A Legacy of Insight: Bidding Farewell to Three Decades at REM, The Real Estate Magazine
Forty years ago, as a budding journalist, I faced a peculiar challenge. Having spent just four months at the Mississauga Times, I was tasked with writing a farewell column to my readers upon leaving for a new role at the Toronto Real Estate Board. My seasoned competitor at another paper had recently penned a similar column, meticulously listing dozens of prominent local and national politicians and celebrities he’d encountered. But for me, such a prestigious contact list simply didn’t exist. My brief tenure meant I hadn’t built those deep connections.
So, I resorted to a touch of self-deprecating humor. I wrote that I couldn’t thank everyone I’d worked with at the Times, not for lack of space, but because I hadn’t yet learned all their names. To playfully mock the name-dropping trend, I concluded by thanking Mick Jagger and Margaret Trudeau, quipping that “as far as I know, they have never said a bad thing about me.” It was a lighthearted moment, a reflection of my short time in that particular chapter of my career.
Today, as I prepare to bid farewell to the esteemed readers of REM – The Real Estate Magazine – after an incredible 33-year journey, the shoe is most certainly on the other foot. The list of individuals who have contributed to shaping the editorial content of this publication, who have enriched its pages and its spirit, is truly vast. To attempt to name every single person who made an impact would be an impossible task, a testament to the vibrant community that has grown around REM. Yet, there are some whose contributions have been so significant, so consistent, and so pivotal that they simply must be acknowledged. This column is an attempt to capture a fraction of that immense gratitude, celebrating the collective effort that has made REM a trusted voice in Canadian real estate.
The Architects of Content: Our Esteemed Freelance Journalists
REM’s enduring credibility within the competitive real estate industry has been built on the bedrock of insightful and reliable reporting. For over three decades, a dedicated cadre of freelance journalists has been at the heart of this endeavor, tirelessly uncovering stories, analyzing trends, and bringing complex issues to light for our readership. Their commitment to journalistic excellence has been unwavering, often going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver content that is both informative and engaging.
Among these exceptional talents, Susan Doran stands out as a foundational pillar. Her byline graced the very first issue of REM, and remarkably, she has contributed hundreds of articles since, rarely missing a month. Her consistent output and deep understanding of the real estate landscape have been invaluable. Another formidable presence was Kathy Bevan, REM’s ace reporter for several years. Kathy was renowned for her tenacity, chasing down stories even when subjects were reluctant to be interviewed. A legendary tale from the Western Connection conference recalls her cornering a real estate board Executive Officer in an elevator as he tried to evade her questions – a true testament to her dedication to getting the story.
The strength of REM’s editorial has also been profoundly influenced by Toby Welch, the prolific author of more than 100 features. His ability to distill complex topics into accessible narratives has consistently resonated with our audience. We extend our deepest gratitude to other long-time freelancers who have lent their voices and expertise to our pages over the years, contributing significantly to REM’s depth and breadth. This distinguished group includes Diane Slawych, Mario Toneguzzi, Danny Kucharsky, Yvonne Dick, Don Procter, Sohini Bhattacharya, Dennis McCloskey, Connie Adair, Steve Maxwell, Myles Shane, Tony Palermo, and the late Lloyd Manning. Their diverse perspectives and meticulous reporting have consistently informed and inspired our readers.
Voices of the Industry: Realtors and Expert Columnists
REM’s authority and relevance in the real estate community would not have reached its current stature without the profound and candid contributions of countless current and former Realtors and industry experts. These individuals didn’t just fill our pages; they breathed life into them, offering invaluable advice, sharing astute observations, and fearlessly tackling controversial subjects that others might shy away from. Their willingness to engage, inform, and sometimes challenge the status quo has been a cornerstone of REM’s editorial philosophy, fostering an environment of open discussion and continuous learning for professionals across Canada.
Among these distinguished voices, Marty Douglas carved out a remarkable legacy, penning more than 250 columns. His insights, originally under the banner of Western Perspectives and later as Metes & Bounds, provided a steady stream of wisdom and commentary that resonated deeply with our audience, particularly those on the western front of the Canadian real estate market. His dedication to consistent, high-quality analysis set a high bar for others.
Barry Lebow has been another extraordinary contributor, whose impact extended beyond his compelling columns. Barry not only wrote dozens of articles, offering his sharp perspectives on the industry’s intricacies, but he also played a crucial role in helping REM secure a contract to produce a magazine for a prominent mortgage broker’s association, showcasing his business acumen. More recently, he embraced modern media, producing engaging videos that he generously shared with REM readers, further expanding the ways in which we could deliver valuable content.
