Oswald and Associates adds to its staff

Terri Cole, formerly of Ulmer Carolina, joins Oswald team.

By Michelle Hazel, Staff Writer

A local business that has served Walterboro’s current and prospective residents since 1986 is expanding.

Anne Oswald, owner and broker in charge of Oswald and Associates, Inc., welcomed Terri Cole as new co-owner of the company Feb. 1.

Cole has been a realtor and broker at Ulmer Carolina Real Estate since 1999.

She brings her expertise and sizeable client base to the well-established Oswald and Associates, LLC.

"I think this will expand our coverage, and Terri brings in a new customer base," Oswald said.

The company is no stranger to growth.

Oswald and Sara White began the business in 1986 with a one-room office, a typewriter and a copier.

Despite its humble beginnings, the company has experienced steady growth every year, Oswald said.

Today, with the addition of Cole, there are eight employees at Oswald and Associates, and in 2005 alone they raked in approximately $9 million in sales.

Cole’s approximately $2.5 million she sold in 2005 will be a great addition to those promising sales.

But the greatest reason for White and Cole’s partnership is their similar views on customer service.

"Terri’s eagerness, ambition and willingness to please customers mirrors what I have done in my career," Oswald said.

The two have "always had pleasant transactions," according to Oswald. She explained that all realtors must share the Multiple Listing Service and work together often.

"I’ve always looked up to Anne," Cole said.

"She has always catered to clients, as far as service goes."

Oswald said customer service is part of the foundation of her business. "We want to offer the buyer an exciting, fun way to be welcomed into the Walterboro community," she said.

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The Press and Standard - Tuesday, February 29, 2006 Edition.

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