Acknowledgements The history of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reveals a dynamic account of professionalism, the unifying effort of many, and the motivation that drove the Board from its first day in 1951 through modernity. This narration endeavours to offer an objective viewpoint that unites documentation and individual recollection to tell the inspiring chronicle of the men and women who have joined forces in order to work towards a higher aim, a common vision. The history of VIREB reveals a philosophy of professionalism; its story is paralleled by the earned expertise of the real estate industry as a whole. It is with gratitude that the author recog- nizes those who were interviewed for the history as representatives of the evolving eras of the Board: Allan Armstrong, Pat Moore, Lloyd Wood, Reg Eaton, Ralph Walker, Bob Clarke, Gordon Blackhall, Jack Geisler, Dermot Murphy, Rick Evans (reflecting upon his Father Jack’s contribu- tion), Marty Douglas, Randy Forbes, and Donn Gardner. Their vast knowledge, strategic sense, and commitment to the industry are legendary and the history was not only told, but made with their help. While these Members and Associates have been instrumental in telling the story of the Board’s history they are not alone, countless Members stand equal in knowledge and commit- ment, and their actions are clearly recorded within the sixty years of Board Minutes. Above all, it is the Membership that directs the Board. It is that collective voice that has been the guiding force of VIREB; its history is the history of its Members. Supporting the Board Directors and Membership are the men and women that have orches- trated the business of the Board. The Board Staff have consistently demonstrated progressive in- stinct in order to lead the Membership through changing technology, education, and legislation. Theirs is a role of strategic foresight, technical capability, and customer service. Their knowl- edgebase and professionalism have been vital to researching VIREB’s history. The author has immense appreciation for their shared accounts, friendship, and sincerity during research. It is noted in the Board Minutes that a historical account has been on the minds of Past-Presidents for several years. In 2006 Executive Officer Bill Benoit, guided by the Board, decided to formally document the story of VIREB. It is with his determination, quiet guidance, and (patient) trust in process that the following story is told. Great care has been taken to present a factual account according to the material available. Not all events could be included due to time and space. Additionally, it is important to note that vocabulary has changed through sixty years and this history reflects those changes. Facts presented have been done so with integrity and goodwill. These pages offer an account of an industry coming of age and the inspiring history of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. This is your story… 1 Copyright © Vancouver Island Real Estate Board 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. Vancouver Island Real Estate Board 6374 Metral Drive Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 (250) 390-4212 www.vireb.com ISBN 978-0-9696521-1-3 Printed in Nanaimo, BC by: Impact Visual Communications 25 Cavan Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 www.impactvisual.ca Published by: Communication Ink Media & Public Relations 25 Cavan Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 www.communicationink.ca 2 Table of Contents 1950’s: A Small Dining Room...............................................................................5 1960’s: A Civilized Society...................................................................................17 1970’s: The Rise of the Salesmen........................................................................31 1980’s: Storming The Hill...................................................................................63 1990’s: A Professional Association.....................................................................89 The 2000’s: A New Millennium................................................................................111 3 Reflections: Why We Did It For several years, the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board has discussed writing its history, and with 2011, the 60th anniversary approaching, decided to forge ahead and do it. Reflections is the abbreviated version of the comprehensive history of VIREB compiled by Feron Walker, which is available through our website: www.vireb.com. Many thanks to Marty Douglas for the countless hours he has donated to this cause, and for serving as Chair of the Steering Committee for the book itself. This is a true reflection of evolution in our profession due to the vision of so many dedicated individuals. The men and women who forged this changing and always challenging industry were leaders within their various communities. They are owed a true debt of gratitude. Bill Benoit It’s a great read – enjoy the journey! Executive Officer, VIREB About The Author Feron Walker was born and raised in Nanaimo, and spent 13 years in Campbell River raising her family. She returned to Nanaimo in 2003 to complete her BA in History & Liberal Studies, then went on to attain her MBA at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College). Feron works as a freelance writer and in communications for not-for-profit organizations. Feron’s appreciation of history and her business education have made the researching and writing of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s REFLECTIONS; Reflecting on 60 Years of Service 1951 – 2011 a rewarding partnership. Feron Walker 4 1950’s A Small Dining Room On October 2, 1951 Ernie Butcher and Hugh Wilson knocked on Jack Evans’s front door. While Jack, Ernie, and Hugh were considered competitors in the real estate industry they recognized an essential need to meet on common ground. At the time, the public were wary of Salesmen. Individual Salesmen did not share information about listings, even with co-workers; exclusive listings were preferred. It was difficult for individual companies to provide meaningful, educational opportunities when resources and cooperation were limited. Jack, Ernie, and Hugh acknowledged that shared resources would increase professionalism and, thereby, the success of their Salesmen. It was this acknowledgement that brought them together on October 2nd, the first meeting of what would become the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. The three real estate Agents got straight to business. The new Association would be called the Nanaimo Real Estate Board (NREB); Jack was appointed President, Ernie Vice-President, and Hugh the Secretary-Treasurer. It was immediately moved to elect two additional Board Members as three would hardly be enough. Jack read aloud the by-laws and Constitution of the Vancouver Real Estate Board and all three agreed that it would serve as a useful guide in “framing” a Constitution for NREB. This would also foreshadow the enduring friendship the two Boards would enjoy throughout their shared history. As Nanaimo was the largest centre north of the Malahat the three men recognized the need to in- clude other Island communities. On that first night, the new Executive discussed extending an invitation of Membership to Parksville-Qualicum, Ladysmith, and Chemainus. This reflected the inclusive stan- dard upon which the Board was built. The three gentlemen had no intention of controlling the industry. Instead, they sought to professionalize real estate and knew that there was strength in numbers. The gentlemen also recognized the benefit of publicizing their new Association. It was suggested that the fledgling Real Estate Board “have adequate publicity of their meetings to let the public know [they were]…functioning”. If the public was aware of a governing body, the real estate industry within the Board area would earn legitimacy and, thereby, gain public confidence. Furthermore, they foresaw the strategic value of advertising outside of Board boundaries. By advertising the Island’s “good roads, excel- lent climate” in Vancouver and Victoria publications the Board might well “attract retired people and others”. Self-promotion would prove to be a continuous theme for the newly formed Board. It was decided that elections would be held annually on the third Tuesday in January and regular meetings would be hosted over dinner on the first Wednesday of each month in the Small Dining Room at the Plaza Hotel (known as the Dorchester Hotel, 2011). The first entry of NREB Minutes was a single sheet of typed text predicting the thread of commonality that would run the length of the Board’s history - a thread that includes sharing the workload, camaraderie between Boards, geographical inclusion, pub- lic awareness, and Vancouver Island promotion. These are the ties that continue to bind VIREB together today. October 2, 1951 marked the first record of the Nanaimo Real Estate Board (NREB), predecessor of VIREB, and is therefore recognized as the Association’s beginning. • • • • • 5 1950’s: A Small Dining Room Eight days after their initial meeting Jack, Ernie, and Hugh were joined by Frank Ney and George Bellamy in the Plaza Hotel’s Small Dining Room. It was the first dinner meeting of the NREB. Frank and George were promptly elected Directors, and the newly formed Board then moved