Engel & Völkers Advisor, Michelle Porter has been in the real estate industry for 25 years. Just recently, she was named Advisor of the Month for her work on multiple charities and for giving back to the community. Michelle was also one of the women featured in the Vancouver Sun on International Women’s Day weekend, celebrating women in leadership and positive company culture. Get to know more about Michelle below!
How did you come to work at Engel & Völkers?
I moved over in November 2017 for a multitude of reasons. I have always had such great respect for the advisors at E&V. The branding, marketing and in-house support impressed me (not to mention the Yaletown building where we are situated is one of my favourite heritage buildings in the city). Shortly after joining, I realized what an amazing, collaborative, supportive, authentic team I had become a part of.
What do you enjoy about working in real estate?
No day, no client, no transaction is the same. Some of my clients have been my clients for 25 years. I have made such great friendships in those years. When I have an opportunity to work and connect with them again, there is so much trust between us. Of course, there are challenging times, like any career, but I really do have a lot of fun.
What is the most challenging part about working in this industry?
Finding a work/life balance – just like many people, I’m sure.
Can you share three places to grab a bite in Vancouver?
- Nightingale Restaurant – There is nothing on that menu that is not insanely delicious!!
- Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria– this is my son’s go-to place.
- Bao Bei – Still one of my faves…put your name on the waitlist and go to Keefer Bar for a cocktail while you wait
Tell us about a few of the fundraising initiatives you have worked on. How did you come to hear about them?
I guess I initiated E&V taking part as a drop-off location at all of our shops. Our advisors really did an incredible job with donating to this charity. The Blanket Drive has been part of REBGV for 25 years. 150 real estate offices across the Lower Mainland served as drop-off locations for donations. More than 40,000 Lower Mainland residents received blankets and warm clothing this past winter.
Another charity Michelle has worked closely with for many years has been associated with the YWCA. Munroe House and Eyrie House are two housing communities in Vancouver for women who’ve experienced abuse from an intimate partner and for their children. Onsite staff provides emotional support, info and referrals, safety planning and court accompaniment.
I have been organizing Christmas hampers for over 20 years. This year we provided 25 families with Christmas hampers and sponsored Eyrie House Holiday Dinner and Party. The EV advisors, their families and our friends all embraced it. I have so much fun organizing it. It’s heartwarming and fulfilling to see how engaged everyone is getting their hampers ready and the looks on the moms’ and workers’ faces when we deliver the hampers!
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC’s pediatrics palliative care provider for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. I have been on the Gift of Time gala committee for a total of 7-9 years. It has been absolutely phenomenal being part of such a strong group of women and the amount of money we have been able to raise at the event.
What advice do you have for aspiring real estate advisors?
Stick to it. Don’t expect it to be easy. Be consistent. Farm an area geographically and become an expert in that neighbourhood. Start a database and keep adding to it. Consistently connect with your sphere of influence. Align yourself with a mentor, a team, offer to host open houses. Be excited about what you do and have fun! Clients will recognize and appreciate that.
