Q&A with Vanessa Topple
RHB: What do you look for when deciding who to interview?
Vanessa: Well, it’s said the long-lasting impact of a person’s life, events, and actions that took place in the past are what defines a Legend. We’ve called the show “Real Estate Legends – Past, Present, Future,” so we specifically seek to feature leaders who don’t just follow the market, they move it. We look for executive decision-makers who go beyond the boardroom who influence the industry. We’re also transparent that this is not a platform for self-promotion. Our audience is interested is seeing people who’ve earned their seat and drive the conversation in real estate.
RHB: Why are these types of interviews important for our readers?
Vanessa: Your readers, not unlike our viewers, want access to the people shaping the industry. Whether it’s celebrating a successful career or life, we offer an unfiltered look at how real estate legends think, lead, and make the calls that others only analyze after the fact. In a market where timing is everything, our audience craves the kind of insight you can’t Google. These conversations give them that edge, direct from the people setting the pace. It’s not just information. It’s influence in real time.
RHB: Why is it important to talk about issues outside of their real estate careers?
Vanessa: The industry doesn’t just respect success, it respects depth. When we spotlight the personal stories, values, and defining moments behind the title, it reveals the real engine behind a legend’s influence. These conversations show that true leadership isn’t just about the latest deal; it’s about character. For our audience, those
human insights are often the most impactful. They don’t just want to follow your path; they want to understand what drives it.
RHB: Why did you travel to Vancouver to interview Scott?
Vanessa: Because some conversations are too important to have over Zoom. Scott isn’t just a leader; he’s a prominent and influential person in the property management world. When someone has shaped an entire segment of the industry, you go to them. This show is about capturing real presence, real leadership, and real moments, and sometimes that means getting on a plane. Real Estate Legends is built on the respect of the people who redefine the game within a personal setting. If delivering that kind of content to our audience means we have to travel, we’ll travel.
RHB: What stood out for you when interviewing Scott Ullrich?
Vanessa: Scott has that rare combination of operational mastery and quiet leadership; it’s the kind that doesn’t just run companies, it builds culture. What stood out most was his ability to speak candidly about both the pressure and the purpose behind leading a national organization. He didn’t just talk about property management; he talked about people, long-term thinking, and why trust still matters in a fast-moving industry. That level of clarity and conviction is exactly why Real Estate Legends exists. These are the conversations that stick with you long after the cameras stop rolling.