AT THE HELM

Kathy Rush, founder and owner of Prudential Rush Realty. Photo:  Michael McCord

Kathy Rush, the founder and owner of Prudential Rush Realty, admits she doesn't know how to slow down. Case in point: Rush has continued to work while undergoing treatment after brain tumor surgery in January. Rush, a residential real estate veteran of more than three decades, told Ventures she feels she has rushed back to work too soon but it was necessary.

"It's what I do. It's what I love," said Rush. Her surgery came about after a slight concussion while snowboarding. She was lucky when a doctor saw the tumor.

"I've been blessed. I believe in miracles in my life," she said.

But the growth of her business over the past 25 years has been anything but lucky. Rush has offices in Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton, and in Salisbury and Newburyport, Mass., and has been named as Seacoast Board Realtor of the Year and New Hampshire Association Realtor of the Year.

"We cover the gold coast from Newburyport to southern Maine and as far west to Route 125. It works out," said Rush about her company, which recorded $155 million in sales for 2006.

Rush has played a significant leadership role in the industry and, among many posts, has served as president of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors.

Ventures caught up with Rush recently to talk about the allure of the industry, the growth of her company, and giving back to the community.

SEACOAST VENTURES: What is it about the real estate industry that creates people who are, well, addicted to their work?

KATHY RUSH: The real estate business doesn't rest. You're on 24/7. You either love it or you don't. I'm just passionate about it.

SV: What's your main mission?

RUSH: I feel like a forest ranger. I stamp out forest fires all day long. I go out and promote the company and be very visible.

SV: You started as a home-based business. Are you surprised you've grown to this point?

RUSH: The business became like a rolling stone ... We've also had a smart business plan to grow when we can and to survive the rough times, like the recession that hit at the end of the 1980s. It's very important to be proactive and not reactive, to keep making adjustments as you go along.

SV: All of your brokers are independent contractors. How hard is it to manage so many different priorities and how do they define your company?

RUSH: I find it exciting working with them because it's a unique way to make a living. We have over 100 agents and they are an energizing force; they are creative and always coming up with new ideas.

Honestly, you would find our firm to be very different because we really do work like a team like the Red Sox, Patriots or UNH hockey. I'm a team player and one of the things we consider when bringing a new agent on board is if they are an individual or team player. We don't have a Tiger Woods, someone who works only for themselves. Our agents have the ability to see the big picture, to take advantage of the bigger opportunity to work with a larger, more successful team.

SV: Do you sell anymore?

RUSH: That's not my role anymore. One of my jobs is to keep deals together. I'm not a competing broker. Only if it's a special friend or a special situation will I broker a deal.

SV: How has the profession changed since you started?

RUSH: Obviously, technology has been the biggest change. When I started out carbon copies were vital: now we have computers, cell phones, PDAs and Web sites. The professional standards have changed drastically. One of my principal obligations is to bring up new agents and I see a new level of dedication to education and their communities.

SV: You have started the Michael Jon Rush Foundation for Children (in honor of Rush's late son) and been involved in scores of charitable endeavors. How much is giving back to the community part of your business?

RUSH: It's a very big part. We have to give back to the communities that support us.