Our Team
Education
Trading Services – University of British Columbia
Leadership Series – Okanagan College
Professional Affiliations
Member, Association of Interior Realtors Board
Member, BC Real Estate Association
Member, Canadian Real Estate Association
Kara Torgasows / REALTOR® Accredited Buyers Agent
Having spent the majority of her working-life in the hospitality industry; 16 years of which was spent at Lake Okanagan Resort managing various departments including Food and Beverage and Meeting and Events, Kara is an attentive and service oriented agent for the Residential Division of Venture Realty Corp.
She truly appreciates the importance of great customer service and throughout her career she has continuously strived to hold herself to a high standard of knowledge, education and professionalism.
Most recently, Kara was the General Manager of Mission Villas Retirement Community in Kelowna before transitioning into her career in real estate. Now a Partner in Venture Residential, Kara brings a local and community minded perspective to the leadership group and continues to partner with her clients in all areas of real estate from buying or selling to investing or developing.
Education:
Trading Services – University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Business – Charles Darwin University, Australia
Professional Affiliations:
Member, Association of Interior Realtors Board
Member, BC Real Estate Association
Member, Canadian Real Estate Association
Clare Pollonais / Managing Broker - REALTOR®
Clare joined Venture Realty Corp. with over 10 years of business experience in recruitment, sales, and hospitality. She obtained her Managing Broker license and oversees the Residential and Commercial divisions of the Brokerage. Her attention to detail on compliance requirements and relationships with the industry regulatory bodies ensures optimal support for the brokerage.
As a Partner in the Brokerage, she is involved in strategic planning and overall operations of the business and committed to the success of all Agents and Brokers. Clare is highly devoted to client care and satisfaction, brings a high level of professionalism and integrity and enjoys giving back to her community through volunteer work.
Education
Trading Services – University of British Columbia
Professional Affiliations
Member, Association of Interior Realtors Board
Member, BC Real Estate Association
Member, Canadian Real Estate Association
Ben Grainger - REALTOR®
Ben started his career in sales and service over 12 years ago. Though the companies have changed and roles have grown, the thing that keeps Ben driving into work every morning is the people. Ben genuinely loves his clients and customers. He takes time to get to know each person and their unique stories and needs so he can provide exceptional service.
It’s his passion for people that brought Ben to real estate and specifically, Venture Realty Corp. Buying or selling a home can be the most important decisions of someone’s life, but Ben is right there with you, providing honesty and transparency throughout the whole process. He’ll support you with a tailored approach, making sure you feel confident and cared for throughout your entire adventure.
When he’s not working hard to find you a home, Ben can be found behind the lens for his Wedding Photography business, making gourmet pizzas with his friends and family, or playing with his two sweet pups, Jimmy and Billy.
- 250-864-0707
- ben@venturerealtycorp.ca
Education
Trading Services – University of British Columbia
Master of Business – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
Bachelor of Science – University of British Columbia
Professional Affiliations
Member, Association of Interior Realtors Board
Member, BC Real Estate Association
Member, Canadian Real Estate Association
Chris Grout / Founder, Managing Broker, REALTOR®, MBA, BSc
Chris Grout is the founder, owner and a Managing Broker of Venture Realty Corp., a Kelowna-based Real Estate company providing trading services for Buyers, Sellers, Investors, Builders and Renovators in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.
After finishing his Bachelors of Science Degree and Masters of Business Administration Degree, he began his career in sales and marketing strategy with Canadian Pacific Railway, receiving the President’s Award for his involvement in the arbitration and eventual settlement of a multi-billion dollar contract dispute.
In 2004, he joined a couple skilled partners and moved his family from Calgary to Kelowna to develop a 51 unit innovative seniors’ housing project called Mission Villas. His role as a founder and managing partner was in the planning and research, project management, marketing, sales, finance, resident-services development and general management of the community.
Venture Realty Corp. came shortly after Mission Villas development was completed. Chris wanted to create a Real Estate Brokerage that was structured to function as more of a corporate and collaborative system. His goal was to be different from other brokerages which work with their Realtors as independent contractors and instead gather a handful of skilled employees who are all available to each client and each file.
Kelowna is now home for Chris, his two daughters, son and wife.
