UC Legends: Legacy, Loyalty & Leadership – Billy Baker and Tammy & Danny Roth

Every single member of United Country Real Estate is part of a great legacy. As United Country celebrates 100 years, a milestone less than one percent of companies achieve, it’s important to take notice of which people and what systems helped the company stand the test of time. This incredible accomplishment isn’t a corporate achievement; it’s a testament to persistence, principles and people that have fueled the success of United Country for decades.

Among these people are Billy Baker of UCRE | BBB Realty and Danny and Tammy Roth of UCRE | Property Connections –longtime affiliates whose roots run deep in the company’s history and whose experiences highlight what makes United Country the most trusted name in rural real estate.

How Did United Country Reach A Century of Service?

Founded in 1925 by Roscoe Chamberlain, United Country Real Estate quickly emerged as the best resource for Americans to find country and niche properties or real estate in far-off areas, becoming the first company to effectively connect rural property sellers with urban buyers. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, and led to the creation of the first national real estate catalog in 1928, an innovation so incredible it is now housed in the Smithsonian Institution.

Billy Baker, the broker and office owner of UCRE | BBB Realty, who also has familial ties with United Country dating back to the very beginning. Reflecting on this legacy, “United Country has made it 100 years because of the people and truly caring about our customers and forming a relationship with the many people we come in contact with,” Baker said. “But it goes beyond the business part of it… In this beautiful country of ours, we have the pleasure of being able to introduce people to [properties] and show them and sell them. We’re so blessed. There’s nothing better to sell.”

Leadership & Support  

United Country real estate professionals have asserted that the leadership and the support were the key differentiators that led to them choosing this company. With executives that will always answer any affiliates’ phone call or the synergy of the referral network, the leaders at United Country have built a culture of hard work, honesty and collaboration.

“I think we have really good leadership from the top. You want to follow and you want to work with people like those people we’ve had as owners. It's been an open-door policy for the 50 years I can attest to,” Roth said. “It just filtered on down from the ownership all the way down through. It's just been a ‘from top to bottom’ thing of good folks and people that are willing to help each other.”

Building Lifelong Relationships

The culture of United Country goes way beyond business. From the top down, collaboration and service are ingrained in the culture with affiliates prioritizing referrals and spreading their expertise. The relationships that have been built within the network greatly extend beyond simple professional peers.

“One of the big things for us is the friendships that we've made. I mean, we have a lot of local friends, but some of our very best friends in the world are UC agents all over the United States,” Baker said. “We just kept building this group of people that are all United people. And that's one of my biggest blessings about being with United is the friendships I've made.”

Innovative Marketing: Connecting Buyers & Sellers

United Country’s commitment to excellence in service and innovation in marketing has led to the company being the leader in land sales for a century, as well as evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing real estate market. These inventive additions to the United Country program are part of their commitment to providing their agents, and, by extension, their clients, with the best possible tools and technology in real estate. This facilitates better service and support for the buyers and sellers that choose to work with UC agents.

“I give United [Country] credit for getting listings, because without the marketing tools, I would have been like everybody else,” Danny Roth, executive broker of UCRE | Property Connections said. “I wouldn't know how to sell a great big farm like we were selling. One of the most unique things about our company is their ability to help us with that.”

Baker’s thoughts about the United Country program greatly align with Roth’s sentiments. “It's a simple formula for this company. We list; United Country gets us the buyers,” Baker said. “When we list, we're talking about quality listings, the high-end listings and a good variety of listings, and United Country has always put the buyers at our door if we deliver on our end.”

Thriving In Challenging Markets

Adapting to challenging markets and navigating turbulent economies is a skill United Country’s affiliates have mastered. Through the Great Depression, 2008 crash and COVID-19, the company remained resolute or even thrived, helping folks in their communities find a safe place to call home.

Tammy Roth, former owner of UCRE | Property Connections, wife of Danny Roth and long-time United Country associate, detailed how their office managed uninterrupted sales and listings during these harder times. “Even in the hard markets, United [Country]’s going to be there for me. They got Danny and I and all of us through the recessions in the late 80s and in the 2000s. They were always there,” Tammy said. “We didn’t have the volume, but we at least had enough to keep the doors open and keep going. 46 years in this company and I can tell you; they’ll bring you through those hard times, just stay with the program and they’ll get you through it.”

Looking Ahead at the Next Century

As United Country support staff and affiliates reflect on the past 100 years, we also have been looking ahead at 100 years from now and what values and practices should be carried into the next century. This company remains committed to its founding principles of innovation and providing service to country, rural or lifestyle real estate buyers and sellers.

The dedication and expertise of real estate professionals like Billy Baker and Danny and Tammy Roth is a perfect example of the character and beliefs that have positioned United Country as the leader in land sales in the United States.  

Read their complete thoughts on the legacy and innovation of United Country to learn how this company made it to the 100-year milestone.

Billy Baker, Broker and Owner of UCRE | BBB Realty:

Billy B. Baker has been a trusted real estate professional with United Country since 1975, serving clients with dedication and expertise. His connection with United Country dates back more than 100 years, beginning with his great-grandfather, J.P.  King, who was one of the first to partner with the company's founder, Roscoe L. Chamberlain. This deep-rooted legacy in the real estate industry has shaped Billy into a knowledgeable and reliable expert in the field.

A resident of Gilbert, Arkansas since 1978, Billy is passionate about helping buyers and sellers in the beautiful Ozark Mountain region. With more than four decades of local experience, he offers unparalleled insight into the area's stunning scenery, including its rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, creeks and lakes. 

Tammy & Danny Roth, Executive Broker of UCRE | Property Connections:

Danny Roth has lived in the Ozark Mountains most of his life and has been in the real estate business in Harrison, Arkansas for more than 40 years. This gives him a broad knowledge of the area properties and the people who own them. This knowledge helps clients, whether they are buying or selling real estate in our area.