08/27/2026
🎈 A LEGACY BIGGER THAN THE BALLOON
Today is a sad day for the RE/MAX family.
Gail Liniger, who co-founded RE/MAX alongside her husband, Dave, in 1973, has passed away at the age of 81.
It’s difficult to fully measure what Gail helped create.
What started more than 50 years ago grew into a real estate organization spanning more than 120 countries and territories and 145,000+ agents. But the impact goes far beyond those numbers.
Gail and Dave challenged the traditional brokerage model and helped create something revolutionary for its time: a company built around empowering productive, entrepreneurial real estate agents.
For those of us who have spent a significant part of our careers underneath the RE/MAX balloon, that legacy is personal.
Gail was also an incredible example of perseverance. After surviving a devastating plane crash in 1983 and being told she might never walk again, she fought her way back and continued leading. She later became CEO of RE/MAX in 1991 and helped guide the company through tremendous international growth.
Vision. Grit. Perseverance. Leadership.
Those aren't simply words associated with Gail Liniger. They became part of the culture she helped build.
There is something especially poignant about her passing during a historic week of change for RE/MAX. Companies evolve. Leadership changes. Logos and business models may change.
But legacy doesn't.
Thousands upon thousands of agents, brokers, owners, employees and families have had their lives changed because two people had the courage in 1973 to believe there was a better way to build a real estate company.
I'm grateful to have been a small part of what Gail helped build.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave, the Liniger family and the entire RE/MAX family around the world.
Rest in peace, Gail.
The balloon will keep flying. 🎈
