It is ironic that Carole’s earliest memories are that of moving. She was only 2½ years old and the Reid family home was packed into two trucks – Carole’s father driving one, and a neighbour, the other. As she climbed into the neighbour’s truck with her mother, she watched her father and brother drive off. The panic that raked through her body can still be rekindled: She was never going to see them again!

Nothing could have been further from the truth, but the lesson of that experience has remained with Carole as she works with other families, helping them deal with the stresses of moving.

Carole grew up on a horse farm near Woodstock, New Brunswick where she, along with her parents, 3 siblings and uncle lived an almost idyllic life. The four children all consider themselves to be very fortunate to have grown up with a totally blind family member. Sympathy for their blind uncle did not exist, only appreciation for strengths & weaknesses.

The family established a very successful horse business: “Watching my father, negotiating was a part of my life as a young child. This is not a skill that suddenly appears, but rather one that is built upon. Maturity hones the skill of negotiation, using common-sense appreciation for value, and a good eye for a good deal to help a client get the most for their money.”

Born into a musical family, Carole has played piano since the age of 5. It is a vital part of her life, allowing her a venue to express her emotions, be it through classical, spiritual or jazz compositions, or her own. She played in The Thomists Band in Fredericton, New Brunswick, during university. “My musical abilities are all part of my creative skills. It is important to be able to visualize what might be in a house, not just what is concrete.”

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from St. Thomas University, then a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, Carole married her friend, Harry, whom she met while he was doing his master’s degree in bioengineering. They went on to have two wonderful boys: Robert and Colin, one with strong technical skills, and the other exceptional people skills. These three men in her life have persevered with the hectic pace she leads.

In 2020, a new member of the family was introduced by Colin and his wife, Sarah: Vivi; Carole & Harry’s first grandchild… the new love of their life.

Carole’s early career days were primarily in the marketing field: New Brunswick tourism, and industrial development in southern New Brunswick. “My marketing and public relations skills are used throughout the marketing of homes. A marketing plan is essential. Networking is also a vital component of an effective marketing plan.”

The entrepreneur that was in her blood first appeared when she and her best friend, Beth Kelly, started Aquila Tours, a wholesale and guided-tour service in the Maritimes Provinces.

After moving to Ottawa, Carole taught adult night school grade 13 Law and Sociology with the Carleton School Board. “My teaching hat helps me to explain what the legal jargon means and to break down the whole the real estate process into manageable parts.”

In 1991, Carole lost both of her parents in a car crash. This life experience has given her an understanding that augments her degree in social work and counseling. “My counselor’s hat comes out continually with people who are grieving loss, changing community or downsizing. One must hear and understand what an individual is experiencing to be able to help them effectively.”

Carole left teaching and changed careers totally, eventually ending up in real estate: a passion that utilized all her life experiences and skills.

“My experience with my husband and two children as well as the experience of growing up in New Brunswick in a wonderful family, has helped me to appreciate the needs of a family, the traumas of moving, and what a family needs in a home.”

As a strong supporter of the arts, Carole puts her money where her mouth is. When not attending concerts, dance performances or art shows in her free time, Carole and her husband host private concerts for friends and clients, bringing in diverse Canadian bands and local visual artists.

Carole loves local businesses! Not only does she educate herself about the communities she works in, but also hosts client events in partnership with those businesses. Carole recognizes that they are a vital part of each neighbourhood and wholehearted supports them.

Carole is a self-professed foodie, loving to entertain not only at home, but in restaurants throughout the city. The Tasting Ottawa events that Carole and Barb host in partnership with chefs helps to introduce incredible cuisine to friends and clients.

Carole glows when she talks about real estate. The people. The creative marketing. The team. The change that comes with each client’s needs. She loves all of it.

Carole’s tombstone will read (from the book Fugitive Pieces) “She took pleasure seriously”.