Feature Article

DICKSONS MAKE REAL ESTATE A FAMILY AFFAIR

Written By: Amber Craig
Published By: Calgary Real Estate News
Article Used with permission of the Calgary Real Estate Board. © Copyright Calgary Real Estate News, 2007
2008-09-11

Rick Dickson was destined to become a REALTOR® all along--it’s in his blood. Born into a family that breathes real estate, Dickson recently celebrated 35 years in the industry. After receiving a Long Service Award from the Calgary Real Estate Board in April of this year, he reflects on his real estate career thus far.

“I started with my dad, Bill Dickson, at Centennial Realty in 1973,” says Dickson.

Bill established the company in 1958 when it was known by its original name of Corral Realty.

After two years there, he worked for Canada Permanent Trust, and became manager of the company in 1976. A short time later he then returned to his roots at Centennial Realty in 1977 and ran the company for a few years.

In 1982, he worked for Trans Alta Realty, then around 2003 he went to Sutton Group and now he is part of the team at MaxWell Capital Realty.

“I’ve enjoyed the business all along, it’s been a fairly rewarding career,” says Dickson.

Understandably, there have been some differences in real estate now and how it was 35 years ago.

“It’s a lot more involved now as far as REALTORS® are concerned, as far as due diligence,” says Dickson. “As far as prices go, it’s changed quite a bit.”

He recalls a time in August 1981, the worst time he says, when Calgary was hit with the recession. It was a dark time for Rick, who was broker at Centennial Realty at the time--Calgary saw soaring unemployment, interest rates rose to 22% and many REALTORS® quit the industry or went broke. It took a toll on his business.

But the good times have outweighed the bad for Dickson; he shares his passion for real estate with other members of his family. His father, Bill, recently received his 50 Year Service Award and continues to work in real estate.

His brother Don Dickson, has worked as a broker and agent, and currently serves as manager of Business Practices at CREB®; Don’s son Nathan Dickson is also a REALTOR®.

“It’s pretty much a real estate family,” says Rick.

And while the Dickson family affair with real estate continues, so does Rick’s career. He is still an active member of CREB® and has no plans to ever stop.

“I will probably be in real estate forever,” says Rick. “I am proud of the way I’ve conducted my business.”

This article was written for Calgary Real Estate News, a division of the Calgary Real Estate Board, for the series “Legends of Real Estate” showcasing important members of the Calgary Real Estate Board. Please visit the Calgary Real Estate Board online.This article is part of the collection of the Calgary Real Estate News. Please visit them online.