It feels like a lifetime has passed since I've written something worthy of 'the Rain'...

The early spring brought many changes, and if you asked I would without a doubt say I LOVE CHANGE! And I'll add that I find it hard to believe anyone would not love change... maybe I suffer from being a mover and a shaker and change allows me to feel one with my environment :)

I find calm in the chaotic... and am often at my best when I'm in the throws of a challenging situation!

Moving from a single agent to the Rainmaker of a wonderful, vibrant team at Keller Williams Valley Realty in Abbotsford BC was without a doubt the best decision I have made this year to date, not to mention extremely well timed. When other teams and companies were making cut backs my focus was growth. I felt that growth in a down market would give us the opportunity of time. Time is a grace that a fast paced market doesn't allow for. We have taken this grace and implemented systems and procedures. Meeting weekly to go over our goals, individually and as a team, not leaving out the personal goals that are so important... the reason why we work as hard as we do.

Never for a moment have I thought that business would be better without these wonderful ladies, Sita Mulder (Buyer Specialist) and Jennifer Lal (Technology / Admin Extraordinaire). Having an opportunity to truly specialise, to focus and hone in on our own individual strengths has brought about a tremendous realisation of our weaknesses... and it is realising those weaknesses in ourselves and sometimes in each other that lends us to growth.

When others fear growth... Think opportunity to grow.

The roots of a tree expand to the reach of its branches.

New Listing! 34462 Marcliffe Place, Abbotsford, BC - ONLY $519,700 INCLUDING GST!

Carefee family living at the Quarry! Fully finished basement entry style home quality built by E. Schmidt Construction. Chef's dream kitchen with a huge granite island (will seat five!), large dining area and double sided floor to ceiling rock F/P with custom built in millwork. This brand new home features beautiful crown molding, high quality 3/4 inch hardwood flooring throughout the main and luxurious carpeting in the 4 bedrooms. Finishing second to none! This energy smart home features 2x6 construction, low E windows, high efficiency furnace and hot water tank. Enjoy year round bbq's on your South facing partially covered patio featuring natural gas hookup. Fully landscaped lot. Move in today! Call me for more information at 604.855.8228

Just Listed: #7 35035 Morgan Way - $369,900

LEDGEVIEW TERRACE! Great 40+ complex offering panoramic views of the Valley and North Shore Mountains. Well designed layout featuring over 1500+ sqft and Master bedroom on the main level. Spacious walkout basement features a large recreation room, hobby/storage room and a great view of the Valley! New Japanese Maples to be planted. Brand new roof. Views from both levels of the home. Got an RV? This home comes with one RV parking space. Private East Abbotsford location close to Ledgeview Golf Course and recently updated Abbotsford Rec Centre. Must view to appreciate. Call me for more information at 604.855.8228

We all know we need to market ourselves so remember to promote yourself everywhere, and be unique.

Most of us have the same old advertising and the same as everyone else's. 

Try something new and different. 

Think about your responses when you are talking with clients/customers.  If you meet or hear from someone new ask them "What did you hear about me?" not "How did you hear about me?"  You will get way more info this way and maybe you can incorporate some of it into your marketing and promotional material.

Don't say "I did 100 hundred transactions/ends" - why not say "I was involved and assisted / helped 100 families move into their new homes" or whatever it is ........... it is far more effective.  They don't care if you are Mr. or Mrs. #1 in Canada but they do care that you can help them.

When people ask you how you are doing or how business is, always be positive and upbeat.  They don't want to work with someone who is negative or struggling or down in the dumps.  Be upbeat and positive and for goodness sakes don't listen to those negative people around you!  There are opportunities out there.  Let your clients and customers know that you are in control, doing great and it will make them want to work with you.  Keep your sense of humour!

Don't be a Secret Agent. 

People love real estate and they want to talk about it.  Where your name badge or the REALTOR pin when it is appropriate which is pretty much all the time unless you are partying or going to have road rage or something like that.

I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening a week ago for Reaction Fly & Tackle at their New Location, a 3000 sq ft store, #107 2054 Whatcom Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2K8.


For local business owners, and recipients of Abbotsford's Chamber of Commerce ~ Customer Service Excellence Award, Terry Skipper and Derick Van Nes, this move was the logical next step.


Reaction is with out a doubt the place to go for fishing tackle and apparel, whether locally in the Lower Mainland, at their Logan Lake location in the Logan Lake Lodge at 111 Chartrand Ave or shopping online.

The new 3000 sqare foot store houses apparel from many top of the line sporting apparel brand names.

This local business has taken customer service to the next level by offering classes on various topics. Take your time to browse through the upcoming events and take an opportunity to learn something new and improve your fishing savvy.

