Hattiesburg Board of Realtors

Specializing in commercial real estate before most real estate companies began specializing their services also benefited London and Stetelman over the years, said Adam Watkins, president of the Hattiesburg Board of Realtors.

"They found that niche in the Hattiesburg community and by focusing on commercial real estate and property management, they're still here," he said. "It's a strategy that's worked well for them and we're very proud for them."

Stetelman joined the company as a gofer in 1975 while he was still in high school. He succeeded his father as company president in 1988.

The lack of sibling rivalry inherent in family businesses, Stetelman said, is one of the reasons he believes the company has survived.

I was the only one of my siblings really interested in the family business," he said. "There wasn't any of that sibling rivalry that can really hurt family businesses."

London and Stetelman is extraordinary because of their longevity, Watkins said.

"Historically real estate companies that are started locally don't last long," he said. "It's amazing that they've not only been able to survive, but grow and thrive."

London and Stetelman also relocated out of downtown Hattiesburg for the first time, moving to the newly-rennovated Roseberry Piano House in the University Mall off Hardy Street. The move's purpose, Stetelman said, was to give employees more space and give Oak Grove clients easier access to the company.

The biggest goals London and Stetelman has for the year, Stetelman said, include sustaining the growth of the company and the Hattiesburg area.

"Our goal is to keep focused on our mission," he said. "We've had 75 years of continuing success and we want to keep moving in that direction so we can enjoy 75 more years."