From Rinks to Real Estate: Mark Faris and The Faris Team’s Unstoppable Ascent
The journey of Mark Faris, a name synonymous with unparalleled success in Canadian real estate, is a compelling narrative of ambition, discipline, and strategic vision. Before becoming a titan in the property market, Faris honed his competitive edge on the ice, playing semi-professional hockey in Sweden and the United States. His time in the rink instilled in him core principles that would later define his entrepreneurial spirit, heavily influenced by legendary insights like Wayne Gretzky’s timeless adage, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” This unwavering belief in action over inaction became a guiding philosophy, propelling him from the frozen expanse of the hockey arena to the dynamic world of real estate.
Faris first laced up skates at the tender age of five, dedicating nearly two decades to the sport he loved. By 23, he was competing in the Central Hockey League in Texas, a testament to his skill and commitment. Yet, even as hockey formed the bedrock of his young adult life, an evolving realization began to take root: his passion for the game was waning. This pivotal moment led to a period of profound introspection, culminating in a life-altering decision made in consultation with his wife, Joanna. In 2006, Mark Faris decided to pivot, redirecting his formidable energy and work ethic toward a new, challenging career path: real estate. This transition wasn’t a departure from his core values; instead, it was an application of the same “full out” dedication he had brought to hockey, underpinned by discipline, relentless effort, and another profound Gretzkyism: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck isn’t.” Faris was ready to play where the puck would be, envisioning future opportunities in the burgeoning real estate landscape.
The Hockey Ethos: A Foundation for Business Acumen
Mark Faris’s transition from a promising hockey career to an elite real estate professional wasn’t merely a change of profession; it was a testament to the transferable skills forged in the crucible of competitive sports. The discipline required for early morning practices, the strategic thinking needed for game-day decisions, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks all became invaluable assets in his new venture. Gretzky’s wisdom, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,” resonated deeply with Faris, encouraging him to embrace calculated risks and seize every opportunity in the competitive real estate market. This philosophy meant cold calls, relentless networking, and an eagerness to learn every facet of the industry.
Moreover, the concept of “playing where the puck isn’t” became a metaphor for his innovative approach to business. While many agents focused on immediate transactions, Faris sought to anticipate market trends, identify underserved niches, and build a sustainable, client-centric business model. This forward-thinking strategy allowed him to stay ahead of the curve, constantly adapting and evolving to meet the changing demands of buyers and sellers. It wasn’t just about selling houses; it was about understanding market dynamics, fostering relationships, and creating value that wasn’t immediately obvious to others. This proactive stance, deeply rooted in his athletic past, laid the groundwork for the extraordinary success that was soon to follow.
Building an Empire: The Faris Team’s Remarkable Achievements
Today, at 33, Mark Faris stands as the highly respected Broker and CEO of The Faris Team Brokerage, affiliated with Royal LePage First Contact Realty. His career in real estate has been nothing short of meteoric, transforming him from a “good hockey player” into a truly “great” real estate leader. The sales statistics of The Faris Team are a resounding endorsement of his vision and leadership, showcasing a rapid ascent to the pinnacle of the industry. Their impressive track record speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence and strategic market penetration.
In 2015, The Faris Team earned the distinguished title of the No. 1 Royal LePage team across all of Canada, an extraordinary feat within a highly competitive national network. This achievement underscored their dominant performance and unparalleled market share. Their regional influence was equally profound, as they were consistently ranked the No. 1 team in Simcoe County, Ontario, among all brokerages from 2011 to 2015. This consistent leadership demonstrated a deep understanding of the local market and an unwavering commitment to serving the communities within the region. Furthermore, in 2015, The Faris Team also secured a coveted spot among the top five teams on the prestigious Toronto Real Estate Board, highlighting their broader impact within one of North America’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Faris’s individual contributions and entrepreneurial spirit were also recognized with significant accolades. He was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2015 from The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, celebrating his innovative business practices and profound impact on the local economy. Beyond these specific distinctions, Mark Faris and his team have accumulated numerous other awards for both corporate excellence and community achievements, solidifying their reputation as leaders not only in sales but also in ethical business practices and community engagement. These recognitions, many of which accumulated in just a single year, paint a vivid picture of an organization and a leader operating at the very peak of their capabilities.
