Reflecting on a Monumental Year: 2023 in Review
As we close the chapter on 2023, we look back on a year that was nothing short of remarkable for Oakwyn Realty. It was a year of milestones, celebrations, and growth, all grounded in our core values and the incredible community that makes everything we do possible.
Growing Together: New Offices, New Opportunities
This year, Oakwyn expanded its reach, opening doors to new offices in North Shore, and the Okanagan, with more on the horizon. Each new location represents our commitment to providing exceptional service and creating spaces where agents can thrive. With these additions, we’re proud to strengthen our presence across British Columbia, building connections and opportunities in these vibrant communities.
Theme of the Year
Oakwyn's 2023 theme, "Unite", reflects the heart of the Oakwyn community. The spirit of unity drives our growth, empowers our agents, and fosters a culture where everyone belongs. "Unite" is more than a theme; it’s a reminder that we’re stronger together, creating opportunities and achieving excellence as one.
A Decade of Oakwyn
2023 marked a major milestone: Oakwyn’s 10th anniversary. What started as a vision to redefine the real estate experience has blossomed into a thriving network of professionals driven by shared values and a collective passion for excellence. Our decade of success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of everyone in the Oakwyn family.
Celebrating Women and Community
This year, we also saw one of our biggest WOO (Women of Oakwyn) events to date. Supporting and uplifting women has always been a cornerstone of Oakwyn’s culture, and the WOO event brought together an inspiring group of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to celebrate the power and impact of women in our industry.
A Year of Memorable Events
From our third annual Golf Tournament to the unforgettable Teams Day, 2023 was filled with events that brought us closer as a community. Teams Day, in particular, showcased the strength of collaboration and the importance of working together toward shared goals! As a celebration of our 10th anniversary, we organized an unforgettable group trip to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, and it truly was a celebration to remember! Our base for this exciting adventure was the luxurious Wynn Hotel, which provided the perfect backdrop for our festivities.
Masters Class: Elevate Your Real Estate Business
As part of our celebrations, we hosted an exclusive Masters Class seminar titled “The Real Estate Business - C-Suite Seminar.” This unique event offered invaluable insights into structuring executive principles within your real estate practice. Attendees delved into the essential characteristics and roles of the CEO, COO, and CFO, learning how to build an exceptional business that can drive success.
This seminar not only provided practical knowledge but also created a fantastic opportunity for like-minded professionals eager to diversify and enhance their leadership skills.
Living Our Values
Throughout the year, we remained steadfast in our commitment to Oakwyn’s core values: Put People First, Innovate Service, Create Community, be a Real Estate Nerd, Lead By Example, Pursue Growth & Learning, Embrace & Drive Change. These values are the foundation of everything we do, from supporting our agents and clients to giving back to the communities we serve.
Gratitude for Our Community
At the heart of Oakwyn is an amazing community of agents, partners, and clients who inspire us every day. Your support and dedication fuel our growth and success, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Together, we’ve created a culture of collaboration, trust, and excellence that sets Oakwyn apart.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to welcome 2024, we do so with excitement and optimism. The achievements of 2023 have laid the groundwork for even greater possibilities ahead. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next year.
Here’s to the next chapter in the Oakwyn story!
Oakwyn's 2023 Holiday Party
A Freeze Came to Town: Oakwyn's Batman-Inspired Holiday Party
This December, Oakwyn Realty hosted an unforgettable holiday party at D6 Parq Vancouver, with a twist that could only be described as chillingly cool. Themed after Batman’s iconic Mr. Freeze, the night was an icy, Gotham-style gala where Oakwynites embraced the spirit of winter with style, creativity, and a dash of villainous flair.
Gotham Came Alive: A Night of Glamour and Fun
The event, titled A Freeze is Coming! invited guests who were encouraged to dress in their finest Gotham-inspired attire, and they didn’t disappoint. From sleek, high-society gala looks to whimsical costumes inspired by icy landscapes, Oakwynites rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
The night was a visual feast of creativity, with attendees arriving in attire which captured the essence of both winter and the iconic world of Gotham. One standout was an Oakwynite Tyson Kliem, who embodied the theme with a "diamond-powered" suit that shimmered with icy elegance—proving once again that Oakwyn's sense of style is truly larger-than-life.
