20 questions with George O'Neill, CEO of the Realtors Association of Hamilton -Burlington.

20 questions with George O'Neill, CEO of Realtors Association of Hamilton -Burlington

1. What is your company's mission statement?

Empowering Realtors to succeed. For me, that means providing our members with the services, tools, training, and information they need to successfully help their clients buy and/or sell their home.

2. What advice have you received that has helped you the most?

From my parents: The Golden Rule, "Treat others as you would like to be treated."

From Dale Carnegie training: "If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got."

3. Can you think of a defining moment in your life that pushed you to become who you are?

Yes, it was during week one of my first "real" summer job when I was employed as a labourer by the Town of Sussex, N.B. I had applied that summer for a number of jobs with companies more directly related to my studies in engineering, but had only been accepted by the town at that time. However, my luck suddenly changed when I was offered a job at one of the companies I preferred. Listening to my parents' advice, I left and went to work where it led to me to McDonnell Douglas, Spar Aerospace and beyond. The decision at the time was heart-wrenching and without the guidance of my parents, I may have had an entirely different career path. I wanted to stay at the town because I felt I would let them down by leaving. The reality was, and as my parents clearly pointed out, I was at the bottom of the rung and was easily replaced. Looking back today as a manager, this taught me that really everyone is replaceable at any point in their career, people will generally look after their own interests, and that as managers we need to be ready to deal with events beyond our control. The town went on and probably did better without me, and I went on to be where I am today because of that decision. Win-win in the end.

4. Can you think of a time in your career where things were not going well, but you managed to turn it around? How did you persevere?

There have been a couple of times in my career where I have been put under extreme pressure to deliver results that weren't always popular. My advice is: weigh all the facts, gather input from those you trust, ask the people who actually do the jobs for their thoughts, and ultimately lean on your experience and gut feelings to make the best decision.

5. What are the key principles that guide you in your day-to-day life?

Honesty, facts, and integrity. Regardless of whether it's a business or personal scenario, I approach every situation in life sincerely, I'm transparent about my intentions, and I try to make decisions founded on fact-based evidence rather than spontaneous emotion. That way, I know that I have considered viable options and have made the most logical and appropriate choice.

6. What makes you laugh?

My daughters, Shannon and Kerri. They are smart, quick-witted, and keep me on my toes. Their passion for synchronized skating never ceases to keep me entertained.

7. What is your guilty pleasure?

Starbucks. Specifically, the old fashioned doughnuts.

8. What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

I have an engineering background, so my first professional internship took place in the summer of 1985 at McDonnell Douglas (now known as Boeing). I learned how to write software programs that automated manufacturing tasks, and helped to develop new robotics simulation tools for the military and private sector. It was an exciting time to be at the forefront of the latest technological developments, especially at such a young age.

9. What do you do to wind down from work?

I live in Toronto and commute to Hamilton, so I often find that my most creative ideas come along when I am behind the wheel. The alone time gives me a chance to catch up on the latest Investor's Business Daily podcast and reflect on the events of the day.

10. How do you motivate people?

My business mantra has always centred on providing quality customer service and having that service permeate through every aspect of our association. Whether a Realtor phones the MLS help desk, emails one of our support staff, or drops by to make a purchase at our on-site Realty Shoppe, RAHB staff are focused on making our members feel welcome and appreciated.

11. What is your biggest pet peeve?

"Alternative facts."

12. What are you good at?

Planning ahead and seeing the big picture. If a project is considered from every angle (and every department) before it even begins, not only will a team be able to foresee any potential roadblocks, but they will have enough insight from the initial planning stages to know how to navigate through them.

13. What do you want to work on?

Ensuring that where I work is better, across all dimensions, when I leave than when I arrived.

14. What is on your bucket list?

Rebuilding the engine of my 1986 Porsche. It is time for more power!

15. What is Hamilton's most valuable asset?

From what I've experienced over the couple of years that I've been involved in this area, I'd say Hamilton's people are by far its most valuable asset. I've met our members, I've worked with city representatives, the association has been involved with city and community groups, and we deal with the public in various ways. Throughout each of these interactions, there is one common thread: a commitment to growing and positively supporting this city.

16. What is the city's biggest liability?

With Hamilton's real estate market at an all-time high, it is imperative that city council continues to make affordable housing a priority. The last thing we want is for citizens who have long called Hamilton home to no longer be able to afford to live in the city.

17. How do you balance your life?

There's no one better than family to remind you of your roots and keep you in-check. I am from New Brunswick, so I try to visit my relatives on the East Coast at least a couple times each year.

18. What is your favourite spot in Hamilton?

The Skyway Bridge — it's such a unique infrastructural landmark that joins the Hamilton-Burlington community together. If you look at the RAHB logo closely, you will see that our roof symbol is actually meant to replicate similar esthetics to the Skyway Bridge.

19. What do you think people would be surprised to know about you?

I am a car buff. Actually, I am a fan of almost anything that burns gasoline, although electric cars are cool. Until recently I volunteered as the technical editor for the Porsche Club of America's local Provinz magazine. Automobiles, and more broadly any company that strives for excellence, like Porsche, are a passion of mine.

20. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

Everyone, regardless of their position, has a valuable opinion. Before you make a business decision, speak with everyone on staff and ask for their thoughts — exploring a variety of viewpoints will result in better decisions.

21. What is your dream job?

As the CEO of the second-largest (by sales volume) real estate association in the province, I would say that I am already working my dream job.

George O'Neill
The Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB)
505 York Blvd.

More from The Spec & Partners

More Business

Top Stories