In the Fall of 2008 I was searching for a new office to affiliate with when my dear friend and colleague Rosie suggested I go with her and join Thompson Company, REALTORS. I had spent 4 years at a local affiliate of a large national franchise. I knew a big box brokerage wasn't the right fit for me but wasn't quite sure if a small Mom & Pop shop was either.
And then I met Larry Thompson, 2nd generation REALTOR®, REALTOR® EMERITUS and owner of Thompson Company, REALTORS. I joined and never looked back. 5 1/2 years later I still hang my license at that office on New Hampshire Ave in Silver Spring, MD.
Larry, or Mr. Larry as my girls called him, passed away on August 5th, 2014 and I feel like I just lost another grandfather. Larry was one of my biggest supporters. He introduced me to everyone as his "top agent in the office", encouraged me to hang in there when things were tough, inspired me to reach higher and always believed in me.
He checked in with me when he didn't see me around the office for a few days: "Is everything all right?" he used to ask and end the conversation with "Well, I just wanted to make sure you are still alive."
Larry very much wanted to appear tough but, the truth is, he had a very big heart and that was just impossible to hide. He kept a candy jar filled for my girls and they never had to ask him twice. He always asked me to sit down with him and to tell him what was going on. Many times we laughed and sometimes we cried together. Larry and his office became a safe haven for my girls and I when we were in need of one.
When he got a cell phone not too long ago (yes, he actually survived in this business without one for many, many years), I was one of the first to get his number. He made me promise that I would call him if I needed anything. He kept an open door policy and every person who ever visited our office will remember his cardboard sign: I'll be back in 10 minutes. He trusted people.
Our office will remain closed for the weekend but come Monday we'll ease back into it. I don't know how we can possibly get used to not having Larry around but he wouldn't want it any other way.
Thompson Company, REALTORS was founded in 1946. It is one of the oldest family-owned brokerages in Montgomery County, Maryland. His daughter Cherie Conrad is our (wonderfully amazing) broker-in-charge, the third generation to take the lead.
I have no plans of leaving the company. Although I am not part of the Thompson clan, I do very much consider myself part of the Thompson Company, REALTORS family. I will continue to follow my passion and proudly introduce myself as Andrea Bedard, Thompson Company, REALTORS.
Rest in peace Larry, we will miss you A LOT. And don't you worry, we've got this.
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