Local real estate business celebrates 20 years

It was a journey down memory lane for local business owner and operator, Kevin Smook of Home-Time Realty as he hosted a barbecue for his customers and community members with his partners, Jessee Malica-Hare and Susan Lentz on Friday afetrnoon, May 10.

When Smook left his full-time job 20 years back with a young family to take care of with his wife Sheila, it wasn’t an easy decision, but one that was worth the while.

“I really wanted to run my own business and I was confident that I could do it,” Smook said. “Plus, I felt it was important to be a member of the Edmonton Real Estate Board, now renamed Realtors’ Association of Edmonton, and the MLS system, and my previous company didn’t want to pursue that.”

For Smook, it was a calculated risk, which has paid rich dividends along the way.

In the economic climate, the province has been in the past few years, this town has seen some long-time local businesses shut doors, so to thrive, and to serve the community, Smook said he has been fortunate, and it has been a great endeavour. . . . contd.