I’m Joining Zillow. Here’s Why.

Much like moving into a new house, a change of employment is often a logistical and emotional journey, and sometimes that’s enough to brush away the idea of even considering it. But when you take that big step, whether it’s getting the keys to a new home or making a career change, it’s usually a positive, life-changing experience. Beyond my own personal feelings of excitement, I knew my move to Zillow would lead to lots of questions, so I’m happy to share some of my insight here.

Even though we were competitors, I had regular interaction with the Zillow team. As I got to know Spencer Rascoff, Zillow CEO, Greg Schwartz, Zillow Chief Revenue Officer and other Zillow team members, I came to respect their intelligence and passion for their business. I was also impressed with Zillow’s focus on serving consumers and how that, in turn, has driven such phenomenal growth.

As I contemplated joining Zillow, I met with everyone on the executive team as well as the executive chairman (Rich Barton) and his co-founder (Lloyd Frink). I asked each person the same question: How do you view the real estate industry and its key constituents and how should Zillow interact with the industry? The answers I received were unanimous: Zillow views the industry as an essential partner, believes that agents and brokers play a critical role in the real estate transaction — both now and in the future — and Zillow views its mission as both empowering consumers and helping them connect with professionals. The Zillow team also was emphatic about their desire to build deeper, more collaborative and enduring relationships with the industry, including with MLSs, real estate associations and franchisors. For me, these conversations with Zillow’s management were pivotal. I saw a sincere desire to partner with the industry and I wouldn’t have considered joining the team if that wasn’t the case.

I was also open to a change as we’re in the midst of an exciting era in real estate and I’m looking forward to helping Zillow make even stronger connections with its real estate industry partners and provide the technology and consumer audience to help real estate professionals grow their business.

In my new role as Chief Industry Development Officer, I’ll take on managing Zillow’s partnerships with brokerages, MLSs, trade associations and franchisors across the country in addition to overseeing Zillow’s real estate business-to-business products and tools. I have a full plate of responsibilities ahead of me, but rather than rush into any quick judgments or initiatives, my first priority is to simply listen. I want to better understand the questions and ideas that MLSs, brokers and agents have about working with Zillow.

Our goal as a company, and my goal in coming in, is to make sure Zillow is the absolute best partner for the industry. To do that, as I’ve done with many of you over the years, we’ll have straightforward dialogue and find shared opportunities for success.

On March 5, 2014, Zillow announced that Errol Samuelson will join the company in the new role of Chief Industry Development Officer, reporting directly to Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff. A long-time real estate industry executive, Samuelson was most recently President of REALTOR.com® and Chief Strategy Officer of Move, Inc.  Errol can be reached at partnerships@zillow.com.