SPECIAL REPORT
ELITE WOMEN ALLISON GRAFTON Rockwood Custom Homes Calgary, AB
The president and founder of Rockwood Custom Homes, Allison Grafton has grown the company from a solo operation into a fine-tuned team of 35 employees and more than 500 contractors over the past decade. In that short time, the company has become an industry leader, exhibiting sustained growth of more than 1,600% since its inception. Grafton is widely recognized as a strong female leader and entrepreneur. In 2015, she won the prestigious RBC Women of Influence Momentum Award; in 2016, she was inducted into the WXN Hall of Fame; and in 2019, she received the Upsurge Entrepreneur Award from Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.
SHERRI LAVINE
LEAH AMBLER
Toronto, ON
Etobicoke, ON
Consistency and perseverance have allowed Sherri Lavine to make her mark in the male-dominated worlds of law and commercial real estate. As a partner in Chaitons’ commercial real estate group, Lavine has played a critical role in a growing number of high-value acquisitions, commercial projects and condo/subdivision initiatives. She is a frequent speaker on commercial real estate at seminars and conferences and was recently named a Toronto Power Woman by her peers. In addition to bringing a refreshing personal touch to her corporate dealings, Lavine is a willing mentor to other women in her industry. “Contributing to that empowerment process involves both making yourself a role model for other women within your own industry and using your voice to ensure that women are included in the conversation,” she says.
Some in the industry might have been surprised when Leah Ambler bought Re/Max Professionals at the ripe old age of 30, but for those familiar with her accomplishments – Platinum Club in her second year as an agent, the youngest broker in the Re/Max system – it was simply another leap forward for a young woman whose tireless hard work has put her on the path to greatness. “I do everything I can to help my agents develop,” Ambler says, “so they can stand apart, make sales and reap the rewards.” Ambler feels women with families should never be forced to compromise their professional goals. “A woman shouldn’t feel like she has to do it all in the workplace and at home,” she says. “Success is about finding a good balance. Coming to terms with that will actually help improve her performance in every aspect of her life.”
Chaitons
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Re/Max Professionals
www.repmag.ca
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