From the atmosphere to the fashion, the event was a true celebration of creativity, style, and the unmistakable magic of Gotham. Guests mingled under twinkling lights, sipping signature cocktails and enjoying an evening that felt straight out of a comic book.
Diamonds & Décor: Adding Extra Sparkle
In a special touch, Josh Raber from Vancouver Diamonds provided dazzling diamonds that elevated the atmosphere to the next level. From shimmering centerpieces to sparkling accessories, the glittering gems brought Gotham’s sophistication to life, adding a layer of elegance that Mr. Freeze himself would have approved.
A Holiday Party to Remember
The Oakwyn Holiday Party wasn’t just another event on the calendar—it became a celebration of what makes Oakwyn truly special. It was an unforgettable experience that brought the team together to reflect on the year’s hard work, share moments of joy, and marvel at the creativity that flowed through every guest. Laughter filled the air as the Oakwyn family connected, not just as colleagues, but as a close-knit community that thrives on collaboration and camaraderie.
With an array of delicious food, a lively soundtrack that got everyone in the holiday spirit, and just the right touch of Gotham mystery hanging in the air, the event perfectly captured the magic of the season. It was a fitting and festive way to wrap up an incredible year, blending the company’s commitment to excellence with the playful, imaginative spirit that defines Oakwyn.
As we reflect on a year of success, milestones, and growth, we raise a glass to Oakwyn’s thriving community—where imagination, camaraderie, and a little bit of Gotham cool are always in style. Here’s to another year of achievements, another year of dreams realized, and a holiday season that’s sure to be filled with fun, flair, and plenty of memorable moments.
Teams Day 2023
Oakwyn Teams Day: A Gathering to Unite, Inspire, and Build Stronger Teams
At Oakwyn, 2023 was the Year to Unite. In a real estate industry often defined by competition, Oakwyn embraced a different approach, bringing people together to build stronger, more collaborative teams. Putting this year’s theme of Unite into action, Oakwyn hosted Teams Day on November 6, 2023, at the historic Vancouver Club. This special event provided a platform for team leaders, aspiring team members, and all Oakwynites to come together, learn, and foster a culture of support and teamwork.
A Day of Insight, Strategy, and Connection
Beginning at 12:30 PM, the day opened with a Team Lead Panel, featuring insights from some of Oakwyn’s leaders: Denny Dumas, Jessica Chen, Mike Stewart, and Pete Shpak. This exclusive session for team leads offered a rare opportunity for these leaders to discuss their strategies, experiences, and challenges in team building, leadership, and sustaining high-performance cultures within Oakwyn. The panel’s collaborative discussion set the tone for a day centered on unity and growth.
Following a brief break, the event opened to all Oakwyn team members at 2:30 PM for a workshop led by Robin Turnill, Managing Consultant at People & Culture. With over 20 years of experience in executive management and consulting, Robin provided valuable insights on building effective communication, fostering healthy team dynamics, and developing strategies that prioritize people and culture. Her practical, interactive approach encouraged Oakwynites to rethink team dynamics and to prioritize strategies that lead to cohesive, resilient teams. Every participant left with actionable strategies to bring out the best in themselves and their teams.
Fostering Connections at the Meet & Greet
To close the day, Oakwyn hosted an open Meet & Greet from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, designed for those interested in building teams or joining one. The meet and greet provided a relaxed, open space where Oakwyn team members explored new connections, discussed shared goals, and discovered how they could contribute to the collective mission. This informal networking time encouraged Oakwynites to connect across various levels and specialties, sparking new ideas for collaboration and growth.
About the Guest Speaker: Robin Turnill
Robin Turnill, the guest speaker of the day, was a Managing Consultant in People & Culture with a distinguished career spanning two decades. Having served in executive HR roles and as a Chief Operating Officer, Robin brought expertise from both public and private sectors and non-profits. Her strategic HR consulting has supported clients across industries, including legal, financial, healthcare, and education, and she is known for her impactful work in developing effective teams, strategic HR services, and employee-centric workplace cultures. Her experience provided Oakwynites with key insights into how to cultivate meaningful professional relationships and foster an environment where each team member thrives.
