Shows
No Safe Mode!Ottawa Unlocked: Planning Risk, Land Constraints and Hidden OpportunityOttawa is often seen as a stable, slow growth market. But is that all there is? In this episode, we sit down with Sachin Anand, Vice President of Acquisitions at Regional Group, to unpack what most investors from Toronto and beyond don’t understand about Ottawa real estate.Sachin walks us through two of his most notable deals, 1600 Carling and Qualicum Centre, and shares how he underwrites planning risk, spots overlooked value, and navigates a market constrained by the Greenbelt, public sector dominance, and long approval timelines.We also di...2025-07-2129 min
No Safe Mode!The Housing System is Broken: How Missing Middle Housing Offers a Real SolutionThe housing system in Canada is in trouble and affordability is getting worse and supply is tight. Traditional solutions are not keeping up but there is a promising alternative called missing middle housingIn this episode I talk with Alkarim Devani co-founder of MDDL. He is a Top 40 Under 40 honouree and doctoral candidate who is creating simple and scalable ways to build missing middle housingWe cover what missing middle really means why people misunderstand it how making development simpler can unlock real solutions who is helping to push...2025-07-0832 min
No Safe Mode!Your Voice or AI: Who is Leading?What happens to leadership when AI starts writing our emails and shaping our culture? Join us as Yasar Ahmad, Global VP of People at HelloFresh, reveals the quiet crisis unfolding. As automation grows, authentic human connection shrinks. We dive into why human potential is harder to unlock than ever, how to find your voice against AI, and what leadership truly looks like five years from now.This isn't just about technology. It's about your career, your influence, and the very essence of human connection in the modern workplace. Tune in to understand the subtle...2025-06-3026 min
No Safe Mode!Lauretta.io: How to Make Buildings Intelligent Without Ripping Them ApartIn this episode of No Safe Mode, I sit down with Galvin Widjaja, CEO of Lauretta, to explore how his company is revolutionizing the way buildings become smarter without costly renovations or disruptions.We dive into the real-world problems Lauretta is solving: from outdated building systems and rising energy costs to the growing need for actionable, real-time data in commercial real estate. Galvin shares how Lauretta’s AI-powered platform seamlessly retrofits into existing infrastructure, unlocking new efficiencies in building operations, security, and sustainability all without tearing down walls or rewiring entire systems.2025-06-2338 min
No Safe Mode!Everyone’s talking about AI Agents now; But we called it last yearBack in July 2024, I sat down with Seth Samowitz, COO at BKREA, to explore how AI would transform commercial real estate from the inside out. At that time, “AI agents” weren’t yet a buzzword.Today, they’re everywhere — and this conversation hits differently.🎧 We dive into: How AI agents automate repetitive tasks Why commercial real estate has been slow to adopt new tech What it really takes to scale AI inside a brokerage How AI is shifting human roles—not replacing themWhether you’re in real estate...2025-06-1024 min
No Safe Mode!Why Security Awareness Fails and How to Fix It🗣️Why do so many cybersecurity awareness programs fail even at the world’s biggest companies?In this episode, we go deep with Scott Wright, founder of Click Armour, to unpack the truth behind security training that doesn't stick and the real human risks lurking inside your organization.Scott shares:The moment he realized the cybersecurity industry was solving the wrong problemHow everything nearly fell apart in the early days of Click ArmourThe blind s...2025-06-0131 min
No Safe Mode!From Gut Instinct to Data-Driven: The Tech Powering Smarter Real Estate DealsIn this episode, we sit down with Akin Olusuyi, Chief Services Officer at Altrio, to explore how the company is transforming real estate investment with its powerful Origin platform. From sourcing to underwriting to capital raising, Altrio is helping investment teams move faster, collaborate better, and make data-driven decisions, all without drowning in spreadsheets.Akin shares the real frustrations that inspired Origin’s creation, how teams are using it to gain a competitive edge, and what it takes to drive real adoption of new technology in a traditionally conservative industry. We also dig into ho...2025-05-2742 min
No Safe Mode!The Quantum Computing Threat: What happens when tomorrow’s tech breaks today’s systems?Quantum computing is no longer science fiction, it’s advancing rapidly, with the potential to break the encryption that secures everything from personal data to global infrastructure. In this episode, James Nguyen, CEO of Quantropi, joins the podcast to unpack the real risks posed by quantum breakthroughs and what organizations must do to prepare.Topics include:- Why current encryption methods are at risk- What quantum computers are truly capable of- The urgent race toward quantum-safe cryptography- The global implications of faili...2025-05-1923 min
No Safe Mode!Inventing Fire Again: How AI Will Reshape Everything We Know“AI is more profound than electricity or fire.” Google CEO.Manuj Aggarwal dropped this quote on the “No Safe Mode” podcast and meant it!This isn’t hype. It was a clear eyed warning…Most businesses aren’t ready for what AI is really going to change.In this episode, we cut through the buzzwords and get into:When AI adds real value and when it just adds noiseHow to tell if...2025-05-1228 min
