Realtors acquire firm

Realtors acquire firm

Rachael Veldkamp. Courtesy RE/MAX of Grand Rapids

A residential real estate franchise is getting new owners.

RE/MAX of Grand Rapids brokers and owners John Pols and Pat Pols have announced their intention to transfer ownership to brokers David Veldkamp and Rachael Veldkamp.

Their decision to transition the firm is because of a desire to spend more time with family. They will remain part of the RE/MAX team as mentors and agents.

RE/MAX of Grand Rapids consists of three offices: Wyoming, Cascade and Standale.

The couple opened RE/MAX Lifestyles in Wyoming in 2006 and acquired RE/MAX of Grand Rapids in 2013.

“We are proud of the growth of the company through the past years,” Pat Pols said. “We have worked hard to build the RE/MAX brand in the community, to train and mentor agents to build their own successful businesses and to give back to the community. We are honored to pass the ownership of RE/MAX of Grand Rapids on to the Veldkamps and are confident they will continue on the same successful path.”

Rachael Veldkmap has been with RE/MAX since February and was also a real estate advisor with Blu House Properties for six years. Dave Veldkamp has been a RE/MAX agent since March.

"We know Pat and John have poured their hearts and souls into making RE/MAX of Grand Rapids an amazing place for real estate agents to succeed and grow their businesses,” Rachael Veldkamp said. “We are humbled by this opportunity to continue to build upon their amazing accomplishments.”

RE/MAX of Grand Rapids is a franchise of RE/MAX of Michigan, which handles all of the franchises in Michigan outside of the Detroit area and was founded in 1977 by Norman and Elda Helm. The statewide network has 85 offices with 1,170 sales associates.

The RE/MAX Network was founded in Denver in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger.

“John and Pat have created a rich legacy, and I am grateful for their many years of hard work and dedication,” RE/MAX of Michigan co-owner Michel Metzner said. “I am confident the Veldkamps are the right choice for continuing to build on the success of the Pols."