Oakwyn’s Commitment to Unity
The Teams Day event underscored Oakwyn’s commitment to nurturing a collaborative and supportive culture. In an industry where individual success is often the focus, Oakwyn’s Unite theme and this event demonstrated that true strength lies in teamwork. By investing in its people, fostering open communication, and creating spaces for genuine connection, Oakwyn sets itself apart as a place where unity, support, and mutual growth are foundational values.
As Oakwyn looks toward the future, the connections made and lessons learned at Teams Day played a vital role in building a workplace that celebrates unity and collaboration, empowering every team member to thrive together.
WOO 2023
Believe, Build, Become: A Powerful Evening at WOO 2023
The Women of Oakwyn (WOO) event returned this year on Wednesday, October 18, at the iconic Permanent Library Ltd. in downtown Vancouver. Set against the elegant backdrop of Pender Street, the theme Believe, Build, Become called women to gather, celebrate, and inspire one another in a community built on connection and support. WOO has become a dedicated space to champion women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
The Evening’s Highlights: Inspiring Speakers & Purposeful Networking
Attendees experienced an engaging evening, beginning with a warm reception featuring cocktails, canapés, and conversation. Co-founder Morgan Browne opened the event with remarks celebrating the spirit of WOO, followed by our first speaker, Andrea Hill of Cause We Care. Andrea shared insights drawn from her extensive work supporting single mothers and children in Vancouver, emphasizing the impact of community and generosity.
After Andrea’s talk, Paulina Cameron, CEO of The Forum, took the stage. As a leader in women’s entrepreneurship, Paulina shared an empowering message about the resources and support needed to succeed, alongside practical advice for today’s businesswomen.
The evening energy continued to climb with keynote speaker Meeru Dhalwala, co-founder of Vancouver’s renowned restaurant Vij’s. Known for her innovative approach to Indian cuisine and dedication to empowering women in the culinary industry, Meeru’s story of resilience, creativity, and commitment to her team and community left a lasting impression, inspiring all in attendance.
Finally, Co-Founder Arlene Chiang closed the event with visionary words that ignited excitement for the future. Each year, these speeches and shared stories bring renewed energy, reminding attendees of the strength found in shared journeys.
Beneficiaries: Cause We Care & The Forum
Beyond the inspiration and celebration of the evening, WOO 2023 held a greater purpose. The proceeds from this year’s event went to Cause We Care and The Forum, two organizations championing women’s empowerment. Cause We Care assists single mothers in Vancouver through programs designed to help them achieve economic security and a brighter future for their families. The Forum, Canada’s leading organization for supporting women entrepreneurs, provides education, mentorship, and community resources to empower women to thrive. With over 12,000 women reached since its founding in 2002, The Forum’s impact resonates nationwide.
A Movement of Empowerment and Change
Attending WOO 2023 was more than just participating in an event—it was becoming part of a movement that is sparking real, transformative change. WOO isn’t just about inspiration; it’s about action. Through initiatives like scholarships, mentorship programs, and strategic support, WOO has empowered countless women to break barriers, pursue their passions, and turn their dreams into reality. Each year, we witness the power of collective strength, where women come together to uplift one another and create tangible opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.
The ripple effect of this event extends far beyond the walls of Oakwyn. The connections made, the lessons learned, and the partnerships formed are contributing to a wave of positive change that’s felt not only in our local community but across industries, organizations, and the lives of every woman touched by WOO. The Women Of Oakwyn organization is more than events, it's a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and lasting transformation. As we continue to Believe, Build, and Become, we are creating a future where every woman’s potential is not just recognized, but actively nurtured and celebrated.
WOO 2023 was an unforgettable evening where we came together to Believe, Build, and Become, creating a lasting impact for women in our community and beyond.
Swinging for Success: Our 3rd Annual Golf Course Event
North Shore Opening Party
https://youtube.com/shorts/4K_nBUXvoBg?feature=share
The Oakwyn Team is proud to announce the grand opening of our North Shore office, located in the beautiful Edgemont Business Community! This marks a significant milestone for our company, and we couldn’t be more proud to serve this vibrant area.
