Join Howard Drukarsh and his guests as they discuss their journeys to success in real estate.
Howard speaks with Andrew Fogliato about his career in the real estate industry, from starting out as an agent, becoming a trainer, and starting his own online marketing business for Realtors to his acquisition of Real Estate Magazine (REM) Canada’s premier monthly magazine for real estate professionals.Andrew Fogliato has been in the real estate industry since you still had to physically print out 6 copies of an offer plus a clean one for the lawyer when the deal was done.He’s worked as an agent, a trainer for one of the big brands, as a proptech consultant, a marketer, a speaker, and more.Now he owns Just Sell Homes, a real estate marketing agency that specializes in helping Realtors grow their business, and RealEstateMagazine.ca, the premier source of news for Canadian Realtors. https://realestatemagazine.ca/https://justsellhomes.com/
08/03/2023 • 31:44
It’s the 50th episode of our podcast and we’re celebrating by bringing you an outstanding conversation with one of the foremost agents in luxury real estate. Join Howard and his guest Nicole Plaxen as they discuss her career and her experiences working in the highly competitive world of ultra-luxury real estate.Nicole developed her real estate skills with one of the world’s most legendary luxury real estate figures: her mentor, Sally Forster Jones. Since 2007, Nicole, alongside Sally, has played a significant role in taking the SFJ Group to $9 billion+ in sales. She has participated in over 2,500 transactions including stratospheric sales such as the Spelling Manor for $85,000,000 and Minecraft creator Markus Persson’s Trousdale estate for $70,000,000.Working in this high-profile environment, Nicole has gained priceless experience and exceptional leadership skills, perfected the art of negotiation, and has personally acquired a roster of clients packed with professional athletes and other high-net-worth individuals from around the globe.Her confident skill in navigating the most complex transactions, along with her extensive knowledge of real estate contracts, has earned the admiration and trust of her prestigious clientele. Because her highest priority is protecting her buyers and sellers, she treats the full escrow process as a continuous negotiation in which she never stops working for her clients.Nicole draws on a rare combination of intuition, creativity, and sharp business skills to consistently close deals. Her involvement in thousands of inspections has given her a keen understanding of property conditions, a critical advantage in guiding her clients through the escrow process.Her love of real estate was born long before she joined the SFJ Group. As a child, she watched in fascination as her mother successfully bought and flipped homes throughout Los Angeles. Ten years later, she began her career as a title rep and later a mortgage account executive. In 2007, she left the mortgage industry to pursue her passion for real estate sales.A long-time resident of Beverly Hills, Nicole is passionately dedicated to an array of charitable causes. She’s also a supporter of Worldvision.org.
18/01/2023 • 39:41
Howard speaks with Jacob Cohen, COO of the Daniels Corporation, about his career, the Daniels commitment to community building, answering the challenges of an uncertain market through diversification, and his advice for people interested in real estate development as a career. Jacob Cohen is the Chief Operating Officer at The Daniels Corporation, one of Canada’s largest and preeminent builders/developers. Jacob oversees the company’s daily operations, with a special focus on ensuring all business strategies align with the company’s purpose-driven values. He is also responsible for People and Culture at Daniels, ensuring an inclusive, positive working environment exists and where all people feel seen, valued, and heard. Jacob prioritizes his relationships with people first and foremost, earning him great respect from his colleagues and industry peers. For the last 16 years, Jacob has worked in many roles, demonstrating effective leadership and utilizing his passion for his work to propel the company in a forward direction. He has a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.
16/12/2022 • 36:38
CEO of OREA Tim Hudak joins Howard to speak about the Reality + conference and the incredible lineup of speakers featured at this year’s event, including President Bill Clinton and Action Star Simu Liu. Tim also weighs in on housing supply, affordability, what is being done to address those issues, and more.Visit realityconference.ca to learn more about this incredible event taking place November 23 to 23 in Toronto.Tim Hudak is the CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association, Canada’s largest provincial real estate industry association representing 78,000 REALTORS®. Tim joined OREA after a distinguished 21 years of public service in the Ontario Legislature – including five years as Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.Since becoming CEO in December 2016, he and his OREA team have focused on transforming OREA into Ontario’s most effective professional association that delivers high-impact advocacy on behalf of REALTORS® and consumers and provides quality services to members. During his first year as OREA CEO, he was named one of the most powerful people in residential real estate by Swanepoel Power 200 2017/18.
26/10/2022 • 24:51
This episode is jam-packed with techie goodness. Join Howard and his guest Eric Bryant Director of North American Operations at Oppen, about the Openn offer management platform, the future of making offers on Realtor.ca, the blockchain, tokenization, fractional home ownership, and investment.Eric Bryant leads Openn North America as Director of Operations. With over 25 years of experience in real estate services, strategy and technology, Eric has deep experience with real estate business development and extensive networks in the sector across North America. Prior to joining Openn, Eric was the National Accounts Director with First American Data & Analytics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF). Previous to that, he led his own national real estate technology consultancy, a role that included several years as host of the radio talk show, “Keeping it Real Estate.” Eric is also the Southern CA Regional Chair for FIBREE.org (The Foundation for International Blockchain in Real Estate Expertise), an organization dedicated to empowering the real estate industry through the education of distributed ledger technology.
