Judy Columbus

In 1978, Judy impacted Rochester’s business community by founding Judy Columbus Inc. Real Estate & Relocation, the area’s first woman-owned real estate company. Through the years, the firm became known for innovative branding (“One office, worldwide!”), dynamic team building, marketing creativity, personalized customer service, corporate relocation programs, and bottom line results.

A role model of entrepreneurship and social responsibility, Judy has contributed a lifetime of business savvy to non-profit boards including the Realtors Charitable Foundation, Jewish Federation and Golisano Children’s Hospital. She initiated the “Heart Part,” a strategy for community involvement to which all agents contributed, making possible grants to multiple agencies including the founding of a mentoring program at Wilson Commencement Park, founding sponsorship of Rochester Arts & Lectures, annual underwriting of WXXI Public Broadcasting and construction of a Habitat for Humanity home.

Judy’s BA in Journalism/Public Relations from Ohio State University and early career in advertising to this day power our marketing outreaches. Her husband, Richard Columbus, honored as Eastman Kodak’s Inventor of the Year, has been her anchor for 59 years and according to daughters, Tracy and Jamie, “is the best Dad on the planet.”

Judy’s daughter, Jamie, purchased the company in 1999 after graduating from Harvard Business School, then seamlessly re-branded the company with a fun, bold, contemporary presence. Owner and corporate president, Jamie has launched a 2019 look for Judy’s Broker Network in line with today’s social networking opportunities.

Judy writes: “Our branding transitions have been seamless as the elements responsible for developing customer loyalty remain solid. Consumers know what to expect from our agents and brokers. Energy. Service. Creativity.” You can download Judy’s resume here.