In 2013, brother and sister Arlene Chiang and Michael Uy, along with Morgan Browne, saw two big problems in the real estate sector: mainly, a lack of good service paired with a less-than-stellar reputation. Rather than build another franchise-style brokerage, they set out to disrupt the industry, creating a culture where agents, who typically work as fiercely competitive solo entrepreneurs, felt inspired to collaborate. The biggest hurdle in the early months? Building credibility as a new independent brand in a market that was rife with heritage operators—and in one of the most competitive regions on the planet.
“We had many people say they were going to join the company and were with us 100 percent, but when we opened… barely anyone showed up,” Uy says, adding that they splashed out on a launch party that ended up seeing shockingly low attendance.
It didn’t take long, however, for their culture-first approach to win out: in fact, the company grew from 30 to 1,100 agents in its first decade. While it was “all hands on deck” in the early days, Browne says, the trio quickly found their groove, divvying responsibilities based on personal strengths: Browne as the creative and marketing force, Chiang bringing regulation, compliance and operational know-how and Uy serving as the visionary.
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One of their boldest early bets came when they set their sights on a former Blockbuster Video location on Oak Street for their Vancouver headquarters, creating a prominent home for their rapidly growing community of entrepreneurs. “We took a big chance on finding a space that would make a big imprint in the city,” says Morgan.
Generating over $100 million in revenue last fiscal, the brokerage now has over 1,000 licensed realtors, 14 offices and over 50 support staff. With agents completing a combined $8 billion in real estate last year in B.C., and more brokerage openings on the horizon, Oakwyn has ambitious plans. They are focused on becoming B.C.’s leading realty brand—along with pushing into new provinces and exploring new vertical integrations, including mortgage and insurance offerings—all while maintaining the “people first” ethos that got them here.
How many unread emails do you have?
MB: Twenty-five.
Do you have an embarrassing obsession?
AC: Crocheting.
MU: Being a Magic: The Gathering fanatic.
Check out the full list of Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 winners and finalists here.
