In a testament to outstanding achievement and burgeoning leadership within the global real estate industry, two exceptional Canadians have earned coveted spots on Coldwell Banker’s prestigious annual list of top affiliated real estate professionals under the age of 30. This distinguished recognition celebrates individuals who have not only excelled in sales performance but also demonstrated profound commitment to philanthropy and community leadership.
The Coldwell Banker “30 Under 30” award is more than just an accolade; it’s a beacon highlighting the future leaders of real estate, professionals who are redefining success through innovation, client-centric service, and a dedication to making a tangible difference. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Mike Bolger from Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty in Kitchener, Ontario, and Zev Kershman from Coldwell Banker Sarazen Realty in Ottawa, whose remarkable journeys exemplify the pinnacle of professional excellence and civic responsibility.
Celebrating Young Visionaries: The Coldwell Banker “30 Under 30” Distinction
The global real estate landscape is ever-evolving, demanding fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and an unwavering commitment to client success. The Coldwell Banker “30 Under 30” list serves as a vital benchmark, identifying young professionals who are not just adapting to these changes but are actively driving them. The criteria for inclusion are rigorous, encompassing exceptional sales achievements, a genuine dedication to philanthropic endeavors, and demonstrable leadership qualities within their respective agencies and communities. This holistic approach ensures that the honorees are well-rounded individuals poised to shape the future of the industry.
Being named to this exclusive list underscores a professional’s ability to navigate complex market conditions, build robust client relationships, and contribute positively to society, all before reaching their third decade. For Coldwell Banker, it’s an affirmation of their commitment to fostering talent and supporting the next generation of real estate trailblazers. For the honorees, it’s a powerful acknowledgment of their hard work, ingenuity, and profound impact. It highlights how young agents are challenging conventional practices and introducing new paradigms for client engagement and community involvement, truly setting a new standard for what success in real estate means.
Zev Kershman
Mike Bolger: Innovating Real Estate in Kitchener, Ontario
Mike Bolger, an integral part of Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty in Kitchener, Ont., embarked on his real estate journey in 2014. His immediate impact and sustained success are encapsulated in his own words: “I haven’t looked back since!” This sentiment reflects a deep-seated passion and an intuitive understanding of the market that has propelled him to the forefront of his profession at a remarkably young age. Mike’s approach is characterized by a blend of forward-thinking marketing tactics and a profound commitment to client satisfaction, setting him apart in a competitive landscape.
Client-Centric Marketing and Value Proposition
Understanding that today’s homebuyers and sellers seek more than just a transaction, Mike has pioneered a marketing strategy that adds tangible value and differentiates his services. His innovative offerings include complimentary Smart Home upgrades for his clients. In an era where technology seamlessly integrates with daily living, smart home features—such as automated lighting, thermostats, security systems, and voice-controlled devices—are highly desirable. By providing these upgrades, Mike not only enhances the appeal and functionality of the properties he sells but also positions his clients’ homes at the cutting edge of modern living, often resulting in quicker sales and higher perceived value. This foresight demonstrates an understanding of contemporary lifestyle trends and future housing demands, giving his clients a distinct advantage in the market.
Furthermore, Mike offers free home staging and interior design consultations, a critical service that can significantly impact a property’s marketability. Professional home staging transforms a living space into an inviting, aspirational environment, allowing potential buyers to visualize themselves in the home. It strategically arranges furniture, decor, and lighting to highlight the property’s best features, create a sense of spaciousness, and address any potential drawbacks. This process depersonalizes the space, enabling potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property rather than viewing it as someone else’s home. The result is a stronger first impression, increased buyer interest, and ultimately, a more efficient sale process that often commands optimal prices. By including these valuable services, Mike ensures his listings stand out, attracting more serious buyers and commanding optimal prices, while simultaneously alleviating a common source of stress for sellers.
A Heart for Community: Philanthropy and Volunteerism
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike Bolger is deeply embedded in the fabric of his community through extensive volunteer work and philanthropic efforts. His dedication to giving back is evident in his active involvement with several charitable organizations. He volunteers at the St. Vincent De Paul Society, an organization committed to assisting those in need by providing emergency aid, food, clothing, and promoting self-sufficiency. This work showcases his empathy and desire to support vulnerable populations in Kitchener, directly impacting local families facing hardship.
His commitment extends to Habitat for Humanity, a globally recognized non-profit focused on building affordable homes for families in need. By contributing his time and energy to this cause, Mike directly helps improve living conditions, provides stability, and fosters stronger, more resilient communities—a natural extension of his real estate profession. Additionally, he dedicates time to the Waterloo School Board breakfast program, ensuring that children start their day with a nutritious meal. This foundational support is crucial for their physical health, cognitive development, and ability to focus in school, highlighting his understanding of foundational community needs and investing in the future generation.
