GoodStory family!
We are overjoyed to announce that our very own Jen Alvarenga is a recipient of the Ottawa Business Journal’s 2025 Forty Under 40!
Jen has spent the past 14 years in real estate, serving her community with heart—delivering exceptional customer service and going above and beyond to help others live their good stories. This year, the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade are recognizing her profound community impact, and we couldn’t be prouder!
As GoodStory’s Co-Founder, Jen leads our team with selfless dedication, passion, and integrity. Her unmatched skillset brings people joy and raises the bar in our industry. Her professionalism is rivalled only by her gigantic heart, and we are absolutely thrilled to see her recognized for it.
Please join us in congratulating Jen on this incredible achievement! Her leadership will continue to make a lasting impact on the City of Ottawa and the amazing people who call it home.
Congratulations as well to the 39 other game-changing business professionals (including our special friend, client and partner Sarah Vandenbelt).
Jen on Receiving the Forty Under 40:
“The past few days have been a whirlwind, especially with Leo away for a bit (sorry if I’ve been slow to reply to messages and emails!). I finally had a moment to take it all in this weekend, so I wanted to share a few thoughts now that I’ve had time to process being a recipient of the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade’s Forty Under 40.
When I got into real estate, I knew I wanted to do things differently. And as many of you know, different isn’t always easy — it can come with higher costs, longer hours, and people questioning whether your approach will work.
When I started my journey in real estate as a realtor, many thought I was too passive, too slow. That I cared too much. That I spent too much time showing homes or too much money marketing listings. But I’ve never believed in doing things just to “get it done.” I’ve always believed in doing things right.
Coming from Honduras, I’ve always seen real estate as more than just property. Back home, a home is not only a place to feel safe — it’s also a lifeline. It’s the asset that can help you through a health emergency, or even — heartbreakingly — through a kidnapping. (How lucky we are that here in Canada, we don’t live with those fears.)
For me, real estate has always been about people, about impact, and about helping others build a better life. That belief has guided everything I’ve done since day one — from the time we started writing “happy stories” on our business planning boards, to eventually becoming GoodStory • Powered by RE/MAX Hallmark —the name was always there. The mission always clear.
I’m incredibly honoured to be named one of this year’s Forty Under 40. I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me, supported me — at work and at home — and trusted my team and I to guide them through some of life’s most important decisions.
I’m excited for the future. But what excites me most is continuing to help reshape an industry often known for bad stories — and showing that quality, care, and integrity do win. One good story at a time.“
