The 2014 CNBC Disruptor 50 List is the network’s second annual roundup of private companies that are considered disruptors in their respective industries, and Redfin has made the list. CNBC describes Redfin and others on this list as forward-thinking upstarts having identified unexploited niches in the marketplace that have the potential to become billion-dollar businesses.
Here at Redfin we pride ourselves on doing things a little differently. After inventing map-based search for real estate listings, we decided to do something more audacious: We hired our own real estate agents, giving them a salary and benefits, and paying bonuses based on customer satisfaction, rather than a sales-based commission.
Providing in-person service to every neighborhood in America takes time, but it’s far more disruptive than software alone. We can combine our service with technology at every step, offering near-instant home tours, or creating on-the-spot auctions for our home sellers, or running a digital marketing campaign that reaches the people most likely to buy a certain home.
“Few businesses can make customers weep with joy, but that’s what happens when you help someone buy the perfect home,” said Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman.
A panel of academics who specialize in entrepreneurship and innovation helped CNBC staff vet more than 500 companies from around the world to narrow it down to the top 50. And we’re honored to be on the list!
You can read more about the CNBC Disruptor 50 List, the rankings and methodology on their website.
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