Polis Realty shifts management

Polis Realty recently completed management and ownership changes resulting in a shift of direction for the company. Jean-Michel Reed, who co-founded Polis in 2003, assumes the position of CEO, and Mark Pagano, who became Reed's partner in the brokerage in October 2006, oversees company finances as CFO.

Reed and Pagano have appointed Christopher Williams to lead the Polis city office as sales manager and Daniel Cavanaugh as sales manager of the Williamsville office.

Williams joined the Polis sales team in 2004 and rose to the top of the sales team. Cavanaugh joined Polis in 2006 and brings 10 years' experience in the Western New York real estate market.

Polis Realty experienced a 20-percent growth in sales for 2006. Polis has consistently grown by double-digit percentages annually since its founding. Its focus has shifted from sales of bank-owned properties to traditional real estate sales, which currently comprise 80 percent of Polis' business.

"Strong growth and management changes put Polis in a solid position going into 2007," Reed said. "We have taken the last few months to sharpen and refocus our direction. Our office has always had a unique culture. We won't lose that. We are focusing our efforts more regionally to strengthen our position."

Polis Realty opened its first office in 2003. The brokerage currently has offices in Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood and in Williamsville.