BBH: How does ICC work in layman terms?<\/strong><\/p>\nSM: I wanted it to be simple as most successful realtors are busy 24\/7. Basically, as a member, you are given access to in-demand pre-construction sites whereby all of the negotiations have been made in advance for you and your clients. You will have priority access, discounted pricing, investor-friendly terms and higher commissions. Plus the top performers will have the opportunity to win a Bentley GT, Range Rover Sport or Jaguar XF at our annual convention.<\/p>\n
We often hear about special software created for sales professionals to help expand their business. What’s your take on the software trend?<\/p>\n
I think there\u2019s an abundance of software on the market for sales professionals, but pretty much no one bothers to use them to their full potential. I feel that the simpler the system, the more likely it is it will be utilized to its fullest potential. For that reason, we invested a great deal of time and resources in making the ICC platform as easy as possible to use. It\u2019s based around the premise of \u2018one click to millions.\u2019 If you know how to send a basic email, you are more than qualified to use our software.<\/p>\n
BBH: What’s the recruitment process for your brokerage like? And how much are you looking to expand?<\/strong><\/p>\nSM: We really don\u2019t look at recruiting realtors. Most of the realtors in our brokerage division work in one of three ways: servicing our syndication client base on the assignment, resale, lease of their investment units; as in-house agents at developer sites; and as resale and leasing specialists in the condo sector. We are fortunate to have some of the leading high earning realtors with us for the past seven-plus years.<\/p>\n
Expansion in the brokerage division is not on the books at all for us. We want to be able to provide all the brokerage firms the valuable tools that we\u2019ve developed so that they can improve and increase their own recruitment models.<\/p>\n
With so many VIP events happening through condo developers, what’s the point of an Insiders Club?
\nIts fair to say that only a small percentage of realtors get the access they need and even then, most of them are not given the privilege of buying the units that their clients request. As of now, most of the top earning one per cent of condo realtors get over 70 per cent of the access. In essence, no one really wants to step up and change the system to make it more fair for the average realtors who make up a huge market share.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s this premise that has allowed the formation of ICC as well its success in such a short period of time. We are able to work hand-in-hand with developers to transform the playing field for realtor access.<\/p>\n
BBH: What does ICC offer that makes it stand out from the many different developer-operated platinum style or VIP clubs and groups?<\/strong><\/p>\nSM: We feel times have changed and we need to even the playing field for everyone. Many leading developers have already contacted us and asked us for proposals for projects they have in the pipeline for 2015 and beyond as they too have realized they need to step up their game and appeal to the masses versus a small group of realtors and buyers.<\/p>\n
Many so-called VIP or Platinum clubs require a realtor to prove themselves by doing five to 10 deals before they can even get access to any worthy sites. ICC allows any licensed realtors in good standing with their real estate board to join and have the same access as the most successful member.<\/p>\n
BBH: I understand that ICC is involved in charity work with the Sick Kids Foundation. Why did you choose it as your charity of choice? What are your fundraising goals for the foundation in the upcoming year?<\/strong><\/p>\nSM: We have been extremely fortunate to be working in an industry that has and continues to boom beyond everyone\u2019s expectations. It would be a shame if we didn\u2019t give back. Many of my clients are in the health and medical arena and after speaking to them, decided that Sick Kids Foundation was a very worthy cause.<\/p>\n
From our inaugural event at Garrison Point,<\/a> we pledged a donation of $10,000 and hope to be able to raise over $100,000 in our first year of operations. We are looking forward to encouraging our members to also come forward and step up and give.<\/p>\nIn 2014, we were also involved in a charitable endeavor with St. Michael\u2019s Hospital. We contributed $50,000 to the Cardiovascular Research program to specifically sponsor a PhD student through her program and to add to the incredible work that St. Michaels Hospital does on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
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