No Safe Mode!No One’s Safe: Inside the Relentless Rise of CybercrimeThink cybercrime only happens to big companies or careless people? Think again.Today’s cybercriminals aren’t just hackers in basements. They’re global operators running billion dollar scams, and you’re already in their sights. From fake investors and crypto traps to ransomware sold like a subscription service, the game has changed. And most people have no idea how exposed they really are.In this eye-opening conversation with cybersecurity expert Andria, we break down:Why traditional defenses are failingHow at...2025-05-0528 min
No Safe Mode!E01 - Zighra: AI Patents in Cybersecurity and Dealing with DeepfakesLong before ChatGPT and Gemini made AI a household topic, Deepak Dutt was already building intelligent systems at Zighra. Now that AI is everywhere, is the shift from code to natural language helping more people understand AI or creating a false sense of simplicity?We dive into the real risks too: voice cloning, deepfakes, and the growing threat of AI-powered scams. Attackers aren’t just catching up, they’re using the same tools defenders are. Is this an arms race?Deepak also shares how Zighra focuses on b...2025-04-2927 min
No Safe Mode!E25 - CMLS: Navigating Real Estate Lending in a Shifting MarketWe are very thrilled to have Sam Brown, President and Head of Commercial at CMLS, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate lending in Canada. Sam shares his insights on how interest rates are impacting lender risk appetites, the growing importance of ESG criteria in lending decisions, and how CMLS is leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline the lending process. We also discuss the role of foreign investment in shaping domestic lending practices, the challenges of financing affordable housing developments, and the strategies lenders are using to assess and support sustainable projects. Finally, Sam offers his perspective on...2024-12-0125 min
No Safe Mode!E24 - RBC: Capital Markets and REITs with William WongIn this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we are thrilled to sit down with William Wong, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, to talk about how the real estate market has changed over the years and where it’s headed next. William takes us on a journey, starting with how REITs, introduced in Canada in 1996, have reshaped the way real estate works. He explains why some REITs are selling properties now and what role major investors like Blackstone and Brookfield play in the market. As interest rates adjust, William shares what this means for real estate financing and how ca...2024-11-2425 min
No Safe Mode!E23 - Ontario Home Builders’ Association: Bold Strategies to Solve the CrisisWe’re thrilled to have Scott Andison, CEO at Ontario Home builders’ Association, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode we explore the housing crisis and what’s being done to address it. Scott shares practical insights on how higher levels of government can push municipalities to speed up approvals and whether the “growth must pay for growth” model still works. We discuss how developers can stay ahead of long municipal delays, manage rising construction costs while delivering affordable housing, and take advantage of innovations like modular housing to save time and money. The conversation...2024-11-1828 min
No Safe Mode!E22 - Dream: The Urgent Need for an Emergency Package to Solve the Housing CrisisIn this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we are very thrilled to sit down with Ana Bailao, Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs at Dream. Ana shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, what she observed after moving from politics to the private sector, and innovative solutions she’s excited about. We discuss what’s needed to get stalled projects moving again, her vision for the future of housing, and the key components she believes should be included in an emergency package to address the housing crisis. Tune in for a practical and inspiring conv...2024-11-1026 min
No Safe Mode!E21 - Waterfront Renaissance: Richard Florida's Vision for TorontoIn this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we’re super excited to have one of the world’s leading urbanists, Richard Florida join us to discuss his vision for a revitalized Toronto waterfront. With his deep expertise in urban studies, Richard shares how waterfronts have transformed from industrial landscapes into thriving community hubs that attract talent and creativity. We’ll compare Toronto’s waterfront to those in other global cities, uncovering its unique strengths and areas ripe for improvement. As downtowns across Canada face revitalization challenges, Richard explains how strategic waterfront development can be a catalyst for urban renewal. He also...2024-11-0442 min
No Safe Mode!E20 - Sustainability Unlocked: Practical Ways to Build a Greener FutureWe’re very thrilled to have Lisa Bate, President at Bate Sustainability Inc. as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, we talk about how businesses can bring sustainability into their daily work. We tackle doubts about big goals like Net Zero Carbon. Our guest also shares real life examples of sustainable projects and offers simple tips for creating a culture that cares about the environment. We also look at how cities are becoming more climate ready, the best ways to lower the carbon footprint of building materials, and how rules and regulations can help driv...2024-10-2736 min
