Peter Burgdorff must feel as good as a proud papa. After becoming sole owner and president of his parents' New Jersey realty company, Burgdorff, Realtors, in 1991, he expanded staff and sales by more than 25 percent, breaking the $1 billion barrier in one year. By 1995, Burgdorff Realtors ranked 34th in the nation in dollar volume. In 1996, Burgdorff, Realtors merged with ERA, and Burgdorff went on to become the president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. Meanwhile, Burgdorff, Realtors continued the momentum he began. Burgdorff, Realtors is now the number-one ERA franchise worldwide.

That is a significant achievement out of over 2,600 offices in over 50 states and 18 foreign countries. Burgdorff, Realtors achieved an outstanding $1.75 billion in sales and more than 6,200 transactions.

"This is an extraordinary honor," says Judy Reeves, president of Burgdorff ERA. "I am extremely proud of every member of our sales team. Because of their hard work and dedication, as well as the unflagging loyalty of our clients, 1997 was our best year in history. It is doubly exciting because this high award comes during Burgdorff's 40th anniversary year, so we have a lot to celebrate and a great deal for which we are grateful."

Burgdorff ERA has more than 600 associates and 30 offices across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. One hundred and sixty-two of the associates and branch office managers earned a four-day, expenses-paid trip to the Las Vegas ERA International Convention earlier this month, where the company announced Burgdorff ERA's achievement.