MEET THE REALTOR: COLETTE COOPER

How long have you been working in real estate and what attracted you to this business?

I’ve been in real estate for over 30 years. I was initially drawn to the industry by a mix of curiosity, confidence, and inspiration from successful women I met through my fitness studio. What started as a leap of faith turned into a lifelong passion. I love guiding people through one of life’s biggest transitions. Every client and every home has a story — and that’s what keeps it exciting and deeply rewarding.

You now work with a small team. Can you explain the advantages of the team approach?

We’re a small, trusted team by design — because it allows us to deliver exceptional service with efficiency and care. With a dedicated Client Care Coordinator and three licensed Realtors, each with unique backgrounds and areas of expertise, we offer a collaborative, detail- focused approach to every transaction. Our clients appreciate the best of both worlds — boutique-level service with the capability and reach to handle even the most intricate real estate journeys.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

What drives my passion for real estate is the deep connection to the people I serve and the life-changing nature of the work. Helping someone find the right home — or move on to the next chapter — means being part of a meaningful moment in their lives. It’s never just about the transaction; it’s about trust, relationships, and guiding clients with care and confidence through one of their most important decisions.

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

We work with a diverse range of clients across many neighbourhoods and property types — from first-time buyers to downsizers, and from character homes to luxury estates. What I truly enjoy is building long-term
relationships. Many of my clients from over 30 years ago continue to work with me today, and it’s a joy to now assist their children and even their parents.

In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

I believe what sets me apart is a combination of experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to my clients. With decades in the industry, I bring deep market knowledge, strong negotiating skills, and a calm, strategic approach— especially valuable in high-pressure situations. Most importantly, I treat every client like family, always putting their needs first and building relationships that last well beyond the transaction.

colettecooper.com
905.648.4451 | colettecooper@royallepage.ca

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Meet the Realtor: Barbara Beers

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You have been working in real estate in Burlington and the surrounding area for many years now.  What attracted you to this business in the first place and how did you get started?

I was in a corporate business environment and preferred the independence real estate brought to the table. I loved the thrill of making the ‘deal’ and being the master of my own destiny.

 

Can you tell us a bit more about The Barbara Beers Team?

We evolved over time and remained small as a team and Brokerage. There are 2 agents plus myself and we work as a team with each of our clients.  Drew Maclennan and Alex Morgunov work in tandem with me for selling and buying on a very cohesive basis. There is a level of comfort with every client knowing we are dedicated to providing them with our best possible service. My administration team operates like a well-oiled machine handling all the paperwork to support the sales team. The combined efforts of everyone ensure there is continuous productivity and service excellence.

 

­­What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

I love the fact that I am the MASTER OF MY OWN DESTINY- responsible for everything I do. After all these years in the business I still love the Art of the Deal and coordinating all of the moving parts with my Associates.

 

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

We work with everyone at every level – from the first-time buyer to the luxury home market – urban, rural, condos and new builds across the GTA (Burlington, Oakville), Hamilton and surrounding area (Dundas, Ancaster), Niagara Peninsula and even west to Brant County.

 

You have been ranked in the Top 1% of all Royal LePage realtors in the country since 1989!  It’s an incredible achievement.  In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

I believe everyone wants to be treated the way you want to be treated – with priority, honesty, integrity, knowledge combined with negotiating experience to navigate through their transaction.  Our goal is to make our clients “our partners in real estate” with our personal service excellence. One of our greatest achievements is to receive positive client testimonials commending our team for their attention to detail, our marketing strategy, and their overall satisfactory experience.

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Meet the Realtor: Kieran McCourt

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You have been working in real estate in Oakville for many years now.  What attracted you to this business in the first place and how did you get started?

I have always enjoyed real estate, but more importantly I knew I wanted to work with people. After completing university, I worked briefly in accounting and knew it wasn’t for me. Ironically, I had met Don Goodale, through his daughter, while at university and we hit it off right away. I ended up contacting him when I was looking for a change and the rest is history.
Can you tell us a bit more about The Goodale Miller Team?