13/10/2022 • 31:55
Jeff Hauswirth Vice Chairman at Ferguson Partners Corporate Talent Management Canada, speaks with Howard about the traits of great leaders, the importance of truly connecting with people, and his passion for working with Second Harvest food rescue.Jeff has gained over 25 years of experience advising clients in boardrooms around the world and developing lasting relationships with leaders in many sectors. He is driven by purpose, naturally cultivates followership, and has demonstrated the ability to turn around and grow professional services businesses globally. Clients describe him as a creative, trusted advisor and his colleagues and teams are inspired by his ability to convey the upside in any given situation. Jeff joined Ferguson Partners, a boutique Chicago-headquartered global real estate and infrastructure firm in 2018. He serves as Vice Chairman and head of the North American business, based in the firm’s Toronto office. Jeff was recruited to work closely with the founder and leadership team to build the Canadian platform and to expand the firm’s global brand and footprint through refining and implementing new business strategies and service offerings and recruiting and mentoring consultants globally. He also leads the firm’s CEO Succession Practice and participates in both the Board Recruitment & Advisory Practice and the PE/REIM Practice. Prior, Jeff spent 25 years with Spencer Stuart, conducting over 100 CEO searches globally, over 50 board director searches and developing specialized expertise in the telecommunications and real estate sectors. He also held progressively more complex leadership roles alongside his client work. He joined SSI as a consultant in the Toronto office and was soon appointed Toronto Office Manager, then Country Manager Canada with P&L and national strategy for 10 years, including openingaCalgaryofficeandrebuildingMontreal. Revenuesgrewfromthetimehejoined,from$5M to $25M. Concurrent to this leadership role, he helped establish offices in Mumbai and Delhi where he spent 6 months, all the while still carrying a full search load with Canadian clients. Jeff was elected to the Spencer Stuart Board of Directors twice: in 2005 and 2008, and chaired its Compensation Committee. Jeff stepped off the Board at the start of his third term when asked by the CEO to relocate to Asia (Australia) to co-lead, along with a partner based in Hong Kong, the firm’s Asia Pacific Region. Different from his prior leadership experience establishing and growing the business across Canada and India, this mandate involved significant turnaround efforts and a deep understanding of the diverse business cultures in India, Japan, and Australia. Jeffbeganhiscareerbylaunchingseveral businesses in the retail and distribution sectors, gaining a firsthand understanding of the demands facing CEOs, boards, and senior executives.
02/09/2022 • 33:42
Renowned Canadian financial guru and CTV News’ former Chief Financial Commentator, Pattie Lovett-Reid chats to Howard about her start in broadcasting, embracing new opportunities, and the importance of being your genuine self.Pattie Lovett-Reid is a highly respected Canadian financial guru. As CTV News’ former Chief Financial Commentator, Lovett-Reid is well experienced in coaching her audience on how to save money, stretch their income, and get the biggest bang for their hard-earned bucks. Her unique and skillful ability to translate complicated and detailed personal finance strategies into frank, savvy financial advice has transformed the lives of many Canadians. Lovett-Reid provided weekday financial updates for CTV News Channel, CP24, and regional CTV MORNING LIVE broadcasts across the country and remains a regular guest commentator on BNN Bloomberg, CTV’s YOUR MORNING, THE SOCIAL, NEWSTALK 1010, and other media platforms. Lovett-Reid's career journey is one filled with admiration, inspiration, and a strong sense of determination. Her career began right out of high school as a bank teller, and with no formal post-secondary education and a low glass ceiling for women in finance, her career was unlikely to blossom beyond branch management. However, Lovett-Reid climbed the ranks in the investment world, and after a very successful 30+ year career with TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., where she served as Senior Vice-President, she then took on the role of Chief Financial Commentator with CTV News in early 2012. Lovett-Reid is a Certified Financial Planner, co-author of several national bestselling books, and was awarded with an honorary degree in Applied Studies from Humber College in June 2010. The Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC) recognized Lovett-Reid with the 2009 Donald J. Johnston Award for her outstanding contribution to the profession of financial planning in Canada. In 2011, Lovett-Reid was awarded the Financial Planning Canada Fellow of Distinction, and in 2007 and received Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters Category. Today, Pattie splits her time between Toronto and Muskoka, Canada, with her husband Jim Reid, their children, and a growing group of grandchildren.
