Century 21 founder Art Bartlett dies

Art Bartlett, the California businessman who co-founded and built Century 21 into a real estate franchise giant, died on Dec. 31 at his home in Coronado, Calif., after a long illness. He was 76.

“Art was a legend whose actions helped to write the very history of real estate and franchising,” says Century 21 Real Estate LLC president and CEO Tom Kunz. Bartlett created the concept of regional franchising and has been deemed the “father of conversion franchising,” converting existing small businesses into franchises, the company says.

In 1971, Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher opened Century 21 in Santa Ana, Calif. When he saw the value of Bud Schultz, the national franchise sales director for rival Red Carpet who conceived the idea of his sales staff all wearing red jackets, Bartlett didn’t just steal the idea, he stole Schultz. Bartlett, Fisher and Century 21 executive vice-president Bill McQuerry met with Schultz and wouldn’t let him leave until he came over to Century 21. He agreed on condition that Century 21 staff adopt and wear the now famous mustard gold jackets, turning thousands of real estate sales professionals into walking, talking business cards. Although Bartlett initially wanted a more subdued brown version, he saw the wisdom of Schultz’s actions.

The name Century 21, despite web myths that it came from the Century 21 moniker given to the Seattle World’s Fair, actually came from a brainstorming session. The first suggestion, Twentieth Century Realty, was virtually impossible to get registered. That was followed by 21st Century, but Bartlett didn’t like that. The words Century 21, though futuristic, were available for trademark and the partners soon incorporated as Century 21.

After going public, Century 21 was purchased by Transworld Corporation in 1979. Bartlett remained until 1980 as chairman and chief executive officer. Century 21 is now part of Realogy Corp.