Top Million Dollar Agent

The reality show Top Million Dollar Agent is a leading Canadian reality show first filmed in Toronto, and now in seven other countries. It is watched in 45 countries.

Appearing on the show is Mike Donia, who exudes natural talent and 27 years of experience. Mike’s area of expertise is dealing with million-dollar properties in Toronto. He has sold real estate to the value of $2 billion. Mike regularly drives his clients in a private fleet of luxury cars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Porsche… all which make the show livelier, more fast-paced, and more entertaining.

His show features picturesque and memorable houses in Toronto and the surrounding area valued at from $2 million to $20 million dollars. Cottages worth $5 million that have go-kart tracks and kilometre-long docks magically attract and tickle the fancy of the viewers.

The second season featured, for the first time, a private house in Asia worth $1.5 billion dollars, with a beach in front that runs for kilometers, and a main building that reaches seven stories.

In order for Mike to sell them, his long-term experience as a manager at RBC helps him greatly. You need nerves of steal, and to overcome the fear of the world of the rich and famous. Mike’s clients are stars from the world of sports, Hollywood, and music. You need to have top knowledge of luxurious interiors and conveniences such as private elevators, elevators in garages, home movie theatres with 100 seats, and so on.

He will take you to that luxurious home, cottage or manor in his luxury car, private helicopter or plane.

SAN: Tell us a little bit about yourself and the work that you do as a real estate agent.

MD: I grew up with my grandparents in North York. I lived with them in Belgrade until I was three years old. Our street was close to Tito’s street. That is all I remember. In 1970, I came to visit them and stayed with them for six months. And then we came to Canada all together.

Since I was little, I listened to my grandfather’s stories about how real estate is the way to get rich. All of his friends talked about their investments in real estate, lost opportunities, and past experiences.

I finished three years of high school in one year, and I applied to university with a 96% average and received the president’s scholarship. I studied law with the desire to become a lawyer; that was my great wish since childhood. At 17, I bought my first house.

And I did not avoid a single mistake: I made almost every single mistake you could make, I got stuck at a 21% interest rate and somehow survived. In the next two years, I bought and sold around 10 houses.

I left school in my second year and started to work for RBC, in their legal department. At the same time, I started buying houses and at one point, I owned and flipped over 50 houses and had over 300 tenants.

Working in a bank became unbearable and demotivating: the agents were lazy, lacked experience, and were unprofessional.

I joined RE/MAX and never turned back.

SAN: Which sports do you like?

MD: I used to play professional rugby. I was not successful enough in hockey or baseball. I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor; I did parachuting, scuba diving, and horseback riding. I have two black belts in Tae Kwon Do and MMA fighting. I train seven days a week and I finished an endurance race, the so-called “Ironman,” which consists of a few disciplines: 5km swim, 45km run, and 166km bicycle ride. I completed it in 17 hours. I enjoy hot yoga.

SAN: What is the best way to get nerves of steel?

MD: Physical activity is the best way to get rid of stress, as well as cardio and going to the gym.

SAN: What do you do when it looks like everything is falling apart?

MD: Never give up, be fearless, think about regrouping, and carry on.

SAN: What motivates you at work? Is it the money, the freedom, the satisfied clients?

MD: Achieving the impossible, helping people who have a problem, and creating magic for people.

SAN: Would you ever work another job?

MD: Never.

SAN: Can you give us five vital business tips for success?

MD: Think outside the lines, always be hungry, and always go forward—whether you are sinking or swimming. Those who see the invisible achieve the impossible. Remember—you are only as good as your next deal, forget about what you just did, and always start afresh.

SAN: What kind of communication do you use with your clients?

MD: Essential and logical.

SAN: What events have changed you and your approach to work?

MD: Fax, e-mail, and immigration.

SAN: Which restaurant would you recommend to our readers?

MD: Royal Meats.

SAN: How does one stay successful at work?

MD: Work, work, work.

SAN: How can one collaborate successfully with other people?

MD: I cannot work miracles: I am Donia, not God. But I can put you in the position for you to succeed, to take a step forward.

SAN: What is your sign?

MD: Scorpio.

SAN: What do you think about the future of the Toronto real estate market?

MD: It will adapt to long-term growth.

SAN: What are the best months for buying/selling?

MD: January to April, and September to November.

SAN: How do you overcome a problem? Like when you were stuck at 21% interest?

MD: By praying.

SAN: What is the minimum listing price that you will agree to work for?

MD: I have sold houses worth $36,000 or $42 million. I work with people, not with prices or products.

SAN: What is the most important lesson you learned in business?

MD: Those who see the invisible—the visionaries—can do the impossible. Do not work harder, work smarter.

SAN: What is something you will never forget?

MD: I grew up in poverty, and I will never forget where I came from.

SAN: Can you tell us a bit more about the show Top Million Dollar Agent? How did you become part of it?

MD: They wanted a top agent with a strong personality, so my way of dressing, accessories, cars, and wild houses were a logical choice. What is more, I like the show so much that I bought stocks and now I own a portion of it.

SAN: What was the most interesting moment in your life?

MD: The birth of my children.