As a seasoned leader in the dynamic world of real estate, Lacey Conway serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Latter & Blum Companies, a role that encompasses overseeing operations, setting strategic direction, and fostering a culture of success. With three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances, Lacey navigates the ever-evolving landscape with agility and foresight.
Leading a team across 30 offices and managing a workforce of 150 employees, Lacey is committed to ensuring optimal performance and driving the company’s growth trajectory. With a holistic approach that encompasses various divisions, including Insurance Services, Relocation, and Marketing, she remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service and value to clients and agents alike.
Lacey also oversees a joint venture in Insurance Services, which has been operating since the late 90s. Additionally, she manages other company divisions, including Relocation, Internet customer care, Marketing, Training, and Coaching. In an industry as dynamic as Real Estate, Lacey stays abreast of technological advancements, evolving processes, legal considerations, and market competition to keep the company ahead of the curve.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is welcoming new real estate agents into the fold, regardless of whether it’s their first, second, or third career. Recognizing that real estate is fundamentally a relationship-based business, Lacey cherishes the diversity within the industry and takes pride in helping families find homes and assisting clients in making investment decisions, both large and small, in commercial real estate. She sees Latter & Blum as not just a real estate company but as a community builder.
An Inspiring Journey
Lacey’s journey into real estate began early, as Latter & Blum is a family business deeply ingrained in her life. Starting with internships in her teenage years, she has held various roles within the company, including sales agent, manager, and executive. This diverse experience has given her a profound appreciation for the company’s rich history, founded in New Orleans in 1916. Today, Latter & Blum boasts a footprint spanning the Gulf Coast region, with over 3,500 real estate professionals under its brokerage. From Houston, Texas to Louisiana and Mississippi, the company facilitates approximately 20,000 transactions annually, with an impressive $6 billion in annual sales. Renowned for its excellence, Latter & Blum is consistently recognized as a top brokerage in the United States and is affiliated with prestigious networks such as Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and The Realty Alliance. Through decades of experience, Latter & Blum has weathered numerous market cycles and emerged resilient, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Blend of Creativity, Empathy, and Adaptability
At her core, Lacey finds fulfillment in seeing people happy. In the workplace, her creativity fuels innovative problem-solving, while her calm demeanor guides her through challenges with composure. Shaped by a blend of life experiences and influential figures, Lacey reflects a unique combination of her artsy, literary mother and philanthropic, gifted businessman father.
Supportive and empathetic, Lacey believes in adapting her leadership style to suit the moment and situation, recognizing the necessity of being demanding, direct, reflective, or quiet as circumstances require. Accessible to both her management team and agents, she values open communication and enjoys frequent calls and emails.
As a mother of two children, an animal lover, and an equestrian, Lacey’s personal life informs her professional ethos. Drawing inspiration from her creative mother and compassionate businessman father, she approaches her work with the same core values and beliefs she applies to her family life. Leading a family-owned business like Latter & Blum, Lacey prioritizes adaptability and compassion, making difficult decisions for the company while seeking advice and counsel from others.
Reserved and calm, Lacey’s character allows her to be an attentive listener, essential for effective leadership. Beyond her professional endeavors, she remains dedicated to supporting friends and family, finding solace and reflection in her passion for equestrianism and her time spent in nature.
Seizing Opportunities
According to Lacey, numerous studies indicate that men often pursue opportunities as they arise, regardless of whether they feel fully qualified, whereas women may hesitate, even when they possess the necessary qualifications. In Lacey’s view, women could benefit from aspiring to higher positions, even if they don’t feel entirely prepared. She believes that timing plays a significant role in life, and waiting too long can lead to a mindset of feeling unqualified. Lacey suggests that delaying action can result in self-imposed limitations and encourages women to seize opportunities when they arise, rather than waiting for perceived readiness.
Dedication, Diversification, and Strategic Growth
According to Lacey, Latter & Blum’s team’s steadfast dedication to the long-term vision has been instrumental in the company’s considerable success. With a history spanning over a century, the company’s achievements are driven by ongoing investment and unwavering commitment to the communities it serves.
Dedicated to excellence in the realm of Real Estate, Latter & Blum emphasizes diversification in market locations, a strategy that proved invaluable during Hurricane Katrina. By maintaining operations in Baton Rouge, the company was able to sustain business continuity amidst adversity.
In addition to prioritizing organic growth, Latter & Blum has strategically pursued acquisitions, successfully integrating over 40 companies throughout its history.
On a personal level, Lacey attributes her success to the support of her family, particularly her father. Working alongside him is a cherished experience, marked by the freedom to make decisions and enact positive changes within the company.
Balancing Proficiency
Lacey believes that proficiency in the role is essential, but equally important are humility and humor. Given the diverse group of employees and independent contractors comprising Latter & Blum, prioritizing teamwork and consistently striving to satisfy the needs of agents and consumers is paramount.
Legacy and Leadership
Lacey reveals that one of the professional paths she has embraced is emulating the footsteps of a beloved and iconic leader—her father. With Latter & Blum’s longstanding success and the profound respect and admiration accorded to her father, Lacey sees value in the continuity of family leadership. The company cherishes its heritage while embracing a forward-looking optimism.
For aspiring leaders, Lacey offers sage advice: Make leadership your own and don’t shy away from making decisions.
