Last Updated on June 17, 2022
Allen Tate Companies President and CEO Pat Riley has been honored with the Charlotte Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award, leading the 2022 Class of Most Admired CEOs.
The program recognizes 39 top executives across 15 industry categories with a strong record of innovation in their field, outstanding financial performance, a commitment to quality, a strong vision, a commitment to diversity in the workplace and contributions to the community.
Riley was presented with the award during an event held at The Westin Charlotte on June 16 and featured in a CBJ special report on June 17.
Riley has led the Allen Tate Companies since 1992. In 2021, Allen Tate recorded 19,150 closed sales transactions totaling more than $6.8 billion, the best year in the history of the company. Riley helped grow the company from three local offices to a full-service homeownership company with 46 offices across a six-region footprint in North and South Carolina.
In 2018, Allen Tate formed a partnership with Pittsburgh-based Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. The companies together have more than 13,000 agents and employees across 400 offices in 13 states, ranking among the largest independently owned, non-franchised brokers in the U.S.
“I came to this young fair city 30 years ago, after five years in Wilmington, Delaware. There, you had to be part of a famous family to blend into the fabric of the community. In Charlotte, you raise your hand, and you are welcomed with open arms. Here, we have had the opportunity to help build a region, and help it grow up gracefully,” Riley said, accepting the award.
Riley credits four mentors for his personal and professional success: his father and mother, his “second dad” B. Gary Scott, and company founder Allen Tate.
“When Allen invited me here to build the company, he told me I needed to earn my chips – that there were no medals for yesterday’s heroes. That began my journey of following my passion for public education, the arts and economic development,” Riley said.
Riley has chaired every major civic board in Charlotte, including the Charlotte Chamber, Arts & Science Council and Charlotte Center City Partners. Currently, Riley serves on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and the board of directors for Best NC, a non-profit coalition committed to improving public education.
He is also a past president and serves on the board of directors for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 550 premier real estate firms in 70 countries around the world.
At Allen Tate, Riley champions Tate Cares, a combined giving initiative that supports public education; arts, culture, and history; and United Way. More than $5.63 million has been raised for Tate Cares in the past 24 years.
Riley is known for his highly collaborative leadership style, empowering his leadership team to make decisions, while remaining present and accessible to them. He is revered for his strong work ethic, optimistic attitude, and general passion for life. He advocates work-life balance and “Red Penguin” service – an individualized touch to make the experience special for agents, employees, and customers alike.
“I can truthfully say that I followed my passions, surrounded myself with people who were like-minded, and got out of their way. The credit goes to my home and work team who have been by my side, supporting my vision,” Riley said.
About Allen Tate Companies
Allen Tate Companies is the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, based on closed transactions sides, with 46 offices and more than 1,600 Realtors® in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Highlands/Cashiers regions of North Carolina and the Upstate region of South Carolina. Allen Tate provides real estate, mortgage, insurance, and relocation services throughout the entire homeownership life cycle. We are committed to providing and protecting quality of life for the communities we serve. For more information, visit allentate.com.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the #1 family-owned and operated independent broker in the country. The full-service real estate company has more than 400 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors in the Carolinas and The F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 13,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry’s top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit howardhanna.com.
