Meet RAE’s 2025 Rookie of the Year – Jacob Johnson!
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a REALTOR® in the early stages of their career who demonstrates strong professionalism, initiative and a commitment to growth within the industry.
This year’s recipient, Jacob Johnson, has taken a deliberate and reflective approach to building his real estate career. In this interview, he shares insights on the path that led him into the industry, the decisions that shaped his direction and the mindset he’s carried through the early stages of his professional journey.
What does receiving this award mean to you at this stage of your career?
It’s huge. Two years ago, when I had first started in this business, I heard there was this award for Rookie of the Year. Immediately, I put it on my list of goals I wanted to achieve. Being able to accomplish this one is truly very fulfilling and gives me confidence to know that I am headed in the right direction. I am more motivated than ever and look forward to what is ahead.
Was there a specific moment, challenge or milestone that shaped your journey as a REALTOR®?
I’m not sure there was one specific moment, but rather many different aspects or chapters in my life that steered me in this direction. Real estate crossed my mind when I came out of high school, but admittedly, I thought it would be more work than I was willing to put in at the time. I’m happy to say I waited. To see it from where I am now, I definitely would not have been ready.
My family has always had investment/rental properties throughout my life that interested me. My background is primarily sales. However, I stepped away from it a few years prior to this career and tried something totally different in a new city—working a labour job for the City Of Kelowna. It could not have been a more opposite job choice, but it’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted to see things from a different perspective and have a change of pace. Was it ever!
It was a great job and I’m happy I did it but after about a year in the industry I knew it wasn’t the right fit. It was an extremely difficult decision to leave the life I had in the Okanagan, but it was the right one. To make the decision worth it, I told myself I’d jump into real estate with both feet and give it everything I had. I was tired of working a “job” and was driven to find a career. I’m proud to say, I’ve done exactly that.
What values or principles guide the way you approach your work and relationships in the industry?
It sounds kind of cliché, but I’m a strong believer in good karma and doing the right thing. Of giving sage, honest advice.
Everyone is good at something, and I like to think one of mine is building trust and strong relationships with people. When friends around me found out I made the jump to real estate, the consistent answer was, “That’s a perfect fit.”
While that does put the pressure on to be great at it, it feels good at the same time—to know I’m not the only one who feels it was the right career choice. I am truly enjoying every minute of it. As they say…if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional growth, and what did you learn from them?
My long time family friend and mentor, Rick Lough. He has been a REALTOR® in the industry for 28 years and is the key to my success in the business thus far. To have someone who takes you under their wing and shows you the ropes on the real-world, day-to-day aspects of the business is, without question, a major reason for getting to where I have gotten today. When you first start as a REALTOR®, there’s an endless list of questions and unknowns. As someone who retains 10 times as much with hands-on learning, having Rick in my corner is a game changer. Learning first-hand from a pro is not something I take for granted, and I am very grateful to have his guidance.
What advice would you give to other REALTORS® who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the industry or community?
Two things come to mind.
First, I would say it’s really important to get in front of people. Since day one, I have always tried to show my face and make appearances at any sort of industry event. Whether it’s RAE events, office functions, lunch and learns put on by other REALTORS®, Christmas parties or community events, I believe involvement is imperative to making a difference in the industry. With technology now, so much of this career is digital and conducted over the phone or computer. You can literally complete an entire deal and never meet the REALTOR® on the other side. When you actually show up to these things, it really makes a difference; people notice. As well, I always learn something new at these functions, which I think is a key to a lasting career—never stop learning.
The second thing is to just keep going. There are a lot of hurdles when you’re getting started. With limited experience, there will be things you won’t see coming that can sometimes lead to a deal falling apart. It’s important to learn from these moments, so they don’t happen again. It’s all about how you handle that and move forward. Don’t get discouraged.
