Norman O’Grady

President
Prime Realty Group

When we ask Norman O’Grady what inspires him most about being involved in the real estate industry, he tells us, “I get to help buyers achieve the American Dream of homeownership.” As an Irish immigrant, O’Grady certainly knows a thing or two about the American Dream. Working in retail in Ireland before immigrating to the U.S. in 1987, O’Grady knew he wanted to stay involved in sales, and was attracted to real estate for the new challenges and opportunities it presented – and also, he jokes, because he believed it would have more relaxed hours than retail management. “Boy, was I wrong!”

Upon making his way into the industry, O’Grady hit the ground in full stride, earning his GRI designation after one year, and his CRS designation, currently held by only 2 percent of U.S. Realtors, the year after. Today, he serves as president of the Prime Realty Group – a company he owns and founded. O’Grady’s philosophy is that “you get by giving.” He tells us, “75 percent of all my business is by referral or repeat business. If you treat people right, they will come back to you again. Not only that, they will refer their family and friends to you.” For O’Grady, one of the keys to a healthy client relationship is communication. Even when he doesn’t have a new showing or offer to share, O’Grady likes to check in with clients, just to keep them in the loop, help manage expectations, and demonstrate that their success is his No. 1 priority. He attributes much of his success to a belief that all clients should be treated as VIPs, regardless of whether the transaction is a modest home or a mansion.

His philosophy is one that extends beyond his clients. It’s a lifestyle. O’Grady believes that it’s his duty to give back to the community he’s a part of – a perspective he’s sewn into the fabric of the Prime Realty Group. At PRG, $100 of every transaction is set aside into a scholarship fund to help local youth attend college. The company is also involved in other charitable events, such as providing meals for the needy at Thanksgiving and sponsoring the local youth soccer and ice hockey leagues, as well as many other youth activities in the community. O’Grady also personally volunteers at a number of organizations, including helping out with local Little League and lecturing at St. Columbkilles, his local parish. “You must first give to the community before you can get back from the community,” he tells us, reiterating his philosophy.

Outside of real estate and his philanthropic ventures, O’Grady enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his granddaughter, and playing a good game of Scrabble with his wife. He’s also an avid traveler, with the goal of going to a new country every year.