Chris Shields officially began his first day as President of the FVREB on April 1, 2020 so we asked him a few questions to get to know him better. Here’s what he had to say:
1. What do you enjoy doing during your free time?
Currently, I am enjoying a daily hike of over 11 kilometres with my partner Rob and our Golden Retriever, Benjamin! Prior to this pandemic, I thoroughly enjoyed dining out with friends and going to see movies at the VIP Theatres. I also love to travel in the Caribbean and go scuba diving in warm waters. In the Summer months, I enjoy going boating on Lake Whatcom and watching Benjamin swim and play.
2. Where is the first place you want to travel to once the pandemic is over?
I would like to travel to Hamilton, Ontario to visit with some of my 7 siblings, 15 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces & nephews.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a REALTOR®?
Meeting so many people and making new friends. I also love to help people, I get that from my dad.
4. What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that everyday is a new opportunity to make some great new friends and build relationships and more people who I can help to some way make their life better, even if just in some small way.
5. How have you surprised yourself so far in your career?
It has been nearly 15 years and the number of friends that I have made over that time plus the people who I met in my first year that I am still in contact with.
6. What blogs, resources, podcasts or influencers have helped you?
The Best Influencers in my career have been: Rob Christensen, Richard Robbins, Tom Hopkins, Brian Buffini, Joe Stumpf, Brian Tracey, Larry Anderson, Kelvin Neufeld, Darin Germyn, and last, but certainly not least, Charles Wiebe.
7. What are some of your personal “work from home” tips?
Eat the frog. Do the challenging things first, work from home in the morning, get out in the afternoons and meet people (post COVID-19, of course).
8. What key piece of advice would you give to other REALTORS® who are working during the current COVID-19 pandemic?
This is NOT the time to sell, or market your services. This is an ideal time to reach out to your sphere of influence, work your CRM, build and strengthen your relationships. This is the time to see who needs you in any way that you can help them (not real estate services) even if in a small way.
9. What is one thing you would like to achieve during your term as President of the Board?
One thing I am proud about for our Board is the strength, experience and knowledge of our members. Currently we are faced with a crisis unlike anything that any of us have experienced before. It will take everyone working together and supporting one another for us to come through this stronger and to move forward for our profession. My number one goal is to promote unity within our membership, this would give me an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Thanks Chris! We’re looking forward to getting to know you in the year ahead.
“Building on the good work of previous Boards and the Realtors who support a vibrant Fraser Valley market, I look forward to working with Chris and the recently confirmed Board of Directors as we forge onwards in realizing our renewed Strategic Plan,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Chris and the team on continuing our efforts to build key relationships with government, other Boards, BCREA and CREA, on behalf of members and the home buying and selling public.”