Long & Foster has named former REMAX SVP Daniel Dennis as its new president and CEO, according to an announcement on Monday.
Dennis started his 18-year career at HomeServices of Alabama, where he served as the director of business development from 2008 to 2010. He then moved into leadership positions at Roberts Brothers and Illustrated Properties Real Estate before joining REMAX, where he helped brokerage leaders sharpen their recruiting, agent support, growth and expansion efforts.
HomeServices of America President and CEO Chris Kelly said Dennis has the skills, experience and passion needed to lead Long & Foster, which is part of the HomeServices network, into its next chapter.
Chris Kelly
“Daniel brings … brokerage leadership, experience building teams and businesses, luxury expertise and a broad national perspective on where our industry is headed,” he said in a prepared statement. “Just as importantly, he has tremendous respect for Long & Foster and the strength of its brand.”
“He returns to our organization with an even broader perspective and a clear understanding of the opportunities ahead,” he added. “We are excited to welcome him back … ”
As president and CEO, Dennis will work alongside the firm’s regional and local leadership teams and affiliated businesses, which include mortgage, title, insurance, inspection, property management and other ancillary services.
Dennis’s first focus will be meeting agents, employees and leaders throughout Long & Foster’s network, which stretches from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
“Long & Foster is an iconic company with an extraordinary history, but what excites me most is the opportunity in front of us,” Dennis said in a written statement. “The strength of this brand, the talent of its agents and employees, and the capabilities we can bring together with HomeServices create an incredible foundation for the future.”
Daniel Dennis
“I have tremendous respect for what has been built here, and I am excited to listen, learn and work alongside our leaders and agents to make an already great company even stronger.”
Exiting president and CEO Patrick Bain will stay with the company for a few more weeks.
“Leading Long & Foster has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life,” Bain said in the announcement. “I believe deeply in this company, its people and its future, and I have complete confidence in Daniel as he takes on this responsibility.”
“He brings the experience, perspective and respect for Long & Foster that I believe will serve this company exceptionally well,” he added. “I look forward to working closely with him through the transition and supporting his success.”
On LinkedIn, Bain shared a longer goodbye, reflecting on his 16 years with the brand and excitement about whatever comes next.
Patrick Bain
“I’m looking forward to taking some time to reflect and see what’s next,” he wrote. “I’ve been fortunate to lead this company during a challenging, yet exciting time in our industry. We came together as ONE Long & Foster, ONE team, with ONE goal: helping our agents and clients succeed.”
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside every agent and employee here, and I’m grateful to have been part of your journey,” he added. “There are countless colleagues to thank for their support and guidance over the years. I want to share a special note of appreciation to all the Leaders at Long & Foster — your confidence and trust in me [have] been an invaluable inspiration.”
The firm thanked Bain for leading “through one of the most consequential periods in the history of residential real estate, navigating significant changes in the housing market and industry while strengthening the company’s foundation, modernizing its business and positioning Long & Foster for its next chapter,” while sharing its excitement about what lies ahead.
“Real estate is changing quickly, and that creates tremendous opportunity for companies with strong brands, great people and the willingness to evolve,” Kelly finished. “Long & Foster has all of those things. Daniel understands both what is worth protecting about this company and where we have the opportunity to take it next.”
