Second and Third Generation Family Firms Join Forces
LAKE CHARLES, LA, (May 14, 2025) – CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty has joined forces with Flavin Realty, a 40-year-old family firm, bolstering the CENTURY 21® brand market share in Southern Louisiana by expanding the firm’s service area to the north and east. The merger creates the largest CENTURY 21 company in Louisiana.
Flavin Realty was founded in 1976 by Bill Flavin in Lake Charles, La. The company has been a family business for three generations, with Bill’s son, Dan, taking over and now Beau, Dan’s son, continuing the tradition. Flavin Realty has been a leader in real estate sales in Calcasieu Parish since 1991; they also have branches in Baton Rouge and in Shreveport.
CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. was founded in 1990 by Harvey and Moria (Moe) Bessette, who laid the foundation for a family-oriented business rooted in integrity and service. They successfully led the company for 17 years until 2007, when their daughter, Tara Demarie, stepped into the role of Broker of Record. Continuing the family legacy, Tara and her sister, Tobie Hodgkins, became equal owners in 2012.
The newly combined operations, which will do business as CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin, now comprise two offices and approximately 85 independent agents. Leveraging the CENTURY 21 brand’s robust suite of business-building tools, these agents will have access to state-of-the-art technology and an international network to complement their community connections and local market knowledge.
According to Tara Demarie, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, joining forces with Flavin Realty is helping to bring together like-minded, growth-oriented real estate professionals who are committed to high levels of service to both clients and community.
“The decision to merge CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty with Flavin Realty was influenced by several key factors, particularly the alignment of our company cultures and shared family values,” said Tara Demarie. “Both companies have a long-standing commitment to exceptional service and a deep-rooted dedication to the communities we serve. This shared ethos creates a strong foundation for collaboration and mutual growth as our newly merged company will offer an unwavering dedication to meeting the diverse needs of homebuyers, sellers, investors, and developers across the region.”
“New agents can expect to be most excited about the opportunities for professional growth and collaboration that this merger presents,” said Tobie Hodgkins. “With access to a larger network of experienced professionals, innovative resources, and comprehensive training programs, agents will be better equipped to serve their clients. Additionally, the merger positions them within the number one CENTURY 21 company in Louisiana, which can enhance their credibility and market presence, ultimately leading to greater success in their real estate careers.”
“This strategic merger allows us to offer an expanded portfolio of services, a deeper bench of talented professionals, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service,” said Beau Flavin. “Our focus on leveraging collective market knowledge, innovative technologies, and industry-leading marketing strategies sets us apart from the competition, enabling us to deliver unparalleled results for our clients. Also, being a Louisiana and locally owned business gives us unique knowledge of our markets while continue to invest and give back to the communities in which we live and serve.”
*Study Source: 2023 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Recognition question based on consumer awareness of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited, a leading global market research organization, from November 17 – December 1, 2023.
About CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin
CENTURY 21 Bessette Flavin is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real EstateLLC, franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand, comprised of over 11,100 independently owned and operated franchised offices in 79 countries and territories worldwide with more than 130,000 independent sales professionals.
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services.
© 2025 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
