The energy was electric when Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, bounded onto the main stage at PacificWest 2025. Known for his endless enthusiasm and unapologetic authenticity, the self-described “Energizer Bunny” challenged REALTORS® to embrace their individuality and use their personal stories as a way to connect with clients.
Karls’ message was simple but powerful: your story is your greatest advantage and no one else has it. He spoke candidly about his own struggles with conformity and failure, and how his decision to be unapologetically himself ultimately helped build one of Canada’s most recognizable snack brands. In today’s “attention economy,” he told attendees, people tune in when they care, and storytelling is how you make them care.
“We shared everything, our failures and our setbacks,” he said. “That’s how people connected with us. They didn’t just see a product; they saw themselves in our story.” He urged REALTORS® to do the same: “Someone else can sell the same home, but no one can sell it like you. Your story, your energy, your authenticity, that’s what makes you unforgettable.”
FVREB member Don Evanson of Homelife Benchmark called the presentation “amazing, energetic and made a big splash,” capturing the room’s shared sentiment and renewed confidence in the power of authenticity.
Althia Raj – Canada’s Trusted Political Observer
Award-winning journalist Althia Raj kicked off day two of the conference, bringing a sharp political lens to the PacificWest stage. In her keynote, Raj unpacked what’s happened since the most recent Canadian federal election, providing an insider’s look at shifting party dynamics, leadership challenges, and the risks that come with the increased polarization of Canadian voters. When asked how the federal government could better collaborate on addressing the housing crisis, Raj emphasized the importance of effective implementation. She urged stronger coordination with provincial and municipal partners to ensure policies translate into real results.
She left attendees with a note of optimism, reminding them that behind the scenes, there is often far more that unites Canada’s political leaders than divides them.
Save the date for PacificWest 2026 — happening September 28 and 29!
FVREB Communications