A local real estate company in Monroe County is celebrating two major milestones this year. 35 years in business and the CEO was the first broker to join the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate franchise 15 years ago.

A lot has changed for the real estate market in the past 35 years.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates President Christine Wilkins says, "I remember when I started we had big books that we would pick up at the association of realtors and we would literally cut out the pictures, past them on a piece of paper, copy them and mail them to sellers and buyers."

Today everything is at a realtor’s fingertips. While that’s made things easier to access, it also has it’s own set of challenges.

Christine Wilkins says, "Agents came into the office more and so it’s trying to get them into the office but technology makes it so easy that they can virtually work from anywhere.

Tom Wilkins has not only been able to evolve with technology but with the crazy Poconos market. He started Wilkins and associates in 1988 with three people in Mount Pocono.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates CEO Tom Wilkins says, "The Poconos really you need to be able to think on your feet, change your business plan because our market changes more than other markets like that. And don’t forget we have rentals, vacation and primary homes so that’s a big market."

Then he decided to take it to the next level. Now the firm is still flourishing 15 years after the brokerage became the first Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate company.

Tom Wilkins says, "I never went to work. I got up every day and came in and enjoyed what I did. We do what we love and love what we do."

As they take a walk down memory lane, Wilkins says he couldn’t do it without his wife Christine helping him run it.

Christine Wilkins says, "Our offices are at opposite sides of the building."

Having it locally owned we’re told means the community comes first and giving back is their number one priority.

Tom Wilkins says, "We’re local, I’m third generation. Christine is second generation so that’s why that’s so important to us."

Now they’re looking forward to all of the birthdays yet to come.

Tom Wilkins says, "This is actually one of the best markets, although I don’t know what’s happening, I feel very optimist about it."

Celebrating Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates in Monroe County, Nicole Walters, News13.