27/07/2022 • 32:07
Howard speaks with Ahmer Rafiq Co-Founder and CEO of Souqh, Canada'sone-stop shop for real estate and home services nationwide. Souqh is Canada’s only all-in-one real estate and home services marketplace providing technology and services to help real estate professionals deliver unparalleled client experiences. With over 10,000+ unique monthly visitors, Souqh brings together clients, realtors, mortgage brokers, law firms, inspectors, and associated industry partners to deliver a complete digital experience for their client’s homeownership journey – all in one place.Find Souqh on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/souqh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souqhteam/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClH1brV9v85OAt32B5_uLTgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouqhTeam/Twitter: https://twitter.com/souqhteamPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/souqhteam/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@souqhteamwww.souqh.ca
20/07/2022 • 20:28
Howard speaks with Sherry Larjani, Founder and President of Spotlight Development, about her journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer. Sherry Larjani is an experienced real estate developer and entrepreneur with a focus on creating beautifully designed spaces that bring her visions to life. Sherry began her career working as a designer at a luxury architecture firm in Toronto and quickly progressed into building new single-home builds and renovation jobs. In 2010, Sherry created Spotlight Developments, specializing in the acquisition of properties for redevelopment into high density residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. An advocate for collaboration, she champions inclusivity and teamwork as a foundation for a successful approach towards real estate development. In 2019, Sherry partnered with Urban Capital to create Reina, a project with Canada's first all-female development team to raise awareness of gender inequality in the industry and the many roles women can play. In recent years, Sherry has completed numerous projects and partnered with many major developers including Liberty Development, Urban Capital, and others, continuing her life-long legacy in the real estate industry. Here is the link to the company website:https://www.spotlightdevelopment.com/ Sherry’s new Charity Foundation:https://ariafoundation.com/ Sherry's latest not-for-profit project:https://theinclusivecondo.com/
12/07/2022 • 35:05
Realtor and content creator Jas Takhar speaks with Howard about their mutual love of podcasting, helping buyers and sellers, and inspiring real estate agents to try creating their own video and audio content. Toronto native, Jas Takhar, has been in the sales and service industry for over 26 years. Soon after deciding to try his hand in real estate, he founded REC Canada under Royal LePage, and for over 5 years has successfully kept his team top 3 in the country. With 54 realtors and 11 support staff, the team advises and assists over 625 buyers, sellers and investors, yearly, across the Greater Toronto Area, resulting in a total of over $2.1B in transactions. Jas’ area of expertise is in helping investors build out their real estate portfolios. Wanting to share his knowledge and experience with the masses, he wrote a book titled, Real Estate Intelligence, which teaches anyone how to buy or sell real estate on their own.Furthering his pursuit to educate and motivate, he developed a love for content creation, and now not only hosts one of the top business podcasts in North America – The Jas Takhar Podcast – but also founded his own media company, From The Ground Up Media where he helps other real estate agents produce quality content. His hope is to provide inspiring education through his guides, seminars, and content to aid others in removing the friction from their own life in order to help them get from where they are, to where they want to be. Find Jas on...https://www.instagram.com/jastakhar13/https://www.youtube.com/jastakharhttps://www.facebook.com/jastakhar13https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jas-takhar-podcast/id1383371381?mt=2https://open.spotify.com/show/4G8zDAoCNX9BP35tbt4N6V
30/06/2022 • 26:31
Ted Tsiakopoulos Senior Economist/Specialist (Housing Markets Policy & Research) CMHC shares his interest rate insights with Howard.The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of organizations or groups they represent.
27/06/2022 • 18:40
Howard chats with Jordan March about how his aspirations for a music career brought him to real estate, the winning work ethic needed to succeed at Serhant, and the MarTech tools he can’t live without. Jordan March is a managing partner of the McPeak Team at SERHANT. and is a distinguished 13-year veteran of the real estate industry. He is regarded as a pioneer and industry disrupter for his use of digital media, and he has closed over $500 million in sales. Jordan is at the forefront of major strategic shifts in the real estate industry and new development marketing. He implements progressive operational processes, technology, and marketing campaigns, and he leverages his experience in social and digital media by executing targeted sales campaigns to give developers, landlords, and sellers maximum exposure and an unmatched edge in any market. He has a consistent track record of trading listed homes at record prices, and he utilizes the latest technology and media channels to guide, empower, and advocate for his clients during the selling and buying process. Prior to joining SERHANT., Jordan was a Director of Sales at two of Manhattan’s top firms as well as one of NYC’s leading technology-driven sales brokerages, LG Fairmont. Under his management there, it was recognized by INC 5000 as one of the fastest-growing organizations in the U.S. for two consecutive years. To date, he has managed and trained over 500 agents, many of which have gone on to great success and closed on some of the city’s top listings. Jordan was also the Digital Sales Manager of an advertising network that partnered with Viacom, Meredith, Conde Nast, and Scripps Networks. While there, he oversaw multiple departments and successfully executed multi-channel marketing campaigns for Fortune 1500 companies such as UPS, Starburst, Overstock.com, Toyota, Canon, and Bank of America. Jordan has completed degrees at the Institute of Audio Research and St. John’s University and has been featured in high-profile publications like the Wall Street Journal, Channel 1 News, MSNBC, The New York Times, and StreetEasy. One of Jordan’s long-term goals is to further the movement of New Urbanism, helping to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by using a conscious approach to energy conservation, green technology, and sustainable architectural design and development. In his free time, Jordan loves to play with his kids, enjoy unique dining experiences, and meditate and dance. His interests include art, theatre, film, technology, and fashion, and he plays the violin and piano.https://www.linkedin.com/in/offmarketnewyork/ https://www.instagram.com/jordanmarchmusic/?hl=en https://www.serhant.com/people/jordan-march
14/05/2022 • 39:35
Ted Tsiakopoulos Senior Economist/Specialist (Housing Markets Policy & Research) · CMHC speaks about inflation expectation and supply chain issues contributing to inflation. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.Ted Tsiakopoulos on LinkedIn
17/04/2022 • 18:49
Tim Hudak CEO of OREA speaks about the latest federal budget as it relates to housing and gives his take on the foreign buyer's tax, banning foreign buyers, and increasing the housing supply.
