Meet Colleen Whelan, recipient of CREB^®’s 2021 REALTOR^® of the Year – T.W.H. (Bill) Saunders Memorial Award, a prestigious honour that recognizes high standards of professionalism, integrity and outstanding dedication to the community.

Throughout her 37-year real estate career, Colleen has prioritized giving back to the community and the industry. Not only has she volunteered for various committees and governance positions at CREB^®, but she has been involved with countless community organizations with many of her volunteer roles spanning over 20 years.

Dive into our conversation with Colleen below, where she discusses the importance of serving others and the benefits of getting involved as a real estate professional.

CREB^®: What does it mean to you to receive this award?

Colleen: Plain and simple, receiving this award is the highest honour of my career.

CREB^®: How does it feel to be recognized by your peers in such a positive and meaningful way? 

Colleen: Over the years, I have met and worked with hundreds of REALTORS^®. I respect these people so much for staying positive, being hopeful and effective – even in challenging times. To be recognized by my peers for these things is such an honour, and yet, so humbling.

CREB^®: Why do you feel it is important to give back to the community and the industry?

Colleen: It makes life more interesting and fun!

We work in a fantastic industry full of people who are very engaged and are making a difference in our communities. I was brought up in a family that volunteered and always gave back so it is the experience I know. More than that, we are all stronger when we work together; each of us bringing unique gifts, talents, perspective, wisdom, and time, so that we can better the communities in which we serve.

When you give back, you also get to make a difference to individuals. You get to know people personally and can be there to lift them up and support them when needed.

CREB^®: Why do you think REALTORS^® should volunteer their time?

Colleen: Ultimately, REALTORS^® should volunteer to expand their knowledge, grow their understanding and meet others who are also passionate and dedicated to our industry. When we meet passionate individuals, we emulate each other, which increases our integrity and professionalism. In turn, this helps us to be more adaptable and valuable to our industry.

When we volunteer, we also influence decisions that affect our industry at the local, provincial and federal level. This is very important work. I especially enjoy working with our CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation where we are making huge impacts on organizations that provide shelter related solutions for Calgarians.

No matter what we do, it’s important to volunteer period – we can impact all our coming and goings, whether at school, in sports, in our churches, mosques, and synagogues, on various boards and charities.

CREB^®: What’s next for you? Which goals remain unaccomplished?

Colleen: I currently have a team where I’m lucky enough that I get to work with my daughter, Corinne Maher, who is also REALTOR^® now. And yes, she also volunteers! Being a young mom herself; she is secretary on the school’s parent council.

I’ll still be working for years to come in this very interesting and exciting career of helping people make great decisions about their real estate needs. I hope I can continue to bring my knowledge and experience to benefit of others whether it be through volunteering or working in this business that is a whole lifestyle!

As a creative person who likes to sing, write folk songs, paint and write children’s books, I’d like to do more of these kinds of things too. If it will benefit others, I’ll probably be able to make more of these kinds of goals happen; It will be fun to see how these creative endeavors play out over time.

In the meantime, I’m still serving on Boards, and will try to encourage others where I can.

CREB^®: What’s one piece of advice you would give to REALTORS^® who are just starting out in the industry? 

Colleen: For REALTORS^® starting out in the industry, or even if you are a veteran of this business, find a mentor or a business coach – Sue Styles is mine.

Get involved at CREB^®, participate in events at CREB^® or in your office, and serve others doing the things you love to do. You’ll meet so many great people and always learn and enjoy so much.

CREB^®: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Colleen: Be the positive difference you want to see in the world! 

For more information on CREB^®’s REALTOR^® of the Year award, please visit CREB^®Link.