Brokers Jonathan Dushaw (left) and Cameron Bussoletti, founders of JC Warren Real Estate, share what has helped with the success of the team.

This article is part of the “Meet Your Neighbor Monday” series, highlighting the stories of individuals who make Warren County a special place to live. If you have a suggestion for a person to profile, email jrex@timesobserver.com.

JC Warren Real Estate recently opened its doors to Warren County Career Center students for a real-life lesson in entrepreneurship.

The students may not have known Jonathan Dushaw and Cameron Bussoletti. Chances are their parents are familiar with the duo.

Bussoletti, lifelong resident of Warren, graduated from Warren High and spent time as a DJ as well as studying informational technology. Believe it or not, the skills gained while a DJ helped Bussoletti overcome social obstacles and today he finds it very easy to talk with people. The technology courses have especially helped with the business also. Bussoletti has played guitar in a band for many years, called “Take 5.” The band has played for many years at the Betts 4th of July celebration, the Rib-Fest, Music in the Park,and local clubs.

Dushaw is a transplant from Bradford and has lived in Warren for over 25 years, working as an agent and broker. His background consists of graduating from Pitt-Bradford as well as serving as crew chief, Dushaw worked on the flightline on AWACs and KC135 in the Air Force. Commenting that the military played a big role in helping him develop a good worth ethic, Dushaw is also an active Kiwanis member.

Both Bussoletti and Dushaw founded the business together after previously working for a decade in other agencies that are no longer in town. They shared an office together while working for those top agencies and in 2017, they decided to leave and haven’t looked back. It was perfect timing for them to start a business. Work was heading remote even before COVID hit, and while the pandemic occurred they remained one of the few real estate agencies still working.

They have led the market in every trackable statistic there is and do more sales volume than all other real estate agencies combined. With the combined experience of 50 years along with 10 employees, they are proud to employ several of the top 10 agents in the area. Many accolades have been received from state representatives and the county’s chamber.

So just what is it that makes them successful? They believe that being rooted here makes a big difference, as they are the only locally owned independent real estate business in the county. They make it a point to run the business by using local businesses for as many things as possible such as signs and team branded clothing to insurance. In addition, they give a lot back to the community. Before COVID, they sponsored a downtown music and food festival known as “Liberty Rocks.” With the county’s 250th anniversary coming up, it’s been suggested that the festival be brought back. Sponsoring local teams and fundraisers has been key to showing loyalty to the community. They also work closely with area employers by helping bring new people to the area. One remarkable example is that they work closely with the Warren General Hospital when potential medical staff are brought to the area, along with other big companies and new employees in town.

“We offer a free service to the community, where a personal tour is given because it’s not about showing houses at all, but about expressing the love for the area to potential residents,” Bussoletti said.

“To do these tours you have to love this area and want to be a part of it. Then people can see our love for the area and how committed to it we are.”

When asked about the population, they said how working remotely and having internet like starlink, that even during COVID, many people moved back to the area because not only was working more doable for many from home, but people returned to their hometown because it is a safe place to live. But when asked why there aren’t many vacant houses, the response was that family size is a big reason for the decline in the population. Families used to consist of 10 people living under one roof whereas today, smaller families exist or some live alone.

“It’s not always about real estate and housing,” Bussoletti said. “It’s about life choices, entrepreneurship, what to do; to not just necessarily be successful in business, about being successful in life. You know, how to make the right choices, what to do to get on the right track after students get out of school.”

The team plans to do more with the community including consulting with other businesses. A well oiled machine takes hard work, along with determination and making the right decisions.

“It means getting up daily and making good decisions consistently,” Bussoletti said. “Don’t let things deter you from doing the best you can do.”