Century 21 Winklhofer has the unique distinction of being family owned and operated for nearly 60 years in Western New York. 

Founded in 1967 by Bob and Judy Winklhofer, the reason for the firm’s longevity is its commitment to excellence and maintaining high ethical standards, says broker/owner Eric Winklhofer. With his sister, Amy, he continues to instill those values and continue the legacy his parents started.

Under their leadership, the company has grown to three offices in Williamsville, Lewiston and Grand Island.

“We were very fortunate to have such wonderful parents to lay the foundation and now we have taken it to the next level,” says Eric regarding the agency’s humble beginnings and continued success.

“No one can run an agency alone,” he says. “If you’re a Realtor at one of our firm’s offices, you are family. We find this to be unique in an industry that can be very competitive.”

Valuing people over dollars has allowed the Winklhofer firm to consistently place in the top 6 percent of WNY brokerages for volume. In addition, it has been recognized nationally by Century 21 corporate as a top-producing brokerage.

The bedrock of the Winklhofer team’s success is a corporate culture based on integrity and respect, Eric says. Choosing the right agents begins with the interview process, which is different from other companies.

“We really need to know more about them than numbers can tell us,” Eric says, adding that prior sales and experience are far from the most important criteria. “If they don’t fit our culture, it is not going to work.” 

One of the reasons agents join the Winklhofer team is to enjoy the name recognition and “the best tech tools” of Century 21, a worldwide corporation. Beyond that, agents can rely on the firm’s solid reputation that has been built over the last five decades.

He says the high level of tech tools from Century 21 are designed to help buyers and sellers at every phase of the real estate transaction. “We strive to keep our agents up to date on the current technology and position them for future growth, never forgetting the client is the most important part of the transaction.”

The Winklhofers have a firm belief in giving back to their community, including Eric having coached high school hockey and a travel soccer team. “When it comes to being a true leader, teamwork is paramount,” he says. “Coaching isn’t just about the outcome of the game. It’s about encouraging the best in your players and working toward a common goal. These are great life skills from which everyone can benefit.”

One piece of sage advice Eric received from his father when Eric first joined the firm was “do whatever it takes to get the deal closed.” 

“There is no room for ego when it comes to helping a client purchase or sell a home,” he says, a philosophy that has proven beneficial time and again throughout the years.

“Everyone works together for the good of the client,” he says. “Our agents are good people who truly care deeply about every transaction.”

Growing up, neither Amy nor Eric intended to follow in their parents' footsteps. As a child, Eric wanted to be an architect and play hockey. After he earned a business degree from Buffalo State University, he was offered a lucrative position at Kellogg’s. But an uncle told him he was crazy and badgered him to take advantage of the opportunity to work with his very successful father.

Now with 35 successful years of experience in real estate, Eric is confident working with his Dad was the right decision. 

Active with the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors for more than 30 years, Eric has served on a myriad of committees and held various positions on its board of directors. 

He is particularly proud of serving as the Association’s president in 2019. The Winklhofers are the first to have three members serve as president, beginning with Bob in 1983, Amy in 2012 and Eric in 2019.

Outside the office, Eric enjoys golf with a circle of friends that stretches back to his childhood and college days. He tries to sneak away as often as possible with his sons to his family’s cottage in Canada.

Hockey remains an important part of his life as well. He continues to play twice weekly in the winter. Just like the kids he coached, it is rewarding to watch team members' personal and professional growth.

“There’s nothing so great as watching our Realtors succeed in the industry while still enjoying their personal lives.”