Surviving the Test of Time: Celia Dunn ~ 40 Years in Business
Celia Dunn, owner of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, has been in real estate for 46 years. Larry Dunn was a bit surprised when his wife decided to start her own company. He stepped up to be the CFO, allowing Celia to concentrate on her passion: real estate. Fast forward to today, she has built a strong team with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, and is a force to be reckoned with in the Southeast.
Photo by D. Paul Graham
There are few people who have the breadth of experience and the depth of dedication to real estate as Celia Dunn. Since 1974 she has been serving the real estate needs of Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas with integrity and grace.
“My secret to success is having my husband Larry as my CFO. He has always looked after the business side of things, which has taken such a weight off my shoulders. Aside from being implicitly trustworthy, his banking background set the tone for a strong foundation for the company.”
-Celia Dunn
Entrepreneurial Inspiration
I not only have enthusiasm for real estate sales, but I have an eagerness for mentoring and assisting others in growing their careers. Friends and family pointed out that I had the perfect spot to open the doors for my own brokerage, on the garden level of my home on Madison Square. We are still going strong from the same location.
Career Highlight
One of my proudest moments was when I was inducted into Junior Achievement’s Savannah Business Hall of Fame as the first real estate broker. It is a great feeling knowing that the hard work and dedication to your career and community is not only recognized, but serves as an inspiration to others that they may achieve their dreams as well.
Biggest Challenge
Balancing family, work, community involvement, friends, and life in general; especially when my home is also my company office.
Best Advice
The best advice I can give anyone who wants to start their own business is to be honorable in everything that they do, give back to their community, and have a strong financial advisor.
Motto to live by
Some may think it is a cliché, but I definitely try to follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is such a simple, yet effective motto for living a life of quality.
Secret to Success
My secret to success is having my husband Larry as my CFO. He has always looked after the business side of things, which has taken such a weight off my shoulders. Aside from being implicitly trustworthy, his banking background set the tone for a strong foundation for the company. I would also credit my stint as a schoolteacher, where I learned patience, compassion and problem-solving skills. Through my past employment opportunities, volunteerism, and owning my own business, I developed strong people skills, that I still use to this day. I also surround myself with superb staff and agents who have been vital to my overall success.
Celia Dunn
Sotheby’s International Realty
Savannah, GA., Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC.
sothebysrealty.com
Year established
[1981]
Average number of agents
[80]
Favorite charities:
Sweet Briar College, Christ Church Episcopal, Rotary Read-in and Junior Achievement.
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