We have 14 full time licensed agents with a full admin and marketing team. We focus on a full-service experience for our clients and take marketing their properties very seriously. We still believe in print marketing while also focusing on online marketing and social media. We add value to our clients through our market intelligence – we have a vast amount of experience throughout our sales team and we are a true team in every sense of the word and work together to provide the best outcomes for our clients.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

I am lucky to call most of my client’s friends. Developing a friendship with someone while at the same time working towards connecting the dots to make their real estate goals a reality is what I love most about my work. It’s wonderful to work with a family over time, watching them grow, and assisting with their real estate needs throughout all chapters of their lives.

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

Most of my business has been in the southern corridor of Oakville, helping clients find sound investments in desirable locations. The beauty of our team is the ability to lean on other team members should I have a client looking to purchase in an area I don’t specialize in. I get to maintain that relationship while helping the client achieve their goals.

The Goodale Miller Team has been the Number 1 team in Canada for Century 21 for 17 years in a row and sometimes the Number 1 team in the world!  In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

I believe what sets us apart is the honest and knowledgeable advice that we provide our clients. We treat each client independent of one another, focusing solely on the goals of that client. In a highly competitive market, you are only as successful as those around you. From my colleagues on the team, to our marketing partners, we all share the same goals and objectives to provide a full-service experience with expert advice to those that trust us with one of their most valuable assets.

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Meet the Realtor: Brenda McKinley

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How long have you been working in real estate and what attracted you to this business? 

I have worked in and around Real Estate for most of my adult life.  I worked for real estate lawyers, accountants who were real estate investors, I spent 13 years negotiating union contracts and writing contract language, and before becoming licensed I worked in administration for a couple of local brokerages. I love houses. I love negotiations. I love framing contracts. I love helping families.  

Can you tell us a bit more about Davenport Realty? 

Davenport is a new brokerage by name but is backed by many, many, years of experience in our four locations. The founders have all come from different brokerages and we feel that we have brought the best features of those brokerages to build Davenport. Features like training, collaboration, and years of experience.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do? 

I enjoy walking clients through the process, giving them tips and tricks to make their homes more saleable, and helping them make their offers to purchase more acceptable, especially in these difficult times.

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with? 

I enjoy working with the average family. People looking to establish their families or downsizing to provide for their retirement. That’s why, when I was planning to open our Davenport Realty office, I chose a location right smack in the middle of the neighbourhoods where I grew up, where I met my husband and where I raised my family.

In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference? 

I know the neighbourhoods I choose to work in, the value of the homes, the target buyer, I am an excellent negotiator and I care. That is why so many of my clients come back time after time.

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Meet the Realtor: Albert Venditti

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Tell us a bit about your life before you started your real estate career. 

My early life through high school and university consisted of travelling the world and competing for Canada in the national and international stage.  I was on the Canadian National Team as an Olympic wrestler, and competed in Pan American Games, Mexico, the world championships, Bulgaria, and the Summer Olympics, Montreal. 

How long have you been working in real estate and how did you get started?

I am entering my 24th year as a licensed real estate agent, and have been in real estate most of my adult life after graduating. I was always interested in real estate and in my time off I would buy properties, do renovations, rent them or flip them. 

What is it that you love about this career and that makes you passionate about what you do?

What I love about my career is the thrill and excitement my clients get when they buy or sell their home. I am overcome with joy and a sense of accomplishment to see my client’s dreams come true. 

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

I work with a wide range of clients from the first-time buyers, to the move up buyers, to the high-end buyers. People are People and my job is actually all about working with people.

In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

People often ask me what I do to get business? My answer is, “I service the hell out of them”. If you do a great job, people will always come back to you and send you referrals. I believe that giving the best quality professional expert service is the key to any business.

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Meet the Realtors: Krista & Ellen

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What attracted you both to this business and how did you get started? 

Ellen: I started selling real estate in 1978.  Prior to that I was a Registered Nurse. I found I loved helping people make decisions about their lifestyle, and even though it meant living on straight commission income, I carved out a life that actually was more rewarding for me.

Krista: Before I was in real estate, I worked as an investment accountant.  I find it so rewarding to be able to help people through the biggest purchase or sale of their lives, and to be rewarded with success based on how hard I work. 

You both had established real estate careers individually before you decided to work together as a team.  What was the motivation behind joining forces?

