Kourosh Doustshenas Named 2021 President of Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, Charting a Course for Growth and Inclusion
The Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB) proudly announces the appointment of Kourosh Doustshenas as its President for 2021. This significant leadership transition marks a new chapter for the board, bringing Doustshenas’s extensive experience, visionary outlook, and deep commitment to the real estate industry to the forefront during a pivotal year.
Marina R. James, CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, highlighted Doustshenas’s unwavering dedication and preparedness for the role. “Kourosh Doustshenas has devoted countless hours of volunteer service over many years, actively participating in crucial committees such as Government and Stakeholder Relations,” James stated. “His diligent work and strategic contributions have been instrumental in preparing him for this esteemed appointment as our 2021 president.”
Reflecting on the board’s outstanding performance in the preceding year, James emphasized WRREB’s robust impact on the regional economy. “In 2020, the board facilitated an impressive more than 16,000 MLS sales, culminating in a record-setting total of $4.9 billion,” she revealed. This remarkable achievement, according to James, “reaffirmed its critical regional importance, with rural MLS areas demonstrating exemplary growth and contributing significantly to both the record sales volume and dollar total.” This success underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of the real estate market across Winnipeg and its surrounding communities.
A Vision for the Future: Diversity, Inclusion, and Industry Evolution
Upon assuming his new role, Doustshenas articulated an exciting vision for the year ahead, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and recognition of foundational industry pillars. “I am eager to leverage my extensive experience and deep industry insights to guide our real estate board through a transformative year,” Doustshenas shared. “2021 is poised to usher in a significant brand refresh for WRREB, one that is carefully crafted to reflect the rich diversity and inclusion of our valued members within the broader industry and across the diverse regional market we proudly serve.”
This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic imperative, aimed at ensuring that WRREB remains a representative and forward-thinking organization that truly reflects the multifaceted nature of its membership and the communities it impacts. A modernized brand identity will help articulate this progressive stance, enhancing the board’s relevance and appeal in an ever-evolving real estate landscape.
Beyond internal development, Doustshenas also highlighted a significant milestone for a key industry publication. “The year 2021 also provides us with the opportunity to recognize the 40 years of continuous operation of Real Estate News,” he noted. “This venerable industry publication continues to be an integral component of our foundation, serving as a vital voice for real estate professionals and consistently supporting our members and their clients in effectively marketing and showcasing MLS-listed properties. Its longevity is a testament to its enduring value and relevance to the real estate community.”
A Career Defined by Expertise and Dedication
Kourosh Doustshenas’s journey in real estate is marked by decades of professional excellence and a profound understanding of the market’s intricacies. He obtained his license as a Realtor in 1991, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career. After three years of gaining invaluable experience as a salesperson, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and operate his own firm, becoming the respected broker/owner of Expert Real Estate Services.
While Doustshenas dedicates the majority of his professional time and expertise to facilitating residential real estate sales, his capabilities and interests extend beyond this segment. He is also actively engaged and highly proficient in the commercial and rural real estate sectors, demonstrating a versatile and comprehensive grasp of the diverse property landscape across the region. This broad expertise allows him to bring a holistic perspective to his leadership role at WRREB.
Championing Change: A Legacy of Advocacy and Awards
Doustshenas’s commitment to the real estate profession extends far beyond transactions; he is a fervent advocate for policies that benefit homeowners, Realtors, and the broader community. His impactful advocacy efforts have earned him significant recognition and have driven tangible change at both federal and provincial levels.
He has served as an active member of the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) influential Political Action Committee network. In this capacity, he has acted as a key representative to Members of Parliament, engaging with prominent figures such as former MP Robert Falcon-Ouellette and current Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux. These interactions underscore his dedication to ensuring that the voices and concerns of Realtors and homebuyers are heard and addressed in national policy discussions.
In testament to his extraordinary efforts, Doustshenas was the proud recipient of the esteemed Pierre Beauchamp Individual Advocacy Award in 2019. This prestigious award is specifically designed to recognize and honor volunteer initiatives and exceptional endeavors that significantly advance federal Realtor issues. Doustshenas received this accolade for his persistent and effective advocacy on critical homeownership issues. His direct contributions resulted in the federal government making two landmark changes to the Home Buyers’ Plan:
- Firstly, the individual withdrawal limits from the plan were substantially increased from $25,000 to $35,000, providing greater financial flexibility for first-time buyers.
- Secondly, he successfully advocated for a crucial policy change that now allows individuals navigating a marital split to once again be eligible for accessing this vital first-time buyer program, acknowledging the evolving needs and circumstances of Canadian families.
His advocacy prowess is not limited to the federal stage. In 2018, Doustshenas was also honored with the Brian M. Collie Award, recognizing his strong and effective advocacy at the provincial level. His commitment to provincial real estate policy continues today, as he currently serves on the Manitoba Real Estate Association’s Political Action Committee, where he continues to influence and shape legislation that benefits the provincial real estate market and its participants.
Furthermore, Doustshenas played a crucial role in a significant industry advancement during the previous year. He was instrumental in the industry’s collaboration with the provincial government and the Manitoba Securities Commission. This joint effort led to the pivotal decision to allow Realtors to utilize digital signatures for real estate transactions, a critical innovation that has ensured the safe, efficient, and secure conduct of business, particularly in response to evolving societal needs and technological advancements.
Looking ahead, Doustshenas articulated his primary focus for his presidency: to maintain the board’s pivotal role in the region. He emphasized his commitment to keeping the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board “front and centre in the ongoing growth and comprehensive development of Winnipeg and its surrounding region.” This objective highlights the board’s essential function not just as a professional organization, but as a key contributor to the economic vitality and community building within Manitoba.
A Strong Collective: The 2021 Board of Directors
Kourosh Doustshenas’s leadership is powerfully supported by a dedicated team of ten other volunteer directors, whose collective expertise and commitment are integral to the success and effective governance of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. This diverse group of seasoned professionals brings a wealth of experience and perspectives from various facets of the real estate industry.
The 2021 Board of Directors includes:
- Akash Bedi, Re/Max Executives Realty, serving as President-Elect, poised to assume future leadership.
- Val Werhun, Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate, diligently managing the board’s finances as Treasurer.
- Catherine Schellenberg, Re/Max Professionals, providing invaluable guidance and continuity as Past-President.
The dedicated Directors at Large, each bringing unique strengths and insights, are:
- Michael Froese, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate
- Sam Matthews, Matthews Real Estate
- Boris Mednikov, Vanguard Real Estate
- Dan O’Brien, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate
- Laura Ross, Century 21 Bachman & Assoc.
- Daphne Shepherd, Re/Max Encore Realty
- Cassandra Will, Century 21 Bachman & Assoc.
This distinguished group of volunteer leaders collectively embodies the strategic vision and operational excellence required to navigate the complexities and capitalize on the opportunities within the Winnipeg real estate market, ensuring WRREB continues its legacy of service, innovation, and advocacy for its members and the broader community.
Under the seasoned leadership of Kourosh Doustshenas and with the robust support of its dedicated board of directors, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board is exceptionally positioned to foster continued growth, embrace diversity, champion critical advocacy efforts, and further solidify its crucial role in the development and prosperity of Winnipeg and its vibrant surrounding region in 2021 and beyond.