Look up the USF site for information >>	BARBAGELATA REAL ESTATE       Jonn Barbagelata, who was born on Lombard Street prior to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, founded the Barbagelata Real Estate Company. Upon the expansion of the world famous street, John moved to the Marina District. He acquired his Real Estate license before 1952, but in that year, he received his broker’s license and opened the Barbagelata Company. John's sister, Patricia was one of the first female real estate brokers in San Francisco. Having held a broker’s license since 1948, she helped John manage the company on and off throughout the early years. The post war boom caused sales and new construction on the west side of the city to increase, thus giving the Barbagelata Company an early competitive advantage. The Barbagelata Company grew out of strong advertising and the fact that it was an independent San Francisco based business. John, who had a previous interest in advertising, used his natural talents in this area to produce original mailers and promotional information that set them apart from other businesses. In addition, John Barbagelata built a strong reputation for being straightforward, honest and a "no nonsense" businessman. These qualities were cemented in the minds of San Francisco residents when, in 1975, John ran in a close race for mayor. He also served for years on the City and County Board of Supervisors. His name became even more readily recognized and respected. The original focus of this family business was to offer knowledge, service and expertise. These qualities have remained at Barbagelata Real Estate and the reputation has held them together as a company to make them one of the most recognizable names in San Francisco Real Estate. Today, Paul and Anna Barbagelata own Barbagelata Real Estate. Paul is the manager of the business and Anna is the broker of record. The employees are all independent contractors who work on commission, receiving a competitive split. All 30 agents that work at the company are neighborhood people who are well liked and established. These agents work with a broad customer base. Most of the clients are more technologically savvy and diverse, due to the expanding communities in the city. However, there is still a broad consumer base with the older clients in the city who have not forgotten the proud history of this company and what it stands for. In 1989, when a devastating earthquake struck the city, the Barbagelata Company struggled to keep itself afloat. This, along with the weakening economy, led to a downward trend until 1993. However, out of these disasters came the most prosperous years that the company has ever experienced. Within the past 5 years, there has been an uphill movement for the business. 2001 was the best year for the company, which has not been affected by the recent downturn in the economy. Even with strong competition in the Bay area, this company has remained a strong presence in the community, now having made a mark on every part of the city. Part of the success of the company has been its ability to change with the times. Barbagelata Real Estate was the first company to offer virtual tours in April of 1998. Their award winning web site has been a huge success. In addition, just this month, the company made a movie to commemorate their 50th anniversary. The movie is the first of its kind and is helping to spread the Barbagelata name to people all over the world. There is no question that with the attention to detail and customer service, this company will continue to be a successful one. Barbagelata Real Estate has not lost sight of what made and continues to make it a great company. A strong commitment to values and a personal touch that is difficult to find in a city that is growing at such a rapid pace. We are extremely proud to be associated with the Barbagelata family and such a fine establishment. We thank them for sharing this story with us.       Previous   I   Next
Copyright Family Business Center, University of San Francisco.