The highest honor at the ERA® brand awarded to brokerage for demonstrating exemplary leadership and service across the real estate network
MADISON, N.J. (March 10, 2025) – ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader within the AnywhereSM portfolio of brands, has named ERA Realty Center in Cedar City, Utah, as the winner of its 2024 ERA® brand Gene Francis Memorial Award for Top All-Around Company.
The award, named after ERA Real Estate co-founder Gene Francis, is the highest honor given to an ERA® affiliated company and reflects the qualities most respected throughout the global ERA system and the real estate industry. Known for his forward-thinking business acumen and philanthropic spirit, Francis established a defining culture of service to which all ERA-affiliated companies aspire. Factored into the award selection are high customer satisfaction ratings, strong brand engagement and use of the ERA brand resources, and company growth.
For more than 45 years, ERA Realty Center has been a leader in the Cedar City real estate market, consistently ranking as the top-producing office in the area. Specializing in all aspects of real estate, including residential, commercial, land, and property management, ERA Realty Center is home to a team of 60+ affiliated agents across two offices who are committed to providing exceptional service.
Over the last five years, the company has sustained consistent double digit volume growth. In addition, the firm’s affiliated agents are responsible on average for 15+ transactions per year, well above the industry average of 10 deals per year.
The brokerage’s legacy of leadership and community involvement was established by founder Kenneth “Rett” Shakespear, whose contributions included serving on the local school board for over 14 years, working with the Boy Scouts of America, and earning the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce.
Under the leadership of Managing Broker Heather Roundy, ERA Realty Center has reached new heights while staying true to the legacy of philanthropy and excellence established by its founder. A dynamic leader, Roundy has maintained a culture of success, with five of their agents ranked in the Top 1% of ERA in 2024, as well as five ranked in the Top 25 Sales Associates nationally and three ranked in the Top 10 Sales Associates nationally for the ERA® brand. Beyond real estate, the team remains deeply committed to the community, actively supporting and raising funds for numerous local charities, further solidifying the brokerage’s reputation as both a market leader and a force for good in Southwest Utah.
“The ERA Gene Francis Memorial Award for Top All-Around Company honors those who truly embody the spirit of the ERA® network, and ERA Realty Center is a shining example,” said Alex Vidal, president of ERA Real Estate. “With a team of more than 60 dedicated agents, their leadership continues to uphold the brand’s foundational values that Gene Francis instilled, serving their clients and communities with integrity and heart in all aspects of the business. Their impressive, sustained growth, long-standing commitment to the ERA® brand, and unwavering dedication to giving back made them a standout choice for this prestigious award.”
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the ERA Gene Francis Memorial Award,” said Heather Roundy, managing broker of ERA Realty Center. “From the very beginning, our company has been rooted in service, and we remain committed to supporting our community in every way we can. This award is a testament to our incredible, hardworking agents and staff who maintain our values every day, ensuring that we not only succeed in performance, but also make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”
