Riccardo Manazza never set out to be a realtor. His career began far from the world of open houses and closing deals, with a foundation rooted in engineering, contracting, and farming. It was that practical, hands-on mindset that shaped his early real estate endeavors, where he bought and sold properties without the help of an agent. But it wasn’t long before he recognized that the real estate world held more complexity—and more opportunity—than he ever imagined.
Fast forward to today, and Riccardo is one of the emerging names in Kelowna and West Kelowna, bringing a fresh perspective to a rapidly growing real estate market. His decision to pursue this path came with a nudge from his mother and a big dose of inspiration from industry titans like Ryan Serhant and Grant Cardone. Their stories of ambition and relentless drive resonated with Riccardo, solidifying his belief that success lies in striving to become the best version of yourself.
However, starting out in a new industry and in a city where he had no network wasn’t easy. Riccardo entered the Kelowna market as an outsider, with no connections and few resources. But where others might have seen an uphill battle, Riccardo saw an opportunity to roll up his sleeves and get to work. He began building relationships from scratch, partnering with local businesses and earning the trust of neighbors and clients, one conversation at a time.
What’s different about Riccardo isn’t just his unconventional background; it’s the way he sees the future of real estate. He’s a forward thinker, envisioning a world where buying a home is as simple as clicking a button, with virtual reality and cutting-edge tech making the process seamless. It’s not just a fantasy for him—it’s the direction he’s already moving in, and he’s determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Still, Riccardo isn’t blind to the challenges realtors face. He’s candid about the financial pressures and the misconceptions that come with the profession. Too often, real estate agents are painted as slick salespeople, more interested in commission than clients. For Riccardo, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s out to prove that trust, transparency, and real relationships are the backbone of the business—and he’s doing it one client at a time.
What keeps him motivated is the thrill of helping others. Whether he’s guiding a first-time buyer through the maze of homeownership or helping an investor secure a life-changing deal, Riccardo thrives on the satisfaction of seeing his clients succeed. And those relationships? They often outlast the sale, becoming lasting connections built on respect and shared success.
But the life of a realtor is fast-paced, and for Riccardo, finding balance has been a journey in itself. Early on, he admits he was all about speed, always chasing the next deal. It took time—and a lot of patience—to learn that slowing down, savoring the process, and finding joy in the day-to-day grind was just as important as closing the sale. Outside of work, he’s found his rhythm in more personal pursuits: calisthenics, playing guitar, and unwinding with a good book. These hobbies help him recharge and maintain the balance needed to navigate the pressures of the industry.
As he looks to the future, Riccardo is ready for what’s next. He’s not content with the status quo, always exploring new ways to integrate tech, streamline processes, and offer his clients more. Whether that means incorporating financial planning into his services or embracing the next big innovation in real estate, one thing is certain: Riccardo Manazza isn’t just thinking about where the market is today—he’s preparing for where it’s headed.
In Kelowna and West Kelowna’s competitive real estate market, Riccardo’s mix of innovation, integrity, and a people-first approach has earned him a reputation as someone who’s not just in it for the sale, but for the long haul. And for buyers and sellers alike, that’s a welcome change.
Published by Zane L.