To commemorate the occasion, North Shore Managing Broker, Joe Lloyd, had the honor of cutting the ribbon, officially welcoming our new location to the community. This opening reflects our commitment to providing exceptional real estate services while fostering strong connections within the neighborhood.
We are excited to be part of the Edgemont Business Community and look forward to contributing to its growth and success. Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we settle into our new home!
Thank you for your support, and here’s to new beginnings at our North Shore location!
Lights, Learning, and Celebration: Oakwyn Takes Vegas!
To commemorate Oakwyn’s 10th anniversary, we organized an unforgettable group trip to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, and it truly was a celebration to remember! Our base for this exciting adventure was the luxurious Wynn Hotel, which provided the perfect backdrop for our festivities.
Masters Class: Elevate Your Real Estate Business
As part of our celebrations, we hosted an exclusive Masters Class seminar titled “The Real Estate Business - C-Suite Seminar.” This unique event offered invaluable insights into structuring executive principles within your real estate practice. Attendees delved into the essential characteristics and roles of the CEO, COO, and CFO, learning how to build an exceptional business that can drive success.
This seminar not only provided practical knowledge but also created a fantastic opportunity for like-minded professionals eager to diversify and enhance their leadership skills.
A Night to Remember
The festivities continued with a unique dining experience at Superfrico in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. On Thursday, May 11th, we kicked off the evening by gathering at the Wynn Hotel, where we boarded a party bus for a stylish ride down the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The excitement was palpable as we headed to our dinner destination, setting the tone for an immersive culinary experience.
Our dinner at Superfrico was nothing short of spectacular, allowing us to bond and celebrate our achievements together in a lively atmosphere.
A special thank you to our luxury travel agent, Kemi Wells, for helping make this trip extraordinary!
Here’s to many more years of success and collaboration at Oakwyn!
Celebrating Mother’s Day at Oakwyn: A Tribute to Diversity
This Mother’s Day, we at Oakwyn embraced our theme of “Unite” by coming together to celebrate the incredible mothers in our community. In our special video, we highlight the strength, love, and diverse stories that showcase the uniqueness of each mother and their loved one's.
Join us as we honor the remarkable contributions of mothers from all walks of life, showcasing the bonds that connect us. Let’s cherish the moments that celebrate our shared experiences and individual journeys.
Watch the video and be inspired by the beautiful narratives that remind us of the importance of unity and diversity in our lives.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!
2023 Sales Kickoff: Unite!
Celebrating a Decade of Success: 10 Years of Oakwyn
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of Oakwyn Realty. From our humble beginnings to becoming a leading force in the real estate industry, we’ve achieved so much together. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and highlight some of the pivotal moments that have shaped our company.
2013: OPUS REALTY FOUNDED
Our story began in 2013 with the founding of Opus Realty. This was the first step in our commitment to redefining the real estate experience.
2014: BLOCKBUSTER SIGN TAKE DOWN & FIRST SALES KICKOFF
In 2014, we marked a significant change with the purchase of a Blockbuster location, symbolizing our fresh start. Our renovations began June 16, with the removal of the signage out front. We also held our first Sales Kickoff, bringing together our agents to ignite the energy and passion for real estate.
2015: OAKWYN REALTY NAME CHANGE & FIRST IG POST
The transition to Oakwyn Realty began in 2015, marking a new chapter in our journey. That year also saw our first Instagram post, as we embraced social media to connect with our community. Additionally, a bit later on the year, we hosted our first office tagging event and celebrated the opening of our Oakwyn Realty HQ office.
2016: FIRST "CULTURE BUILDERS" HAPPY HOURS
In 2016, we introduced our "Culture Builders" happy hours, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among our team. This was also the year we unveiled the iconic O sign, a symbol of our brand.
2017: FIRST WOO EVENT & BRANCH EXPANSION
2017 was a landmark year, featuring our inaugural WOO event which fostered team spirit and camaraderie among our agents. We also celebrated a fantastic victory at the REBGV Softball Tournament, showcasing our competitive spirit. In addition, we expanded our reach with the opening of our North Vancouver branch and the Downtown office, solidifying our presence in the region and enhancing our ability to serve our clients and community.
