Thriving communities are created and grow based on a number of factors. One of the most powerful elements is strong relationships like the kind that has evolved over time between Windermere and Seabrook, a community masterminded by visionary developers Casey and Laura Roloff that continues to break new ground for its residents.

OB Jacobi, the Co-President of Windermere Real Estate, has real estate in his blood. "I got my license in ‘89," he shares. Real estate was a family affair for Jacobi, and it didn’t take long for him to immerse himself in it. From working in property management to eventually taking over six Windermere offices in Seattle, OB’s career has evolved alongside the family business. He quickly realized there was much more to managing a successful real estate company than just selling homes. "The business side of real estate is so fascinating," Jacobi says. "When you move into ownership and management, you’re thinking beyond individual deals. It’s about guiding your agents, providing them with the right tools, and growing the company in a sustainable way." Under his leadership, Windermere expanded its footprint across several states, managing nearly 50 offices.

Seabrook, located on the rugged Washington coast, is the brainchild of Casey and Laura Roloff. When Jacobi first heard about Seabrook, it wasn’t just another real estate venture — it was something bigger. "Casey’s passion is contagious," Jacobi explains. "I’ve been in real estate my whole life, but I had no idea what building a town from scratch really entails. What Casey has created is nothing short of remarkable."

Seabrook was founded in 2004, and since its inception, is considered to be the most successful vacation community in the Pacific Northwest, selling over $700 million in real estate. With its charming homes, walkable streets, and sense of community, Seabrook offers more than just a place to live — it offers a lifestyle. Roloff’s vision to create a sustainable, vibrant town resonated with Jacobi. "It’s not just a development; it’s an experience. And when you hear Casey talk about it, you can’t help but get excited," he says.

Casey Roloff feels that excitement, as well. “Windermere Real Estate was a launching pad for my career,” Casey says. “My real estate career started in college when I worked at Windermere in 1994. It’s surreal to come full circle and partner with a company and brand that I have always admired and looked up to. The Windermere culture and family atmosphere is something we have strived for with our own town building company over the past 25 years. We look forward to building a strong, collaborative partnership and leveraging our shared values to take our coastal town to new heights.”

The partnership between Windermere and Seabrook was a natural fit. As Jacobi explains, "Casey was facing a unique challenge — while many people had heard of Seabrook, few had actually visited." This gap presented an opportunity. Windermere, with its 3,000 agents across Washington, was uniquely positioned to bridge that gap. "We saw a way to get people there," Jacobi says. "Our agents love bringing their clients to unique places, and Seabrook is definitely one of them."

The collaboration isn’t about Windermere marketing Seabrook’s homes directly, however, but rather supporting Windermere’s agents with the tools they need to serve their clients. "We’re not creating marketing plans for Seabrook," Jacobi explains. "What we’re doing is helping our agents invite their clients to experience it for themselves."

For Jacobi, the partnership with Seabrook represents something new for Windermere, and he sees it as the beginning of more to come. "This is uncharted territory for us as a company, but it’s exciting," he says. "We’re learning how to be more involved in unique projects like Seabrook, where it’s about creating experiences, not just selling properties."

What makes this collaboration particularly exciting for Jacobi is the potential for long-term growth. Seabrook currently has about 1,500 homes planned, and the partnership with Windermere could help them reach those ambitious goals faster. "If we can help Seabrook grow from $50 to $100 million in volume, that’s a win for everyone involved," he notes.

The partnership has already paid dividends. When Windermere invited agents to visit Seabrook, the response was overwhelming. "We sent out an email, and within a day, we had 40 people ready to go. We could have easily had 2,000 if we kept it open longer," Jacobi recalls.

Windermere has been working to integrate Seabrook into its broader offerings. The company is even exploring ways to hold events and professional development programs in Seabrook. "We have lots of events — from educational classes to client gatherings. Why not host them in Seabrook? It’s the perfect setting," he points out. Additionally, Windermere plans to hire a full-time liaison in Seabrook to serve as a bridge between the agents and the coastal community. 

"We need someone who knows everything about both Windermere and Seabrook, who can guide our agents and their clients," Jacobi explains. This person will play a critical role in ensuring the continued success of the partnership.

Today, Seabrook has more than 600 homes, including 300 vacation homes of various sizes and styles available for rent. Looking to the future, Jacobi is optimistic about the long-term vision for Windermere and Seabrook. "We’re in this for the long haul," he says. "Seabrook has 20 years of building ahead, and I think there are countless opportunities for us to continue collaborating."

Jacobi acknowledges that the real estate industry is constantly changing, but he’s excited to see where this journey will lead. "In real estate, it’s hard to say where things will be in five or 10 years, but what I do know is that this partnership has the potential to reshape how we think about second homes and community living in the Northwest." The partnership between Windermere and Seabrook is more than just a business deal. It’s about bringing people together to create something extraordinary. With Windermere’s extensive network and Seabrook’s unique coastal charm, this collaboration is poised to elevate both brands while offering clients a chance to experience something truly special.

As Jacobi reflects, "Real estate is about more than just homes — it’s about building communities, and Seabrook is the perfect example of that."