The soiree had it all: deserving winners, inspiring talks, live music and camaraderie among real estate professionals. Held in one of the hotel’s plush banquet rooms, the extraordinary night was all about commemorating the remarkable dedication, enthusiasm and unwavering professionalism of REW’s partner agents.
REW One Members always go above and beyond to offer clients and communities exceptional service. For more than 47 years, REW (Real Estate Works) has been the leading resource for Western Canadian buyers, sellers, investors and real estate professionals. Founded in 1978 as Real Estate Weekly, a hand-delivered newspaper insert, REW has paved the way as a trusted real estate resource, delivering industry insights and trends.
In fact, more than 80% of the top-performing agents in BC are REW One Members. Winners were chosen through REW.ca’s in-house data and insights, plus collaborations with the gala’s sponsor and host.
In the spirit of the “red carpet,” guests were invited to have their photos professionally taken by the REW signage. Before being ushered into the beautifully appointed ballroom for the main event, you could hear plenty of chatter as guests laughed, shared stories and connected with peers and friends during the lively reception.
During the cocktail party, attendee Peter Ryznar, Principal at Ryznar Media, spoke highly about the soiree: “This event not only honours realtors, but it is an intimate setting perfect for mingling and networking with your peers.”
Devon Owen, an award-winning agent with Royal Pacific Realty Group, echoed Ryznar, adding: “It is really nice to be here at this gala among our colleagues. It’s a great opportunity to find out how everyone is dealing with this market right now.”
Then, it was time to move the gathering into the banquet room.
The awards ceremony begins.
Host Stephen Tadgh took the stage to greet everyone and set the tone for the rest of the evening. A former television producer on internationally successful TV hits like Name that Tune (Fox AE) and Discover Ireland’s critically acclaimed Keep Discovering, he is now REW’s Creative Director and host of RealTours and GREENLIGHT.
As the Gala Emcee, Tadgh began by acknowledging the incredible achievements of the 2025 REW Real Estate winners, emphasizing their commitment, hard work and determination. Applauding the REW community, he encouraged everyone to celebrate their victories together.
After a few jokes, Tadgh went on to add: “Tonight, we are celebrating something truly special … all of you. The agents, teams and leaders who are shaping the future of real estate through drive, innovation and commitment to excellence.”
He thanked the generous sponsors – Trail Appliances, Very Best Roof, Peterson and FortisBC – for making the event possible. Tadgh then introduced Trail Appliances’ Director of Retail Sales Alan Paron, who gave the opening remarks. Paron began by expressing gratitude to REW for being invited to be the Presenting Sponsor.
“We are a 50-year-old family-owned BC-based business, and our goal as a company is to make everyday life better,” said Paron. “The reason we like to partner with companies like REW is that the tie-in between the real estate and appliance-side of things is a really good match for us.”
Kent MacDonald, REW’s General Manager, took to the platform next, saying, “This night represents a great opportunity to celebrate some of the best agents in the Lower Mainland,” MacDonald said. “Over the last year, we’ve spent lots of effort making REW the best real estate website possible, but without our extraordinary REW One Member agents, REW wouldn’t be the trusted resource for home seekers that it is today.”
The first award of the evening, the Spotlight Award – Future Icon in Real Estate, was presented by Kent MacDonald to Charles Huang, a multiple award-winning agent with RE/MAX Westcoast Richmond.
After thanking everyone, Huang was quick to thank REW for offering “the most user-friendly, easiest, best-looking website for home seekers to look for homes. As realtors, we get quality leads that lead to sales. I’d also like to specifically thank REW’s [former VP of Sales] Kevin Tran and [Senior Account Manager] Tracey Aussem, who have been an immense help to me during my journey.”
Later in the evening, Huang was called back to the stage to receive the Regional Award – Connect Agent of the Year for Richmond.
Before the ceremonial dinner, Jeff Kavanagh, REW Sales Manager Membership bestowed the recipients of the Regional Award – Listing Agent of the Year. “Now is the time to spotlight some of the most viewed and trusted names in real estate in the Lower Mainland,” Kavanagh said. “The Listing Agent of the Year award celebrates the top recorded agents who garnered the highest number of views in their region over the course of the past year.”
The winners at the event were: Surrey’s Katrina Amurao, Tri-Cities’ Krista Lapp, North Shore’s Tony Rossetti, Vancouver East’s Rimpy Hothi and South Delta’s Trisha Murphy. “Rossetti would be extremely humbled, honoured and proud to be recognised,” said Matt Council on Rosetti’s behalf. Hothi reiterated his sentiments by adding: “This is amazing. I’m very passionate about what I do and REW is very much part of my success.”
A sumptuous meal set off the evening.
