Happy Birthday to us! Today, Baird & Warner turns 168 (and we’re feeling great).
A little-known fact about us – we actually started off in 1855 under the name L.D. Olmstead & Co. on just a quarter acre of land and a dream. In 1857, Lyman Baird joined the company, becoming partners with Olmsted in 1860. Two years later, Olmstead passed away, leaving Baird the sole partner of the real estate lending business. Flash forward to 1893, when Baird welcomed in his son, Wyllys Warner Baird, and his brother-in-law, George L. Warner, to the company. They officially became Baird & Warner – a commemoration of the two families’ connection.
Since then, we’ve helped Chicago rebuild after the Great Fire, weathered the Great Depression, fought for fair housing and every other “great” thing in between. We have a storied history shaping Chicago neighborhoods like Printer’s Row and the North Shore, advocating for the industry and homeowner rights and beyond. Just check out some of our articles from The Vault to learn more!
But no matter what, we always believed in leveraging our independence to provide our agents with the resources they need to succeed and grow their businesses. That’s why, thirty years ago, we even created Key Mortgage Services and Baird & Warner Title Services to give homebuyers, sellers and agents a reliable partner who shares our values. We knew it would mean our agents could rest assured knowing they have the support of professionals who care about their success and allow them to give clients an easier real estate experience.
As we celebrate our 168th birthday, we also want to celebrate you. Without your support, expertise and hard work, we couldn’t have made it here. So cheers to all of us today! After more than 168 years, it’s still easier here.