No Safe Mode!E19 - Mattamy Homes: Navigating Housing ChallengesWe’re very thrilled to have Christine Chea Director, Development at Mattamy Homes as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, I chat with Christine about the challenges of building in today’s market. She reveals how small municipal issues can slow down projects and how Mattamy is adapting to meet the changing needs of buyers. We explore how they choose the right amenities, keep condo designs fresh over the years, and adjust their marketing strategies in response to high interest rates. Christine also shares insights into Mattamy’s sustainability goals and the tricky b...2024-10-2023 min
No Safe Mode!E18 - Stantec: How Planning Reforms are Shaping Housing Across CanadaWe’re very thrilled to have Stephen Willis,Senior Principal, Community Developmentat Stantec, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we're taking a closer look at the planning reforms happening across Canada and how they're affecting the housing market. We talk about what these changes are supposed to do like speeding up construction, increasing the number of homes available, and making housing more affordable. We also chat about the impacts so far, the challenges that have come up, and how the different stakeholders are reacting. And we d...2024-10-1331 min
No Safe Mode!E17 - Rosenberg Research: Managing Risk, AI Power Demand, and Top Investment StrategiesWe’re very thrilled to have Bhawana Chhabra, Senior Market Strategist at Rosenberg Research & Associates, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we talk about all the current changes in the commercial real estate world. We get into how regional banks are dealing with CRE risks and interest rates, to the massive demand for electricity due to AI and the green energy transition and how this impacts real estate. And if you’re looking for tips on smart investing for 2024 and 2025, we’ve got you covered. We also dig into how the upcoming...2024-10-0627 min
No Safe Mode!E16 - Shaping Cities: Global Perspectives on Housing and Urban InnovationWe’re thrilled to have Benjamin Gianni, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Urbanism Program at Carleton University, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a hard look at how China’s rapid housing development compares to Canada. We examine the factors behind China’s approach; from employer provided housing to centralized planning, while exploring the consequences of their speculative market and absence of property taxes. We’ll also discuss whether Canada can adopt any of these strategies to address the housing supply challenges. Join us on this conversation a...2024-09-2928 min
No Safe Mode!E15 - Mayor Mark Sutcliffe: Fairness for OttawaWe’re beyond thrilled to have Mayor Mark Sutcliffe as our distinguished guest on this week’s podcast. We’re chatting with the Mayor about some of the biggest issues facing the city. We talk about the "Fairness for Ottawa" campaign and what it’s all about and how the city plans to get people involved, beyond just signing a petition. We talk about taxes, and if they need to go up, how the city plans to protect households from being burdened. The Mayor recently announced that Ottawa found $153 million in savings, so we’ll get into where that money came...2024-09-2221 min
No Safe Mode!E14 - BECC Modular: Buying Your New House Online with Modular ConstructionWe’re very thrilled to have Ali Ozden, CEO and Principal at BECC Modular Systems as our special guest on this week's podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we’re pulling back the curtain on modular construction with. From how the company got their start in the industry to the challenges they face with lenders and developers; we’ll explore what it really takes to push modular projects forward. You’ll hear about their exciting modular hotel project in California and find out just how high you can build using modular techniques. We also explore the key differences...2024-09-1539 min
No Safe Mode!E13 - Lepine Apartments: $350M Purpose Built Rentals DevelopmentWe’re very thrilled to have William Lepine, Treasury Manager at Lepine Apartments. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a deep dive into the origins and growth of Lepine, a key player in the Ottawa real estate market. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face, shedding light on how these differ from other areas. We explore their approach to land acquisition and the entire development process, from initial planning to project completion. Our guest explains how Lepine strikes a delicate balance between affordability, quality, and sustainability in their projects, a critical consideration in today’s market...2024-09-0826 min
No Safe Mode!E12 - Simon Mass: The Real Truth about the Condo Markets in Toronto and MiamiWe’re super thrilled to have Simon Mass, Founder and CEO at “The Condo Store Group of Companies”, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we explore the evolving landscape of the condo market. We discuss the latest trends influencing buyers and developers, the recent shifts in condo pricing, and the biggest challenges developers face today. Our guest also sheds light on the growing importance of sustainability in condo development. Plus, get a glimpse into what's new and noteworthy at "The Condo Store". Tune in for expert insights and predictions on where the...2024-09-0131 min