Humor and fresh perspectives are vital, and Dan St. Yves, a former real estate agent from Kelowna, has flawlessly delivered both since 2000. His monthly humour column has never missed an issue, providing a much-needed dose of levity and relatable observations about the daily realities of real estate. His ability to find humor in the everyday challenges of the profession has made his column a perennial favourite.
And then there’s Carolyne, who supplied as many of her popular Recipes for Realtors columns as we could possibly publish, offering a unique and delightful blend of personal and professional advice. Beyond her contributions as a writer, Carolyne is also the most prolific commenter on all REM stories, consistently offering her thoughtful and often spirited takes on the industry’s latest news and discussions. Her active engagement has sparked countless conversations. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our other most frequent and insightful commenters, Brian Martindale and PED, whose thoughtful contributions have enriched our online community.
A profound debt of gratitude is also owed to a host of other distinguished contributors who generously shared their expertise and insights. This esteemed group includes Ross Wilson, Debbie Hanlon, Stan Albert, Ted Greenhough, Mark Brodsky, Chris Seepe, Aiman Attar, Peggy Blair, Aaron at TRES Labs, and the late Albert Teichner. Each of them provided a wealth of invaluable information, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives for Realtors across Canada. I encourage all readers to explore their comprehensive body of work – simply click on the “Columnists” and “Advice for Agents” tabs on this site to discover their stories, alongside those of many other exceptional guest columnists who have graced our digital and print pages.
Navigating Complexity: Our Indispensable Legal Writers
In an industry as dynamic and regulated as real estate, legal clarity is paramount. It is no surprise that the most-read stories on REM consistently dealt with complex legal issues, underscoring our readers’ constant need for reliable, expert guidance. We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of an exceptional roster of legal writers who brought their profound knowledge and practical insights to our audience. Their ability to demystify intricate legal concepts and offer actionable advice proved indispensable for real estate professionals navigating an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
Our profound thanks go to Natalka Falcomer, Don Lapowich, Mark Weisleder, Martin Rumack, Bob Aaron, Shaneka Shaw Taylor, James Cook, and one of REM’s most ardent supporters, Avi Rosen. Each of these legal luminaries contributed significantly to our reputation as a trusted source for legal information, providing invaluable resources that helped thousands of Realtors navigate their daily practices with confidence and compliance. We are truly indebted to all of you for your unwavering support and expertise.
Beyond Words: Bringing Stories to Life Through Visuals and Multimedia
In an increasingly visual world, the aesthetic appeal and multimedia engagement of a magazine are just as crucial as its written content. REM has always strived to present its stories not just through compelling prose but also through stunning imagery and dynamic video. Over the years, we have been fortunate to collaborate with exceptionally talented photographers and videographers who have breathed visual life into our pages and screens, making our content more engaging and memorable.
For many years, our print magazine boasted a resident photographer whose artistic eye captured the essence of the real estate world: Marko Shark. His ability to frame and tell a story through images was unparalleled. Eventually, he gracefully passed the torch to his equally talented son, Elijah, who continued the tradition of excellence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both Marko and Elijah for their countless great images that graced our pages. Additionally, we are grateful to Craig Hodge and Darla Furlani, whose captivating cover shots from the West Coast provided REM with a distinct visual identity, reflecting the diverse landscapes of Canadian real estate.
As the media landscape evolved, so too did REM’s commitment to delivering content in new and accessible formats. We embraced the power of video to bring interviews, advice, and industry updates directly to our readers. Many thanks are due to those who generously provided REM with their insightful video content, significantly enhancing our digital offerings. This list includes David Greenspan, Richard Robbins, Toni Sing and Jenny Wun, Shawn Bell, Nicole Attias, and many others who helped us adapt and thrive in a multi-platform environment.
The Broader Network: Community and Industry Support
REM’s rich tapestry of content was not woven solely by its core team and freelancers; it was a collaborative effort, deeply rooted in the broader real estate community. We were constantly nourished by the stories, insights, and initiatives shared by countless individuals and organizations across the nation. To everyone who took the time to send me a story about a new office hire, a significant charitable endeavour in their community, or any other news item that celebrated the vibrant spirit of Canadian real estate, thank you. Your contributions were invaluable in keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry.