As the awards were being handed out, around 200 guests enjoyed an elegant sit-down dinner. The evening’s menu began with a choice of either a lobster bisque with scallop and prawn terrina or a cauliflower truffle soup with parmesan. The pièce de résistance were the entrées: a classic Canadian beef striploin with truffle potato pave or a wild mushroom ravioli, both paired with a bold red 2018 Burrowing Owl Merlot or a Cedar Creek Pinot Gris.
Just prior to the entrees being served, Erin Best, REW’s Director of Real Estate & Industry Engagement, presented the Spotlight Award – Brokerage Excellence Award. After thanking the crowd for the enthusiastic welcome, Best said: “This award is presented to the office with the highest number of agents enrolled in our REW membership program. This is a clear reflection of this brokerage's commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration and ongoing growth.”
“This year’s recipient exemplifies those values and so much more,” she added. “Congratulations to Oakwyn Realty, a firm that stands out not only for the numbers, but for the way they live their values every single day.”
Oakwyn Realty’s CEO and partner Morgan Browne was on hand to receive the award, saying: “I am extremely honoured to be part of the REW inaugural gala, recognising the incredible work that our team and firm do. The bar is now set even higher. I’m also proud to represent the agents who are building their businesses through REW.”
As the evening progressed, Tadgh maintained the energy and excitement, guiding the audience through various stages of the event.
Damien Brown, REW’s Sales Manager of Partnerships, was next to hand out the Regional Award – Connect Agent of the Year. Several Regional Award winners were thrilled to talk to REW about what the accolade meant to them, including Connect Agent of the Year, Trystan King for the Tri-Cities. “It was a pleasant surprise to be recognised for your hard work,” King said. “I credit REW for getting my business off the ground and expanding it.”
Director of Marketing, Aaron Eccles, graced the stage to bequeath Kristina Legault with the Spotlight Award – RealTours Top Performer. He started by saying that Legault set a high standard in the industry, before showing a video interviewing Legault and some of her clients and friends.
“First and foremost, working with REW is always a great experience,” said a delighted Legault. “It was such a wonderful surprise to win. The gala was a nice way to get people together and recognise their achievements.”
Alana Kerr, REW’s Director of Sales, was thrilled to present the Regional award – Top Marketer of the Year to those who excelled in personal branding. These were the agents with the most impressions site-wide in their region, which included winners from across the Lower Mainland.
Two such winners were Langley’s Ty Corsie and Maple Ridge’s Eli King, who also walked away with a Connect Agent of the Year award. “I spend a lot of time researching the market and REW helps me achieve my results,” said Corsie. “A shout-out to my REW representative Damien Brown for being an incredible partner in my career.”
Alan Parson presented the final Spotlight Award – the coveted Legends of Real Estate – to Mindy McPherson, an icon in the industry, saying in part: “Recognised for over 20 years of dedication to the profession, she is a person who is a mentor, community advocate and trusted leader. Her reputation is founded on experience, integrity and unwavering commitment to service. She has served in Mission and Fraser Valley for over 35 years.”
McPherson was overcome with emotion as she received a long standing ovation after watching a video of her peers, best friend, daughter, son and grandchildren speak eloquently about what a truly remarkable woman she is – a passionate multiple award-winning agent who is known to go above and beyond for her clients and the community.
“I had no idea that my whole family and best friend would be talking about me in such a way,” says McPherson. “I’m so moved that REW honoured me this way. Since the first day REW opened, I have been an extremely grateful client. The whole team is simply amazing.”
A decadent dessert buffet led to lingering connections.
Lawrence Liu, REW’s Vice President of Sales, gave the closing speech of the night. He began by reflecting on how the idea for the extraordinary evening came to life. “Part of it was sparked by our access to high performing industry data and yes, it was a great excuse to throw a big party, especially with our colleagues at BIV,” Lui quipped. “In all seriousness, it was an opportunity to celebrate excellence… the excellence all of you bring to the industry. Tonight has been about shining a spotlight on your achievements and your dedication.”
Liu then asked the crowd to join him for another round of applause to recognise all of the award winners and professionals who drive this dynamic, ever-evolving industry forward.
“You are all proof of what is possible when you combine talent and commitment, along with the right tools to propel you forward,” he added. “We are excited to announce that starting tomorrow morning all of our winners profiles will be updated to include your awards on REW.”
Following the awards ceremony, guests, winners and the REW team were invited back to the foyer for an opportunity to mingle, network and congratulate each other while taking part in a decadent dessert buffet. The dessert platters were equally inspired, with a selection of petit fours and a fruit tray.
REW extends its gratitude to all the nominees and industry supporters; their dedication to their chosen careers inspires and elevates us all. REW congratulates all of the nominees and winners. You can see the full list of winners honoured during the inaugural REW Real Estate Awards on the Awards website. To become eligible for next year’s REW Real Estate Awards, be sure to sign up for an REW One Membership.
