Parker: Century 21 Bamber Realty celebrates a successful 40 years

Earning a living selling real estate can be rewarding, but it can also be lonely and frustrating. Those who want to excel and enjoy the fruits of a career in real estate must not be afraid to work hard over long hours in building up a reputation, to convince people they can handle what is probably the biggest financial transaction homeowners are faced with.

George Bamber eagerly weathered the storm at the age of 23 when he joined his brother, David, soon after the launch of Century 21 Bamber Realty in 1985.

Today, after buying out his brother a long time ago, George runs the Calgary real estate company that has earned recognition with consistent Grand Centurion status — the highest award for a Century 21 office in Canada — every year since 2003. In 2024, his office was ranked No. 3 in Canada by units sold, and No. 1 in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Bamber was born on Malta, where his father was serving in the British Royal Navy. Postwar, the family moved to Canada and his father, also George, created a good home for his family, working to build up Southco Travel, which eventually became ATCO Travel.

The brothers decided on real estate, and under the Century 21 franchise soon grew to a firm with seven agents.

This year, Century 21 Bamber Realty is celebrating 40 years of excellence in Calgary, a legacy built on trust, integrity and outstanding service that has been able to keep attracting top-tier real estate agents. The firm currently has 230 agents who were eager to join one of the world’s strongest real estate offices.

Century 21 has 14,000 real estate offices in 85 countries; in 2024, Bamber’s Calgary business ranked No. 8 in the Century 21 world. Size and success are keys to attracting more agents, who want to be associated with a company that has such a good reputation.

As owner, broker and coach, Bamber wears a number of hats in his leadership roles, focusing on mentorship, guiding agents through their challenges and pairing them with experienced agents to ensure their success.

“Our goal is to keep helping Albertans buy and sell their homes while fostering a dynamic team of professionals,” says Bamber.

A significant milestone in this anniversary year was the successful merger with Century 21 Elevate. Led by owners Andre and Tanya d’Abadie, the Elevate team has entrusted their legacy to Bamber’s leadership. Andre will continue to spearhead Elevate Property Management, which enhances Bamber’s brokerage offerings. The merger expands the agency’s capabilities, allowing agents with property management licences to provide comprehensive services to their clients.

Bamber is deeply committed to the industry, and beyond his brokerage he spends a lot of time sharing his experience and knowledge to better it.

“Through national conventions, I’ve built strong relationships with owners across Canada, creating a network of shared knowledge and support,” he says.

He has served on the Calgary Real Estate Board and currently sits on the board of the Real Estate Council of Alberta, the regulatory body for real estate professionals that sets and enforces professional standards to protect consumers and ensure ethical service delivery.

Bamber says RECA makes Alberta one of the best places for the public to buy and sell real estate.

“Giving back to our industry and guiding its future is incredibly important and rewarding,” he says.

“Watching agents grow from newcomers in our industry to successful professionals, and seeing our real estate signs on properties across Calgary, continues to fuel my passion.”

Notes:

• Mosaic Holding Corp., the new company to Calgary that recently acquired two architectural firms and an engineering firm, has recruited Niha Prasad-Kroliczek as vice-president. Previously principal with Riddell Kurczaba Architecture for 27 years, and in the same role with WalterFedy after it acquired the Calgary firm, she is looking forward to MHC’s move into its building on 8th Street S.W. in November.
• Peter Wallis, who has a long association with the airline industry, has been elected as director of Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. The Hall honours the achievements of Canadian aviation and aerospace leaders, heroes and innovators.

David Parker appears regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald.com/business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622.