’re not familiar with the Foxfire name and are looking for something they are familiar with.

“Aligning with RE/MAX gives us the best of both worlds – an international brand with local roots.”

Ocala welcomes people from all over the world, in part due to its unique primary industry – equine agriculture. The city is most widely recognized as “Horse Capital of the World” as it’s home to an abundance of horse farms and training centers. Multiple horses born and raised in Ocala have been crowned Kentucky Derby champions, and dozens more have earned titles such as national champion.

Because of this, RE/MAX Foxfire is especially proficient in land and commercial real estate transactions.

“Several of our agents specialize strictly in horse farms. We have a fifth office that’s being renovated right now, and once it opens, it will focus on farm and land deals,” Owen says.

Aligning with RE/MAX and bolstering their fifth office are just a few factors in the Boone family’s plans for business growth.

Owen adds, “We’re thrilled to officially be a part of the RE/MAX network. This alignment is going to open so many doors for our agents – locally and beyond.”

Get RE/MAX News delivered to your inbox! Sign up for News Alerts in the footer below.