12/04/2022 • 11:26
James Warren is an award-winning Toronto luxury real estate agent with a proven sales and marketing strategy and a well-established reputation amongst Toronto’s luxury homeowners and real estate agents. James believes in offering a superior real estate experience.With a primary focus on luxury homes in Toronto, including Rosedale, Moore Park, Deer Park, Lawrence Park, Lytton Park, Forest Hill, and Summerhill. James is a true purveyor in Luxury home sales. He believes that luxury is a service not a price point and serves first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners.https://sw3.ca/https://www.facebook.com/jamesstrathywarrenhttps://www.instagram.com/sw3.ca/?hl=enhttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/james-warren-b6603097
29/03/2022 • 44:55
The extraordinary Mary Fitzgerald from Netflix's Selling Sunset joins Howard on episode 40 of the podcast. Join them as they chat about navigating the complex emotions real estate transactions can provoke and the effect staring on a hit show has had on her career. Mary Fitzgerald is an experienced realtor associate at The Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles. She is a fan favorite on Netflix’s hit reality series Selling Sunset, which follows the lives of elite real estate brokers at one of the best-known agencies selling the luxe life to affluent buyers in the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip. She married Romain Bonnet at the end of season two.After graduating from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Mary spent many years gaining valuable real estate experience in the Beach Cities/Southbay area of Los Angeles. New York and London, such as working for the Candy Brothers at their London headquarters, involved in notable projects such as 1 Hyde Park.Currently residing in Los Angeles, Mary is furthering her decade-long real estate career at The Oppenheim Group, adding considerable value to the firm’s real estate transactions, property management, and business development. She is the longest member to reign on the Oppenheim staff. Representing both buyers and sellers in LA’s luxury real estate market, Mary sets herself apart with integrity, honesty, and a driven work ethic.As well as real estate Mary herself has a love of travel and art.
04/03/2022 • 34:30
Paul Johnston joins Howard in this episode to discuss his 15-year career in real estate, his unique definition of luxury properties, high-end rentals, and learning to say no.Paul Johnston is at the forefront of progressive and modern urban development across Toronto, with over fifteen years experience representing properties of consequence that have helped transform neighbourhoods. He and his team believe that great design is essential to great living, and that Toronto deserves inspiring architecture that is reflective of the times in which we live.
13/01/2022 • 41:51
In just three short years Stephanie Toufexis has become an award-winning and record-breaking real estate agent. Join Howard as he speaks with Stephanie about her road to success and her innovative use of new social channels to drive business. Stephanie Toufexis is a realtor entering her 3rd year in the industry. As part of the Harvey Kalles Real Estate Brokerage, she has quickly established herself as an integral part of the company by securing an award as a top producer. She previously owned and operated her own business as a freelance makeup artist for various events. Leveraging social media and creating a sustainable referral business, it continued to grow at a rapid rate. Stephanie soon after decided to transition into real estate when she realized that her skill set could form a great foundation for a largely successful career in sales, which she has proven to be true.From educating first-time homebuyers through purchasing their first home to selling record-breaking, custom-built homes in Toronto, Stephanie has serviced many types of clientele. When she’s not selling multi-million dollar homes, you’ll find her golfing and enjoying her time up north at her cottage in Muskoka, where she one day hopes to expand her business.Stephanie's social links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanietoufexis/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-toufexis-167268131/?originalSubdomain=caFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanietoufexis/Watch or listen to more of the Real Estate with Howard Drukarsh podcast here:www.rewithhd.comwww.realestatewithhowarddrukarsh.com
13/12/2021 • 34:33
Bob Goldberg CEO of NAR the National Association of REALTORS® joins Howard to chat about the organization, technology, advice for REALTORS® and individuals interested in becoming real estate sales professionals. Bob Goldberg is Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of REALTORS®. During his tenure, Goldberg has focused on transforming the organization and leading efforts to put members first, while driving the technology innovation and collaboration needed to position the real estate industry for the future. Working with the association’s volunteer leadership, Goldberg has specifically emphasized the importance of staying ahead of “proptech” or “real estate- and property-focused technology.” Under his leadership, NAR launched the Strategic Business Innovation and Technology Group (SBIT), designed to drive industry innovation and benefits to NAR members. The group includes an Emerging Technology team, tasked with finding partnerships with organizations, companies, and institutions researching and