As we bid 2025 farewell, it's tempting to make predictions for 2026, but I’ll save more of those for later. One thing is certain, no one could have predicted all/most of what happened this year on December 31st, 2024. WOW! I am exhausted.

Actually, I’m rather refreshed and reinvigorated after a few days off over the holidays to connect with family and friends. This year was quite the roller coaster, but now, in retrospect, possibly one of the most exciting years ever, certainly in the history of Compass. We have achieved so much this year, but there is one thing that stands out and it's a prediction and/or promise we made many, many years ago.

A few weeks after Compass was formed as “Urban Compass” in June 2014, an event was held at the New Museum on the Bowery in Downtown Manhattan. It was titled: THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE. At this gathering, with industry-leading speakers, we were grilled by some in the audience. Who exactly did this noisy start-up with about 75 people think they were titling an event this way? We did not over-promise. Yes, an extraordinary company has been built well beyond any wildest predictions, but the one thing I feel is most important today is the other promise that was made. A promise to not only build a great company, but more importantly, to influence and elevate our entire profession, for all, not just Compass people. Compass has become more than a company, it has become a movement.

Looking back to 2025’s hive of activity culminating in a Dynasty-worthy federal court episode, it's clear that promise has been fulfilled. Now, with the prospect of a merger to create the ultimate family of luxury real estate brands, akin to a Kering, LVMH, Volkswagen-Porsche group, etc, I’m loath to say this again as I’ve said so multiple times over the years: "The best is yet to come".