Family, Community, and a Life Surrounded by Beauty
Photos by Darren Hull
Life in the Okanagan is defined by more than the homes people buy or sell—it is about family, community, and creating a life surrounded by beauty. For
Blaine Vernon-Jarvis, Kelowna is where his story intertwines with the legacy of one of Canada’s most trusted real estate names: Judy Lindsay.
Living in Kelowna with his wife Wyn and their young son Kingsford, Blaine knows firsthand the pull of this region. “Being able to start and grow my family in the Okanagan has made me realize what an incredible place we live in,” he said. “We have a fantastic ski resort nearby and one of the best lakes in B.C. right at our doorstep. The Okanagan has opened up so many opportunities for my family, and it is a privilege to be able to share those with others.”
That sense of family and community is at the heart of Judy Lindsay Real Estate’s story. Founded in Winnipeg in 1994, Judy Lindsay pioneered the idea of a team-based approach to real estate—something virtually unheard of at the time. She believed clients deserved more: better service, stronger marketing, and a collaborative model that put people first. “I made a decision to drastically change and improve the way I sell homes,” Judy once said. “I wanted to create a method of marketing your home that was extremely effective and would prove to be better than ever before.”
Her innovative thinking quickly took hold. By 1996, the Judy Lindsay Team had become Manitoba’s number one real estate group, a title it continues to hold. Even after Judy’s passing in 2001, her philosophy of compassion, teamwork, and innovation remained the foundation of the company’s success. Today, her son, Allan Asplin, proudly carries forward her vision. Licensed since 2000 and with more than 5,000 homes sold, Allan has built on his mother’s legacy by embracing cutting-edge marketing, advanced systems, and client-first strategies.
It was Allan’s belief in the brand’s potential that led him to the Okanagan. In 2020, he partnered with Blaine to bring the Judy Lindsay name to British Columbia. What began with only a couple of agents quickly grew to more than 15, fuelled by their no-nonsense approach: support agents, focus on the deal, and keep the client experience seamless.
“From the start, our goal was to create an agency that made sense for agents,” Blaine explained. “No unnecessary meetings, no big splits—just a group of people working hand in hand to take care of clients. Judy Lindsay Okanagan has succeeded in that. Whether you are doing 50 deals a year or working on your very first, our family approach has a place for everyone. I think agents see that we are genuine, and as a result, they want to be part of something great.”
That spirit of authenticity is exactly what Judy envisioned when she first launched her team three decades ago. “Judy’s vision is simple: looking after clients not just as clients, but as family. Having people return after ten years because they know and trust what we do means everything,” Blaine shared.
It is also what binds Blaine and Allan together as business partners. “I could not ask for a better partner to work alongside,” Blaine said. “Allan’s expertise in negotiating and client care is the best in the industry. His experience and skills have helped shape our success in the Okanagan.”
For clients, the benefits of this partnership are clear. Buyers gain access to the firm’s Smart Buyer Program, which opens doors to listings before they hit the market. Sellers benefit from advanced marketing strategies that maximize exposure and results. And above all, every client is treated as family—valued, supported, and cared for throughout one of life’s biggest decisions.
Looking ahead, Blaine remains committed to keeping Judy’s legacy alive in BC. “We will continue to move our vision forward by doing what we do best: looking after our clients as if they are family—because at the end of the day, they are.”
With Blaine Vernon-Jarvis at the helm, Judy Lindsay Okanagan is more than a real estate brokerage.
It is a reflection of a lifestyle, a community, and a legacy built on trust. For those who call the Okanagan home—or dream of doing so—it is a brand that represents not only results, but also the values of family and belonging that
Judy Lindsay championed from the very beginning.