2018: FIRST OAKWYN KINDNESS CHALLENGE
In 2018, we launched the first Oakwyn Kindness Challenge, emphasizing our commitment to community and compassion.
2019: INNOVATION AND CELEBRATION
The year 2019 was filled with innovation and celebration. We kicked off the first Medallion Shoot "Jeans Up" campaign.
We also hosted our inaugural Pride event photo shoot , as well as began Happy Hour events at 1181. The Oakwyn Encore also made its debut, celebrating our achievements.
2020: PIONEERING NEW INITIATIVES
As we navigated a challenging year, we premiered the Oakwyn Podcast, launched the Vancouver Island branch, and celebrated our 2nd Annual Medallion Shoot "Readers Are Leaders." We were honored to be recognized as one of Globe & Mail's Top Growing Companies in Canada.
2021: CONTINUED GROWTH
In 2021, we expanded further with the Okanagan branch location and hosted our first golf tournament, bringing our team together in a new way.
2022: OAKWYN NORTHWEST OPENS
2022 saw the opening of Oakwyn Northwest, further broadening our footprint. We also held our first Oakwyn Okanagan happy hour, continuing to build our culture of connection.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated agents, staff, and the communities we serve. Each moment in our timeline reflects the passion, hard work, and commitment to excellence that define Oakwyn Realty.
Here’s to the next decade of growth, innovation, and success together! Thank you for being a part of our journey.
A Groovy Night: Oakwyn's Disco Holiday Party
This year’s holiday party was an exceptional occasion, marking the first time in two years that Oakwynites from across BC gathered for a festive celebration. The theme of the evening was a vibrant 70’s disco, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. Attendees embraced the spirit of the era, donning stylish bell bottoms and platform shoes.
The culinary offerings were nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the incredible team at Riley’s Vancouver. Guests enjoyed a delightful array of dishes, including fresh seafood and a mouthwatering prime rib. The evening also featured a selection of beverages, ensuring a celebratory atmosphere throughout.
The dance floor came alive with energy as participants engaged in lively dance competitions, showcasing their best moves. It was a wonderful opportunity for connection and camaraderie among colleagues. The excitement continued with the announcement of prizes, including exquisite diamond earrings generously provided by Vancouver Diamonds. The joy and anticipation in the room were palpable as winners were revealed.
This holiday party not only marked a joyous return to tradition but also served as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate. We eagerly anticipate next year’s event and look forward to unveiling a new theme.
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of this evening. Here’s to more memorable gatherings in the future!
Celebrating Female Leadership - WOO 2022
Cheers to Connection!
Oakwyn recently had the pleasure of hosting yet another successful WOO event this month at The Kent. WOO's initiative to support and develop women leaders in real estate has grown tremendously and what an event it was! We were lucky to hear from two incredible speakers. Jill Sinclair shared her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering valuable insights that left us all with a passion to learn more. Christina Wong, Co-Founder of Employ to Empower, brought a fresh perspective on how we can use our skills to make a difference, and how we can better implement them to our day-to-day routines.
Morgan Browne and Arlene Chiang, our amazing Oakwyn Co-Founders, delivered motivating talks that truly captured the spirit of Oakwyn. Their words were a reminder of the innovation and dedication that drive our success. "WOO is about women succeeding without fear" Browne explains.
This event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of the achievements and potential of women in real estate. It’s a testament to our commitment to supporting and empowering each other.
Oakwyn dedicated 10 scholarships to women who are committed to developing their personal and business skills. The scholarships are a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of our team members. We were thrilled to award these scholarships to deserving individuals, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional dedication and potential. These scholarships will help our colleagues pursue further education and professional development, contributing to both their personal growth and the overall strength of our community. As the evening progressed, we enjoyed glasses of champagne and a delightful charcuterie spread. It was great to see everyone mingling and catching up, reinforcing the strong sense of community within Oakwyn.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so special. Your presence and enthusiasm contributed to a memorable night. We can’t wait for more opportunities to come together and continue inspiring each other.