Back in 1999, local businesswoman Barbara Alexander aligned herself and her business, Premier Properties by Barbara Alexander, with national real estate company Howard Hanna out of appreciation for its focus on community and family. Nearly 30 years later, Alexander has received the Anne Freyvogel Hanna Legacy Award in recognition of her championing of these very same values.
Founded in 1957 by Howard Hanna Jr. and Anne Freyvogel Hanna, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is ranked as the third largest real estate company in the country and prides itself on the family and community-oriented values at the center of its operations. Freyvogel Hanna was well-known for her philanthropy and commitment to her community, and, upon her passing in 2005, the agency named an annual award for its company representatives in her honor — the Anne Freyvogel Hanna Legacy Award. The award honors Howard Hanna members selected for their role in continuing Freyvogel Hanna’s legacy, and this year, one of Morgantown’s own made the cut.
In college, Alexander was on track to study fashion merchandising and pursue a career in the fashion center of New York. After taking a position in real estate and falling in love with the industry, though, it was a series of open doors and forged paths to reach where she stands today, where she is not only known for her successful business but also her philanthropy focused on cancer research and treatment in West Virginia.
Moments of recognition and accolades such as this are opportunities to not only reflect on the past, but to feel invigorated for the future, Alexander said.
“I continue to strive with hard work, dedication and perseverance as their mom [Freyvogel Hanna] did. Her legacy still lives on. It’s just a great reminder of the importance of leading with integrity and excellence in any endeavor.”
Leadership is an important facet of Alexander’s mission and another way in which she spreads Freyvogel Hanna’s values across West Virginia. Through Premier Properties, she is able to relay her guidance to agents, clients and the community.
“I’m glad I’m able to give a lot of other people the opportunity to do the same thing,” said Alexander of her business partners. “I just try to help them and give them whatever direction they need and the tools they need, and it’s just been a very great way to work.”
As Alexander celebrates her acceptance of the Anne Freyvogel Hanna Legacy Award with her colleagues, the company will experience another milestone — the 25th anniversary of Premier Properties. Alexander attributes many of her business and life practices to her family, both in honor of their own real estate ventures and their commitment to serving their community. In light of this, Alexander encourages the importance of leading by example and relaying your strengths and principles, no matter what they may be.
“If you’re able to either be a mentor or be a leader in anything that you do, it doesn’t make a difference what it is, do it,” said Alexander. “You can make a difference.”
For more information on Howard Hanna and Premier Properties, visit HowardHanna.com and MorgantownRealEstate.com.
