Hammer Group Story: From Kitsilano to the Lower Mainland
It all started in June 1995 when 22-year-old Mark Hammer, fresh out of BCIT with his real estate license, joined Royal LePage on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.
It was a different time. Jerry Garcia had just passed away, you could still smoke on the dance floor, and Kitsilano was the place to be. Cafés, boutique shops, and the beach created the perfect mix of culture and energy. The old Expo ’86 lands were transforming, new buildings were rising, and Vancouver was beginning to reinvent itself.
Mark jumped in with both feet. He was at the office by 7 a.m., making calls and learning the business the old-fashioned way through hard work, persistence, and relationships. By the end of that first summer, he had already sold half a dozen homes.
That early dedication paid off. Around that time, Mark met Kathy Watkinson, the only other realtor showing up as early as he did. The two quickly formed a friendship and partnership that became Hammer Watkinson Group. Together they joined RE/MAX Crest Realty at McDonald and 16th and built a trusted name in Vancouver real estate throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In 2003, Kathy’s brother Phil Watkinson joined the team, bringing a fresh perspective, deep client care, and a talent for building long-term relationships. With complementary strengths, the trio thrived — Mark driving the strategy and negotiations, Kathy ensuring clients felt supported at every step, and Phil expanding the group’s reach across Vancouver and into the surrounding communities. As business grew, their shared commitment to integrity and service became their hallmark.
By 2014, their client base had outgrown what even three highly driven agents could manage alone. That’s when Kayleigh joined as the team’s assistant, bringing order and precision to the operation. She streamlined marketing, organized listings, and made sure every detail behind the scenes ran flawlessly so the team could stay focused on what mattered most: their clients.
In 2019, Mark made the move to eXp Realty, seeking a platform that would allow for broader reach, flexibility, and collaboration across regions. eXp’s innovative cloud-based brokerage model provided access to advanced marketing tools, a nationwide referral network, and cutting-edge technology that empowered agents to work smarter and scale their businesses. The model aligned perfectly with Mark’s vision for a modern, connected, and service-focused approach to real estate.
That same year, Mark founded Hammer Group, bringing his three decades of experience and reputation for results into a new era. Soon after, he met Colton Clark, a natural fit for the evolving vision of the business. A former professional lacrosse player, Colton brought a team-player mindset, discipline, and a competitive edge that carried perfectly into real estate. His background in social media and digital trends helped modernize Hammer Group’s marketing approach and connect with a new generation of buyers and sellers.
Mark’s longtime friend Ian Rozylo soon joined the team. Having known each other for more than 20 years, their shared trust and chemistry made the partnership seamless. Ian’s background in acting and stunt work gave him a bold, outgoing presence — the kind of agent you’ll see out there door-knocking, meeting neighbours, and promoting listings with fearless enthusiasm.
Next came Aivea De Chavez, who had previously worked in RE/MAX’s conveyancing department and understood the business from the back end. Her operational expertise and tireless work ethic quickly made her indispensable, ensuring every transaction moved smoothly from offer to completion.
Michael Patko joined soon after, bringing with him an extensive network of clients and friends from his years in Vancouver’s film industry. Born and raised locally, his genuine connection to the city and its people gave Hammer Group a wider reach and a deep sense of community.
Arvin Girn, a licensed builder and realtor, later became part of the team — adding technical construction knowledge and development insight that paved the way for Hammer Group’s involvement in new-home sales and project marketing across Vancouver.
Through all of this, Mark’s partner in both business and life, Martine Perron, has played a vital role. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Laval University in Quebec, Martine moved to Vancouver in 2015 and purchased her first home — an experience that sparked her passion for real estate. She became a licensed mortgage broker in 2019 and later earned her real estate license in 2021, giving her a unique dual perspective on home ownership and financing.
Martine’s open and honest communication style, combined with her deep understanding of financial planning, has made her an invaluable resource for Hammer Group clients. She has a special passion for helping young professionals and growing families navigate the often complex process of buying their first or dream home. Together, Mark and Martine not only run their business side by side but also raise their two daughters, balancing family life with their shared commitment to helping others build lasting wealth through real estate.
Today, Hammer Group continues to grow, powered by a team that blends experience, creativity, and an unrelenting work ethic. From Kitsilano to the Lower Mainland and beyond, the mission remains unchanged: to make real estate educational, seamless, and fun, while helping clients create lasting wealth and find homes they love.
Meet The Hammer Group Team