WHO WE ARE IS PRETTY SIMPLE:
Yes, we’re named after a country known for neutrality….but no one will ever accuse us of being neutral. You are our client. And with that we accept the responsibility to always hold our core values and general principles of client centricity, in the highest regard. These values embody our company culture and inspire us to meet and exceed the high expectations of our clients.
WHY SWISS?
Throughout the world the reputation of Swiss-made products and services is unrivaled. Know-how, impeccable quality, tradition, simplistic prowess, innovation: the indication “Swiss-made” reflects all this, and much more, which have allowed Swiss products and services to maintain its leadership in nearly every market for centuries.
The Swiss have a reputation for getting the best possible deal for their clients without ever appearing aggressive or demanding. Their quiet self-confidence, combined with the exceptional quality and value of their goods and services, allows them to sidestep the ‘hard-sell’ and other high-pressure tactics in the knowledge that they enjoy a strong bargaining position. Nor, since they will refuse to rush a decision, will they succumb to high-pressure tactics themselves.
We feel this best reflects our brand and is our guarantee to the consumer in search of a high-value business experience.
SWISS-OREGON CONNECTION
Swiss-Americans living in the Portland area, from the early pioneers to those of us today, have always been proud of the heritage we have retained from the “old country.” The early immigrants quickly formed various clubs and organizations to preserve the traditions of their homeland. Some of these clubs were the forerunners of the current Portland Swiss, Inc. Now, as then, we strive to retain the spirit of Switzerland.
The Swiss community in western Oregon can trace its roots all the way back to the pioneer days of the Pacific Northwest. A few Swiss had migrated north after the California gold rush of 1849, and as Portland became settled in the 1859’s, immigrants began arriving in larger numbers. In 1857 a number of Swiss, mainly Mennonites from Bern, founded colonies at Cedar Mill, Bethany, and the West Union in Washington County. Other Swiss communities such as Hillsdale, Phillips, and Helvetia were soon established.
These Swiss immigrants found the fertile valleys and forested hillsides similar in many ways to their homeland. During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, economic hard times in Europe and the promise of new opportunities in America brought several thousand Swiss immigrants to western Oregon and southwestern Washington. The abbey and college at Mount Angel (“Engelberg”) were founded during this period by a group of Benedictine monks. The brothers of the order came from the historic original Swiss cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. Their success in agriculture induced many farmers from these cantons to settle the area.
During the course of the twentieth century, Swiss immigrants continued to settle in this area. The topography, climate, and fertility of the land have been found especially desirable by Swiss farmers, dairymen, and fruit growers, while the larger cities have provided industrial and technical opportunities for skilled Swiss workers.
NEVER STOP GROWING
We believe in the potential for greatness in each and every one of us, and everything we’ve done — and will do — is built to help us grow together. We will always stay true to our core ideals: Be a good neighbor, go the extra mile, and take care of our customers, our community and one another.
Our Values
CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
We put our customers at the heart of all we do. We utilize our global scale to turn insights and observations into useful ideas that we put to work for our customers.
INTEGRITY
We treat everyone in a fair and honest manner. We comply with all applicable laws, regulations and internal policies.
EXCELLENCE
We aim for the highest quality and strive for continuous improvement in all that we do. We find new ways of solving problems. We test what we do and how we do it for fairness, diversity, trust, and mutual respect.
SUSTAINABLE VALUE CREATION
We create and sustain value for our clients, our people and society. We maintain a culture of precision, stability and reliability that instills confidence and trust in our commitment to deliver when it matters – now and in the future.
TEAM SPIRIT
We work together as one team… One Bernhardt SwissTrust. We share and communicate openly and fairly. We value our diverse, talented workforce; and support them so that they can contribute to their full potential.
What Sets Us Apart?
PARTNERSHIP
We encourage an active exchange of opinions with our customers.
FOCUS ON RESULTS
Our work is clearly focused on investment results taking into account the client’s needs and preferences. We do not sell products, we provide solutions.
FLEXIBILITY
Our organization enables us to take advantage of opportunities in the real estate market quickly and in an unconventional way.
TRANSPARANCY AND COMMUNICATION
Our prices are transparent and free of hidden fees. Our market knowledge enables us to soberly evaluate the variables in a transaction and negotiate attractive terms.
INDEPENDENCE
We exclusively represent the interests of our clients. With us, investment decisions and clients are not exposed to a conflict of interest between appraisal or real estate servies.