Real estate was not always my dream – originally the plan was to go to law school. But… my parents owned a real estate brokerage, and my dad asked if I would help him out for a bit when I finished high school – I wasn’t interested. Then he said: “you probably couldn’t pass the exam anyway.” That was in 1988.
By 1991 I had obtained my broker qualifications (this allows you to run, own or manage a brokerage with associates under you). At the time our company was one of the largest, most successful independent brokerages in the Edmonton market. Since then we joined a franchise, left that franchise and in 2012 re-branded as Liv Real Estate.
It seems like yesterday, but I have been around the real estate industry for a very long time, and learned a lot along the way. I love helping people. I love solving problems, and doing everything I can to make sure that people receive what they want and expect from us. I love that almost every situation is unique, although there are similarities, and I love that each day in this business is incredibly different from the day before. I am also fortunate to work with someone that I respect and love immensely, my partner in life and Liv, Sara MacLennan.
Over the years I’ve been involved many aspects of the real estate industry, some of my more meaningful accomplishments have been: qualifying for the MLS® million dollar club as one of its youngest members, serving on the REALTORS Association of Edmonton professional Standards committee and Board of Directors, as well as The Real Estate Council of Alberta’s (RECA) hearings and appeals panel, The Real Estate Insurance and Exchange Claims Committee, and serving as a RECA Council member. (See resume below for dates.)
These days the majority of my time is spent selecting, mentoring and advising our agents, although I still represent my existing clients when they buy and sell properties. I’ve set very high standards for the agents we hire, and have equally high expectations for them especially when it comes to work ethic, customer service and industry knowledge. If they don’t know the answer, they can contact me anytime for guidance.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Spend more time travelling and helping others live better. I wouldn’t quit working – I’m just not wired that way. I’d make sure my kids’ education is looked after, and I’ve made sure our parents are well looked after. After all of that, if there is money left over then I’d pull out the Atlas, (or I suppose Google Earth) and the bucket list and I’d start making some check marks.
What did you get into trouble for the most as a child?
Where do I start? I was an adventurous boy but my biggest no-no was almost burning the house down by lighting some valentine’s day cards on fire. I guess five-year-old Sheldon couldn’t deal with getting cards from girls. I can assure you that I did get over the phobia of girls.
What’s your dream vacation?
I love to travel so its hard to pick just one, but, Thailand, Kenya (Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro crater), and Australia are my top three right now.
What’s your favourite quote?
Do or Do not, there is no try…Yoda
What are you passionate about?
My passions are first and foremost my family, travel, biking, camping, ancient civilizations, cooking with Sara, and karate. We love Paris in the fall and whenever we go to Europe we make a stop over there for at least a few days.
Favourite book?
I love to read so a favourite book is very difficult to narrow down. My favourite classic is Charles Dickens “Great Expectations”. Favourite Sci-Fi books: Lord of the Rings, Frank Hebert’s, “Dune” series, and Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” series.
Industry Participation:
2007 – 2010, Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) Council Member.
2007 – 2010, REIX Advisory Board Member
2002-2003, RECA Conduct Advisory Committee
2005-2007, 2012-present, REIX Claim’s committee
1998 – 2013, RECA Hearings and Appeals Panel
1996-2000, 2002, 2004-2007, 2010 -2012, Member of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Professional Standards and Arbitration Committee
2013-2014 Director, REALTORS® Association of Edmonton
Volunteer Work:
2003-2004, Chair Good Shepard School Council, Edmonton
1999-2003, Fundraising coach for Y.M.C.A. Annual and Capital campaigns
1999, Served on the Jamie Platz Y.M.C.A. Advisory Board
Great group of people who are truly professional, very knowledgeable about real estate with very high service and ethical standards. Our clients are always well taken care of when we refer them to Liv.
‐ Gord McCallum Read More