Roots and Resilience: Early Days and the Power of Partnership
Mark Faris’s foundational values and competitive spirit were forged during his upbringing on a farm in the Barrie area. As the oldest boy among nine children, with six brothers, he learned early the importance of hard work, responsibility, and the dynamics of a large, collaborative family unit. He attributes much of his success to date to this blend of a fiercely competitive nature, deeply ingrained Christian values, an unshakeable work ethic, unwavering integrity, and an intimate knowledge of the local landscape he has called home for so long.
When Faris first ventured into real estate, it was a true partnership with his wife, Joanna. She played an indispensable role, handling critical aspects such as home staging, professional photography, strategic marketing, and compelling design. Together, they meticulously crafted a distinct brand identity and a powerful company motto that encapsulated their service philosophy: “Full out for you!” This motto wasn’t just a slogan; it was a promise to their clients, echoing Mark’s all-in dedication from his hockey days.
Their initial foray into the business was marked by ambitious goals and relentless effort. In their very first year, despite being “run off our feet” with exhaustive work, they narrowly missed their target of 40 sales by just two. This experience quickly highlighted a crucial insight: they couldn’t sustain their growth and provide exceptional service by doing everything themselves. Recognizing the need for strategic expansion, they made their first pivotal hire, bringing Sabrina Staunton onto the team. Faris recalls the immediate and dramatic impact of this decision: “With the extra help, we went from 38 sales to 100 in the next year. It was a good investment.” This early, strategic decision to invest in talent proved instrumental in accelerating their growth trajectory and solidified their understanding that the right people were key to scaling their success.
Today, Sabrina Staunton continues to be a valued member of The Faris Team, serving as a dedicated sales representative in Southern Georgian Bay, one of the 17 diverse cities, towns, and townships across the broader Barrie area that The Faris Team proudly serves. This expansive reach demonstrates their deep market penetration and commitment to clients across the region.
The Faris Team Philosophy: People Over Numbers
The growth of The Faris Team has been strategic and deliberate, guided by a philosophy that prioritizes quality and people over mere transactional volume. The current team is a formidable force, comprising more than a dozen highly skilled sales representatives, a robust administrative department that ensures smooth operations, and an innovative marketing department dedicated to showcasing properties and the Faris brand. At the helm, Mark Faris serves as CEO, while Joanna Faris leverages her creative and strategic talents as Chief Marketing Officer. Their leadership structure also includes a dedicated general manager and a sales manager, who also serves as their broker of record, ensuring meticulous oversight and compliance.
Mark Faris describes their collaborative leadership approach, stating, “Together, we oversee things with a bird’s eye perspective.” This holistic view ensures that every aspect of the business aligns with their core values and long-term vision. He emphasizes that their focus is not solely on quantitative metrics. “It’s not always about numbers. We’re not going to go on a hiring spree to get more agents to do more deals. It’s about hiring the right people and training them properly.” This discerning approach ensures that every team member embodies the Faris Team’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Faris affectionately refers to his sales representatives as “sales partners” and often hails them as his “super agents,” underscoring the collaborative and high-performance culture within the brokerage. The team dynamic is further strengthened by the presence of several members from his immediate or extended family, fostering a deep sense of trust and shared purpose. This close-knit environment necessitates a rigorous selection process. “We are very careful who we bring in because it is important to have the right people working for us,” Faris explains. He draws a powerful parallel to his hockey background, noting, “In hockey, the best player on the team could be a disruptive influence on the team and that affects everyone.” This analogy highlights his commitment to team cohesion and ensuring that every new hire positively contributes to the collective success and harmonious working environment.
When reflecting on the momentous achievement of setting an all-time sales record in Royal LePage’s illustrious 100+ year history, Faris expresses a profound sense of gratitude and humility. “We are humbled and proud, but we don’t focus on looking over our shoulder and trying to stay No. 1. Instead, we ask ourselves, ‘What is our next goal?’” This forward-looking mindset is a cornerstone of their continuous improvement philosophy. He elaborates on this relentless pursuit of progress, stating that they are constantly setting new goals and refining their service offerings. “Growth without sustaining or improving service is not good for anyone because that is short term. We take a long-term perspective. Yes, growth is happening organically, but not at the cost of quality of service.” This steadfast commitment to maintaining and enhancing service quality ensures that their rapid growth is built upon a solid foundation of client trust and satisfaction, a strategy that defines their sustained success in a fiercely competitive market.
