Ann Davis founded ERA Central in 1986 with a commitment to provide an outstanding education to new and growing agents in the Central NJ area.
Today, the organization is run by Ann Davis’s daughter - Stephanie Bellanova and her partner - Scott Lauri. The two have continued to expand on the educational foundation of the organization, offering in-house training, coaching and mentorship to their agents, along with fostering a tech-savvy, collaborative environment for all.
A strong work ethic, family-first philosophy and ahead-of-the-curve technology has made ERA Central Realty Group what it is today: an intrinsic part of the real estate landscape of Central New Jersey.
The journey as a family-owned and operated real estate icon began in 1986, when Ann Davis challenged two industry standards by opening the doors of her real estate brokerage in Robbinsville, NJ. In a field long dominated by men, Ann Davis and Associates was a brokerage owned and operated entirely by women. Furthermore, the company was founded on Ann’s unique vision - that by fostering a culture of teamwork, education, and shared expertise, she could guarantee success for her growing organization of real estate professionals and ensure a higher level of professionalism to their clients.
This cooperative concept was a dramatic departure from the idea that competition was the key to success in real estate - and one that Ann Davis has stayed true to for more than 40 years as a business owner and now trading as ERA Central Realty Group. Ann’s daughter and business partner, Stephanie Bellanova, says of their company, “Because we’re a family business, we consider our agents and our clients to be family. I am proud that the ERA Central brand is synonymous with a culture that promotes the utmost professional integrity. From the quality of the yard sign to the level of client care given by our agents, to the spirit of giving in our communities, ERA Central sets the standard of professionalism in our industry.”
While the name of the company has changed since 1986 the internal drivers have not, and ERA Central Realty Group continues to move the vision forward.
Stronger now with partner Scott Lauri of ERA Central Levinson, Bellanova and Lauri have brought their own vision of change to the world of central New Jersey real estate. With their leadership, ERA Central continues to innovate on a local level with its work in marketing, training, and successful implementation of technology - keeping pace with the modern agent as well as today’s real estate consumers.
Balance is key, and the company leaders partner with industry experts to maintain the cooperative culture at ERA Central Realty Group. In addition to the support of an in-house real estate instructor who offers continuing education, ERA Central has a marketing department and a technology team.
The philosophy of the leadership is that with a collaborative team, both agents and consumers benefit. In Davis’ words, “We are a family. Real estate agents are independent contractors so they may think, ‘I’m supposed to be independent,’ but in reality, real estate is interdependent; we rely on each other to achieve our successes.”
As ERA Central Realty Group looks to the future, it realizes the impact a healthy real estate market has on its community. An ethical, socially responsible company benefits not only its agents, but the community. ERA Central Realty Group maintains a focus on the local communities through volunteerism and fundraising. To date, ERA Central Realty Group has raised over $68,000 for MDA and other local charities, and since its implementation, has awarded over $65,000 in college scholarships through their EDGE Scholarship program.
Today, ERA Central Realty Group and ERA Central Levinson operate together marketing central New Jersey’s properties at the highest level. As a 2018 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company and a 2018 Top 1000 Real Estate Brokerage, ERA Central is the No. 1 ERA Real Estate company in New Jersey and in the Top 25 of ERA Real Estate Companies nationwide. ERA Central is a full-service real estate brokerage with a team of nearly 200 dedicated sales associates in four branch offices in three counties of central New Jersey - Bordentown, Cream Ridge, Freehold, and Monroe Township.
As the company continues to grow, it stays true to Ann’s vision from that first day in business. In each decision, the leadership keeps that vision front of mind: ERA Central is an integral part of the lives of their agents and the communities. Stronger together, they strive daily to be a part of something bigger.
