Why 1,200+ Agents Are Entering a New Chapter with REMAX^®

“They deserve the best.”

“We didn’t make this move for ourselves,” says Vivian Risi. “We made it for our agents, because they deserve the industry’s best solutions, global reach and competitive advantages.”

After five decades in real estate, Vivian has seen the industry evolve through multiple cycles. That perspective shaped the decision to move.

“The REMAX brand, national market leadership and marketing platform give our agents more opportunities to connect with clients and convert those opportunities into growth,” she says. “That matters more than ever right now.”

For Michelle Risi, the move reflects a clear-eyed view of what agents need to stay competitive.

“This is about positioning agents for the long game,” she explains. “REMAX offers a level of infrastructure, education and support that allows professionals to focus on building real businesses, not chasing tools.”

Built by agents. Scaled for agents.

Agent support has always been at the centre of the Risi family’s leadership philosophy.

Vivian entered the industry at 18, built an award-winning sales career and purchased her first brokerage in 1994 with just 18 agents. Through thoughtful recruiting, acquisitions and culture-first leadership, that single office grew into a multi-office operation spanning the GTA.

Michelle and Justin followed their own leadership paths, with Michelle bringing operational clarity and agent development focus, and Justin driving long-term growth strategy. Since 2017, they led the expansion of Connect Realty into a five-office brokerage known for productivity and professionalism.

Together, the trio built an organization designed to adapt — and that adaptability ultimately led them to REMAX.

A platform that earns trust

“This decision was made with our agents firmly at the centre” says Justin Risi. “REMAX gives us scale, visibility and opportunity without sacrificing who we are.”

The leadership team points to global reach, strong luxury and commercial presence, cross-border referral opportunities and deep education ecosystem as key factors in the move to REMAX.

But just as important is how the brand supports agents at every stage.

“Agents today want more than a logo,” Vivian notes. “They want a platform that grows with them, one that helps them compete locally while opening doors globally.”

Leading from the front

The Risi leadership style is hands-on, visible and relationship-driven — a trait that agents cite as central to the brokerage’s culture.

“Our agents know us. They can reach us,” Vivian says. “That connection builds confidence, and confidence fuels performance.”

That same leadership lens guided the transition to REMAX, not as a departure, but as an evolution.

“Our values haven’t changed,” Vivian says. “Hard work. Persistence. Putting people first. We’re simply aligning with a brand that amplifies what we’ve built and positions our agents for what’s next.”

Join the conversation

If you’re an agent asking what kind of platform can support your next chapter, this story may sound familiar.

Explore what joining REMAX — The #1 name in real estate¹ — can look like, and why more agents are choosing a model built for growth, connection and long-term opportunity.

Learn more about joining REMAX