Voices of Pride: Celebrating Our Diversity

June marks a time of vibrant celebration and reflection: Pride Month. This month-long commemoration holds profound significance as it honors and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing their resilience, achievements, and the ongoing struggle for equality, June is a dedicated time when individuals, communities, and businesses come together to collectively foster the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives that promote acceptance and advocate for a more inclusive society. 

And what better way to do this than with the simple elegance of storytelling? A few gracious members of the Engel & Völkers network kindly agreed to tell us more about them: how they got into real estate, what their journeys have been like, where they would like to see the industry and world go, and their ideas on what we can do to get there. 

Chris Margetts

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?

I stumbled into a part-time administrative position for a real estate company over 15 years ago. I was in school for Business Management and needed to find a job to help fund my studies. From the moment I started, I found I really enjoyed what I was doing—helping others to succeed using the tools and skills I have. 

As the VP of Operations now, the goal is the same: being there to support and help our advisors here in Victoria in any way I can.

What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ individuals who are starting their careers and pursuing real estate?

Be proud of who you are and embrace your authentic identity. Remember that your unique experiences and perspectives can bring value to your work. When you’re true to yourself, you’ll be more confident and better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Look for real estate organizations that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Research companies and seek out those with inclusive policies, LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, and a track record of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. A welcoming and affirming work environment can contribute to your professional growth and overall well-being. 

And last, but not least, connect with other LGBTQ+ professionals in the real estate industry. Seek out mentorship opportunities and join LGBTQ+ professional networks or associations. These connections can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights as you navigate your career. 

What can the industry do to be more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community?

On the brokerage and company level, Engel & Völkers is extremely supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. We act ahead of the curve in making sure everyone is supported and feels welcome in the industry. Victoria, British Columbia, is also a very accepting and supportive community. If all cities and companies could be as proactive when it comes to inclusivity and support for all, the world would be a better place. 

Who is a changemaker that inspires you? What lesson did you learn from them?

My close friends inspire me on a regular basis. A number of my friends work in a similar industry or are also members of the LGBTQ+ community, and they all inspire me to be a better person each day. They have taught me to be more open and accepting because you never know what someone is going through behind the scenes. Patience and acceptance are powerful virtues. 

The leadership in my brokerage and within the Engel & Völkers Network are also always ahead of the pack when it comes to change and making sure everyone in our company is included and supported. When you are proud to be a part of this network, or any network, you feel inspired to follow suit. 

Chris Margetts is the vice president of operations for Engel & Völkers Victoria.

Charli Bullard

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?

I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Management Information Systems degree. I was fortunate enough to begin working for a local oil and gas company following an internship I completed during my junior year. I went on to work for the same company for 11 years but had a passion for remodeling and flipping homes—I loved being able to create something I found beautiful.

Unfortunately but fortunately, I was part of a RIF (reduction in force) at this job for the oil and gas company. When trying to figure out my next career, I was drawn to real estate and anything encompassing homes. Although I was nervous about starting a new career, it led me into a business I absolutely love and will always appreciate. The past four and a half years in real estate have been some of the hardest, yet most rewarding. 

Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities in your career? How did you navigate them?

Every day in real estate is a different day for me. It is one of the many reasons I love working in this field. You come across all kinds of challenges and are continually learning something new. For me, it is important to communicate well with your clients. And that means being completely transparent—being open and honest even when facing adversity. Of course, there are times you will mess up, but as long as you are honest and own your mistake, your clients will appreciate you more, because we are all human.

In your experience, what are some benefits of workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals?

Growing up in a more conservative state, I experienced jobs where I did not have the same rights as my coworkers or felt like I was treated differently because of my sexuality. For a while, I could have been fired for being gay, regardless of my work ethic and experience. Since I experienced this, I never take for granted a workplace that allows me to be me and treats me as an equal. Engel & Völkers was the first company that made me feel this way, and I will always be grateful to them. 

What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ individuals who are starting their careers and pursuing real estate?

Be yourself, continue to work hard, and always lead with clear, honest communication. I would also suggest working for a company whose values align with yours and one that will treat you with respect and inclusion. I get asked if being a gay woman has ever negatively impacted my real estate career, and if it has, I haven’t known about it.

If I come across a client who doesn’t want to work with me because of my sexuality, then I don’t want to work with them. I only want to be surrounded by people who respect each other and treat others how they would like to be treated. This career is very demanding, and you want to build relationships that last a lifetime with your clients… who you work with is as much a choice for you as it is for them.

Charli Bullard is an advisor for Engel & Völkers Oklahoma City.

Dan Nicoloff

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?

From early on, I found myself captivated by the world of architecture and all its different styles around the globe… this same fascination fueled my curiosity and set the stage for my journey into real estate.

My parents instilled in me that real estate could be an avenue for personal, professional, and financial growth, and it really resonated with me. I have always had a curiosity to learn more about the potential the real estate industry has to offer. Throughout my travels around the world growing up, I witnessed firsthand how greatly real estate varied from region to region, each showcasing the unique characteristics and cultural fabric of its community. 

Before real estate, I was in corporate franchising, but I got to a point where I needed something a little different in my life and decided to pivot into real estate where I already had so much natural curiosity and interest. 

Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities in your career? How did you navigate them?

Honestly, I have always had a very outgoing personality and could strike up a conversation and connect with anyone. With that being said, the greatest obstacle I faced starting out eight years ago was being new to the business and lacking industry knowledge. Recognizing this, I discovered the importance of patience and learning every aspect of the industry. In doing so, I gained the confidence to effectively collaborate and work with clients while also experiencing personal and professional growth.

Are there any resources or organizations that have been particularly helpful for you in your career development?

Throughout the years, the ability to so easily connect with other members of the network at brand events, like EVX, has been fantastic for career development and connecting with innovative individuals. On top of that, other networks, like the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, and local meetings with groups here in the Dallas Fort Worth area have created a real sense of local community for me. 

What can the industry do to be more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community?

We work better when we work together, and if we continue to nurture inclusiveness and collaboration in our industry, we will continue to support our growth as a society. 

Dan Nicoloff is the director of operations and an advisor for Engel & Völkers Dallas Lakeside.

On behalf of everyone at Engel & Völkers, we thank our network of LGBTQ+ members and allies for cultivating the inclusive and collaborative network of professionals that make our brand like no other. As we kick off this new month, we have yet another opportunity to support this incredible community we created together. 

To learn more about LGTBQ+ home ownership, please visit LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, who we proudly partner with.

The Trevor Project, The Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD are notable charities for those interested in making charitable donations to LGTBQ+-related causes.

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