Shirley Bower says her husband, Jay, is a trailblazer. Indeed, the Bower and Associates REALTORS® owners have
had many “firsts” in the Quincy area market:
• They were the first nationally franchised office in Quincy when they joined Gallery of Homes.
• They started the “big firm” concept in the area when they employed nearly 30 full-time salespersons in the early 1970s.
• They were the first real estate agency to have a commercial division.
• They were the first agency to advertise on television.
• Shirley was the first full-time female realtor serving clients out in the county.
• They were the first office to establish a relocation department, become a member of the Employment Relocation Council, and be accepted into the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Association.
Bower and Associates was founded in Camp Point, IL in 1944 by J. Ross Bower as a subsidiary of the Bower Funeral Home. Jay joined his father in 1958 after he graduated from college and served in the military, and Shirley became a realtor in 1969 following a short teaching career.
“My father built both businesses on personal relationships; he knew everyone. He was a problem solver and a match maker,” says Jay. “We’ve never ‘sold’ anything in our lives. We match people with real estate that satisfies a need—or a problem—in life.
“Think about it,” he continues. “Most people who look for real estate have been through a divorce, experienced the death of a loved one or have been transferred to a new community. Those are stressful times in life and our clients often make emotional decisions. Our clients don’t need salespersons; they need solutions. We provide that.”
Shirley is the relocation specialist who works with major employers in our area. She remembers helping to find housing for 40 employees at once when Cummins Engine Co. moved to Quincy.
“The employees don’t know anyone in their new community, so it’s a real relief for them when the company has pre-selected a realtor that they can trust. We hit the ground running on their first visit to town,” says Shirley.
Bower and Associates is no longer the largest real estate agency in town. Jay and Shirley made a conscious decision to gradually downsize the business in 1985, citing health reasons. Jo Anne Welty has been a realtor with the Bowers for nearly 30 years. Although it is one of the smaller number of realtors, sales figures still rival the largest companies.
“There are a lot of part-time realtors in this industry, but we believe in hiring only full-time employees,” says Shirley. “If you are full time, you are really committed to this career. You make yourself accessible. You are professional. And, frankly, you are more successful. It’s not quantity, but quality, that counts.”
After more than a half century in the real estate business, both Jay and Shirley have the option to retire, but that’s not happening any time soon.
“What’s that old saying? ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Well, we never work. We love being with people and we want to be here,” says Jay.
The next time you wish to buy or sell land, commercial or residential property, give Bower and Associates a call at 224-1598, stop by their office at 2829 Broadway or visit them online at www.bowerrealtors.com.
