Meet Our Team

Don Defeo

Don Defeo

Professional Real Estate Corporation, REALTOR®, Team Leader

Don is one of the few active realtors who was a founding member of RE/MAX way back in 1988 and has consistently been a top producer ever since. Although technically not “old” he could be described as “very experienced” with approximately 30 years of Vernon and area real estate experience. Don’s hard work ethic and commitment to customer service evolved his real estate business from busy realtor, to busy realtor with assistant(s), to the present team structure to better serve the needs of buyers and sellers while still providing personalized service. When not assisting clients with their real estate needs Don can usually be found either at home or at Silver Star with wife Sue and children Jacob, Leah, Sarah and Crystal (Landon, Penelope and Piper). Although client and family needs dominate the majority of Don's time he has been known to “knock off” the odd time for some water sports, snow sports, or other recreation.

Karen Jespersen

Karen Jespersen

REALTOR®

When you call Karen, you can be guaranteed that you will receive her undivided personal attention to all of your real estate needs. Karen began her real estate career after a successful career in the financial industry. She has spent the past 26 years in the Vernon area, raising four children, helping husband Glenn build a successful contracting business and enjoying the Okanagan “lifestyle.” When not in the office or showing homes, Karen spends her time staying active with cycling, swimming and other outdoor activities. Karen promises to deliver confidential, dedicated and reliable service to all her clients and understands that your family needs are important and would consider it an honor to work with you.

Kim Cucheran

Kim Cucheran

REALTOR®

Kim Cucheran is an Okanagan native, born and raised in Vernon BC. Kim prides herself on delivering top notch customer care and taking care of all the aspects of a real estate transaction for her clients. After a successful 16 year career as a self employed jeweller in Downtown Vernon, Kim decided to switch her focus and apply her love of people and her community to real estate, obtaining her real estate license in 2020. Her attention to detail, calm and collected demeanor, strong work ethic, and vast knowledge of Vernon and surrounding areas ensure a thorough agent experience. Her goal with every transaction is complete client care - she will answer the questions before they are asked, research all of the details and assist with every step from the beginning to end of her clients home search or sell journey. When not in the office or assisting her clients Kim can be found with her husband Rob and her three teenage children - juggling one of their many sports, or enjoying all the Okanagan has to offer - skiing, camping and hiking topping the list as favorite family activities.

Mike Beck

Mike Beck

REALTOR®

Mike brings a wealth of experience from his diverse background, having lived in Ontario, Texas, Africa, Australia, and Europe. He's not just a real estate agent, but a dedicated community member. He's a past Rotary Exchange participant and host, a former volunteer firefighter, and a past Health Society President. Mike loves the North Okanagan - boating, fishing, quading, enjoying fresh produce, and the 4 seasons. He's also a tech enthusiast and a Maker with his CNC Laser, Router, and 3D Printer equipment. His wife Mary Beth is a long time RN in Vernon Jubilee’s ER and Oncology departments. Ready to find your dream home in the North Okanagan? Give Mike a call at 250-307-1600. He's ready to help you every step of the way!

Adriano Scaldaferri

Adriano Scaldaferri

REALTOR®

Adriano grew up on Vancouver’s North Shore and moved to Vernon in 2017. He brought with him a passion for quality food and a balanced lifestyle — two things Vernon provides in abundance. He loves riding his adventure motorcycle, freely roaming the many stunning routes through the Interior. Some of his favourite local activities are shared with his lovely wife, Rachel. You might find them at a secret spot by Kalamalka Lake or walking one of the many breathtaking local trails. Ask him about his prior experience in specialty auto restoration, trail building, house framing and custom cabinet production. Better yet, ask him about his family’s small-batch olive oil, imported each year from their ancestral village in Italy. In many areas, Adriano has the pleasure of being inspired and mentored by his father, Orazio, a longtime West Vancouver RE/MAX agent. He loves people and pays close attention to his clients’ needs. He is a diligent, detail-oriented person who prioritizes clear communication and excellent service. Adriano looks forward to utilizing his diverse experience to assist, advise and achieve for you.

Jacob Defeo

Jacob Defeo

REALTOR®

Born and raised in Vernon, Jacob has deep roots in the community and a lifelong connection to the local real estate industry. Real estate has been part of his life for as long as he can remember, giving him a strong understanding of the market and the importance of providing honest, reliable service to clients. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from University of British Columbia Okanagan, where he developed the business knowledge and skills he now brings to every real estate transaction. When he’s not helping clients buy or sell homes, you’ll likely find him enjoying the Okanagan lifestyle—whether it’s snowmobiling in the winter or hitting the golf course in the summer.

Ryan Black

Ryan Black

REALTOR® & Office Manager

With over 11 years of experience in real estate, Ryan has built her career right here in Vernon, BC, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s most important decisions with confidence, care, and a personal touch.

Originally from Toronto, Ryan has called Vernon home for more than 33 years. She has had the privilege of watching the community grow and evolve, raising two children here, and building lasting connections that make this place so special. Her deep local knowledge, combined with her genuine commitment to understanding each client’s needs, allows her to offer a thoughtful, personalized approach to every real estate journey.

Ryan holds the CNE 1 Buyers Certified Negotiation Expert, CNE 2 Sellers Certified Negotiation Expert, and CNE 3 Masters Certified Negotiation Expert designations through the Real Estate Negotiation Institute. These credentials complement her experience and commitment to helping clients make informed decisions, navigate negotiations, and move forward with confidence.

Beyond real estate, Ryan is passionate about health, wellness, and giving back to her community. She volunteers at Elks Hall #45, teaches fitness and yoga at Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, and is an energy work practitioner and Reiki Master. Her work in these areas reflects her belief in supporting others in creating balanced, fulfilling lives.

When she’s not working with clients or teaching, Ryan loves discovering new places, heading out on road trips, enjoying family camping adventures, and staying active. She values connection, continued discovery, and making the most of the life and community she calls home.

Whether helping clients achieve their real estate goals or supporting others on their health and wellness journeys, Ryan’s approach remains the same: to listen, to care, and to help others move forward with confidence.

Realtor: 250-503-8462 / ryan@vernonrealestate.com

Office Manager: 250-260-4711 / admin@vernonrealestate.com

Our Recommended Professionals

At Defeo and Associates we strive and pride ourselves in providing our clients with the most comprehensive and accurate information and the most professional and competent advice, but we can not do it alone. Over the years we have developed deep and valued relationships with others that are also the best in their respected industries. If you already have relationships with the required professionals to help you through the sales process, that is terrific. If not, we would highly recommend the following:

Chelsea Kramer
Chelsea Kramer
Notary Public
[member name here]
Sue Defeo
Insurance Broker, Johnston Meier Insurance
[member name here]
Dawn Stephanishin
Mortgage Broker, Invis
Jeanine Reiss
Jeanine Reiss
FYI Home Inspections
Doreen Stanton
Doreen Stanton
Real Estate Photographer

Get in touch

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