Harley E. Rouda, Jr.
CEO and Managing Partner, Real Living, Inc.

Harley E. Rouda, Jr. is chief executive officer and managing partner of Real Living, Inc., one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in the nation, with more than 4,000 agents and supporting staff working from 160 offices nationwide. Rouda spearheaded the creation of Real Living in February 2002 by acquiring several regional real estate firms to create a new kind of residential real estate company focused on family, innovation and results – an agent-focused company that would lead the industry in marketing technology, professional development and measurable results.

Accolades
In 2006, REALTOR® Magazine named Rouda one of Real Estate’s Top 25 Most Influential Thought Leaders because “he embraces innovation to better connect brokers, sales associates and the public.” Inman News also named him one of the Most Influential People in Real Estate. Rouda earned the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in June 2002, in recognition of his industry leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. And under his direction, Real Living, Inc. was named an Ohio 200 company by Ohio Business Magazine – a designation shared by the top 100 privately-held and top 100 publicly-held companies in the state.

Speaking out
Rouda speaks nationwide about trends and changes affecting the real estate industry, is extensively involved in various industry organizations, and writes a weekly newspaper column. He is often quoted in national publications (including The Wall Street Journal, CNN.com and Forbes.com) and is a frequent guest on radio stations across the U.S.

Background
Before entering the real estate industry, Rouda was an attorney with the national law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, specializing in capital information, securities work, and intellectual property.

Giving back
Rouda serves or has served on the Board of Directors of numerous for-profit and not-for profit companies including Rocky Shoes and Boots (NASDAQ: RCKY), Insight Bank, The Realty Alliance and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. As the chair of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) working group, Harley was instrumental in keeping the base open. He was also appointed to the All-Ohio Task Force to save defense jobs by Governor Bob Taft.

His participation in community organizations includes the American Cancer Society; Columbus Theatrical Association; Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Commission; March of Dimes; Prevent Blindness; Mid-Ohio FoodBank; Columbus Area Leadership Program; Ballet Met; Upper Arlington Civic Association; Southern Theatre Restoration; COSI (Center of Science and Industry); World of Children; The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University; and Capital University Law School.

Personal
Rouda received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky; his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School; and his Masters in Business Administration from Fisher College of The Ohio State University.