Our History
"Real estate is, and always has been, at the heart of the American Dream. The story of our founder, Herb Pearce (1916-2011), is a true Horatio Alger story. A hardworking, successful entrepreneur, Herb left a successful career to start his own company in 1958. Herb’s community service was legendary, and today, our company carries forward his commitment."
Barbara L. Pearce, CEO
A Culture of Giving Back
Herb believed that the company and its agents had an obligation to give back to the communities where they made a living. In his first year of business, he chaired the Greater New Haven United Way campaign (then called the United Fund). In the succeeding 50 years, he chaired numerous non-profit boards, commissions, fundraising drives, and other charitable endeavors. He was recognized widely for his participation and philanthropy, with the Town of North Haven even naming the bridge at Exit 9 for Herb and his Exit 9 partner, Don Lippincott.
Founded in 1958 by Herb Pearce
Pearce Real Estate was founded in 1958 by Herb Pearce (1916-2011), who had already had a successful career in production and marketing at A.C. Gilbert. He started in a small building in North Haven, with a residential business, expanding over time to offices throughout South Central Connecticut. He moved into commercial real estate and real estate development soon after he began. Eventually, he completed projects that included residential neighborhood subdivisions, office and warehouse buildings, industrial parks, and a large mixed-use project in downtown New Haven.
Barbara Pearce Takes the Reins
Herb’s daughter, Barbara Pearce, took over the management from Herb, and has continued his commitment to excellence in real estate service, as well as to community service. She has also chaired many community and business boards, and has led the agents in two decades of the Pearce Day of Caring. Barbara has recently taken a sabbatical in order to become the interim CEO of The Connecticut Hospice, the country’s first hospice, located in Branford, Connecticut.
Nanette Pastore President
Nanette Pastore joined the company in 1994, and has risen steadily through the ranks. She is the President of Pearce now, and was recognized by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce as Woman of the Year in 2020.