Coldwell Banker was founded on August 27, 1906 on the heels of the devastating 1906 fire and earthquake that leveled San Francisco. A young real estate agent, Colbert Coldwell saw the need for honest, knowledgeable real estate services to help the city rebuild. As the company grew, he hired Arthur Banker as a member of his sales staff. The two businessmen eventually formed a partnership, and in 1914 officially named the company Coldwell Banker.

The 100th Anniversary of the Coldwell Banker® brand was recognized by United States President George Bush, the City and County of San Francisco and the New York Stock Exchange which had Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, lead a Coldwell Banker contingent in ringing the closing bell on August 21, 2006.