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retirement announcement January, 2011 To My Dear Friends and Clients, You may recall that last year around this time I wrote you to let you know that I was taking a sabbatical in 2010 to try on retirement and see how it felt. I’ve had a good year of reflection and exploration of interests for which I have not had the time when working. So it is with feelings of anticipation mixed with sadness that after 34 years in the business I have decided to take a permanent leave from the real estate business. My affiliation with Red Oak Realty goes back to day-one in January of 1976, when my three partners and I moved into the garage of a single family home off Solano Avenue in Albany to form a company of 4. Today, Red Oak has two bustling offices in Berkeley and Oakland, a support staff of 15, and just under 100 agents. For many years we have been a major player in the local real estate community. Perhaps my greatest pride is Red Oak’s charitable foundation, Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (“ROOF”). Thanks to generous contributions from our agents, affiliates, clients, and members of the community, ROOF has contributed over a million dollars to smaller, under-funded local housing and education groups. We believe these grants have made a sizable contribution to the quality of life in the neighborhoods we serve. I have sold my interest in the company to two new owners: Vanessa Bergmark and Kevin Hamilton. In my mind these two young folks are the perfect heirs to the company I love. While they fully support the customer-based and independent philosophy we established from the beginning, in their short tenure as owners they have brought their youth, innovation, and excitement to the mix. I am excited for Red Oak’s future. Finally, I care deeply about my former clients and their future real estate needs. Because I have worked with Mark and Katie Lederer at Red Oak for 10 years, because I know their work and I know their heart, I have no hesitation in recommending them to you. Simply put, they are outstanding agents who will provide you with the very best professional service. If you need anything in connection with real estate, small or large, I invite you to give them a call (contact information on home page). I will miss my association with you, my clients. I have formed close friendships with many of you. I feel genuinely privileged to have played a part in one of the most significant events in a lifetime – the purchase or sale of a home. With my sincere gratitude for your past business, I send my very best wishes for your health and happiness. Thank you and goodbye for now. Sincerely, Bob Blumberg
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Bob Blumberg
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