“We believe that Fathom is a family, and in being such, we help each other, serve each other, respect each other, protect each other, and love each other. We do not just talk about being a family. We live it.”

The Fathom Family

Since the creation of broadcast media, thousands of shows have been produced centering around family. The first sitcom focused on the nuclear family was The Ozzie and Harriet Show. Ozzie and Harriet’s show began as a radio show, but in 1952 they made their television debut while simultaneously airing on the radio. Although the show’s broadcast ended soon after, the TV show continued until 1966. It was the longest-running sitcom ever until The Simpsons took that accolade many years after. 

Each family show had its nuance and unique flavor that caused it to be memorable or a cult phenomenon. For instance, Leave It To Beaver featured the first toilet on television. Although, the first TV show allowing the sound of flushing toilets wouldn’t come until 1971. In “I Love Lucy”, Lucille Ball was the first-ever pregnant starring actor, but the writers never used the actual word “pregnant” in the dialogue.

On September 26, 1969, The Brady Bunch debuted and was the first television show of its kind that brought two families together as a result of divorce. In 1971, All in the Family premiered with the warning, “The program you are about to see is All in the Family. It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter, we hope to show—in a mature fashion—just how absurd they are.” And on December 17, 1989, The Simpson’s first animated episode was a Christmas special. Since then, 717 episodes have been broadcast, making it the longest-running American television series.

The family unit has been written about, broadcasted, discussed, and holds a prominent place in music since it is a central and vital aspect of our culture. Rightly so, because we all want to be a part of a family. It is within families that we hope to find encouragement and identity. And without that, a person can feel depressed, lonely, or discouraged. But that is in reference to the nuclear or traditional definition of family. So the question begs itself; is it even possible to translate a bit of that value into a corporate family? Can or should a corporation hope or strive to produce an environment of belonging, identity, and encouragement? Well, the answer here at Fathom Realty is a resounding YES!

Creating an environment within Fathom that feels like family is not just a “pie in the sky” dream. It is our “true north.” A true north is vital to any individual, family, or organization. It is a fixed point in a spinning and sometimes confusing existence of relationships, careers, choices, and voices. A true north is sustained and calculated by core beliefs and values. It serves as an internal compass to keep one focused and on track. It is the glue that keeps the main thing, the main thing. 

Fathom’s true north goal is to be a family – a place where everyone feels a part of something bigger than themselves. A place that is inclusive, and everyone feels like they belong. A place where relationships are built, established and protected. A place where all voices are respected and every person is honored. But how is that established? And equally as important–how is a corporate family atmosphere nourished and sustained? I believe the following precepts are vital in creating and maintaining such a goal: 

1. Everyone, from the top down, must have a sense of ownership. This is true in our personal business ventures as well. Every agent and client must feel confident that they are a part of the entire process (contract to close) and as important as anyone else we work with. 
2. We must not just talk about corporate family values. They must be exemplified in our actions and conversations. Therein lies the truth: more is caught than taught.
3. Everyone must feel confident that they can speak up and know that their perspective is welcomed. Giving value to differing opinions or out-of-the-box suggestions creates an environment of trust and openness. 
4. Having an attitude of gratitude is vital. We are determined to express thanks where thanks are due and give honor where honor is due.
5. Every family unit, whether nuclear or corporate, should have traditions. Traditions help to connect our past to our present and our future.
6. Professional and personal milestones must be evident and openly celebrated. Praise is vital, as well as immeasurable, in producing a feeling of belonging and acceptance.

So as daunting as the challenge might be, let’s work toward the goal of making Fathom a family. We have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime. And as one of my mentors used to say, “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of that opportunity.” 

Interesting to note that many television shows that center around the family have theme songs that are easily recognizable or memorable. I’m going to show my age using these examples, but I bet many of you could name what family shows these theme song lyrics belong to:

Of course. That is the theme song to The Brady Bunch! Okay, so how about this one:

Yep. You guessed it. The Beverly Hillbillies! And, the list could go on and on. But, I guess you could say that every family needs a song and maybe Fathom is no different. So let’s give it a whirl as we work toward creating and maintaining an atmosphere of family and perhaps consider this as an option?

The Fathom Family Theme Song:

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Written by William “Billy” Nunez
Director of Culture, Fathom Realty
Florida State Broker