developing new technologies. The team also launched the successful Innovation and Opportunity Investment Summit (iOi), a unique yearly gathering of real estate practitioners, technology innovators, and investors to identify opportunities to work together.Goldberg introduced a staff culture focused on putting members first, leading change, communication, collaboration, and giving respect. He has made transparency a watchword of the organization, using video, Facebook Live events, and personal visits to communicate directly with NAR’s 1.4 million members. Under Goldberg’s leadership, in 2019, the association launched a successful advertising campaign, “That’s Who We R,” that racked up more than 2.3 billion impressions in its first year.Goldberg led the expansion of academic achievement opportunities to members through an agreement with Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. The new NAR Academy at Columbia College provides financial assistance to members who enroll in pursuit of academic degree completion for certificates, associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the NAR Academy. NAR now provides the opportunity for interested members to enroll in the NAR Academy at Columbia College as a member benefit. Additionally, the organization initiated the REALTOR® Safety Network, a national alert system that strengthens NAR’s existing REALTOR® Safety Program; and created an innovative, self-directed program for REALTORS® to encourage professional development, the Commitment to Excellence(link is external). Participation of C2EX has surpassed its initial goal by more than 300 percent since its inception in November 2018.Other initiatives Goldberg has launched include an Executive Outreach Program; and "Day in the Life of a REALTOR®," a program that puts every NAR staff person into the field to better understand the work of REALTORS® and local associations. In addition, NAR remains one of the nation’s most influential advocacy groups, working with legislators and regulators every day on issues — such as flood insurance, housing affordability, and tax — that affect real estate professionals and property owners.Goldberg has also made corporate responsibility a priority and launched NAR’s Food Recovery Initiative, a program where NAR recovers surplus food to donate to hunger-fighting non-profits. As part of the initiative, the organization encouraged state and local REALTOR® associations to pledge to take part in the initiative. To date, scores of associations across the country have joined the effort, sending hundreds of pounds of recovered food to hunger organizations.In addition to his role as NAR CEO, Goldberg is president of NAR’s investment arm, Second Century Ventures(link is external), as well as the highly ranked REACH®(link is external) technology accelerator. Through those entities, NAR holds positions in a range of technology companies, driving innovation for the benefit of the industry and NAR members. In addition, he is president and CEO of the REALTORS® Information Network (RIN), a for-profit, wholly-owned subsidiary of NAR, where he’s responsible for oversight of the realtor.com® operating agreement with Move Inc.A 24-year veteran of NAR and a recent inductee into the REALTORS® Political Action Committee Hall of Fame, Goldberg previously served as a NAR senior vice president, overseeing a wide portfolio that included sales, marketing, business development, and strategic investments. Before joining NAR, he was a senior vice president with PRC Realty Systems, the nation’s leading provider of computer-based real estate information.In January 2020, Goldberg was named No. 7 on the Swanepoel Power 200, a list of the most powerful and influential executives in real estate, produced annually by consulting firm T3 Sixty. In addition, he was named No. 1 on this list for the Association/Multiple Listing Service category.
25/11/2021 • 39:59
Saraya Yen Vice President of Sales at Austin Birch chats with Howard about her career, the changes taking place in pre-construction marketing, and the evolution of the pre-construction industry brought on by technology and the pandemic. Over the last 9 years, Saraya has led sales and administration teams in successfully selling an excess of 9,000 pre-construction condominiums around Toronto translating to over 7 billion dollars in real estate sales as the Vice President of Sales at Austin Birch Development Marketing (previously Kuzuian Real Estate) and formerly the Vice President of New Sales and Development at PSR Brokerage. This year, Saraya and her team at Austin Birch are the proud winners of the coveted 2021 BILD Award for Best Sales Team - Mid/High Rise.With this extensive background as a licensed real estate sales executive, Saraya is recognized as one of the leading pre-construction development marketing professionals in Toronto. Some of the high profile development projects she has managed include:2020 OHBA Building of the Year:123 Portland by Minto Communities.2018 BILD Best Architectural Design, Canada’s first “supertall” and Tallest Residential Building:THE ONE Residences by Mizrahi Developments.2018 BILD Project of the Year Mid/High-rise:The Plant Condos by Curated Properties and Windmill Developments.2016 BILD Project of the Year Mid/High-rise:The Art Shoppe Condos by Capital and Freed Developments.2016 BILD Project of the Year Low-rise:35 Wabash by Zinc Developments.From every project’s inception, Saraya has made it her personal mission to ensure success and has played a major role in every part of the process.
