In October of 2023, it was 50 years since I was talked into joining the real estate industry by a respected mentor – and haven’t finished talking my way out yet! Half a century is a long time to enjoy matching up people with property, but I still do… a lot. Along the way with partner, Geoff Glass, we built Royal City Realty to 350 salespeople in 13 localities around Ontario. Then in 2005, after many market-leading years, we sold the last branch in Guelph to the national leader, Royal LePage®, from where I continue to sell, still matching up people with property to give them opportunity. Some say I’m getting pretty good at it; they keep giving me awards to put on the wall anyway. I like to think that “Experience Counts”. I guess maybe it does.
What did you do before real estate?
After an M. Sc. from the University of Illinois, I joined advertising firm, Ogilvie & Mather. It wasn't long before I joined my wife in her retail fashion business because she was making so much more money than me! Then real estate sales beckoned. It's been 51 years now and so far, so good!
What is your favourite book?
I just read "Thanks for Being Late" and I wish that I could make it mandatory reading for every one, everywhere... especially my grandkids.
What is an experience that has made you a stronger person?
The real estate recession of the early 1990's. First it just about killed me. Then I got stronger.