Jack Conway, chairman of Norwell-based real estate firm Jack Conway & Co., recently handed the reins over to his daughter, Carol Bulman.
Bulman will now serve as chief executive officer of the 54-year-old real estate company, while her father will retain his position as chairman of the board and act in an advisory capacity to his daughter and her management team.
"I’m going to take a lesser role in the everyday operations of the company, but I will remain involved," said Conway. "Jack Conway Co. has been a privately owned, family business since 1956, and with Carol at the helm, it will stay that way."
Speaking at a recent Thanksgiving event at Plimoth Plantation, Conway told his salespeople to expect a change in leadership.
"I saw a flock of geese flying in a V formation the other day," he said. "After a time, the leader flew to the back of the group and a new bird took the point position. I think it’s time for me to retreat a bit, and let my daughter Carol take the lead. But if she needs me, I’ll only be a honk away."
Bulman was appointed vice chair of her father’s company in July, and as CEO, she will now run the largest independently owned real estate company in New England. The firm has 40 residential sales offices from Boston to Cape Cod, plus its own mortgage company, relocation and commercial divisions, according to a statement.
"My dad believes in giving back to the cities and towns that have helped him to succeed, and that is something that will never change," said Bulman, a Scituate mother of four. "Nor will our commitment to providing the best possible real estate and home financing services to our customers."
Bulman, 47, began working for the family business at age 16 as a Cohasset High student. She graduated from Providence College and the National School of Mortgage Banking in Chicago and is a past president of the Massachusetts Mortgage Association.
She and her husband Michael have four children, Katie, an analyst with Morgan Stanley in London, Corie, a biology teacher at Marshfield High, Jack, an EMT for Fallon Ambulance, and Mike, a Scituate High freshman. The Bulmans also have an infant granddaughter, Ally Rose.