18/11/2021 • 34:10
Ted Maulucci President of SmartONE Solutions speaks with Howard about new smart home technology that is advancing digital living experience for homeowners and his experiences as a disruptor in the residential technology industry. Ted Maulucci is the President of SmartONE Solutions Inc., a company committed to advancing the digital living experience in communities. Mr. Maulucci assumed the role of President at SmartONE after a 26-year career as the Chief Information Officer of a leading Toronto-based multi-family real estate developer. He is recognized for championing the development and execution of the first smart community in the Greater Toronto Area. Mr. Maulucci has an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business with a specialization in Real Property Development. Mr. Maulucci is passionate about contributing and advancing innovation across Canada through partnerships and collaboration. He has been recognized with several international and local awards for IT leadership, IT application development, smart buildings, and social contribution. Some notable leadership and innovation awards are the “Top Ten Best in Class CIO’s in North America” by Computerworld, two “CIPA Gold Award of Excellence” for application development in the real estate industry, and the Mid-Career Award from the University of Toronto for impact on an industry in an engineering career. For his social contributions, Mr. Maulucci has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for promoting Canadian innovation, The Citizenship Award from Professional Engineers Ontario, and the 2017 Meritorious Service Award, Community Service from Engineers Canada. Mr. Maulucci’s efforts in smart and connected communities have garnered multiple Digie Awards from the Realcomm association for innovations in multi-family real estate. He also received a “Lifetime Achievement” award, which is awarded to an individual that has caused a major shift in the industry. In 2016, he was named the Private Sector Canadian CIO of the Year 2016 for his work on advancing smart and connected communities.
04/11/2021 • 43:01
Join Howard and the dynamic Kirsten Jordan, Real Estate Broker and star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York as they discuss her start in real estate, building a successful team, and overcoming challenges brought on by the pandemic in one of the world’s largest real estate markets. As a real estate broker, avid public speaker, and the first female cast member of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York, Kirsten Jordan has brokered an astounding half a billion dollars in sales. During her decade in real estate, she’s worked with Fortune 500 executives, Oscar-winning actors, and mega-influencers with millions of followers. A passionate real estate investor and someone who’s sold out three new developments in the city for a total of $100M in new development sales, Kirsten understands firsthand what it means to evaluate a property from all angles – and sell it.In 2020, she was cast on the Emmy-nominated Million Dollar Listing New York and featured in every episode of Season 9. This opportunity led her to be a contestant on Family Feud, a guest on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and an expert on countless TV segments. You may have seen her featured on CNBC, Variety, Bloomberg, The New York Post, Yahoo! Entertainment, Thrive Global, and The Real Deal.Kirsten’s team brings back the sophisticated human experience missing from the sensory overload of modern real estate searches. With expertise gained from more than 45 years of combined experience and over $3B sold, they take care of their customers. A deep understanding of the nuances of the buyer and seller experience makes them the perfect advisors for any transaction.This mom of three school-aged children shares her love of real estate and family with her 35,000 followers, helping them find their dream home and career. Look out for her forthcoming book that aims to do the same.IG @kirsten.jordanLinkedin: Kirsten JordanFacebook: Kirsten Jordan https://kirstenjordan.com
21/10/2021 • 25:53
Join Howard and residential real estate visionary Stefan Swanepoel Chairman and CEO of the T3 Sixty Group as they discuss Stefan's start in real estate, what it takes to be considered for the Swanepoel Power 200 which ranks the 200 most influential executives in real estate, and Stefan's 5 points for building a successful business.With over 50 books and reports analyzing the residential real estate industry, Stefan Swanepoel is widely recognized as its leading visionary. His books have been featured on more than 15 bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon. He literally defines what influence and power is in the industry as he has, for the past decade, been the annual scorekeeper and editor of the SP200, the official ranking the Most Powerful People in Residential Real Estate Brokerage. Stefan serves as Chairman and CEO of the T3 Sixty Group, trusted advisors and transformation partners to over 65% of the largest brokerages, franchisors, technology companies, Realtor associations, and MLS organizations through one of their companies: T3 Sixty, a full-service management consulting company; T3 Data, a data analytics company; T3 M&A, a company specializing in mergers and acquisitions; T3 Talent, an executive search agency; and T3 Events Group, a full-service event company.
06/10/2021 • 37:40
Howard speaks with Debbie Cosic Founder & CEO of In2ition Realty about her experiences building one of the largest and most successful pre-construction marketing firms in North America.Debbie Cosic is the Founder & CEO of In2ition Realty – Debbie commenced her real estate career in the 1980’s, after graduating from the University of Toronto. Founding her own company, she has become a self-made businesswoman in a highly competitive industry. Foreseeing a need for an innovative and dynamic player in the industry she launched In2ition Realty in 2008. Since inception, she has overseen the sales and marketing of over $20 Billion Dollars of real estate. Recognized not only as an astute professional but as a fearless innovator in the industry. Debbie is a member of the board for the Canadian Women’s Council of Real Estate Professionals (CWCREP) and the Toronto Artscape Foundation. She recently completed a two-year term as a member of the BILD Board of Directors. She has been honoured with multiple business and civic awards for her contribution to both the real estate industry and the community. Debbie is known for her generous spirit and someone who has mentored countless professionals in the industry. She has successfully assembled a devoted team in whom she has instilled the same passion and values that she is known for.
