Highlights of a Memorable Day
Welcome & New Beginnings
The day began with a warm welcome from our host, Zara Durrani, setting an uplifting tone for the day. Jonathan Yu, INITIA Co-Founder, then took the stage to share exciting updates, including the launch of INITIA IS, our new culture book that reflects the heart of INITIA. This culture book celebrates our core values—You, Family, Innovation, Excellence, and Respect—reminding us that success is more than business; it’s about living a life honouring these values in all we do.
Jonathan also announced the opening of new offices in Croatia and Michigan, marking another bold step in INITIA’s global expansion. These new locations are part of INITIA’s commitment to bringing our values and expertise to new markets while supporting a growing international community of real estate professionals. Emphasizing INITIA’s dedication to innovation, Jonathan highlighted how the company will continue to embrace cutting-edge technology to drive growth and elevate our service model.
Growth Strategies for Today’s Market
Realtor® Josh Cudmore brought forward actionable strategies to enhance sales and build deeper connections with clients. His practical tips sparked new ideas for everyone in the room, helping us see the real estate journey from fresh angles that prioritize relationships, service, and authenticity.
Giving Back: A Heartfelt Conversation on Philanthropy
A special moment was hearing from Irma Deacon of Canadian Blood Services, who spotlighted INITIA’s commitment to community impact. Her message was a powerful reminder that success in real estate goes hand-in-hand with giving back, inspiring all of us to think about the broader purpose of our work.
Design & Value with Jamie Banfield
Residential designer, Jamie Banfield infused the room with inspiration as he presented ways to enhance property value through thoughtful design. His approach was practical yet stylish, helping attendees appreciate how even small design choices can have a big impact on marketability and client satisfaction.
Market Insights from CIBC
Navigating the market can be challenging, but Pablo Martinez from CIBC offered groundbreaking economic insights that help us stay ahead. His advice provided a strategic foundation, equipping us with the knowledge to tackle today’s real estate landscape with confidence.
Social Media for Real Estate
Darian Kovacs from Jelly Marketing took social media strategies to new heights, showing how to connect with clients in a way that feels genuine and impactful. His insights helped us see social platforms as a bridge for creating real relationships in an increasingly digital world.
Leadership in Action
Darrell Kopke closed out the sessions with a workshop on leadership and corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of building a positive work environment and fostering collaboration. His insights underscored the value of strong leadership as a foundation for professional and personal success. His talk was a perfect fit for INITIA’s mission,
A Night to Remember: Awards & Casino Evening
As the sun set over the waterfront, we gathered for an awards ceremony to honour the achievements of standout realtors. The evening then transformed into a lively casino-themed after-party, filled with laughter, connection, and celebration—a true reflection of the camaraderie at INITIA.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and partners who helped make INITI8 2024 a success: Real Approved, Angeles Law, Houlihan Law, Great Lakes Law, Inspect Canada, Canadian Blood Services, CIBC, Pink Digital, Prime Time Signs, and Fable. Your support is the foundation of this community’s continued growth and success.
Looking Ahead to INITI8 2025
We’re already looking forward to INITI8 2025! Mark your calendars and get ready for even more inspiration, connection, and cutting-edge insights. Next year’s conference promises to build on this year’s energy and deliver an experience filled with growth and the unparalleled sense of community that makes INITIA so unique.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. Together, we’re redefining what it means to succeed in real estate, making every step of the journey more meaningful. See you next year at INITI8 2025!
