Nicole Jerick brings a diverse communications background to Talk Shop, having supported a variety of clients, both large and small, find their voice and share their stories. Well-versed in corporate communications, media relations, thought leadership, and profile building, Nicole oversees Talk Shop’s Real Estate division, supporting a growing team and a portfolio of clients, including Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Adera, MOSAIC, Westbank, Low Tide Properties, Mission Group, and more. Understanding the intricacies needed to launch a project and generate leads, Nicole knows how to cut through the clutter and generate brand-propelling media coverage.

With experience reporting for television and online news publications, Victoria brings more than ten years of experience in media and communications to the Talk Shop’s team. Victoria also works as a lecturer at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, teaching in both the undergraduate and MBA programs. Having delivered media training sessions to Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the University of British Columbia, Destination BC, SAP, PayByPhone, Herschel Supply Co., and countless others, Victoria knows how to support leaders in delivering clear messaging and navigating tough questions.

Andrew Merrill, RPP MCIP is the General Manager of Planning and Development for the City of Coquitlam. Originally from the East Coast, he has a Masters in Planning with a concentration in Urban Design from UBC. Andrew has over 19 years of experience in community planning, development approvals, public engagement, facilitating housing affordability, and urban design. His current work involves leading a team of 120 guiding transit-oriented development and infill housing for one of the fastest growing cities in BC.

Jordan is a resident of North Saanich, BC with his wife, Ashley Renee, and their two sons. Jordan was born in Winnipeg but spent the majority of his youth in Vancouver where he participated in competitive soccer and gained an affinity towards real estate. Jordan began his career with GMC Projects in 2007 while undertaking Urban Land Economics at the University of British Columbia and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the GMC Group of Companies. Jordan leads the GMC team through thoughtful design, innovative thinking and attention to detail. Jordan currently serves as Vice Chair at Large on the Board of Directors for the Urban Development Institute Pacific Region and as Past Chair of the Board for the Urban Development Institute Capital Region. Jordan is passionate about real estate development and is honoured to serve in these roles; to advocate on behalf of industry for improved policy to benefit the people of British Columbia through the built environment and the delivery of housing.

In his role as president, Gary drives the firm’s growth and guides major client projects as strategic lead. With over twenty years of planning-related experience, he has spearheaded some of the country's most significant projects throughout Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sea to Sky corridor, Alberta and Ontario. His expertise includes strategic guidance, policy planning, public consultation and entitlement negotiation. Often recognized as the man behind the Lower Mainland's most complex projects, Gary was listed as a “change-maker and power player shaping our world” in Vancouver Magazine’s 2022 Power 50 List. Gary sits on the board of the Urban Development Institute Membership Committee, both in Vancouver and the Capitol Regional District, and is an annual instructor for the UDI School of Development. He is also passionate about his community, and has been part of several charitable boards including the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Foundation, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, LiveBIG Society, and PacWest Academy Soccer. Gary also has a family non-profit group that works on several community initiatives annually. Gary holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary and a B.A. in Geography from Simon Fraser University, and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Michael is in the business of planning, designing, and building great communities that inspire and add value in every dimension of community life. He brings over 35 years of experience from across North America and around the World in areas of public and private sector design, development and finance. He is President of MVH Urban Planning & Design Inc. and Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University and Vancouver Island University. MVH continues to win numerous provincial and national awards for innovative cutting-edge development planning and design. Michael was made a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2016 for his distinguished career and contributions to the professional.