Managing Broker Bev Highton and business partner Ken Featherby of NAI Commercial Victoria
VICTORIA – Changes are coming at NAI Commercial Victoria Inc., which has been a major player in the Capital Region’s real estate market for decades.
Managing Broker Bev Highton, who started in real estate in 1968, is inching toward retirement, with Ken Featherby moving towards finishing off purchasing the office next April. NAI Commercial has also announced they’re leaving the location they’ve been in for the past 25 years for new premises at 4243 Glanford Avenue starting January 1.
“I’ve been with Bev for 24 years now, and I’m hoping he stays around to continue mentoring myself and others,” says Featherby, who started the purchasing process three years ago. “It’s exciting to move into a nice new building with offices, a gym facility, bike lockers and parking for our staff. It’s a central location that is 15 minutes from everywhere, and it’s attracted new realtors to the office already.”
Highton, who is the longest serving member of the Victoria Real Estate Board and is a former President, will remain as Managing Broker of NAI Commercial.
“Ken has been primarily dealing with all matters concerning property management operations,” notes Highton. “Maybe the thought of retirement crept into my mind over the years, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen imminently. Retirement doesn’t mean I’ll be getting out of all the various business activities I’ve been involved with. One has to have a succession plan, though.”
Highton has served on numerous real estate committees and was Vice-Chair and a director of the British Columbia Real Estate Association, Chair and a director of the Real Estate Council of B.C., including being a founder and Chair of the Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Corporation.
Highton is proud that he was one of the creators of Victoria’s Classic Boat Festival, which was originally created for the Captain Cook Bicentennial and marked its 45th annual celebration on Labour Day weekend.
“It’s really been an interesting, dynamic business to be in, not only in day to day sales of all types, but in leasing buildings and premises as well,” he adds. “It’s been very satisfying to work in a lot of different areas.”
Highton recalls starting in the industry before the advent of technology: “Press hard, you’re making five copies’ – that was it.”
“The change in the speed of communications alone has been dramatic. With the internet, people can now research things very well before they even talk to a realtor. “That change is evident, especially in the commercial world, where we deal with very sophisticated buyers who have teams of lawyers and accountants to advise them. They are very well informed and know what they want.”
NAI Commercial is looking to increase its significant portfolio of managed properties from Victoria to Campbell River and the Gulf Islands.
“We’ve recently taken on two new agents, David Boone and Erin Glazier, who are experienced commercial realtors,” Highton notes. “We’re kind of cautious with the people we take on board, but these two seem to fit right in, and we’re very pleased with that.”
NAI Commercial has 360 offices throughout the world, and Featherby says this means they have a touch on the market everywhere.
“We’re directly connected to up-Island and Vancouver offices and offices across Canada. We have a strong team,” Featherby explains. “If you’re managing properties, you know what landlords and tenants are thinking, how they’re doing, and the rates they’re paying. So with that knowledge, you know how to fill space.”
Featherby sees a positive future for real estate in the Capital Region.
“This market is always going to be strong. I always find Vancouver Island and the Victoria core to be somewhat immune to what happens elsewhere. This has to be one of the nicest places to live, work and retire,” he says. “NAI is always ready to help people with their real estate aspirations, whether they’re a seller or a buyer, landlord or tenant. We cover all aspects of real estate.”
