About John L. Scott

The John L. Scott Story

The vision of John L. Scott Real Estate started over 85 years ago when a young Scottish immigrant named John L. Scott set out on a long journey to San Diego, California with his bride and infant son. The trip included a stop in the burgeoning city of Seattle, Washington where John L. later recalled, “It was like reaching City Beautiful in Pilgrim’s Progress.” Seattle, not San Diego, would become the Scott family’s new home.

Once the family was settled, John L. began working as a sales associate for a local real estate company. In 1931, he established John L. Scott Real Estate, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional real estate companies in the nation. It now operates over 100 offices with over 3,000 agents throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and now California.

John L. Scott Real Estate is currently led by Chairman and CEO, J. Lennox Scott, John L.’s Grandson, who started working with the company as a sign painter when he was just ten years old. Thirteen years later, Lennox assumed leadership of the company.

The Right Representation

At John L. Scott Real Estate, our full-time, full-service residential specialists are your trusted advisors and have your best interests at heart because we focus on relationships rather than transactions. That's why we've been in the business for over 85 years, with over 100 offices and 3,000 agents ready to represent you in your next real estate transaction.

Expertise
Although online and mobile access to information on homes for sale, home value estimates, and research tools have become the norm, understanding the market and navigating the process of buying or selling a home is still complex. It's more important than ever to work with a real estate professional who has a level of expertise that goes beyond what a mobile app, online video, or website can do.

At John L. Scott Real Estate we take pride in offering areas of expertise that most clients don't even consider. For example, most buyers search for a home without taking into consideration the various market conditions that can affect the entire purchase process. Market seasonality, the backlog of buyers (also known as the competition), and an analysis of recent comparable sales all factor into an offer and acceptance strategy.

Negotiations
One of the top three things that clients want most from their Realtor® is help with negotiations. Many people think they're good at negotiating but oftentimes their experience is in haggling or bargaining, which is different than the art of negotiating. Keep in mind that typically, both buyers and sellers are emotionally invested. When it comes to something so deeply personal as a home, the importance of having a professional negotiation expert working for you is invaluable.

John L. Scott Real Estate Specialists understand that negotiation is both a skill-set as well as a mindset that helps a conversation transform into an agreement that’s a win for all parties. You definitely don't want to enlist the services of any real estate licensee whose only tactic is to split the difference and settle in the middle every time. So be sure to contact your John L. Scott Residential Specialist for your next transaction.

Transactional Excellence
At John L. Scott Real Estate, we aim for transactional excellence with every home sale. What this means for our clients is that our professionals coordinate every detail of the real estate transaction. From the moment an offer has been mutually accepted by the buyer and the seller, our residential real estate specialists monitor the various inspections, appraisals, title, escrow, and loan processes. They communicate and collaborate with all the partners and parties involved with the transaction to ensure a smooth closing.

These are the types of details that often separate those who simply have a real estate license and John L. Scott Residential Specialists who are committed to the process of transactional excellence. We know you have plenty of personal matters to consider during a real estate transaction, and we want to make your journey to closing day as stress-free as possible.

Meet Our Leadership

J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

J. Lennox Scott is the Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. He became company president and CEO in 1980, transitioning to Chairman and CEO in 2002. Lennox is the third generation to run the family business, which was founded by his grandfather in 1931.

Lennox is very involved with the National Association of REALTORS® as a member of the Large Residential Firms is recognized by the Swanepoel 200 as one of the top 10 Power Brokers in the nation. He holds a Certified Residential Broker (CRB) designation and a business degree from the University of Washington

Lennox is actively involved in the John L. Scott Foundation, which supports local Children’s Hospitals and children’s health care throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Phil McBride, Chief Operating Officer

Phil McBride was appointed to Chief Operating Officer of John L. Scott Real Estate in July 2014. He joined John L. Scott in 2007 as its Chief Financial Officer. During the past 30 years, Phil has led the financial management of several notable real estate companies, including Coldwell Banker and the Fred Sands Companies, where he was credited with increasing both financial success and market share.

As John L. Scott’s senior executive, Phil is responsible for managing the company's financial policies, practices, and procedures, as well as operational oversight of the Finance, Human Resources, Legal, IT and Facilities departments. Phil also holds a seat on the Board of Directors of the John L. Scott Foundation.

Jon Hunter, Vice President of Residential Success

Jon Hunter joined John L. Scott Real Estate in 1998 after graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. Jon began his career with John L. Scott as an office manager before becoming a successful sales broker. He has represented Vulcan in four projects and 450+ new residential units, mentored dozens of brokers, and managed eight John L. Scott offices.

