Topaz takes pride in providing exceptional service. She takes time to make sure her clients understand the process and encourages them to ask questions. It is her belief that good communication can reduce the stress of buying or selling, so she stays in close contact with her clients; returning most phone calls within four hours.

Asked whether she is a Million Dollar Producer Topaz responds Yes, but that is not how I measure my success; I measure it by the number of people I have helped and by the success of my clients.

For the last 30 years, she has been a passionate housing advocate who believes that housing is fundamental to building healthy communities and livable neighborhoods. It's easy to tell that community is important to Topaz. She has been on the boards of both the Kerns Neighborhood Association and Reach Community Development Corporation. She helped to create Tualatin Valley Housing Partners, a nonprofit housing provider in Washington County, and served as its first Executive Director for five years.

Topaz told me the story of how she and her husband, Larry Conrad, helped to raise funds and organize neighbors to build a playground at the Da Vinci Arts Middle School in the mid 1990's. It's a touching tale of dedication, perseverance and community building. What impressed me the most about her telling of it was the value she placed on the process of working together with neighbors. Through cooperation and friendship, the group transformed more than just an empty lot, they nurtured a community."