30/09/2021 • 33:28
Howard chats with Hans Jain, President of Atria Development about growing up in a family business, the challenges of developing historical properties and using innovative technology to attract today's home buyers. Few developers are driven by a desire to enhance quality of life for entire communities rather than exclusively for their customers. Hans Jain, Principal of Atria Development, is one such developer, a person who sees his role as extending well beyond the creation of desirable places to live, to one of leadership in improving communities that then attract additional investment, creating a more desirable place for all. Working together with his brother Vipin, he has built a development company that is truly community focused. Starting in his youth and continuing throughout his adult life, Hans has had a deep interest in economics, a course he pursued through his undergraduate years culminating in an Honours B.Sc. in Quantitative Methods in Economics. For a period, he pursued post-graduate work in the same field at the University of Toronto, but was eventually drawn to the idea of putting his learning to work by going into the family business. His father, Gyan Jain, had built a portfolio of old manufacturing and warehouse facilities in a formerly busy industrial area of Toronto that changing economic forces had driven into disuse and disrepair. While his father invested in improving and subdividing these spaces to accommodate smaller and newer businesses, Hans saw an opportunity to do more. He believed that by creating proper live/work lofts, he could bring people back into the neighbourhood as full-time residents and allow them to form the foundation of a more significant economic revitalization. I-Zone live/work lofts was a new idea in the market at the time, offering Torontonians an alternative to the many standard condominium units being built, with 104 authentic industrial loft spaces that were each unique and distinctly chic. The success of I-Zone validated Hans’ belief in the value of revitalizing older buildings to bring new life to neglected neighbourhoods. A second such project soon followed just across the street. Garment Factory Lofts offered 150 condominium live/work units with retail at grade in a converted industrial plant featuring new floors clad in glass in the heart of Leslieville that brought not only more residents to the community, it brought in substantial new development and economic activity. The project garnered significant media attention and awards. Throughout this period, Hans built bridges to the community through participation in neighbourhood organizations and support for local charities. Creating these connections, he believes, is essential as it engenders goodwill, ensures that the development benefits the community and helps him understand how the development can best fit into the neighbourhood. He brought that philosophy to Oshawa in 2007 where he had been asked by the city to give new life to an abandoned office tower in the core. He did so by converting the building into a 120 unit condominium, the first new residential development in the city’s downtown in more than 20 years. Since that success, Atria has invested further in Oshawa, building new rental projects including 100 Bond featuring 239 units and nominated for a BILD award for Best New Community Built. As Atria has grown, Hans has built the company to become a vertically integrated organization that incorporates all aspects of development from land acquisition and planning, through design and construction, and onto marketing and property management. As a result, the company is able to more efficiently roll out projects.
15/09/2021 • 41:58
It’s our 30th episode and we have another great guest joining us for a chat. Phil Soper President & CEO of Royal LePage and Bridgemarq Real Estate Services speaks with Howard about successfully predicting the flow of the real estate market in 2020, reengineering the largest Brokerage firm in Canada to work virtually during the covid pandemic, and his market outlook for the remainder of 2021.Phil Soper is President & CEO of Royal LePage and Bridgemarq Real Estate Services, a Brookfield company. With over 20,000 agents in its Royal LePage, Royal LePage Commercial, Johnston & Daniel, Via Capitale, and Proprio Direct businesses it is the largest real estate brokerage firm in Canada, with property sales of $100 billion dollars in 2020. In the 2021 comprehensive ranking of industry leadership in North America, the Swanepoel 200, Soper was again named the most influential leader in Canadian real estate and 12th worldwide. In 2016, he became the first Canadian to receive the Real Estate Leadership Award at the U.S. National Realtor Expo as “an industry visionary who embraces innovation and blazes new paths.” Real Estate Marketing magazine declared him one of the 25 most important leaders of the past 25 years, and he has been honoured as “CEO of the Year” by the Canadian Public Relations Society, a first for a real estate industry executive in the long history of the award. Soper’s community involvement includes the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Canada’s largest charity focused on eliminating domestic violence and supporting the women and children who fall victim to it; United Way and Toronto SickKids Hospital campaign leadership; and Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. Ryerson awarded Phil the inaugural G.Raymond Outstanding Volunteer Award. He is a former governor of the University of Alberta. Prior to his real estate career, Phil Soper was an executive with technology giant IBM where he held national and global leadership roles in professional services and technology sales and marketing. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta School of Business, and the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Executive Program. Phil is married to Toronto lawyer Melanie Yach. They have four daughters.
