About Us
How did it all begin?
It all began with a Durham Region Real Estate Broker, Walter Frank, who served as the original broker/owner of what was known as
"W. Frank Real Estate."
1939
1953
1962
1970s
Walter's story is extraordinary, starting with his departure from Holland at the age of thirteen with his parents at the onset of World War II. The family undertook a perilous Atlantic crossing and eventually settled in St. John. They later relocated to a farm north of Bowmanville, where young Walter contributed to the family business, Charles Frank and Son, specializing in Holstein cattle. Walter engaged in buying and selling cattle, transporting cattle across a vast territory from Picton to Peterborough to the United States.
In 1953, Walter faced a significant challenge when he contracted polio at the age of 27. This illness led to a two-year convalescence period. Determined to overcome his limitations, he learned to walk on crutches while wearing heavy, cumbersome leg braces. With his physical condition making it impractical to continue in the cattle business, Walter sought a new profession. A friend recommended real estate, and he reached out to Don McQuay, a Whitby Real Estate Broker, expressing his desire to sell farms. Don, initially skeptical about how someone in Walter's situation could succeed in real estate, was struck by Walter's undeniable determination. Seeing potential and having nothing to lose, Don decided to hire Walter.
Establishing an office at the front of his Bowmanville residence, Walter extended his reach by revisiting his old cattle routes, listing farms and land directly from his car. Remarkably, within his second year in the real estate industry, Walter emerged as the top-performing salesperson on the Oshawa and District Real Estate Board. In 1962, he took a significant step by founding his own brokerage, W. Frank Real Estate Ltd.. His sons, who later joined the business, could often be seen putting up his distinctive For Sale signs. In a remarkably short span, these unique signs dotted landscapes as far north as Algonquin Park.
​As demand grew, salespeople approached Walter to oversee satellite offices, propelling the expansion of W. Frank Real Estate to twenty-two locations with approximately three hundred employees. This positioned it as one of the largest independently owned real estate companies in Ontario. Throughout this expansive growth, Walter retained his passion for selling and set a compelling example for his team. His dedication and perseverance were unparalleled, and he made time for everyone. Walter's leadership not only fostered the success of his business but also launched many individuals into prosperous real estate careers.
Despite facing setbacks in both business and health, Walter remained actively involved in the company that continues to bear his name, Royal LePage FRANK Real Estate, until his passing.
Today
For more than fifty years, the company has served Southern Ontario, stretching from Toronto to Picton in the East and the Kawartha Lakes area to the North. Today, the company operates offices in Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Port Perry, Uxbridge, Bobcaygeon, Lindsay, Peterborough, and Northumberland. Additionally, it maintains satellite offices in Apsley, Bancroft, Bridgenorth, Buckhorn, and Lakefield. Over the years, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate has built an outstanding reputation for its commitment to service, integrity, and innovation.
The mission of FRANK Real Estate and our sales team is to provide the highest level of service and satisfaction to the buying and selling public. Our goal will be met by our ongoing commitment to utilize the best ideas, tools and resources available to us throughout the industry and Royal LePage.
Today, while the majority of the company's business is residential, time and geography have allowed it to develop significant niches in the commercial sector, land assembly, farms, estates and recreational properties.
We believe that the success of any service organization is predicated on the beliefs and conduct of its members. At Royal LePage FRANK Real Estate, we endeavour to provide the highest level of service with the utmost accountability.