The offices of Century 21 Larry Miller Realty Inc. have become those of Century 21 Magnolia. The real estate office commemorated its transition Friday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We know that anything you put your hands to do will be successful,” said Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Sabrina Griffin to Noah McBride, to whom veteran realtor Larry Miller transferred ownership of his enterprise after 37 years in real estate.
When Griffin acknowledged Miller’s business legacy, calling him a “giant in the industry,” and asking him how many homebuying families he’s met over the years, in humble fashion Miller jested, “Probably over 50.”
The Chamber coordinated the event, which saw a crowd of celebrants ushering in McBride’s business. The 25-year-old owner of Magnolia is starting off his organization with some 45 agents, all after just four “whimsical” years in the industry.
“We’ve transitioned pretty heavily this year,” said McBride. “We started the year right around 18 to 20, and we continue to move forward and push towards that 50 mark. So we’re excited.”
McBride, accompanied by his wife Holly and two children, spoke on his first leap into the industry and his mentorship under Miller. McBride’s grandfather encouraged him to look for work at Century 21, he said.
“First interview was with a guy named Larry Miller, and from there on I cancelled all the others,” recalled McBride. “I said that this is my place, this is my home.”
Miller has referred to his young protégé as “innovative.” McBride, however, sees himself as building upon a foundation of over three decades of wisdom.
“We’re taking his 37 years of experience and blending it with modern AI companies, competitive tools that help elevate an agent’s productivity and success and ultimately elevate a consumers experience,” said McBride.
Among the ambitions of his new business, says the young realtor, is to become the “number one place to work” in Augusta, and to have the “best customer service in the industry.”
“We chose the name “Magnolia” because it had a lot of different ties, both biblical and local,” he said. “We believe we’re deeply rooted in our community, we’re excited to be a part of Augusta and what it stands for and what it will be in the future, and we’re excited to see the growth that we can have and kind of continue to journey on and move forward.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
