In the bustling world of real estate, where trends come and go and companies rise and fall, The Keyes Company stands as an enduring testament to family, legacy, unwavering commitment, and unparalleled philanthropy. With a history stretching back to 1926, this South Florida-based company has not only weathered the storms of the real estate market but has also made a profound impact on its communities. Now in its fourth generation of leadership, an uncommon accolade in the “Sunshine State,” The Keyes Company continues to set a standard of excellence, both in business and philanthropy.

A Legacy Built on Stewardship

At the heart of The Keyes Company's enduring legacy is a deep sense of stewardship. As Mike Pappas, current CEO of The Keyes Family of Companies, recently moved aside for his daughter Christina to become president of The Keyes Company, he emphasizes, "We are stewards of a legacy company that goes back to the first Florida land boom." This sentiment underscores the company's dedication to preserving the heritage of the business, which has been handed down through generations.

The story all began in 1926 when Ken Keyes, the visionary founder, arrived in South Florida from Ohio, sowing the seeds of a real estate empire. The torch of leadership has since been carefully passed down through generations, from Ted Pappas to sons Mike and Tim Pappas and now, in January 2023, to Christina Pappas, the fourth-generation torchbearer. Her ascent to the presidency not only marks a momentous occasion for the company but also reaffirms its ability to not just survive – but thrive – in the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate market.

Christina has grown under her father’s guidance and already boasts her bona fides in the real estate space. As Florida Realtors® Association's youngest-ever president and their youngest “Realtor of the Year,” following her leadership as the Miami Association of Realtors residential president, Christina plans to maintain and build on many of the tenets that have allowed Keyes to thrive for so long.

In the 42 years that he’s led the company, Mike Pappas has been celebrated for his philanthropy, community focus, and market acumen, especially in understanding how to adapt and pivot effectively in the ever-changing Florida market. Mike established “The Keyes Family of Companies,” with multiple real estate brands – Keyes, Illustrated Properties, and Platinum Properties, among others comprising over 50 branches, 3,600+ associates and company affiliates that include Capital Partners Mortgage, Home Partners Title, Keyes Insurance, and Keyes Property Management.

Mike comments, “Through the ‘The Keyes Family of Companies,’ we've closed on more real estate than any other firm in South Florida. This past year we reached 8.3 billion dollars in sales alone and over 10 billion dollars in total services – our second most profitable year since the company’s founding.”

Reflecting on their remarkable journey, Mike Pappas is quick to emphasize that their purpose extends beyond personal gain: “We’re not here for ourselves, but really to be stewards of others.” This commitment to stewardship has been a driving force behind the company’s enduring success and laid the groundwork for its largest acquisition to date, Illustrated Properties Real Estate (IPRE). 

IPRE can trace its legacy almost as far back as Ken Keyes’ journey to Miami, when in the 1930s Francis Fiske “Bud” Adams Sr. started selling land on Jupiter Island. His son “Bud” Jr. learned the importance of relationships and reputation and founded IPRE in 1975. Their commitment to community and philanthropy matched that of Keyes, and the shared ideal of a truly extraordinary brokerage experience is what brought the companies together. In 2017, the groups finalized a plan for Mike & Tim Pappas to acquire the brokerage. Each saw the soul of the other company as a mirror of what they deemed essential to the brokerage experience – people and relationships – and together under the umbrella of The Keyes Family of Companies, each has taken further steps to thrive.

Philanthropy at the Core

The company's impact on the community is nothing short of extraordinary, enriching lives and making a difference where it matters most. One of the cornerstones of The Keyes Company's philanthropic initiatives is their pledge to match funds for their agents' leadership efforts in their charitable work. This program encourages and empowers agents to actively participate in charitable endeavors, knowing that their contributions will be doubled, amplifying their impact.

The company's commitment to giving back extends to substantial annual donations to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, benefiting the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. To date, their contribution in the past eleven years is an astounding 1.6 million dollars.

Additionally, The Keyes Company offers long-term real estate investment opportunities for associates, providing them with a chance to invest in real estate projects. This not only fosters financial growth for their team members but also aligns with their commitment to helping associates secure their futures.

Leadership and Community Values

The Keyes Company's leaders understand that greatness is not a solo endeavor but a collective effort. Mike and Christina Pappas, the third and fourth-generation leaders, recognize the importance of a strong internal leadership team. Comprised of fifty industry professionals who share the company's commitment to building a robust organization, this team plays a pivotal role in driving the company's success. Additionally, many of the agents are among Florida's longest-serving top-producing real estate professionals who appreciate the company’s unwavering support.

Christina Pappas; A New Perspective and Timeless Values

Christina Pappas, now the company president, brings a fresh outlook to leadership. Her impressive background, including a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, provides her with a unique skill set. She's passionate about technology and its role in enhancing the real estate experience, stating, "I view technology as a valuable assistant – it's moving quicker and more intuitively than we ever thought it could. I get very excited about the strategy and implementation."

As the president of the Florida Association of Realtors® in 2022, Christina has already extended her influence far beyond The Keyes Company. Her dedication during the pandemic enabled her to facilitate the designation of real estate as an essential business, ensuring that the industry continued to serve the community during challenging times. Her relentless efforts in advocating for affordable housing legislation demonstrate her commitment to addressing critical community needs.

Mike comments, “Christine is a great executor. She's implementing changes within our company now where people are moving away from brick and mortar and going more virtual. We’re doubling down on it, where we think it matters most. We want to be there to support the agents and help build their database, enter the information into the ecosystem, and show them how they can leverage the resources. The agent's ability to individually handle buyers and sellers in a personalized way cannot be disrupted, because it's so complex. So, we see the personal touch, along with leveraging the technology as the best way forward.”

A Vision for the Future

With Mike Pappas’ transition to an advisory role, his belief in The Keyes Company's legacy remains steadfast. As he passes the torch to his daughter, Christina, he underlines their collective vision for the future, by stating the same slogan as Ken Keyes, who often remarked, “Give to the world the best you have. And the best will come back to you." This philosophy defines the steadfast mission of the company, its approach to business and philanthropy and highlights the symbiotic relationship between success and giving back.

In conclusion, The Keyes Company's fourth-generation legacy and unparalleled philanthropy have not only made them a powerhouse in the real estate industry but also a beacon of hope and support in their community. Their unwavering commitment to stewardship, philanthropy, and leadership sets a remarkable example for businesses far and wide. As they continue to thrive and adapt, The Keyes Company remains an enduring symbol of what it means to make a meaningful and lasting impact through generations within their community.