Display Technology
A partnership between Samsung and Smartify helped a Florida-based real estate agency enhance its community presence, convey important information and maximize every connection with its audience.
Photo: Samsung
June 19, 2025 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com
The RE/MAX Metro real estate agency, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, knew the value of digital displays as it had been using digital displays for years.
But the agency, a full service residential and commercial property management real estate brokerage, was dealing with more than a few display challenges — from non-responsive touchpads and excessive noise to frequent overheating.
In addition the displays only advertised on one side so they prevented an opportunity to reach people inside the office and content updating was becoming overly time-consuming.
The most critical issue was limited control over the content, according to Marcus Martin, president of Brokerage Services RE/MAX Metro, a single-owned RE/MAX Metro franchise.
«It became clear we needed a smarter, more dynamic solution,» Martin said in an email interview.
So the agency reached out to Samsung and Smartify, the agency’s display partner for over five years, for an upgrade — reliable, affordable and premium digital window displays. Smartify is an urban panel and retail media network.
The display strategy
The upgrade focus was multifold: to capture passerby attention at the agency’s downtown location, streamline content updates, illustrate the agency’s brand quality, offer key information to prospective clients and agents and set it apart from the competition.
The new displays would also catch up with the agency’s transformation over the past few years.
With a team of 125 agents working in a hybrid environment, the organization wanted to maintain a strong sense of culture despite a reduced physical presence in the office. It sought an effective way to communicate important information, recognize achievements and celebrate milestones, such as realtors’ birthdays.
With its office space becoming more fluid, RE/MAX Metro also needed a flexible solution. Utilizing its office space as a workplace, training center, event space and client meeting hub, its signage had to be updated quickly to reflect different use cases and audiences.
The technology in play
Smartify’s small business program enables businesses to receive Samsung’s OMN-D Series 55-inch high-brightness displays at no cost for the hardware, installation or content management. Smartify covers ongoing management and maintenance as well.
Samsung’s dual display has screens on both sides, allowing for different messaging to be presented on the interior and exterior of storefronts. At 3,000 nits, messages on the window-facing screen remain bright and clear even in direct sunlight in a storefront.
The OMN-D Series display and Smartify program proved to be the winning upgrade concept.
The agency installed two of the Samsung dual-sided 55-inch displays. They are now showcasing properties, providing information about top agents and displaying local ads either in the window-facing or inside the building.
The dual-sided nature enables RE/MAX Metro to engage passersby while keeping the team and people inside the office informed.
With the flexibility to pause regular programming, RE/MAX Metro can spotlight news, like honoring a top agent, celebrating a client’s success or featuring a guest speaker. This capability adds a personal touch, strengthening relationships and fostering community within the team and with clients.
The displays are built to operate around the clock — so no overheating — and feature IP5X-validated dust protection. The OMN-D Series requires only an electric power cord and LAN cable, reducing cord clutter and increasing energy efficiency.
With Samsung’s circular polarizing technology, passersby can easily view content, even wearing polarized sunglasses.
Ad channel, content strategy
RE/MAX Metro also now has a new revenue stream via the displays as an advertising channel.
With RE/MAX Metro’s approval, Smartify delivers curated advertisements from top national and local organizations. By allowing other organizations to run commercials on its new digital displays, the agency can generate additional income. That revenue, averaging $5,000 a year at this point, is helping with the expenses of operating a 20,000 square-foot office in a prime location.
The ability to control the content ensures all advertising is aligned with RE/MAX Metro’s brand values.
«The most significant return has been the ability to better connect with our clients, community and internal teams,» said Martin. «Regularly rotating and tailoring our content has had a powerful effect. Not just on engagement, but on our culture as well.»
Martin said the installation process went smoothly overall, with only a few minor hiccups that were resolved quickly and professionally.
«They [Smartify and Samsung] have been a fantastic group to work with.»
Partnership insight
Smartify is both a digital outdoor and retail media network, delivering content to audiences in pedestrian-heavy outdoor areas and in-store retail environments.
«We operate across 30-plus DMAs and serve over 25 retail verticals. Our network enables brands, agencies, and businesses to activate programmatic and direct campaigns across curated, high-impact locations with defined audiences,» Smartify CEO Joe Kunigonis said in an email interview.
Smartify also operates a fully integrated Network Operations Center and offer Digital Signage as a Service for retail and real estate partners.
«That means we handle everything from content creation and scheduling to real-time hardware monitoring and remote management. Whether the goal is monetization, customer information, or brand storytelling, our platform is designed to drive results from day one and evolve with our partners’ needs,» said Kunigonis.
Smartify provided the end-to-end solution with hardware support from Samsung.
«From design and logistics to software, content strategy, ad channel management, installation and ongoing operations, Smartify led every stage of the process,» said Kunigonis, adding, «that level of standardization is what makes these programs scalable and impactful.»
The display installation isn’t just about showcasing real estate listings, he said.
«It was about celebrating their agents and teams. That’s a core value of their brand. Smartify worked hand-in-hand with them to create content that reflects their people, their values and their market presence.»
Tips, advice on display projects
Reflecting on the display project Martin said organizations need to make content variety a priority and keep it fresh.
«This technology is a great opportunity to build stronger connections. Not just to advertise, but to communicate and engage on a deeper level,» he said.
When undertaking a display strategy, Kunigonis recommends starting with the ‘why.’
«Every display should have a clearly defined purpose — whether it’s marketing communications, product lift, community engagement, or brand presence,» he said, adding Smartify begins every project with this in mind as strategy «should inform everything from design and deployment to content and long-term management.»
Clear objectives and starting with the purpose in mind are key to a successful digital display effort, according to Sara Grofcsik, head of sales, display division, Samsung Electronics America.
«It is recommended for companies interested in deploying digital signage to define clear objectives as to what they want to achieve and to recruit the support from the right partner who has experience and the track record to support the customer in choosing the best display manufacturer, hardware and software solution for the best outcome possible,» Grofcsik said in an email interview.
«Together, they can define all the other important requirements such as budget, installation timeline, placement environment, target audience, content, and compliance with regulations, such as ADA accessibility guidelines.»
Standardization and scale matter also matter it comes to successful display installations.
«Smartify is built to support national and multi-location rollouts with centralized control and local flexibility. We don’t just install screens — we help clients build campaigns, engage their audiences and extend that message beyond their own locations,» said Kunigonis. «If you’ve invested in a physical location, digital media is one of the smartest ways to maximize its value. It’s not just about selling media or signage — it’s about unlocking the full potential of your space through dynamic, data-driven content.»
About Judy Mottl
Judy Mottl is editor of Retail Customer Experience and Digital Signage Today. She has decades of experience as a reporter, writer and editor covering technology and business for top media including AOL, InformationWeek, InternetNews and Food Truck Operator.
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