New generation: Founders Jim and Judy turn operations over to daughter, Jackie Herron
Jackie Darmody and Judy and Jim Herron, from left to right. Photo by Carol Hansen
Jim and Judy Herron have announced that their daughter, Jackie Herron Darmody, has officiallly taken over Herron Realty as broker/owner of the busy real estate business on Main Street in Old Forge.
Darmody, a graduate of the Town of Webb School, has worked in the business since 1988, so the field of real estate has been a big part of her adult life.
Jim and Judy Herron have been in the real estate business since 1962, when they operated two real estate offices in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Both snowmobilers, they were attracted to the Old Forge area because of the sport.In 1972, during a snowmobile vacation In Old Forge, Jim learned that the Strand Theatre was for sale and decided to buy it.
“On the way home in March, I told Judy we were going to move to Old Forge. We had two real estate offices and our house in New Jersey with five acres of land, but by June 28, we were back here and bought the theater—all because of snowmobiling,” Jim said.
The Herron family, which includes son, J. B., has been here ever since.
After selling the theater building in 1976, the Herrons sold real estate from their home on Hollywood Hills Road for Strout Realty, a nationwide realty company.
In 1977 they moved the business into the first floor of the small building that once stood where Tony Harper’s is now located.
The name was changed to Old Forge Realty Company and eventually to Herron Realty.
As the company grew, so did their need for more space.
In October 1987 Herron purchased the former Forest House on Main Street where they are still located today.
But after being in the realty business for nearly 50 years, the Herrons are turning it over to the next generation.
“Jackie runs the business while we’re in Florida for five or six months every winter, and we finally decided last summer that it was time to retire,” Jim said.
Judy, who said she still enjoys helping clients find their dream house, will continue to work part time during the summer months, and Jim will do special assignments for Jackie.
The transition in ownership is expected to be seamless with all of the salespeople staying on, according to Jim.
“Jackie, along with our experienced sales staff, will continue our tradition of outstanding service to our clients,” Judy said.
Jim and Judy are currently in Old Forge, but plan to return to Fort Myers Beach, Florida following the holidays.
