Problem-solver, snack-stockpiler, and full-time organizational wizard, Stef wears a lot of hats—and somehow makes it all look effortless.
But there’s more to Stef than just keeping Ourboro up and running. When she’s not juggling office tasks, she’s in her kitchen whipping up something delicious, talking sweetly to her sourdough starter, or diving into a good book.
How long have you been with Ourboro?
I’ve been with Ourboro since May of 2022.
What does your day-to-day look like as an Office Manager?
No two days are the same as an Office Manager! Each morning, I start by checking my booked calls for the day—whether it’s general inquiries, discovery calls, or homebuyer onboardings. After that, I follow up on any contact forms submitted through the website and check the status of new homebuyer applications, since I’m currently helping out the Relationship Team.
Beyond that, my role involves a little bit of everything—assisting with hiring, updating office procedures and security measures, researching ways to streamline processes, and being a constant resource for the team, whether that means hopping on a call or ordering supplies. I also organize lunch and learns, support our events team, and, of course, make sure our snack stash is always stocked.
Every day brings something new, which keeps things exciting!
How did you get started in this field?
My first ever job was as a part-time receptionist at a real estate brokerage—thanks to a little family nepotism, as both of my sisters worked there before me. From there, I bounced around, moving from receptionist to agent services, handling everything from booking appointments to uploading listings, reviewing documents, and assisting realtors with their advertising needs.
After that, I worked as an administrator for different real estate teams, where I gained a deeper understanding of client relations and realized just how much I enjoyed the industry. It was fascinating to see how each team and realtor approached their clients and transactions differently.
Eventually, I transitioned to working with Real Estate Boards in the MLS and IT Departments, which gave me a whole new perspective on the backend systems I had grown so familiar with. It was an exciting, fast-paced environment where no two days were the same.
I spent over a decade experiencing nearly every facet of real estate—from brokerages and realtors to teams and boards. I really felt like I had seen it all!
What led you to Ourboro?
It was by chance that I saw an opportunity at Ourboro, and initially applied for a role on the Relationship Team. This was something that even after a decade in the real estate industry was brand new to me and really caught my eye. After interviewing and meeting the team, we discussed how we could best use my past experience to Ourboro’s benefit, and decided I’d be a great fit for the role of Ourboro’s Office Manager.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Probably at home, in my kitchen. I love to spend time with my family, and food really is my love language. I love cooking and baking and sharing meals with my loved ones.
What book are you currently obsessed with?
I have a best friend with impeccable taste in books, and I fully trust her recommendations. Most recently, she gifted me a copy of Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, which I’m excited to start. But first, I’m finishing The Confessions of Saint Augustine. As someone who loves to learn, especially when it comes to my own faith, this classic has been an eye-opening and enriching read. There’s so much to discover—both in the world and within ourselves—and this book has been a great reminder of that.
What’s something that people often find surprising about you?
People are usually surprised when I speak at all! As the youngest of four, I naturally tend to keep to myself, so I feel like anything that I tell people comes as a surprise to them.
The biggest surprise, though, is usually that I went to pastry school. Baking has always been a passion of mine, and I cherish those years deeply. I love experimenting with flavours and creating new treats for people to try. I even have a sourdough starter that I speak kindly to—because happy starter, happy bread!
One day, I’d love to share my love for baking beyond just family and friends—I just haven’t figured out exactly how yet.
If you were an inventor, what would you invent to help the real estate market?
Such a tough question! I think that in this day in age, with all the AI, the technology, the countless calculators, estimators and all of the information present, I don’t know if there is anything I think would be missing.
It can already be so overwhelming and in a lot of the cases, I think a caring team of Real Estate Professionals can really do much more good for a buyer or seller than any new invention. Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make. I think if anything we need less information and more clarification. Maybe I’m just too old for all the new-age stuff.
Where is your favourite place to spend time in the GTA?
My favourite place to spend time is at home.
I spent the majority of my life in Halton Hills, my siblings have since moved on and moved out but still live nearby, and my mom and I have renovated our home to be exactly what we wanted. We often joke that our house is like the mother’s home in Everybody Loves Raymond. A constant revolving door of family, and really, that is everything I need.