Ellen: I recognized Krista as a leader.  She was super accomplished in her own business and had the same caring style that I have towards my clients. I could not have chosen anyone else that I can depend on to give the exact same level of service I do.

Krista: It’s extremely difficult to take holidays when you are in this business – even just a day off ! I covered for Ellen one winter while she was away, and our methods were so well-aligned that we decided to continue the partnership. We both always want to provide the best service for our clients, and having access to both of us ensures that at all times. 

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

Ellen: The fun of knowing the market so well, that it makes it so much easier to work with clients. After listing and selling in this area for 43 years, once you get to know what your client wants, we know where to go to find it.  

Krista: The satisfaction of guiding people through such a big decision. It can be very stressful, and there are so many items that people don’t consider simply because they’re not involved with this every day. 

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with? 

We sell all types of homes, as well as new builds and condos. We mainly work the Hamilton area, especially Ancaster and Dundas. We buy and sell for families, their children, their parents and estates in all price ranges. 

You are recognized as top performers with Royal LePage.  In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference and contributes to your success? 

Experience, caring about our clients’ investment. We offer what each client needs, including movers, stagers, estate sale organizers or things as simple as packing boxes. We give people time to get their homes ready so they feel comfortable listing. We also make sure we listen to our buyers and sellers. Each day needs may change. This is all about our clients, not us. That is what creates success.  

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Meet the Realtor: Rina DiRisio

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Can you think back to when you first started your real estate career….  What attracted you to this business and how did you get started?  

I loved looking at houses for sale and browsing through The Oakville Beaver’s real estate page. My now husband sold real estate while we were in University together. I was intrigued by his success and loved the idea of running my own business.

 

You obviously take great pride in your work.  What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do? 

I love the action. I love the fast pace and that things are always changing in this industry. Every real estate transaction is different – different people in different life stages and different circumstances, and obviously, needing different solutions to their needs. I love being the one that helps people through this buying and selling process and providing valuable guidance and insight.

 

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with? 

Oakville and Burlington. My clients are so widespread across the GTA now that I often need to specialize in multiple neighbourhoods and even cities. I make it my business to know every neighbourhood and every street. 

 

You have been a member of the elite National Chairman’s Club with Royal LePage for many years now.   In such a competitive business, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think has contributed to your success? 

They trust me. They know that, first and foremost, I always have their best interests at heart. I am more interested in life-long relationships with my clients, rather than just one transaction. A client told me once that everyone needs a good doctor, a good lawyer, and a good real estate agent – someone to always take care of you.

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Meet the Realtor: Luke O’Reilly

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How long have you been working in real estate?

I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary in October 2020 – time flies!

What attracted you to this business and how did you get started?

Real estate is in my blood. My family has been in the industry for decades, and I have always been drawn to the business from a very young age. After university, I had the great opportunity to join the family business, and had
excellent mentors, which helped me further my education and learn the ins and outs of the industry.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

Every day is exciting and new, which keeps things very interesting. I have had some
amazing clients over the years, which has made this career really enjoyable – many of these clients have turned into good friends. I love being an integral part of transitional periods in my clients’ lives, and helping these transitions (which can be stressful for some) go as smoothly as possible. I enjoy integrating new technologies and strategies to market my clients’ homes. Treating each transaction and situation as though I’m handling my own personal asset is the way I approach each client and situation.

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

I work with all different price ranges, but focus primarily on Burlington, Hamilton (and its many communities), and Haldimand County.

You are one of the Top 35 Realtors under the age of 35 with Royal LePage, and have been for several years now!  In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

I am grateful for the recognition, and for the trust my clients have placed in me.  It’s hard to put your finger on any one thing other than a lot of hard work, but I would list the following:

· personalized and first-class service

· having a small team of hand-picked professionals

· using cutting edge technology to
market listings

· investing in a diversified marketing
strategy to maximize exposure

· a results driven approach

· and a connection with my clients by genuinely caring about their best interests.

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Meet the Realtors: Kevin & Tina Girard

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How long have you been working in real estate?

