Charles and Harry Huzenis, founders of Jameson, will maintain an active role in the new venture as members of the organization's board. Jameson's director ofproject development Robert Flannery will serve as COO of the new firm and Gay Johnson will continue in her role as managing broker. Jameson principals Steven Golovan, Charles Mudd and John Nally will also continue work with the group.

Feurer tells GlobeSt.com that the endeavor is hoped to increase sales volume by 50% or more, and that Jameson has already doubled it staff in preparation. "One of the most valuable pieces of this project is our agent-centric attitude," Feurer said. "We hired so much staff and spent so much on these marketing techniques, our whole goal is making these agents better at what they do. It's something we didn't see at any other company, that we really felt is the wave of the future - doing anything possible to make those agents more successful at what they do."

He says the experience and reputation Jameson has developed throughout its 26 years in Chicago will be extremely beneficial to the new company. "(Jameson's staff) are well heeled, and have been in the business for decades," Feurer said. "They have a really firm, established presence in the market."

Feurer says the merger will build upon each of the companies strengths and that the collaboration will form a brokerage powerhouse. "It became clear to usthat if (CRF Marketing) could step out and get with an already established firm, and bring our marketing ideas and young energy and talents, we could really take things to the next level," Feurer said. "It was a perfect fit."

The merger has been in the works for several months, and Feurer said there has been a strong reaction from Chicago's real estate community in the two weeks since it took effect. "Already we've gotten calls from almost every major developer in the city," Feurer said. "The market is definitely turbulent right now and you need somebody who has all the tools. ... There have already been four major deals dropped in our laps, so you'll see a huge splash from Jameson before the end of the year." The new firm will handle a wide range of real estate, from residential to commercial properties.

Jameson Realty Group was started in 1982 by the Huzenis brothers and has annually averaged more than $500 million in sales. Established a decade ago, CRF Marketing boasts a newer but equally formidable presence in the Chicago housing market. The new firm will assume the space occupied by Jameson Realty Group at 425 W. North Avenue in Chicago.