When we think about Dunmore, we think about community, and Century 21 Jack Rudy Real Estate can attest to that. I was honored to have been able to sit down with Jackie Ruddy, the owner and broker of Century 21 Jack Rudy R.E.. Jackie walked me through the history of the business, which encapsulates exactly what community means here in Dunmore, PA.
Jackie’s father, Jack Ruddy, is where the story begins. Mr. Ruddy attended St. Paul’s High School in our Greenridge area. After graduating, he attended The University of Scranton and served some time overseas. It was after coming back from overseas, in the 1970s, that Mr. Ruddy started selling insurance. When Jackie was born, he acquired his real estate license and started his own business right next door to their family home at that time. “Jack Rudy Real Estate” was started. Shortly after, he looked to grow his business and decided to franchise with Century 21.
“My dad used to say, if he didn’t insure your home or your car, he probably sold you a house,” Jackie stated, as she reminds us of just how much her father served the local area. “Dunmore has always been a community that is well sought after. When a house listed in Dunmore, it sold, and a lot of times it would be by word of mouth, so he was challenged in that respect. Even today there are very few homes for sale in Dunmore.” Mr. Ruddy was able to integrate his business within the Dunmore community by simply being who he was. Jackie shared that he was a very humorous and outgoing person with high ethical standards, all qualities that helped his business thrive.
Jackie Ruddy followed in her father’s footsteps and graduated from The University of Scranton, becoming a licensed realtor in 1993. In 1998, she became an associate broker and settled in as owner and principal broker at Century 21 Jack Rudy R.E. in 2009.
In her 31-year career, Jackie Ruddy has truly achieved great things not only for herself but also for her business and her community. Jackie stated, “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to be the best that I can be.” From being named Realtor of the Year in 2006 by the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors to being our very own Dunmorean of the Month back in August of 2019, Jackie dedicates herself to her business. “I live, breathe, eat… real estate, so I really pour myself into every part that I could be involved with,” she exclaimed.
Jackie has a team of 28 real estate agents to whom she offers management as well as support and guidance. She also hosts a talk show called “The Real Estate Round Table,” which you can tune in to on Saturdays at 11 a.m. or Sundays at 11:30 a.m. on 94.3 The Talker. Episodes of this show can also be found on any podcast platforms for your convenience, all while also finding new ways to grow and develop the business and making sure Century 21 Jack Rudy R.E. is giving back to the community that has given so much to them.
“That comes from my dad, being out and about in the community.”
You can find Jackie supporting organizations such as The Women’s Resource Center, Great Chefs, The Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Bucktown Blood Drive, etc. The list could go on forever; Jackie makes it a point to do as much for the community as she could. I was shocked when Jackie shared with me just how many Dunmore events they are involved with. These events include Dunmore Trunk or Treat events, Dunmore sports, and High School events, and so many more.
Century 21 Jack Ruddy R.E. spearheaded the annual Dunmore Community Charity Bowling event, an event that brings the area together in such a beautiful way where everyone wins. Jackie reminds us of how directly she is involved: “It’s me going out, knocking on doors, getting people to either sponsor or donate and/or make a bowling team.” In this bowling event, there are four top winners, each winning a different monetary amount that is to be donated to a charity of their choosing.
Some members of the Dunmore Community that have participated include Nibbles & Bits, Statefarm, Panderellas, and many more. Panderellas was last year’s winner, and they donated to NE Suicide Prevention Center. Jackie adds another layer to this event, “If a monetary donation is above a certain amount, I put them up on my digital billboard so at the Dunmore Corners they get free advertising,” she states, “it’s a great night out, we provide food, we’re there to have fun and root on the teams”!
As fun and exciting as community engagement is, Jackie reminds us that real estate is far from all fun and games.
“In sales, there are a lot of disappointments and things that don’t work out, so there’s a lot of time spent on something that might never come into fruition, but we still give it our all. It’s something that is not for everybody, but it is 100% commission. We don’t get a salary, we don’t get an hourly wage, we don’t get paid if we don’t go to closing.”
She is aware that the housing market is undergoing a challenging time and shares some positivity regarding it.
“We’ll figure it out; everything is going to work out. Right now, we don’t have a lot of answers, but I am 100% convinced that we will be okay. We are in a transformation, and I think we are going to come out on the other side stronger and better. Every once in a while, this happens, not just to the real estate business. As we look to the future, we’re very hopeful.”
Jackie also shared some words of comfort for the new generation entering the housing market. “Right now, there may not be any steals in the market, but I wouldn’t be nervous about the future of the market. Homeownership is part of the American dream, and I think it will be attainable for anyone who has the discipline to do the things they need to do in order to buy a house.” She reminds us of just how important it is to take care of the menial tasks such as paying bills on time and watching our credit scores. “It’s not unattainable; it will happen. It might not be today, but you’ll get there.”
Jackie Ruddy is an outstanding businesswoman who represents just what it means to be a Dunmorean. A strong woman needs a strong support system, and that is exactly what she has. Her husband, Pat, and son, Patty, are her greatest supporters. Her son is the joy of her life and what keeps her going. Patty also happens to be a previous Dunmorean of the Month! As we finished our interview, I asked Jackie to share a bit of wisdom that she has acquired throughout her endeavors; she states:
“I will give the advice my dad would say to me. Don’t give up. If you have a dream and you want to achieve it, there are going to be bumps in the road, and you have a choice: do they break you? Or do they make you? When you’re met with the challenges and the struggles and the difficulties that come about in anything that you choose to do in life, just get in touch with your ‘why’; why do you want to do it? And that will give you the purpose and drive to succeed.”
Century 21 Jack Ruddy R.E. has become such a staple in the Dunmore Community, and they hope to continue to be, not only for all your real estate needs but as your neighbors as well. Located at 111 W. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA, they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some upcoming events you can expect Jackie Ruddy to be supporting include Jog for Judge in the summer, Dunmore National Night Out, and don’t forget to inquire about the annual Dunmore Bowling Charity event coming up in September, where you will find plenty of your favorite Dunmore local businesses participating. “We support each other,” Jackie states, “and that is what Dunmore is all about,” I concluded.