MADISON, N.J., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Today Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC remembers Chandler B. Barton, legendary leader and former chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker, who passed away on February 12, 2017 at his home in Johns Creek, GA, with his family by his side. He was 83 years old. During his 17-year tenure with the organization, including seven years as CEO from 1989 to 1996, Barton helped make Coldwell Banker one of the nation’s strongest real estate organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the brand that still remains today.

"Chandler Barton was more than the CEO, he was the inspirational leader of the brand," said Charlie Young, current president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "His personality, charisma and Southern charm made him magnetic, never failing to get a standing ovation at Coldwell Banker events. He was a friend to all and the kind of person who simply commanded your respect with his sage advice and can-do attitude. While he was no-nonsense, he was a kind soul, with the highest level of integrity."

"Chandler was one of the most notable industry luminaries of his time," said Alex Perriello, chief executive officer of the Realogy Franchise Group. "He was an amazing real estate entrepreneur, always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. I was extremely fortunate to have Chandler as a mentor early in my career at Coldwell Banker. He will be missed by all those who knew him."

Before joining Coldwell Banker, Barton founded a residential real estate company in 1968 with partner Roy Ludwig. In just 10 years, they developed 22 residential sales offices, becoming one of Atlanta’s leading real estate firms. In 1979, after hearing the Coldwell Banker story at a conference, he sold his firm to Coldwell Banker, beginning a now legendary relationship with the brand.

In his many roles with the company, Barton first led the Atlanta division of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and later headed the company’s Southeastern U.S. operations before becoming President of Coldwell Banker Relocation Management. Barton’s most prominent role came in January 1989 when he became Chairman and CEO of the Coldwell Banker Residential Group, ushering in an era of change that became a major inflection point in the company’s history. During the next seven years, Barton led Coldwell Banker to unprecedented heights as a sales organization before guiding the sale of the brand in 1996 to HFS Inc., a predecessor company to Realogy Holdings Corp., the current parent of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Barton subsequently served as chairman of the board of trustees for the National Realty Trust, which oversaw the approximately 400 company-owned Coldwell Banker residential real estate offices that were acquired by HFS along with the Coldwell Banker franchise operations. A year later, the trust became a company known as NRT LLC, which today is the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company with approximately 800 offices, the majority of which are operated under the Coldwell Banker banner. NRT is also a subsidiary of Realogy.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate has recognized Barton’s contributions to the company since 1996 when the Chandler Barton Spirit Award was established. The award honors the sales associate, manager, broker owner or employee who best exemplifies Barton’s "Can-Do" attitude by holding firmly and steadfastly to a business purpose despite obstacles and setbacks. The award is presented each year at the company’s annual conference.

Barton is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia, and his children: Son, Curtis Barton and daughter-in-law, Carla, and grandchildren, Megan, Casey, Cole, Bryce, and Avery of Johns Creek, GA.  Daughter, Lea (Barton) Mikosz, son-in-law, Mike Mikosz, and granddaughter, Sarah Mikosz of San Clemente, CA.

Services to be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Perimeter Church Day Chapel, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly asking that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Fund.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker^® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is the oldest national real estate brand and franchisor in the United States, and today has a global network of 3,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 48 countries and territories with more than 89,000 affiliated sales professionals. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by taking a leadership role in the smart home space, being the first national real estate brand with an iPad app, the first to augment its website www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create an iPhone application with international listings, the first to develop an iPad application (CBx) to easily bring big data into home listing presentations, and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On Location^SM YouTube channel. Coldwell Banker is a leader in niche markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International^® marketing program delivering exceptional experiences for all consumers served.

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SOURCE Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC