Marcia Harlow, a prominent figure in the Duncan real estate market for nearly five decades, has officially retired. Her extensive 47-year career was celebrated with a special event hosted by Perkins Reality on September 25, marking the end of an era for the local property industry.
Harlow's journey in real estate began in September 1978, a path that saw her work with several key brokerages in the area and build a legacy based on professional dedication and strong community relationships. Her retirement concludes a career that began when she first entered the workforce and evolved into a defining part of her life.
Key Takeaways
- Marcia Harlow has retired from real estate after a 47-year career in Duncan.
- Her career began in September 1978 and included roles at multiple local agencies.
- She spent her final 24 years with Perkins Reality, which hosted her retirement celebration.
- Harlow reflects on her career as highly rewarding, emphasizing the relationships she built with clients and colleagues.
A Career Spanning Nearly Five Decades
Marcia Harlow's extensive career in the Duncan real estate market began in the late 1970s. She took her first steps into the industry in September 1978 with Jim Allen Real Estate, where she learned the foundations of the business.
"He was my first broker," Harlow recalled, marking the start of a long and successful professional life. After her initial period, she transitioned to a new opportunity that would significantly shape her career.
Career Timeline
Harlow's professional path included several significant tenures at various Duncan real estate firms, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to the local market over 47 years.
Leadership and Growth at Reality World
Following her time at Jim Allen Real Estate, Harlow moved to Reality World. There, she took on significant responsibilities, serving as a manager and broker for 15 years. This long tenure allowed her to develop her leadership skills and deepen her understanding of the market dynamics in Duncan.
Her career continued to evolve as she later joined Carolyn Rodgers’ office. She worked there for approximately five to six years until Rodgers decided to retire, leading Harlow to her final professional home.
Final Chapter at Perkins Reality
For the last 24 years of her career, Marcia Harlow was a key member of the Perkins Reality team. This long-standing association became the capstone of her professional life, and it was Perkins Reality that honored her contributions with a retirement celebration.
47 Years of Service: Marcia Harlow's career in Duncan's real estate market spanned from 1978 to 2025, demonstrating remarkable longevity and dedication to a single community.
From Homemaker to Real Estate Professional
Before becoming a staple in the Duncan real estate scene, Harlow had not worked outside the home. Her family, including two young children, moved to Duncan from Cordell in 1975. She had previously grown up south of Altus.
The transition into a professional career came as her children started school. "I had never worked outside the home until I came here and our kids were getting into pre-k and first grade," she explained. This new chapter in her life was prompted by a friend's suggestion.
"A friend recommended a career in real estate and my career bloomed from there. I enjoyed it, I really like it. I think it was a career that was made for me."
Following that advice, she enrolled in real estate school in 1978 and earned her broker’s license around 1980. This decision set the stage for the next 47 years of her life.
Reflections on a Fulfilling Career
Looking back, Harlow describes her time in real estate as profoundly fulfilling. The most valuable aspect, she noted, was not the transactions but the people she met and the connections she forged over the years.
"I have friends that I would have not ever had, if it had not been for real estate," Harlow said. "It's been a very rewarding career for me."
She also commented on the unique nature of the profession. The variability of the work and the personal stories involved in each transaction kept the job engaging for decades.
"It’s different, because you don't have a paycheck every month, but the people that you meet and the stories and every transaction is different. That's what makes it rewarding and keeps you in the business."
This sentiment underscores her passion for a career that she felt was perfectly suited to her. Her dedication to clients and her ability to navigate the complexities of each unique sale defined her professional legacy in the Duncan community.
Community Celebration Marks Retirement
To honor her nearly half-century of service, Perkins Reality hosted a come-and-go retirement celebration for Harlow on September 25. The event provided an opportunity for colleagues, clients, and friends to congratulate her on a remarkable career and wish her well in her next chapter.
The gathering served as a testament to the impact she had on the local community and the many lives she touched through her work. After decades of helping others find their homes in Duncan, Harlow now steps into a well-deserved retirement.
