Sherry Chris joined Real Living Network Services after serving as executive vice president of Royal LePage, Canada’s largest real estate firm.
At Royal LePage, Chris played a key role on the leadership team that spearheaded the development of an alternative business model for Canada’s real estate industry. The model focused on creating true partnerships with franchisees and on delivering technology, marketing and management tools and training to franchisees and agents.
The new business model led to an increase in Royal LePage’s agent base from 4,000 in 1996 to 9,200 in 2003, and growth in national market share from 9 percent to more than 20 percent in that same time frame.
At Real Living, Chris serves as president of Real Living Network Services and focuses on the continued development of the company’s sales and operations teams.
Chris will speak at Real Estate Connect in New York City, Jan. 9-11, 2005.
Panel or session at Connect: Part I: Lead Generation: Find Them: Where and How?
What are your current or childhood nicknames?
I would rather not say, but if anyone wants to ask me personally, I will share it. It’s a little too goofy to put in print…
Which daily newspaper do you read and which section of the newspaper do you read first?
Wall Street Journal front to back, and USA Today entertainment section – it’s fun to keep up with what the stars are doing and the latest fashion trends. I also read the Globe and Mail (Canadian national business paper) online.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever packed in a suitcase?
Probably way too many shoes and handbags for the length of the trip. Pretty silly.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I love music! ’70s and ’80s disco, hip-hop, R&B, rap.
What style of home do you live in and when did you buy it?
I am fortunate to live in two very different homes – on the weekends, a country home outside of Toronto, Canada, that my husband and I purchased 18 years ago, and during the week, a downtown condo with a great view in Columbus, Ohio, I purchased this past spring.
Where did you spend your last vacation?
I like to take short power vacations. The last one was a girls’ long weekend in California – shopping and dining out in L.A. followed by a couple of spa days in Palm Springs.
What professional accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
I am simply proud of the journey. When I think back to where I started from, where I am today, and everything that happened in-between – it never ceases to amaze me. I have been very fortunate, and am thankful for the many challenges and opportunities.
What personal accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Going back to graduate school to do my MBA during a period of time where I had a very heavy business workload and grueling travel schedule. Somehow you just find the extra energy.
How many e-mail addresses do you have?
One – sherry.chris@realliving.com. No secret addresses, nothing to hide. The truth is that it is difficult enough to keep up with one, I can’t imagine having more.
What worries keep you awake at night?
Depends on the night – a full night’s sleep is something I have not experienced in a long time…3 a.m. is the perfect time to get caught up on all the great stuff online. I do some of my best work in the middle of the night.
What lesson did you learn in the last year?
Change, as difficult as it may be, is a good thing. As one door closes, another opens.
What is your favorite technology device or software application?
I love my Samsung Pocket PC – it is a phone, a contact manager, it sends and receives e-mail, and it is an alarm clock. I sleep with it every night.
What is your opinion of Inman News?
With his unbiased and often controversial reporting and opinions, Brad (Inman) is not afraid to say what is on his mind, and I respect that. I have been to every Real Estate Connect conference except the very first one, and when you think of the companies that have been launched, and the deals that have been made at that conference over the years, it is truly amazing. In its own way Inman News has shaped the present and future of our industry.
What was the best gift you ever received from or gave to someone else?
The best gift I ever received and continue to receive is the coaching and mentoring from a few individuals who have made a difference in my life, and I hope I have helped and continue to help others in the same way. It is the most rewarding thing one can do.
What was your top New Year’s resolution and have you kept it so far?
Don’t make them, so I can’t break them.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A little bit of both, it depends on the day (or night). Sleep is not something I get a lot of.
What is your worst vice or bad habit?
Hmmmm, now that is a tough one!
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