Guiding Principles: Faith, Love, and Relentless Improvement
At the heart of Mark Faris’s leadership and the Faris Team’s success lies a deeply held set of personal values. A devoted member of the Connexus Community Church in Barrie and a loving father to three boys aged four to eight, Faris openly credits Jesus Christ for having the most profound influence on his life. He frequently acknowledges being blessed “for His unmerited love and favour,” emphasizing that the guiding principles for both his personal life and business endeavors are derived from his favorite book, the Bible. This spiritual foundation provides a moral compass that informs every decision and interaction.
The word “love” emerges frequently in conversations with the award-winning broker, revealing a core aspect of his leadership philosophy. “I truly love the culture of the Faris Team and our ability to serve people,” he shares. This genuine affection for his team and their collective mission fosters a positive and supportive work environment. He further explains the intrinsic connection between his personal life and professional ethos: “Joanna and I met in church, so we have a solid foundation. Out of that grew a love for our clients. If you love your client, you will do the right thing and go the extra mile.” This client-centric approach, rooted in compassion and integrity, is not merely a business strategy; it is an authentic extension of his deeply held beliefs, ensuring that every client interaction is characterized by genuine care and a commitment to their best interests. Faris consistently emphasizes to his team that in such a fiercely competitive market, continuous improvement is not an option but a necessity. He warns them that without constant evolution and striving for betterment, “your house of cards will come falling down,” a stark reminder of the dynamic and unforgiving nature of the real estate industry.
Strategic Growth and Future Vision: Advice for Aspiring Agents
Mark Faris’s extensive experience has cultivated a keen understanding of what it takes to thrive in real estate. He firmly believes that aspiring agents should dedicate a significant portion of their time—ideally 80 percent—to prospecting. His rationale is simple yet powerful: “drumming up business doesn’t cost anything,” highlighting the value of proactive outreach and relationship building as a cost-effective path to success. When asked to impart advice to young professionals entering the demanding world of real estate, Faris stresses the paramount importance of unwavering focus on one’s goals and maintaining a laser-sharp “eye on the tiger.” This metaphor for intense concentration is more than just an expression; it’s a personal ritual. On his way to listing appointments, he often fuels his determination by listening to the iconic theme from the Rocky movie, internalizing its powerful lyrics: “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight. Risin’ up to the challenge of our rivals.” This practice underscores his belief in the psychological aspect of success, leveraging inspiration to maintain peak performance.
He candidly admits that the early days of his career were fraught with challenges, moments where he nearly succumbed to the pressure and considered giving up. However, an intrinsic motivation and an unyielding desire to succeed propelled him forward. His powerful message to anyone facing similar hurdles is unambiguous: “Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.” This speaks to his resilience and the conviction that determination can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Faris expresses profound enjoyment for the real estate business, primarily because of its inherent challenges and the exciting reality that “nothing is the same every day.” This dynamic environment ensures constant learning and prevents complacency. He acknowledges that the industry is in a perpetual state of flux, demanding continuous adaptation. “If you want to stay in this business, and continue to improve and get better, you must accept change.” This forward-thinking perspective is crucial for sustained relevance and growth. His sentiments echo an insightful observation once made by hockey superstar Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins: “Whether I’m trying to learn in hockey or in life, I’ve always tried to be observant and tried to learn more; tried to evolve, whether it’s as a hockey player or as a person.” This parallel perfectly encapsulates Mark Faris’s own journey—a relentless pursuit of growth, adaptation, and excellence, both as a leader in real estate and as an individual driven by purpose.
Through a combination of unwavering determination, strategic foresight, and a deep-seated commitment to values, Mark Faris and The Faris Team have not only shattered records but also redefined what is possible in Canadian real estate. Their story is a powerful testament to the idea that with the right mindset, a strong team, and a continuous hunger for improvement, any goal—no matter how ambitious—is within reach.