Hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I sat in my business partner’s basement pseudo-office and we began the daily routine of following our basic business plan to launch Apartment Search in St. Louis, MO.

It took us six months to research and lay it all out, but it was simple.  Our goal was to help frustrated renters find what they were looking for as quickly and painlessly as possible, and we would only charge the properties when we delivered.

We signed up apartments and owners under a non-exclusive contract that didn’t cost them a dime unless they got a lease.  We called on corporations and real estate agencies, offering free assistance with their renters.

We accompanied every prospect we saw, walked them through the process, and sent them a thank-you note so they had mail in their new mailbox.  Simple.  It was all based on the fact that we truly wanted to help.  And it has worked.  For 23 years!

So, for the last 13 years, we have celebrated in October by throwing an anniversary party. The tradition began in 1996, when it dawned on me that we had not only survived, but succeeded, for a whole 10 years!  Cause for celebration.

It was a small affair, with our favorite people from the rental and relocation industries.  When I saw the VP of our second-largest property management client doing a jello shot with no hands, I knew the party was a hit.  We had to do it again.

Now, every year we throw a party, but for a different reason.  It’s not to congratulate ourselves.  We take that one evening to recognize and thank all the hardworking, caring people in this industry who help us do our job so well.

It’s a chance to remind them how we see them going above and beyond again and again to help every prospect or transferee.  We see it daily, we know how much it takes, and we deeply, deeply appreciate them.  It’s our one opportunity to just tell them so.

We invite the staffs of every property we represent, from the owner to the maintenance guys.  We invite our corporate contacts, our relocation referrers, and our real-estate agency supporters.  We invite friends, customers who have used our services, and rental prospects currently looking.

We invite everyone who understands just how difficult and demanding the apartment industry can be.

So if you’re reading this, you know.  And you’re invited!  It’s on October 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Backstreet Blues Jazz Club in Westport Plaza.

Show up, say you read this blog, enjoy two free drinks (we’ve toned it down a bit from 1996), try all the catered eats, and don’t leave without having a piece of the best German Chocolate cake in the world.

Help us celebrate.  Not Apartment Search’s 23 years, but our salute to the entire apartment industry throughout St. Louis.  If you’ve ever rented, or tried to help a friend, or knew someone struggling to get settled in St. Louis, you will join us to give them a one-night, heartfelt round of applause.

Hope to see you there!

Kathryn Wood, Founder and CEO

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