As Vice President of Residential Success, he is responsible for all company-owned office operations, overseeing strategic growth, production, personnel, program and implementation, and profitability.

Tim Wynne, Vice President of John L. Scott Real Estate Affiliates

Tim Wynne joined John L. Scott Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (JLSREA) in 2008. Tim brings more than 20 years experience in real estate franchise sales and management, having spent time with three national brands. As Vice President, he is responsible for JLSREA’s operations, business development, and merger/acquisition initiatives for both company-owned and franchise divisions.

Howard Chung, Vice President of Broker Excellence

Howard Chung began his real estate career in 1995 and quickly became a top producing agent in the Northeast. He joined John L. Scott as a trainer and mentor in 2000 and went on to start his own John L. Scott Franchise office shortly thereafter. He became Vice President of Residential Operations in 2005 and has been serving as the Vice President of Broker Excellence since 2013.

Howard’s mission is to educate, equip, and empower the real estate professional of the next generation. In his role as Vice President of Broker Excellence, Howard’s responsibilities include the ongoing growth of John L. Scott’s market and brand presence, developing marketing and technology integration strategies specific to the success of individual broker associates, and representing the company’s best interests in the evolving real estate industry.

Barry Matheny, Vice President of Relocation Services and eBusiness

Barry Matheny has many years of widely varied experience in real estate and relocation, following a very successful 25-year career as a VP of Sales/General Manager for a national communications company. After several years as a real estate professional and associate broker, Barry was appointed Director of eBusiness for John L. Scott. He is currently Vice President of Business Development overseeing the Relocation and eBusiness Departments.

Jennifer Lind, Vice President of Business Strategy

Jennifer Lind has been part of the John L. Scott family since 2003. She has worked as a broker, mentor, trainer, manager, and owner. Her passion and dedication is centered around building relationships and making an impact in the lives and business of others.

As Vice President of Business Strategy, Jennifer works collaboratively with the leadership team to create successful offices and promote the John L. Scott culture. Strategic growth is one her top initiatives in order to attract the next generation of successful real estate brokers. Jennifer is also very involved in the Association of REALTORS® as an executive on her local board as well as a director on the state level.

Scott Halligan, Vice President of Oregon/SW Washington

Scott Halligan joined John L. Scott in 2015. He brings more than 20 years of real estate experience in business and office management, ownership, residential and commercial sales, property management, joint venture partnerships, and commercial development projects. He is actively involved in REALTOR® advocacy efforts and committees on the local, state and national level, including: Past-President, Central Oregon Association of REALTORS®. As Vice President, Scott oversees Residential Operations for all company-owned offices in Oregon and SW Washington.

Jeannie Simpson, General Counsel

Jeannie Simpson joined John L. Scott in 2012, bringing over a decade of real estate law experience after graduating from Stanford Law School. She previously worked in the real estate groups at Morrison & Foerster LLP in Tokyo and Palo Alto and at Foster Pepper PLLC in Seattle, and she taught as an adjunct law professor at Seattle University’s School of Law.

As General Counsel of John L. Scott Real Estate, Jeannie oversees legal issues in all departments of the company, along with providing day-to-day counsel, education, and training of the branch office brokers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. In addition, Jeannie manages outside litigation counsel in handling claims, negotiates all company retail leases, and provides legal counsel on company corporate transactions and operations issues.

Ruben Taylor, Chief Technology Officer

Ruben Taylor joined John L. Scott in 2007, bringing with him more than 18 years of experience in the technology industry. He holds his Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification and has spent many years working in the security technology field on smartcards, HSM’s, compliance scanning, and cryptography solutions for many large northwest companies.

As Chief Technology Officer, Ruben leads John L. Scott’s long-term technology vision and is responsible for many of our cutting-edge technology innovations, including the Mobile App ecosystem and Instant Notification Platforms.

After hours, Ruben serves as a Boy Scout leader mentoring youth in scouting activities and sharing his love for the outdoors.

Jeff Cohen, Vice President of Professional Achievement

Jeff Cohen joined the John L. Scott Career Development Center in 2005, bringing 15 years of real estate experience as a licensed broker, manager, and owner. Currently Vice President of Professional Achievement, he is dedicated to the company’s success with focus on the development of each individual broker. Jeff now oversees the Career Development Center, including the John L. Scott Institute and Career Activator, along with contributing to the implementation of new company programs and initiatives through live workshops and webinars.