Meet Randy, a new member of our growing advisor team. Learn 16 fun things about Randy including what inspired him to join rennie, the song he can sing word for word, and a life-changing travel experience.
What inspired you to join rennie?
In real estate, rennie is a clear industry leader with its leading-edge approach to both the pre-sale and resale market. I pride myself on being an innovator and rennie was a natural fit for me. For me, coming to this brokerage is reminiscent of going from a rotary phone to an iPhone -- the opportunity for innovation is endless.
What led to a career in real estate?
Investing in real estate has been a part of my life from an early age. My immigrant parents taught me the importance of saving, investing, and being a responsible landlord. When I graduated high school, I took my accumulated birthday, baptism, communion, and confirmation money, along with my $10/hour part-time job savings, and I put a down payment on my first home. From there, the rest is history. Moving into real estate and helping clients acquire their own home was a natural progression and calling for me.
What's one thing most people don't know about you?
My 15-year-old Chihuahua Tia is mine, not my wives, and to this day, she favours me.
A song you can sing word for word?
Romanza by Andrea Bocelli. I may not sound like Bocelli, but my voice is still better than Neil Young (sorry, Neil).
An underrated restaurant in the city?
My heritage is all about good food in a great environment shared with great friends and family, so that's what I look for. Sopra Sotto is my favourite authentic wood-fired oven pizzaria for pizza and Italian food. It's also a restaurant that allows you to relax and entertain while enjoying one of the best patios in Little Italy on the Drive.
Your favourite thing to splurge on?
My wife and my two boys.
A collection you're proud of?
I collect sports memorabilia but specifically in the arena of Italian sports. I have a large unique collection of game-worn and signed Italian National team memorabilia, which may be the biggest outside of Italy.
Your favourite outdoor space in the city?
The Yaletown seawall is my favourite place to walk my Chihuahua when I take Tia out of my pocket. I like the environment there because it shows how an area can be revitalized and recreated into a liveable community through properly planned development. Once a run-down semi-industrial area transformed to one of the most vibrant communities in the city.
Your industry idol and why?
My heroes, those that I idolize are Italian developers that came to Canada as immigrants with nothing more than their hopes and dreams, a grade 5 education, and a work ethic that was second to none. My idols were able to create companies that are now top of the real estate industry. I often think of what they had to overcome to be successful and it motivates me to do better everyday.
A personal mantra you live by?
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do are doing, you will be successful."
Current bedside read?
My bedside books and magazines are contained in my iPhone, as are the news services I subscribe to that keep me up to the moment informed rather than up-to-date. Two recent books that I have read and would recommend are The Four Agreements and The Secret.
Your favourite travel memory?
As a 16-year-old from a sheltered and safe Canadian lifestyle, I travelled to Italy and was given the keys to a moped. I traveled and explored old villages and towns, learning more about my culture and heritage by meeting multiple generations of Italians and hearing their stories. The independence of being able to travel and explore and learn on my own timeline is something that I will never forget as it has formed who I have become today.
Most memorable concert?
I'm not a big concert-goer, but I am a political nerd, so I will put this into concert terms. In 2012, I attended one of the great venues of Victoria, the Legislature where I heard the orchestral rhythms of a functional government, and it was capped by a face-melting solo by the Finance Minster who announced the first balanced budget in a long string of balanced budgets... it received a standing ovation and an encore.
A charity you feel passionate about?
I give back to my community by contributing in many ways. I am the VP of the Italian Cultural Centre and also the Director for Italian Day on the Drive (which is now the biggest cultural street festival in the city). My family has been heavily involved in supporting the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. The light display at our family home, coupled with our Julian Tile Golf Tournament has contributed close to $200,000 to the Cancer Foundation.
An improvement you'd like to see our city make?
This city needs more public spaces similar to the piazzas that you can find in almost every city in Europe. It's a social gathering place for the community serviced by the businesses adjacent to the open space. Piazzas offer people an opportunity to bring their friends and families to a shared space to enjoy food and drinks and more importantly, a chance to mingle with their neighbours. It takes a village, but the city needs to build something where the village can get to know one another.
Most memorable job prior to real estate?
I was a detailer at a Harley Davidson dealership. The best perk was taking the demos home after work.
Thank you, Randy. Welcome to #teamrennie!
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