We have been licensed Realtors for almost 10 years, but we have been real estate investors for 17 years. Tina and I have been together for 18 years and one thing we have always had in common is our love for real estate, and we have been involved in all aspects of the industry since that time. Tina’s father has been a Realtor for over 30 years and encouraged us to enter the sales side of the business – one of the best decisions we have ever made … aside from the time Tina said, “I do!” (Ha)

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

We are passionate about what we do because we love it! We don’t consider real estate to be a job, it is just something that has always been a part of our lives. Real estate is someone’s most valuable asset and we take great pride in the level of trust and confidence that our clients place with us every time they allow us to represent their best interests.

What attracted you to this business?

Both of our careers before real estate were in the communication, marketing, advertising and technology fields. We were already buying, selling and investing in properties for ourselves, and we love working with people. We also recognized areas of the industry that we felt needed improvement. So, it eventually became a natural progression to get into sales and utilize all of our skills to help our clients reach their real estate goals.  

Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?

We build our business based on trusted referrals. Our business model is to do such a good job for our clients that they want to tell all of their family and friends. Our clients often become our lifetime friends and acquaintances, and we want to be their trusted partner in real estate no matter what type of property they are selling or where in our great city it is located. If you look at our portfolio of sales, you will find that we have experience in all areas: from multi-million dollar estate homes to first time buyer townhomes and condominiums. We have also owned and sold multi-residential apartment buildings and commercial or industrial properties.

In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

We believe we have the most comprehensive digital and print marketing package available in the industry. We utilize our years of corporate experience in marketing and advertising, as well as advanced technologies to expose our listings to the widest audience possible, all while studying analytics to focus our efforts on areas with the highest levels of interest. Our buyers can rest assured that we have strong negotiation, communication and customer service skills as well as up-to-date expertise in current market trends. We would love a seat at the kitchen table (or Zoom screen) to demonstrate how we can make a difference!

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Meet the Realtors: Jo-Anne Copeland & Scott Russell

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Can you tell us about your background and experience in real estate?

We have been selling Real Estate for over a decade now. We first started with the Prudential Office at Oakville Towne Centre, which was a lovely “boutique” environment much like the one we have built at our Engel & Völkers office in Downtown Oakville.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

We take great pride in the relationships we have built over the years with friends, families and clients alike, and we are passionate about helping clients navigate through the journey of selling and/or buying a home which can often be a stressful process.  Nothing is more satisfying than hearing clients say they were filled with angst at the outset, and in the end commenting that the professionalism and care given made the experience an enjoyable one.

What was the motivation behind you choosing to open the Engel & Volkers office in Oakville?

Owning a Real Estate Brokerage was not on the radar for either one of us, until we were introduced to Engel & Völkers. After some initial research, we felt compelled to hop on a plane and head to the Americas headquarters on Park Avenue in NYC where we were greeted by no doubt the best in the business worldwide! Meeting Anthony Hitt, our CEO, sealed the deal for us.  Anthony credits his business and real estate success to his philosophy of providing exceptionally personal customer care and constantly implementing the most up-to-date systems for efficiency and comprehensive service.  The fit was undeniable, we forged ahead and here we are.

As soon as we touched down in Toronto, the first call we made was to Ruthanne Smith.  Ruthanne is our Director of Operations and the “Mother Bear” to all of us at Engel & Völkers Oakville!

Does Engel & Volkers offer home sellers and home buyers tools and advantages that other brokerages in this area do not offer?

The team that leads Engel & Völkers is made up of people who have been Realtors and heads of other Real Estate companies in the past, so they know the tools our buyer and seller clients demand and deserve.  Some of the tools include GG Magazine, syndication of listings to domestic and global real estate web sites that combined generate approximately 10 billion visitors annually, strong and consistent brand marketing and standards, and a referral network of over 11,000 real estate professionals in over 30 countries around the world.

In such a competitive market, with so many realtors and brokerages, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?

Our advisors dedicate the expertise, time and unmatched marketing resources we possess to help sell homes to the right buyer at the right price.  Working with an Engel & Völkers advisor gives sellers the EDGE that affords each listing extensive online exposure – an expectation of today’s savvy consumers and international clientele.  With our global network of real estate professionals, we not only reach millions of targeted consumers, but are able to collaborate with our fellow Engel & Völkers advisors world wide to strategically handpick and refer buyers for the specific properties they seek.

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