Research shows that the average family will relocate — either to a new home or even a new city — approximately three times over two decades. Atlanta's metro south region, which includes Coweta and Fayette counties, is among the nation's fastest growing. With such a mobile society, who's watching out for the local community and its quality growth?

“We both grew up in this town, and its future means everything to us,” answers Jim Mottola, cofounder of Parks & Mottola Realtors, whose firm celebrates its 15th anniversary this month. Referring to his partner, he adds, “We've raised our own children here; naturally, we want the best quality of life for our families. That translates into sound business practices.”

Founded in 1985 by Mottola and partner Pick Parks, the real estate firm has grown from three employees to a staff of over 30 professionals. During the past decade and a half, they've represented thousands of buyers and sellers.

That figure represents more than dwellings, say the duo. It represents an enormous number of personal relationships that they continue to foster.

“There's rarely a day that goes by when I don't run into someone we worked with to buy or sell a home,” notes Parks. “Some of them have used our company time after time as their needs changed. We've always treated people the way we'd want to be treated, and it always pays off in the long run.”

Relationships haven't been relegated to clients, though. Enjoying an extremely low employee turnover, Parks & Mottola can claim that the company's agents have an average tenure of 10 years, with several who were there at the very beginning.

“I love it here,” claims Lisa Hines, who joined the firm just out of college and specializes in commercial and industrial transactions. “As a Newnan native, I wanted to come back to my hometown and work with people I knew. It means everything to me that our company has high standards; I don't think I'd ever want to do anything else.”

Maintaining the balance between a successful real estate/development company and quality growth management for the entire county is an important element of Parks & Mottola's company philosophy, as is giving back to the community through a number of ventures.

Mottola was a founder of the organization that became 21st Century Coweta, a unique public/private economic development initiative. The group has recruited top quality firms to the area, creating jobs and diversifying the tax base in order to keep property taxes low, while offering the best services.

Newnan Mayor Keith Brady, a Parks & Mottola associate since 1992, emphasizes that the entire staff is dedicated to quality development and managed growth.

“We're blessed to be in an area that offers some of the most beautiful historic districts in the entire metropolitan Atlanta region, and also offers the convenience of fiber optic cable, Interstate access and country charm,” said Brady. “Preserving what we have for future generations is always uppermost in our minds.”

Brady is one of many associates who volunteer their time and efforts for civic and professional duties and organizations. From Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs to Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Clubs, Rotary and the Cattlemen's Association, most work in the community on a regular basis.

“All of us have benefited from living here, and it's simply the right thing to do,” comments David Reynolds, whose family founded and operated the renowned Reynolds Furniture Company on the square in Newnan since before the turn of the century. Reynolds is now an exclusive marketing agent for Lake Redwine Plantation, a 1,200-acre planned community north of Newnan, developed by Parks & Mottola.

“For years, people thought of Coweta County as an agricultural center. When an international company located in Atlanta, they just didn't give us much thought,” says Mottola. “Part of the reason was that company executives didn't have many residential choices here, and we knew that we had a great deal to offer them. Today, Newnan and Coweta are home to several international companies and a few headquarters, and when statewide developers include our area during the site selection process, frequently prospects are attracted to it.”

With its Georgia Schools of Excellence, proximity to I-85, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport and the cultural amenities of Atlanta, pristine golf courses and ample land, Coweta County has become a well-known and valuable commodity inside the state and around the world. Since that secret is “out of the bag,” it's comforting to know that some of the people who are responsible for its future have a personal stake in the quality with which it develops — people like those who make up the Parks & Mottola team.

For more information about the company and its 15th anniversary, call 770.253.7005.