Staff Reports
Ron Burgert, chief financial officer of the Ebby Halliday Companies, is a rarity in these days of frequent job hopping. Burgert has been at the same job, in the same position, for 42 years. Burgert, who recently announced his decision to retire from the company he has played a significant role in building, will continue to visible – among other things, he will continue to teach his popular tax class through the Ebby Education Center.
Says Chris Kelly, president and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, “Ron’s contributions to the Ebby Halliday Companies are many, and while we have been the benefactor of his strong fiscal guidance for many years, he has also positioned us for a very bright future due to his strong relationships with our agents and employees. I thank him for his distinguished service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
Burgert was awarded the CFO Lifetime Achievement Award by the Dallas Business Journal in 2010. A Certified Public Accountant, Burgert graduated with an accounting degree from North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas. He worked auditing and other administrative jobs for the U.S. Department of Defense and later worked for defense contractors, including Bell Helicopter and LTV Aerospace and Defense, before joining Ebby Halliday.
In his time with Ebby Halliday, Burgert has helped the company expand from six offices to 33. While juggling many professional demands, he has remained committed to his top duty: managing the company’s balance sheet so Ebby Halliday can effectively serve Associates, clients, the community and the real estate industry.
Burgert is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. He frequently lectures in the areas of accounting, finances, and tax, and is a regular presence at Ebby Halliday Companies office meetings across North Texas.
“Making every day count and thriving on change has helped the Ebby Halliday Companies make it through challenging times like the 1980s and the recession that began in 2007 and lasted into 2009,” Burgert says. “Our strong sales record is a testament to the strength of the North Texas economy, our conservative, yet pro-active management approach during both positive and negative economic cycles, and to our industry-leading Associates who are known far and wide for serving our clients with the utmost professionalism.”
Burgert played a significant role in the forward-thinking sale of the Ebby Halliday Companies to HomeServices of America in 2018. An affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, HomeServices is the country’s largest residential real estate brokerage company, according to the most recent Real Trends ranking.
“Finding the right partner to maintain the legacy, culture, and integrity of the Ebby Halliday Companies was of utmost importance,” says Burgert. “We have joined an organization known for its strength and stability, and for its impeccable reputation and commitment to protecting brands. Joining with HomeServices ensures that our history of market leadership and industry service continues.”