Executive Management
- Harvey Katofsky
- Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer
A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, Harvey Katofsky created a dynamic new concept with HK Lane focused on outstanding customer service, superior agent services and advanced technologies.
Prior to opening the firm, Harvey served as Senior Vice President, COO for the largest real estate company in the nation. In this role, he oversaw operations of eight Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices and nearly 550 sales associates in the Palm Springs area and surrounding communities. Previously, Katofsky was President and owner of Fred Sands Desert Realty. Opening their first office in 1994, he expanded the operation in the years ahead to five offices, some 350 agents and estimated closed sales of nearly $1 billion in 2003—garnering a #1 position in the market for eight years. Fred Sands Desert Realty was acquired by Coldwell Banker in 2004.
After a 20-year career as owner of a dozen pharmacies in the L. A. area, Katofsky moved to Palm Springs in the late 80s, where he opened several restaurants. During that time, he discovered a true passion for real estate and, before long, founded California Preferred Properties, which later merged with Tarbell Realty. He's also worked with developers on retail leasing and shopping center operations.
Harvey's extensive experience, knowledge of the marketplace and uncompromising values provide just the kind of leadership needed to position HK Lane at the top of the field.
- Ron Gerlich
- Principal, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Ron Gerlich brings to HK Lane tremendous insights and enduring expertise in the local real estate market-in fact, he has managed and trained over 1500 agents in the Coachella Valley over the past 25 years.
Instrumental in building and managing the Fred Sands Desert Realty offices from 1994 to 2003, Ron most recently served as Regional Vice President when the company was sold to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
His resume prior to that is extensive and storied. From 1986 to 1994, Gerlich managed a national real estate firm in the Palm Springs area. He began his real estate career in 1975 in the resort community of Big Bear, where he was president of First Western Properties, Inc.-involved in real estate syndication groups and new home construction and land development-and Ron Gerlich and Associates.
Ron is a member of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and Desert Association of Realtors, and is a keen investor himself with several properties in Southern California.
- Gene Darr
- Managing Broker
Gene Darr brings over 30 years of real estate experience and extensive expertise in the Desert marketplace to head HK Lanes newest office in La Quinta.
His varied background in the field includes substantial work for major home builders and national relocation companies, giving him an excellent perspective and insights that are invaluable in his current role.
Gene has been instrumental in creating and building the company's premier La Quinta office, which specializes in gated country club communities.
His extensive industry knowledge, astute attention to detail, winning attitude and approachable management style have proven to be strong drawing cards for agents interested in becoming part of Genes dynamic sales team.
- Kerry Donovan
- Vice President, Marketing
Kerry Donovan is responsible for developing the HK Lane identity, overall marketing strategy, and all marketing and advertising programs—including brand awareness, public relations and new media.
Before joining the HK Lane management team, Kerry served as Director of Regional Marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, where he was responsible for affiliate marketing consulting for nearly 500 brokerages in the 17 Western United States. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Marketing at L.A.-based Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, handling the marketing efforts for over 75 offices and some 7000 sales associates.
Beginning his earlier professional career in the advertising business, Kerry has worked with J. Walter Thompson, Lord Dentsu & Partners and Initiative Media, and was a recipient of the prestigious Belding Award for creative achievement.
He received his MBA in marketing from the University of Southern California.
- Sam Rodriguez
- Director of Agent Development
Sam Rodriguez brings to HK Lane over ten years of invaluable experience and knowledge as a real estate professional in Southern California—as well as an extensive background in management and recruiting.
Having represented scores of buyers and sellers in all price ranges as a top sales associate, Sam's attention to detail and first class personal service perfectly parallels that of HK Lane, and it's his commitment and dedication to the profession to which he attributes his success.
"My goal is to assist with the agents' growth and success, both educationally and productively, in order to best serve their clients' needs."
An active member of his community, with five years as Executive Director of a local charitable foundation, Rodriguez relocated full-time to the Coachella Valley in 1999.