EXCELLENCE
2018 PROFILES OF
IN
R E A L E S TAT E
AWARD -WIN NING
VISIONARIES DE VELOPER S
RE ALTO R S
®
B R O K E R AG E S
I N D U S T RY O R G A N IZ AT I O N S
BROKER PROFILE
Innovation and the Gold Standard in Service CENTURY 21 Canada gives agents and clients the technology and tools for an exceptional experience
C
CENTURY 21’s executive vice-president Brian Rushton (left) and vice-chairman and CEO Martin Charlwood (right) present Michael La Praire, (middle right) and John Berry with an award at the annual awards night in Vancouver.
ENTURY 21 is a name synonymous with real estate. It was the first real estate franchise to enter the Canadian market in 1976, growing into one of the largest real estate companies in the world with nearly 400 locally owned offices in Canada and 7,700 worldwide. Brian Rushton, executive vice-president of
6
Profiles of Excellence
CENTURY 21 Canada, credits the company’s success to the family that owns it, the Charlwoods. Founder U. Gary Charlwood had a vision of innovation, and a team approach to servicing franchisees, REALTORS® and most importantly customers. Another reason for the Vancouver-based pioneer’s success is capitalizing on cutting-edge
technology. Ten years ago, they invested heavily into a website and online back office system. Th is year, in partnership with Real Estate Webmasters, they’re launching a brand new state of the art marketing platform. In another first, CENTURY 21 Canada is the first company to offer agent reviews on a national basis. This way, customers can read the reviews of
a REALTOR prior to engaging them in business.
Emphasis on education and culture With a strong emphasis on improvement through education, CENTURY 21 offers ground-breaking training programs helping sales representatives establish themselves as experts in their markets. To keep their skills sharp, REALTORS have access to a comprehensive online learning platform, networking meetings and conferences across the country. Moreover, franchise owners can attend its annual Canadian Management Academy - an intensive five-day program focused on helping its brokers proactively and profitably run their businesses. “CENTURY 21 Canada offers the best in class training, and provides all our agents with websites and marketing tools so they can focus on providing the best experience for clients,” notes Rushton. “No matter what trends come and go, quality is valuable and timeless.” That strong culture of support attracted Michael La Prairie. “My wife Heather and I wanted to start a family, so we decided to invest in a solid business,” says the CENTURY 21 In Town Realty franchisee. In 2005, the couple looked at several businesses before selecting CENTURY 21 Canada. “I was actually working at CENTURY 21 Canada’s corporate office so I knew and liked the corporate culture,” says La Prairie. “I liked the fact that CENTURY 21 encouraged a cross-Canada cooperative association of franchisees. We share ideas and if I need help from anyone across the country, it’s there.”
Worldwide phenomenon Today, CENTURY 21 In Town Realty has more than 130 realtors who speak more than 28 languages, and offers property management and mortgage brokerage services. LaPrairie and his management team are not active in
selling real estate themselves, instead they solely focus on supporting their agents and promoting the business. The company consistently ranks in the top 30 offices in Canada. It’s also been honoured with the CENTURY 21 Grand Centurion Office award for the past 12 years, the brand’s most prestigious recognition for sales excellence globally. In addition to all the tools, training, systems and support that CENTURY 21 brings to the table, La Prairie goes over and above the norm to make his agents the best in the community. “I created a mentorship program for new agents. Th is gives them hands-on training and the support of experienced REALTORS who are passionate about their career.”
Michael La Prairie, CENTURY 21 In Town Realty franchisee, chose to join the franchise in 2005
Date established? CENTURY 21 Canada opened its doors in January 1976
Tech tools CENTURY 21 In Town is one of the first CENTURY 21 offices in Canada to leverage the new technology provided by Real Estate Webmasters, www.Century21Vancouver.com, which seamlessly integrates into other platforms including BombBomb™, Top Producer® and Market Snapshot®, giving agents a competitive advantage when it comes to generating leads and building their business. La Prairie has also partnered with a start-up company called Ampify, an app that creates and manages your social media while generating leads and promoting listings. “I believe in investing in my REALTORS,” says La Prairie. “I really want to support them in being the best they can be.” CENTURY 21 is also an enterprise with heart. CENTURY 21 In Town Realty single-handedly has raised nearly $85,000 for the company’s charity of choice, Easter Seals, supporting local families living with disabilities.
How many offices? 391 in Canada, 7700 worldwide How many Network Members? 10,267 in Canada, 117,000 worldwide. Proudest accolades and awards? 2016 CFA Hall of Fame; 2007, founder Gary Charlwood was inducted into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame.
421 Pacific Street | Vancouver BC V6Z 2P5 604.685.5951 intownrealty@century21.ca w w w. C e n t u r y 2 1 Va n c o u ve r. c o m
Profiles of Excellence
7