26/08/2021 • 39:36
Episode 29 of our podcast features Kristen Duern founder of KDW International Real Estate Advisors speaking with Howard about her experience selling some of Canada’s most exclusive condominiums (Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver House, and Bjarke Ingles’ KING Toronto) her move to a new market in the US and changes in residential design brought on by the pandemic. Kristen is an exceptionally accomplished sales representative, sales manager, and real estate consultant from Toronto, Canada. She is a top-producing agent with Toronto firm Chestnut Park Real Estate Brokerage, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, having achieved over $651 million in new development sales to date. A well-respected specialist in the luxury real estate marketplace, Kristen was instrumental in selling and managing sales for the entirety of the exclusive condominiums above the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto on behalf of Westbank, one of the world’s most recognized developers. In addition to the Shangri-La she also assisted in the sales and marketing of Vancouver House designed by Starchitect Bjarke Ingles (named one of CNN’s most anticipated buildings in 2020) and her most recent endeavor was a successful launch of Toronto’s most iconic residential offering, Bjarke Ingles’ KING Toronto, achieving one of the highest average PPSF for a project in the industry. Kristen has worked with sales and marketing companies large and small as well as in-house for a multitude of Canadian developers and has brought success regardless of the scope. Additionally, Kristen built a thriving re-sale business, representing high-profile clients including those in finance, professional sports, and the entertainment industry in some of the most prestigious Canadian addresses. Kristen’s extensive experience in sales, strategic marketing, executive customer service, leasing, management, and consulting brings her local and international clients a wealth of knowledge coupled with a sincerity that is unsurpassed. She is adept at overseeing day-to-day operations, working with marketing companies on initiatives, strategic partnerships, one-of-a-kind events, pricing, incentives, floorplan design, interior finish selection, legal review, and sales training. A recent move to Chicago, Illinois presented Kristen with the opportunity to expand her real estate business into the United States. As the founder of KDW International Real Estate Advisors and a licensed broker in Illinois, she is broadening her expertise from the Canadian marketplace, growing her international client base, and providing advisory services for developers.
19/08/2021 • 38:19
Join Howard and John Lusink president and broker of record of Right at Home Realty as they discuss choosing the right technology for your business, providing better customer experiences using that technology, and the importance of maintaining personal contact with your clients. Mr. Lusink is President and Broker of Record at Right at Home Realty Inc. He has more than 34 years of experience in the real estate industry. John's background includes an award-winning commercial real estate sales career, management of corporate offices for one of Canada’s iconic real estate brands as well as ownership of a major residential real estate franchise. He is an active participant in organized real estate both as a past Director on The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) for six years and, most recently, as the Commercial Director on the 2018 OREA Board of Directors. While at TREB, he served as the chairman of the Government Relations Committee for two years and was most recently Chair of the Finance Committee.
11/08/2021 • 30:58
Howard speaks with founder, President & CEO of Knightsbridge Development Corporation Will Smith about new trends in the development industry and designing projects that appeal to renters versus buyers.Will Smith is the founder, President & CEO of Knightsbridge Development Corporation, a third-party Development Management firm, that also provides Construction Management and Advisory Services to many of the leading real estate investment trusts, as well as both publicly traded and privately held real estate development companies in Canada. Under Will’s leadership, Knightsbridge Development Corporation has grown into a firm specializing in large and complex mixed-use projects ranging from 1 million to 3 million square feet with individual project values in excess of $1 billion, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax as well as a presence in London n the UK. In addition to his responsibilities as President and CEO of Knightsbridge Development Corporation, Will also acts as President for the firm’s subsidiary business in Central America, Desarrollos Knightsbridge Limitada, which services clients in Central and South America with offices in San Jose Costa Rica. Most recently, Will was instrumental in establishing Knightsbridge Equities Corporation the investment arm of the Knightsbridge Group of Companies. Prior to Knightsbridge, Will worked on projects in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia while employed by the Selfridges Group, CDN Global Real Estate, and CBRE Global Corporate Services, with a focus on Retail, Hospitality, High Rise Office, and Commercial projects Will is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, and Cornell University.
30/07/2021 • 37:50
Howard and Hersh Litvack founder of the Hersh Realty Group speak about the robust condo market in the GTA and its future, chocolate bars, and the importance of patience. The Hersh Realty Group specializes in the sale of pre-construction high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise condos, as well as townhomes and detached properties. Renowned for its premium services, The Hersh Realty Group. has set the new benchmark for Pre-Construction Condominium Sales in Canada. Their outstanding relationships with many of Canada’s Premier builders combined with their cutting-edge marketing programs have produced results above and beyond expectation time and time again. With over 26 years of selling and marketing properties by Hersh Litvack, The Hersh Realty Group. continues to provide unparalleled service to builders and clients alike.
22/07/2021 • 39:51
