Transforming British Columbia’s #1 real estate portal into a premium marketplace brand.

BrandReal EstateMarketplace
Written By Justin R. Melville

REW (2021—2024)

As Vice President, Brand at REW, I led the transformation of Western Canada’s leading real estate portal from an traditional advertising model into a modern, premium membership marketplace. This pivot positioned REW as both a consumer destination and an industry platform, creating significant new revenue streams and driving strong multiples in growth. Alongside this business model shift, I founded REW Studio and launched RealTours™, an original content series that brought humanity and trust into the home-search journey. Recognized by Online Marketplaces, Marketing News Canada, and Business in Vancouver, REW became more than a listings site — it became a cultural brand, proving how design and brand strategy can directly impact commercial results.

Highlights

  • Transformed REW from advertising-led to modern membership & premium model

  • Significant multiples in revenue growth tied to brand + business model shift

  • Founded REW Studio; produced RealTours™ original content

In the Press

  • Marketing News Canada — Interview: https://marketingnewscanada.com/news-show/justin-r-melville-rew

  • Glacier Media — REW transformation story: https://glaciermedia.ca/real-estate-works-rew-continues-to-transform-the-way-canadians-engage-with-real-estate/

  • Online Marketplaces — Interview with Simon Bray & Justin Melville: https://www.onlinemarketplaces.com/articles/interview-rew-simon-bray-justin-melville/

  • Business in Vancouver — REW Create renters service: https://www.biv.com/news/real-estate/rew-create-service-allows-renters-search-listings-8269132

 
Justin R. Melville
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