Rod Building

"It's one thing to catch a fish on a fly you've tied. It's a whole new sense of accomplishment to catch a fish on fly you've tied with the rod you've built." ~ Anonymous

Instructor Terry Skipper will guide you through every step of the rod building process. Start with a bunch of parts and end up with a customized work of art - just in time for trout, bass, and salmon seasons. Limited seating means you'll get plenty of attention. It also means you had better book your spot today.

Advanced registration required. Each student is responsible for their own rod building materials and supplies-a complete list will be provided.

Cost: $60
Required: Materials and supplies (list provided)
Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:00pm
Location: RFT Abbotsford

Chironomid Fishing Basics

Chironomids are a staple food for  trout around the world. If you haven't used chironomid stillwater methods before now's your chance to learn from one of the best. Join professional guide and FlyMax Films contributor Matt Moisley as he steps you through a classroom session on entomological fundamentals (fancy term for life cycle and habits), location, presentation, and tying chironomids.  Followed up with a half-day on the water session at Mill Lake.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to register.

Cost: $75 / person
Limit: 12
Dates / Times: 15 & 18 April 09
Location: Wednesday @ RFT Abbotsford, Saturday @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio

Book your spot for a 2 day on the water Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio (see bio below). Bring your favourite stick or use one of ours, and learn from one of the absolute best. Whether you're ready to get started and know nothing about spey casting, or need an expert to tweak your technique this is a must attend

With only 6 spots available, Chris is able to give ample time to everyone. Plus the course is conducted at a beach with plenty of room.

Chris is a certified Master Caster with the Federation of Fly Fishers and does numerous guest speaking engagements and over 30 fly fishing schools each year.

Chris has fished in Iceland, Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Europe. He was a fishing guide for over 8 years and has caught virtually every species of fish on the fly in Canada. His wide range of knowledge on the technical elements of the sport and his ability to implement them has resulted in several invitations to be part of the Canadian Fly Fishing Team and represent Canada at the World Games.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER TODAY. There are only a few spots left so don't delay!

Cost: $295
Limit: 6
Dates: April 18 - 19 
Location: Fraser River

Fly Fishing 101

"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing."
~ Norman McLean, A River Runs Through It

Find out what it's all about in this two part course where we give you the head knowledge (terminology, equipment, etc) and then the basic skills to fling a fly.

Once you've fly fished, and anyone can do it, you will be hooked. It is an art and a science, a pastime and a passion.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER.

Cost: $95 / person
Limit: 6
Dates:  TBA
Location: Classrom @ RFT Abbotsford, Practicum @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

I had the absolute pleasure to be one of thousands of real estate agents at Keller Williams Family Reunion in Orlando, Florida. My Monday morning was blessed by an amazingly simple and encouraging message.

This year's Keynote Speaker, Clint Swindall, picked up on that note, and was pitch-perfect in his delivery.  The main theme of his presentation was the idea of "engaged leadership." 

Clint cited some Gallup Poll statistics concerning the behavior of people within any organization:

- 26% of any organization is comprised of people who are defined as "engaged" in the activities and goals of that organization.  They are loyal, productive team members who take ownership in their job. 

- 55% are people who are defined as "disengaged."  These folks do only what is asked of them, and take no initiative beyond their assignment.

- 19% are "actively disengaged."  Meaning, they are a negative force within the organization, and actually work actively against the activities and goals of that organization.

Clint's question for all of us is "where do you fall?"  And, if you want to ultimately succeed (particularly in a challenging environment), where do you need to be?  The answer is obvious, you need to be in the 26% who are "engaged."

Simple enough, right?  But it takes work.  Clint's central point is you must be personally engaged, before you can be professionally engaged, and he offered some simple steps to starting on that road:

• #1 "Keep an eye on the good stuff" - What you start the day with, usually dictates how you end the day.  When you start with positivity, you tend to be more productive. 
• #2 "Create a culture of celebration" - You have to be willing to look for things to celebrate.  Anticipate celebrating achievement, and you'll achieve.
• #3 "Stop being right all the time" - Every time you have be "right" with someone, that person by definition has to be "wrong." 
• #4 "Be true to your character" - Leadership talent is nothing if people question your character.
• #5 "Keep it all in perspective" - Even in a challenging business environment, your life is an overwhelmingly positive experience.  50% of the world's population live on less than $2.50/day.  By comparison your life is rich beyond compare.

Clint's final piece of advice ... before you go looking for "new" ideas to build your life on, get the "old" ideas right first.

Your success is driven by your choice to succeed.  Which is why we're all here at Family Reunion.  We've made that choice to redefine/revisit the simple, teachable activities that lead to success.

I'm always amazed by the quality of speakers at Family Reunion.  Clint Swindall did not disappoint.