Our gratitude also extends to all the real estate boards and associations across Canada. Many thanks for your consistent editorial contributions, which provided diverse local perspectives, and for your crucial role in distributing the print edition of REM to your members. Your partnership was fundamental in ensuring our magazine reached a broad and engaged audience of professionals. Furthermore, we wish to express our appreciation to the dedicated staff at CREA (the Canadian Real Estate Association), who supported us throughout these many years. While there were certainly times they didn’t care for what we wrote, and were perhaps annoyed that we steadfastly refused to put “Realtor” in capital letters (a small but significant point of editorial independence for us), their overarching support for the industry and its communication platforms was always present. This dynamic, sometimes challenging, yet ultimately productive relationship, allowed us to maintain our editorial integrity while contributing to the industry dialogue.
The Heartbeat of REM: Our Dedicated In-House Team
While external contributors provided the diverse voices and expertise that shaped REM’s content, the magic of bringing it all together – from concept to printed page and digital presence – was the tireless work of our incredible in-house team. These dedicated individuals are the true heartbeat of the magazine, working behind the scenes with passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their collective efforts ensured that REM consistently delivered a polished, professional, and impactful publication.
At the artistic helm for the majority of our print issues over the years was our exceptionally patient and talented Art Director, Liz Mackin. Her keen eye for design, her ability to transform raw content into visually appealing layouts, and her remarkable patience in navigating countless revisions were absolutely instrumental in shaping REM’s distinctive look and feel. We also extend our profound thanks to other gifted graphic designers who contributed significantly to our visual identity, including Shawn Kelly, Yee Truong, and Eilidh Harding. Their creativity and dedication ensured that REM always presented itself with professionalism and flair.
On the business side, it was a genuine pleasure working with “Uncle Barry” Holmes, whose early contributions were foundational. Later, Dennis Rock stepped in as our Sales Director, bringing his strategic vision and dedication to expanding REM’s reach. When Dennis eventually retired, his daughter, Amanda, joined the team. She immediately became not just a valued colleague but also the most popular REM staffer at trade shows, thanks to her infectious enthusiasm and genuine engagement with industry professionals. The continuation of this family legacy in our sales efforts truly added a special dimension to our team.
Behind the scenes, ensuring that every issue was printed, collated, and distributed flawlessly, were the unsung heroes of production and distribution. My heartfelt thanks go to the incredibly hard-working Production and Distribution Manager, Mila Purcell – who, I must add, also got me hooked on the incredible sounds of Brother Jack McDuff – and our meticulous Production Co-ordinator, Judy Cupsky. Their attention to detail and unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines, often under pressure, were critical in getting REM into the hands of its eager readers, month after month. Their dedication ensured that the culmination of all our efforts saw the light of day.
Guiding the Ship: Acknowledging Our Publishers
Every successful publication has visionary leadership, and REM has been incredibly fortunate in this regard. The journey of REM began with the entrepreneurial spirit and foresight of Heino Molls, our esteemed founder and publisher. When Heino retired, I had the privilege of writing about the launch of REM and his incredible legacy. Sadly, we lost Heino in 2019, and his memory and influence have stayed with me every single day since. His original vision for a quality, independent real estate publication laid the groundwork for everything REM has become.
Following in his father’s footsteps, William Molls took over as REM’s Publisher and CEO. William has made a truly valiant effort to keep REM not just afloat, but thriving, particularly during the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. Through all the difficulties, he has never wavered from our core philosophy: providing quality editorial content without ever “selling out.” In an age where it would have been easy to compromise our principles for short-term gains, William stood firm, ensuring REM remained a trusted and independent voice. Thank you, Will, for all your unwavering support, your steadfast leadership, and your commitment to your father’s legacy. He would undoubtedly be immensely proud of what you have achieved and how you have steered the ship through turbulent waters.
The Next Chapter: Continuing the Journey and Looking Ahead
And finally, as the metaphorical music begins to play, signaling the end of this particular column (and indeed, this significant chapter of my career), I offer a brief personal plug. While I will be “mostly retired” from my full-time role at REM, my passion for writing about the fascinating world of Canadian real estate remains undimmed. I will continue to share my insights and observations in my column at Realty Times, a platform where I look forward to exploring new topics and engaging with a fresh audience. This transition allows me to pursue my love of writing while embracing a new pace of life.
As for REM, I depart with immense gratitude, profound pride, and a keen sense of anticipation. I eagerly look forward to witnessing the innovative directions a new team will take this venerable publication. REM has been a significant part of my life for over three decades, a platform where I’ve learned, grown, and connected with an incredible community. To all the readers, contributors, and colleagues who made this journey so rewarding, thank you. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Canadian real estate industry through the pages of REM. The legacy of quality, independence, and community that we have built together will, I am confident, continue to flourish for many years to come.