Ruth Reffkin, Mother of Compass CEO, Launches NYC Real Estate Team at 81

Ruth Reffkin, a seasoned real estate professional and the mother of Compass International Holdings founder and CEO Robert Reffkin, has officially launched her own real estate team, the Ruth Reffkin Team. This significant development, announced on Friday, comes just days before Reffkin's 81st birthday and marks her first foray into leading her own independent team after a career spanning over 27 years in the industry. The new venture will operate under the umbrella of Compass, the prominent real estate brokerage firm co-founded by her son.

Joining Reffkin as a key partner is Susan Hirschorn, who will assume the role of the team's principal strategist. In an email communication obtained by HousingWire, Reffkin and Hirschorn articulated their vision for the Ruth Reffkin Team, stating its creation is driven by a desire to provide "expanded support, broader reach and highly personal service" to a diverse clientele. This includes buyers, homeowners, investors, families, and seniors who are navigating significant life transitions, such as buying a first home, downsizing, or relocating.

The team's strategic positioning is further bolstered by Compass's integration with Compass International Holdings. Reffkin and Hirschorn highlighted this synergy, noting that it provides access to an "even stronger national and international network." This expanded network is expected to facilitate enhanced client service and foster collaboration with colleagues across a wider geographical scope, a crucial advantage in today's interconnected real estate market.

Reffkin herself acknowledged a surprising aspect of this launch: it is the first team she has ever started or led. She candidly shared with HousingWire that her previous hesitations were rooted in "fear or maybe a bit of imposter syndrome," stemming from a perceived lack of confidence. However, her perspective has shifted, significantly influenced by her partnership with Hirschorn, whom she describes as a "business partner that I can count on." This collaborative relationship has instilled a newfound sense of confidence.

Furthermore, Reffkin emphasized the critical role of the Compass Home Platform in enabling this new chapter. The platform offers comprehensive backend office support and assists with the logistical complexities inherent in managing a real estate team. Reffkin specifically pointed to the firm's transaction services, which allow for the contracting of external support, as a key factor in alleviating the burden of responsibilities like payroll. This robust support infrastructure, she explained, empowers her to lead her own team without being solely encumbered by the operational minutiae, allowing her to focus on delivering exceptional service to clients.