Evelyn Gerken, founder of Gerken Realty, came to Delaware County from Michigan in the 1940’s. She graduated from Andes Central School in 1948. Following high school she and her husband Howard owned and operated a dairy farm until 1975. At this time, with their three children raised and on their own, Evelyn and Howard pursued careers in Florida. However, Evelyn’s love of Delaware County drew she and Howard home to stay. In 1980 Evelyn embarked on a new career, real estate, gaining a well deserved reputation of business with integrity among area realtors and clients. In 1991, with her knowledge and love of the area, Evelyn acquired her brokerage license and began Gerken Realty.
Herman Bugge is a life-long resident of Delaware County. He and wife Julie raised five children. Before joining Gerken Realty Herman worked as a truck driver. In 1978 he began his career in real estate. When Evelyn started Gerken Realty he saw an opportunity and seized it. He has been with Gerken Realty ever since. Herman is known for his knowledge of the area and his honesty. You know that Herman is a winner and a person you can trust in your real estate dealings when you realize that he is heart transplant recipient who appreciates the true priorities in life.
Joan Burns is Gerken Realty’s newest team member. She came to Delaware County on a lark thirty years ago. That turn in the road became a commitment to the area as ‘home’. In 1984 she married husband Tom joining him in the operation of his family’s owned and operated dairy farm. They transitioned the farm to a certified organic dairy in 1997, but, alas, in 2005 after 43 years of dairying Tom decided it was time to sell the cows. The farm remains as a certified organic farm producing hay, beef and pigs. With time on her hands and energy to burn Joan needed to find a new career. Real estate was a natural decision, perhaps something in her blood as both her grandfather and mother were realtors.