The top Keller Williams franchise in Canada - a two-office Vancouver-area brokerage with more than 180 Associates - converted to RE/MAX on Feb. 26.
Bjorn Soolsma and Deborah Stevens - Co-Broker/Owners of the newly renamed RE/MAX Results Realty - determined that RE/MAX training, technology and brand awareness will help their agents reach new heights.
The Broker/Owners, who have over 25 years of real estate experience between them, see great opportunities ahead for the close-knit group they lead. The addition of their offices takes RE/MAX market share in Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam to 44 percent and 32 percent respectively. Soolsma envisions even higher numbers.
"We want to continue to build something that is agent-focused, dynamic and results-oriented," Soolsma says. "Combining our philosophy, resources and vision with the RE/MAX business model, brand and resources, we're going to be the best."
RE/MAX officials welcome the new Affiliates.
"In this lagging economy, wise business people make wise business decisions," says William Soteroff, Senior Vice President of International Development at RE/MAX International. "RE/MAX is the right choice for professionals who want to enhance their business, take the next step in their careers, and benefit from world-class education and referral opportunities."
Within days of the conversion announcement, almost all of the RE/MAX Results Realty agents had new signs, new business cards and access to RE/MAX Mainstreet tools. Over a two-day period, they'll participate in an orientation process offered by the RE/MAX of Western Canada region. They'll also work individually with Soolsma and Stevens to re-evaluate their business goals and strategies in order to start their RE/MAX careers on solid footing.
"What's most important," says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President of RE/MAX of Western Canada, "is that the new Sales Associates learn about the valuable resources they now have access to, including LeadStreet, the Design Center and Agent Training on Demand. We encourage them to take in the information, find something they can incorporate into their businesses, and put all the tools to work for them.
"It's exciting and probably a little overwhelming, but we're here to help them work through it and enjoy a smooth transition."
A core group of RE/MAX Results Realty agents jump-started their orientation and training by attending the 2009 RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas.
Among them were husband-wife team Bruce Pollon and Rene Marvin, who were once with the network.
"The RE/MAX brand is second to none," Pollon says. "Ask anyone on the street to name a real estate company, and nine out of 10 would say RE/MAX. We're happy to tell our clients about the move."
Will Shipton, who earned his real estate license in 2008, is eager to bring the confidence he gained from the coaching of Soolsma and Stevens back to RE/MAX, where he started his career.
"I'm excited," Shipton says. "People don't really know Keller Williams, but they know RE/MAX. Now I have the best combination possible, and my business will grow exponentially."
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Copyright © 2009 RE/MAX International Inc. 3/9/09
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