Moreover, Mike is actively involved in Minor League hockey, contributing to youth sports development and fostering teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles among young athletes. His multifaceted community engagement not only enriches the lives of those he helps but also strengthens his connections within Kitchener, building trust and demonstrating his unwavering commitment to local well-being. These philanthropic endeavors underscore the principle that true success in real estate transcends transactions, extending into meaningful, lasting community contributions that build a stronger, more connected society.
Zev Kershman: Blending Empathy, Technology, and Leadership in Ottawa
At just 28 years old, Zev Kershman of Coldwell Banker Sarazen Realty in Ottawa has already carved out an impressive career, distinguishing himself through a unique blend of empathetic client service, technological innovation, and impactful leadership. He obtained his real estate license while still pursuing his college education, a testament to his early ambition and foresight. From the outset, Zev observed the inherent stress and challenges clients face during a move. This keen observation became his guiding mission: to transform the often-daunting transition into an experience as seamless and comfortable as possible for every client, recognizing that buying or selling a home is one of life’s most significant and emotional events.
The Art of Building Lasting Relationships
Zev’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that success in real estate stems from investing “the extra effort to establish a bond with clients.” This isn’t merely a business strategy; it’s a deeply personal approach that prioritizes genuine human connection. He has meticulously built lasting relationships by focusing on personalized interactions, going above and beyond transactional duties. This includes frequently reaching out to clients with friendly calls on their birthdays, or simply to check in and see how they are doing, long after a deal has closed. These seemingly small gestures—remembering personal milestones and showing continued care—forge powerful, enduring relationships based on trust and care, often leading to repeat business and a robust network of referrals. Zev understands that a house is more than just property; it’s a home, and the process of buying or selling it is a significant life event that demands sensitivity, support, and a dedicated advocate.
Technological Prowess and Hyper-Local Expertise
While high-touch personal interactions form the bedrock of his client strategy, technology has been an equally vital contributor to Zev’s remarkable achievements. Recognizing the power of digital tools to educate and empower clients, Kershman has independently developed more than 30 specialized websites, each dedicated to individual condo buildings across Ottawa. These hyper-local digital platforms serve as invaluable resources, providing clients and consumers with pertinent research, detailed building information, market insights, and educational content tailored specifically to their needs.
This innovative approach positions Zev as an unparalleled expert in Ottawa’s condominium market. The websites not only equip potential buyers and sellers with crucial information, enabling them to make informed decisions about specific buildings, amenities, and market trends, but also serve as highly effective lead generation tools for Zev. By offering free, high-quality, localized content, he attracts a steady stream of engaged prospects who recognize his expertise and appreciate the value he provides before they even formally engage his services. This fusion of localized digital content and personal service creates a powerful competitive advantage, showcasing his commitment to transparency, education, and empowering his clients through knowledge.
Leadership and Mentorship Beyond Transactions
Zev’s influence extends far beyond individual client transactions. He is a passionate leader and mentor, notably serving as the co-chair of the Emerging Generations of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. In this pivotal role, he focuses on fostering engagement among individuals under the age of 40 within his community. This involves organizing events, creating networking opportunities, and developing programs designed to empower young professionals and integrate them more deeply into community life, encouraging civic participation and collective growth.
Furthermore, Zev dedicates significant time to mentoring other young professionals who are just embarking on their careers. He shares his insights, strategies, and experiences, helping to guide the next wave of leaders and entrepreneurs in the real estate and broader business sectors. This commitment to mentorship reflects his belief in collective growth and the importance of nurturing talent within the community. His leadership qualities, combined with his professional success and technological acumen, paint a picture of a dynamic young professional dedicated to holistic development and building a stronger future for those around him.
Coldwell Banker Canada’s Pride: A Vision for the Future
Andy Puthon, president of Coldwell Banker Canada, articulates the organization’s immense pride in these two outstanding individuals. “The Coldwell Banker organization has a long tradition of fostering the growth of young real estate professionals, and our Canadian operation is proud to see two of our remarkable future leaders honoured on this year’s list,” says Puthon. This statement underscores Coldwell Banker’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering its agents to achieve their full potential, recognizing that investing in young professionals is an investment in the future of the entire industry.
Puthon further emphasizes the rapid ascent and profound impact of Bolger and Kershman: “Very early in their real estate careers, they have achieved professional success, and shown praiseworthy dedication to both their colleagues and the communities they serve.” This acknowledgment highlights not only their individual accomplishments but also their broader contribution to the Coldwell Banker brand and the real estate industry as a whole. Their success serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that a combination of ambition, innovation, integrity, and community spirit can lead to extraordinary achievements at any age, reinforcing Coldwell Banker’s values.
These young professionals embody the values Coldwell Banker seeks to promote: excellence in service, innovation in approach, and a deep-seated responsibility to the communities they operate within. As they continue to grow and evolve in their careers, Mike Bolger and Zev Kershman are poised to leave an indelible mark on the Canadian real estate landscape, setting new standards for professionalism, client care, and community engagement. Their recognition on a global stage is a testament to the vibrant talent thriving within Coldwell Banker Canada and a promising indicator of the industry’s bright future, inspiring a new generation of real estate excellence.