#178
At a Glance
Products & Services: Real estate
Number of Locations: 689
Total Investment: $179.65K - 332.5K
Founded: 1983
Began Franchising: 1987
Private Owned
About Keller Williams Realty
As two young real estate agents working for what was then the largest real estate company in Austin, Texas, Gary Keller and Joe Williams believed that a company should work for its employees rather than the other way around. So the two men joined forces to found Keller Williams Realty in 1983. Four years later the partners began franchising. With offices throughout the country, Keller Williams encourages agents to recruit others into the company through profit-sharing.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 673 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 672 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 675 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 679 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $179,647 - $332,495
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Liquid Cash Available: $150,000
Operations
30% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (85% of current franchisees are owner/operators).How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: Ongoing. At franchisee's location: Ongoing.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations,
Marketing Support: National media,
Other marketing support: In-house marketing department
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #54 (2008),