Women Making a Mark: Laura Rittenberg

Her love of real estate translates to building up colleagues as well as her community
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Photo by Martha Williams

Laura Rittenberg’s passion for real estate began 40 years ago, and she can’t imagine doing anything else. With a husband, daughter, and son-in-law all working in the real estate industry, Rittenberg’s family shares her dedication to the profession. “We have heard there are other jobs out there, but none of us know why you would get one,” she quips.

As president of Coldwell Banker Realty in Atlanta and the Carolinas, Rittenberg shares her experience by coaching agents—both new and seasoned—to empower them to be as successful as possible. She loves innovation and new technology, but she always promotes the basics. “While we’ve made cutting-edge technology available to agents to help them cultivate leads, we absolutely believe that real estate is a relationship business, not a technology business,” she says. An innovative program she oversees
 at Coldwell Banker called the Culture of Awesomeness recognizes agents in creative ways in order to keep morale high. Networking events, community service opportunities, and unique perks (such as a private performance from a Hamilton cast member) all inspire pride and motivate agents, Rittenberg says.

Her commitment to the community is illustrated by her work in two areas for which she has a passion: veterans and animals. “I’ve long believed that as real estate professionals, we are keepers of the American Dream,” she says. “Through our Hometown Heroes program, I’ve helped organizations assist homeless veterans and their families to get the home they deserve.” She also works to find homes for four-legged friends, and is proud that Coldwell Banker has placed more than 20,000 dogs through Adopt-a-Pet programs.

Rittenberg originally hails from Idaho, and she and her husband, Terry, opted for a quiet lifestyle in Sandy Springs for their sanctuary. “Our favorite way to unwind is to spend time in our backyard barbecuing and swimming with our two Irish Doodles,” she says, a testament to her belief that home is the best place to rejuvenate and re-energize.

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