No Safe Mode!E11 - Windmill Development: Sustainability for Profit and for ImpactWe’re very thrilled to have Jonathan Westeinde, CEO at Windmill Developments, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we dive deep into the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and real estate development with a focus on Windmill Developments' groundbreaking projects. We tackle the tough questions: How do you engage with climate change skeptics? What makes sustainability profitable or not profitable? And why is sustainability a core value for Windmill? We explore the delicate balance between addressing the climate crisis and the pressing need for more housing. Is there a way...2024-08-2625 min
No Safe Mode!E10 - Minto Group: Expanding from 1000 Units to 4000 Plus Units a Year in HousingWe’re super thrilled to have Michael Waters, CEO at Minto Group, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Minto, a leader in the housing market. Join us as we explore how Minto transformed from constructing 1,000 housing units annually to an impressive 4,000-plus units. Michael shares the strategies and efficiencies that enabled this significant growth and discusses how larger builders like Minto achieve what smaller builders often can’t. Our conversation also touches on the complex task of managing relationships with multiple lenders an...2024-08-1832 min
No Safe Mode!E09 - CAPREIT: $740M Portfolio Sell and a Change in Investment StrategyWe’re very thrilled to have Julian Schonfeldt, Chief Investment Officer at CAPREIT, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this insightful episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we explore how CAPREIT’s investment strategy has evolved. This includes CAPREIT recent sell of $740M portfolio of manufactured homes. This was more than just a transaction, it marks a pivotal shift in CAPREIT’s investment strategy. Julian also explains how CAPREIT is the largest REIT Canada based on “Float”. We also discuss Ottawa and why CAPREIT is a net buyer of real estate in Ottawa. Join us as we unpack these...2024-08-1123 min
No Safe Mode!E08 - Benjamin Tal (CIBC): The Economy and Real EstateWe’re super thrilled to have Benjamin Tal, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we delve into critical topics shaping Canada's economic and housing landscape. We discuss the policy rate adjustments and that the Bank of Canada will keep cutting rates until the end of 2025. Ben predicts the overnight rate should stabilize between 2.75% and 3% at the end of 2025. Our conversation also explores the idea of adopting a land leasing model and the land selling model, similar to other countries, which could provide new...2024-08-0419 min
No Safe Mode!E07 - Housing at High Speed with Modular Solutions!We’re very thrilled to have Steven Haylestrom, CEO at “The Modular Solution” on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”we dive into the world of modular housing with a focus on "Housing at High Speed” an innovative concept and company that aims to revolutionize the construction industry. We explore how the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is collaborating with “Housing at High Speed” to create a fast-track permitting system specifically for modular and prefabricated buildings. This initiative aims to streamline the approval process, enabling municipalities to expedite permits for these types of constructions. We discuss how pre-approved o...2024-07-2833 min
No Safe Mode!E06 - BKREA (Bob Knakal Real Estate Advisors): AI in Commercial Real EstateWe are very thrilled to have Seth Samowitz, COO at BKREA (Bob Knakal Real Estate Adivisors) as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Bob Knakal refers to Seth as the AI Guru and rightfully so. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we explore the transformative potential of AI in real estate brokerages. Despite the industry's traditionally slow adoption of technology, AI is poised to revolutionize how brokerages operate. We also discuss the reasons behind real estate's slow technology adoption. Furthermore, we examine the challenges of scaling AI in commercial real estate. Join us as we unpack how AI...2024-07-2127 min
No Safe Mode!E05 - Construction Financing: MarshallZehr's 11,000 Units Under DevelopmentWe’re very thrilled to have Peter Berczi, CEO of MarshallZehr, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we dive deep into construction financing. We discuss a groundbreaking $230 million condo project funded by MarshallZehr. And we talk about tools and strategies available to assist builders who might be struggling in today's challenging market. We touch on the recent drop in land values and decreased construction costs. Our discussion also covers the crucial question of when we can expect capital to start flowing from investors again. Finally, we discuss whether mass timber is j...2024-07-1430 min
No Safe Mode!E04 - $600M Multifamily Under Development: Paragon LivingI’m very thrilled to have Nigel Furgus, President and CEO at Paragon Living as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, we discuss the significant development of $600 million worth of multifamily housing by Paragon. We examine how these projects aim to address both the housing supply and affordability challenges, and what impact they might have on the market. We also explore Logix ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), a modern building method that offers great energy efficiency, strong and durable structures, and sustainable construction options for homes. We also talk about the housing crisis and the affordability cris...2024-07-0730 min
No Safe Mode!E03 - Robots in Construction: Addressing the Labour Shortage and Increasing ProductivityI’m very thrilled to have Nhung Nguyen, CEO at Horizon Legacy as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Ever wondered how robots could reshape the construction industry? Join us on this episode as we discuss the fascinating world of robots and how they're helping to solve the labor shortage crisis in construction. We talk about the amazing benefits for architects, like how robotics can seamlessly connect with CAD drawings, bringing blueprints to life with incredible precision. And we highlight a real-life project in Gananoque, Thousand Islands, where robotics is being utilized in building 26 townhouses, showcasing the future of c...2024-07-0137 min
No Safe Mode!E02 - CAPREIT: Housing Providers Not LandlordsLast year, we had the pleasure of hosting Mark Kenney, CEO at CAPREIT, on the podcast. Mark’s insights are more relevant than ever. In our discussion, Mark emphasized the importance of viewing CAPREIT as “Housing Providers” rather than the traditional term "Landlord." This nuanced perspective highlights their commitment to addressing housing needs with empathy and responsibility.
Mark also delved into the concept of creating new city centres in Ontario in undeveloped areas with affordable land as a strategic response to the housing crisis. He explored the potential of municipal utility districts as a way to provide essential services in these...2024-06-2432 min
No Safe Mode!E01 - CBRE Capital Markets: The Privatization of Real Estate in OttawaI’m very thrilled to have Nico Zentil, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets at CBRE, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Nico talks about his journey with CBRE and his strong belief in the future of Office. We explore exciting growth areas and discuss why Nico believes those who have invested in Office will benefit from their contrarian approach. Nico also shares stories from recent real estate transactions, including a significant $277M deal. We touch on the privatization of real estate in Ottawa and explore why pension funds have become net sellers of real estate. Clic...2024-06-1631 min
No Safe Mode!Housing Crisis: Rental Rescue and Rescuing AffordabilityI'm very thrilled to have Krystal Valencia, Founder at Rental Rescue, as our special guest on this week's podcast episode. Here are some of the key items we addressed:
What is Rental Rescue?
How would you deal with "Professional Tenants" that game the system?
What are some “predatory practices” by some housing providers?
What does it mean for housing to be a right?
Recognizing housing as a right means ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, backed by legal protections and government support, which promotes human dignity and social equity. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!2024-06-1139 min
No Safe Mode!Costar: Interest Rate PredictionI am very excited for this week's podcast with Carl Gomez, Chief Economist and Head of Market Analytics at Costar Canada. What are the real underlying factors impacting the current inflation rate? In this week's podcast, Carl mentions that a big chunk of the higher inflation is being caused by big increases in mortgage interest costs. Should the Bank of Canada fight inflation by raising interest rates which leads to increased mortgage costs? Carl further states that it will be important to keep an eye on mortgage interest costs as a source inflation. Click the podcast link to listen to...2024-06-0528 min
No Safe Mode!Walkable Cities: Is this Practical in Ottawa's Six Month's of Winter and a Transit System that Needs Major Work?I'm very thrilled to have Toon Dreessen, President at DCA Architects, as our special guest on this week's podcast. Here are some of the items we addressed:
1. Is it practical to make Ottawa a walkable city with six months of winter?
2. What is the last mile of transportation?
3. Would Hurdman be a better location for the Sens Arena?
4. What is the best land use policy?
My favorite quote from the podcast is that "The best land use...2024-06-0331 min
No Safe Mode!Black Opportunity Fund: A Rising Tide Lifts all BoatsI’m very thrilled to have Ray Williams, Chair and Cofounder at the Black Opportunity Fund and Former Vice Chairman at National Bank. Here are some of the items we addressed on the podcast:
1. What is the Black Opportunity Fund doing to enable more black people to participate in solving the housing crisis?
2. How is it going with the $50M CMHC commitment for black owned real estate companies?
3. Is the Black Opportunity Fund just another “Woke” organization?
4. What is the Black Opportunity Fund doing to enable more black people to participate in the AI revolution?
Click the link below to listen...2024-05-2748 min
No Safe Mode!New Capital Gains Tax: What Property Owners Need to Know NowI'm very thrilled to have Zoran Vranjkovic, Tax Partner at Welch LLP. The federal government recently announced an increase to the capital gains tax which will come into effect on June 25.
1. What do you need to know about the new Capital Gains Tax?
2. Is it advantageous to trigger the new capital gains tax before June 25?
3. How does the new capital gains tax impact Canadian Investors compared to Foreign Investors?
We discuss the above questions among other critical items as...2024-05-2031 min
No Safe Mode!TD Asset Management: Alternative Investments and Solving Real World ProblemsI’m very thrilled to have Colin Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at TD Asset Management. May 2024 is the “One Year Anniversary” for the “Efficiency in CRE” podcast so it was great to have Colin come back as the first repeat guest. Last time we did the podcast with Colin, the podcast was featured on LinkedIn News for “Office in Downtown Ottawa”. We did not really talk about Office this time around. We discussed alternative investments, what has happened regarding the housing crisis since we last did the podcast in 2023 and the inspiring impact of the “Black Opportunity Fund...2024-05-1328 min
No Safe Mode!FRPO: Representing Rental Housing Owners and Dealing with the Current Housing CrisisI’m very thrilled to have Tony Irwin as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Tony is the President & CEO at the FRPO (Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario) and Interim President at CFAA (Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations)
In this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by rental apartment owners as well as dealing with the government to address the housing crisis.
Join us as we discuss the importance of members of FRPO and CFAA to committing to playing by the rules even as they play the critical role of providing rental housing.
We address what...2024-05-0637 min
No Safe Mode!Colliers Research: The Current State of Affairs in the Real Estate MarketI’m very thrilled to have the National Head of Research at Colliers, Adam Jacobs, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here are some of the items we discussed:
1. A 25 basis points rate cut may not be enough to get real estate investors off the sidelines
2. Investment sales are back to normal levels even though it may not feel that way
3. Employees like hybrid work and Employees have more leverage than they had in the past.
4. Fundamentally, it makes sense for the Bank of Canada to cut rates. However, inflation in the States is still elevated and the Federa...2024-04-2926 min
No Safe Mode!Republic Developments: High-Rise Housing and Innovative CultureI’m thrilled to have Matthew Young, President and CEO at Republic Developments, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here are a few items we discussed:
1. High rise: Republic developments’ focus is high rise and one of their key projects is for the development of 7,600 units in Scarborough.
2. Innovative Culture: Fostering an innovative culture within an organization is essential for staying competitive and adapting to changing environments. Republic developments is investing in key technologies to be more efficient.
3. Frog and Hot Water Analogy: This analogy is often used to illustrate the concept of gradual change and the import...2024-04-2230 min
No Safe Mode!Shindico: The three "R"s of Real Estate, Giving Back and Investing for the Long TermIn this week's podcast episode, I’m delighted to have Sandy Shindleman, President of the Shindico Group, a leading real estate company in Winnipeg, as our special guest. Sandy discusses the three R's of real estate, giving back, and investing for the long term.
Sandy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the real estate industry, highlighting how they contribute to success and growth. He also talks about the significance of giving back to the community and shares insights into long-term investment strategies for sustainable growth.
Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Click the link below to listen an...2024-04-1530 min
No Safe Mode!Devcore and 1Valet: Tech in Real Estate, Caring for the Homeless and What Differentiates DevcoreI’m very thrilled to have Jean-Pierre Poulin, Founder and CEO at Devcore as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from JP during our conversation, “How cold should it be for people not to sleep outside with electricity and water… we’re in Canada, this is totally unacceptable. And everybody right now are shoveling this into somebody else backyard… it’s the federal government that should take care of them… no it’s the provincial… it should be the city… I think we have to stop doing that and we have to sit down together… we can… and ju...2024-04-0831 min
No Safe Mode!Rosenberg Research: Productivity Vs Inflation and Why Productivity is More Important“Productivity growth in the long term, in any economy, is how you get stable inflation growth and improvements in real living standards and improvements in long term income and improvements in per capita GDP… it gets very little attention but it’s probably the most important economic number out there. And in Canada it has been shrinking…” said Dylan when talking about productivity being the most important economic number out there. Dylan Smith is the VP and Senior Economist at Rosenberg Research. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!2024-04-0126 min
No Safe Mode!Bob Knakal: No Plans of Retiring After Selling 2,330 Properties in New York!I’m super excited to have Bob Knakal as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here is what Bob said when I asked him about what’s new and noteworthy about his career, “Hopefully if God blesses me with good health, I can keep doing this for another 20 or 25 years… It’s the greatest business in the World… Do the right things, work hard. The great thing about real estate is that it’s probably the purest form of meritocracy there is. You get out of it what you put into it… do the right things, work hard and good things wi...2024-03-2524 min
No Safe Mode!SpaceWerx: Office Optimism and Adjusting Bureaucracy to Increase HousingI’m very thrilled to have Jeff Moffatt, President at SpaceWerx as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s a quote from Jeff during our conversation, “Nothing great can get done by these micro interest groups coming up with opposition, that makes absolutely no sense. When you look at the city of Ottawa, with so much potential, there’s a all bunch of projects that are in the planning stages right now… A lot of times with these projects, great ideas happen, but they get knocked down, until they become mediocre, until they actually don’t work. And Landsdowne...2024-03-1832 min
No Safe Mode!Councillor Brad Bradford: Shifting Culture and Attitudes Within Municipalities for Real Estate Development and Approvals ProcessI’m very thrilled to have Brad Bradford, the Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches East York in Toronto as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Brad during our conversation when discussing extremely restrictive zoning and policies. “…let’s be clear, all that was done very deliberately. And that was done because of the powers and forces and politics of the day that set those restrictions. And so… while it would have been advantageous through the 2000s and 2010s in that era were you had a politics that rewarded nimby councillors, I think that’s shifted. We’re...2024-03-1130 min
No Safe Mode!Crestpoint: Dry Powder, Downturns and Balancing Institutional and Entrepreneurial StrategiesI’m very thrilled to have Kevin Leon, President and CEO at Crestpoint Real Estate Investments as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Kevin during our conversation, “When you go to refinance a building… sometimes you can’t count on the lenders to either take out your entire financing, meaning refinancing upward, and in some cases now what you’re in the office market especially… lenders don’t want to finance an office. So you have to make sure you have enough equity in your portfolio, through your investors to make sure that you’ve looked ahea...2024-03-0428 min
No Safe Mode!Colonnade Bridgeport: Constraints on the Housing Supply and Demand Equation, and Boom and Bust CyclesI’m very thrilled to have Hugh Gorman, CEO at Colonnade Bridgeport, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Hugh during our conversation, “Historically we’ve overbuilt, we go through these boom bust cycles were we overbuild… It doesn’t matter what type of development… it’s a long lead time… by the time you’re through land acquisition to entitlement to design to construction, stabilization… it’s three four five years depending on the scale of the project. Lots happens in three or four or five years from the demand side. Our view is… for the next deca...2024-02-2631 min
No Safe Mode!Skyline Industrial REIT: Disposing of Smaller Industrial Assets and Skyline’s Acquisitions StrategyI’m very thrilled to have Mike Bonneveld, President at Skyline Industrial REIT, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Mike in our discussion of industrial assets types on the podcast, “You’re seeing groups like Amazon… Walmart and Sobeys with these large… scale robotic pick and pack facilities, which is changing the dynamic of who the employee is… it’s not just a warehouse employee… driving around and picking stuff up. I toured a Sobey’s… about a year and half ago. And I think they had 30 robotics engineers on full-time s...2024-02-1928 min
No Safe Mode!Fengate Asset Management: Looming Crisis?I’m very thrilled to have Jaime Mckenna, Managing Director and Group Head Real Estate at Fengate Asset Management, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Jaime in discussing the different aspects impacting the supply of housing, “If we woke up tomorrow and we all said ok great, we can now pencil all the development we wanna build, whether it’s commercial whether it’s residential… it makes financial sense. We don’t have the labour to actually build the supply we need to meet the demand and a lot of that coul...2024-02-1227 min
No Safe Mode!Adrian Rocca: From Starting the Purpose Built Rental Division at Tricon to Building Fitzrovia with PartnersI’m very thrilled to have Adrian Rocca, CEO at Fitzrovia, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Adrian on the podcast when talking about the impact of delays in the development approval process, “Delays kill deals… it’s an equity drag, it reduces your returns, it impacts your ability to fundraise, it impacts your ability to give… investors, institutional investors, the confidence they need to deploy capital in this space, it’s everything.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!2024-02-0518 min
No Safe Mode!KingSett: New CEO on the Block, KingSett Culture and Decarbonizing the Royal York HotelI'm very thrilled to have Rob Kumer, CEO of KingSett as our special guest on this week's podcast episode. Rob takes us behind the scene of KingSett's decarbonizing of the Royal York Hotel, revealing a story of transformation and forward-thinking. Rob also shares his leadership philosophy of leading from behind as new CEO of KingSett. And what could be achieved regarding the current housing crisis if the three levels of government are more aligned? Click the link below to listen to our conversation!
2024-01-2934 min
No Safe Mode!Hazelview Investments: Using Tech to Fast Track Construction and Investing for the Long TermI'm very thrilled to have Ugo Bizzarri, CEO at Hazelview Investments as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Ugo talks about how investing for the long term has been key for Hazelview. We also discuss Hazelview’s development pipeline of over 21,000 housing units and what it’s going to take to completely build these units. Ugo also mentions how technology can be used to fast track construction. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!
2024-01-2220 min
No Safe Mode!Fiera Real Estate: Attracting Foreign Capital into CanadaI'm very thrilled to have Wenzel Hoberg, Global Head of Real Estate at Fiera Real Estate as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Wenzel talks about a recent Fiera white paper that highlights how Canada has showed stronger performance metrics compared to other G7 countries for real estate investments in the last 15 years. We also discuss the difference in the real estate sector between Canada, the UK and the United States. Wenzel also mentions what should be done to attract more foreign capital in Canadian real estate. Click the link below to listen to ou...2024-01-1534 min
No Safe Mode!The City: Creature of the Province, Following the Planning Act and Getting their Act Together“What the City of Ottawa did and a number of other cities, was to institute this three phased pre-consultation. There’s no justification in the law. But what it’s done is, it has pushed the timelines for consideration of re-zoning and site plans out so long, that I literally have in my office, files representing thousands of units that are delayed because of the city." - Michael Polowin during our conversation on the podcast.
I’m thrilled to have Michael Polowin, Partner and National Municipal Group Leader at Gowling WLG, as our special guest in this week’s podcast. Click the...2024-01-0830 min
No Safe Mode!Skyline Group of Companies: The Government, Pension Funds and the Housing CrisisI'm super thrilled to have Jason Castellan, CEO and Co-Founder at Skyline Group of Companies as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Jason talks about the government wanting pension funds to invest more capital in real estate within Canada. We also discuss the 1031 exchange in the United States and how this approach could be used in Canada to increase the supply of housing. Jason also mentions why sustainability is good business. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.2024-01-0130 min
No Safe Mode!ACM Advisors: Long and Successful Lending Track Record - What is the Secret?I am thrilled to have Ishbel Buchan, Executive Vice President at ACM Advisors, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Ishbel briefly talks about Equitable Bank’s purchase of ACM Advisors, a transaction that closed mid December. We also discuss what borrowers can do to better manage interest rate risk in the current interest rate environment. Ishbel also mentions ACM advisors’ long and successful lending track record and highlights the strategy for this achievement. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.2023-12-2526 min
No Safe Mode!Thomas Cavanagh Construction: A Unique View on the Long and Red Taped Development Approval ProcessI am thrilled to have Erin O’Connor, General Manager at Thomas Cavanagh Construction, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In the podcast, Erin talks about why it is challenging to have a standardized approval process for every site in the development of housing. We also discuss what the Municipal Government’s approach should be regarding requirements for tree canopies in Ottawa to help speed up the development of housing. Erin also mentions special interest groups that are stakeholders in housing development and whether some of their demands are justified given the current housing crisis. Click the link b...2023-12-1926 min
No Safe Mode!Figurr Architects: Transforming Parking Lots into Affordable HousingI am thrilled to have Roberto Campos, Partner at Figurr Architects Collective, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In the podcast, Roberto talks about how some Not-for-Profit affordable housing buildings are of better quality than other types of housing. We also discuss Figurr Architect's design project for affordable housing with the Anglican Diocese in Ottawa. Roberto also mentions managing stakeholder expectations in the design process of real estate assets. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.2023-12-1930 min
No Safe Mode!Fotenn: Is the Long Approval Process Advantageous for Housing Developers with Deep Pockets?I am thrilled to have Miguel Tremblay, Partner at Fotenn Planning and Design as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In the podcast, Miguel talks about the current challenges in the housing development approval process. Miguel also mentions the provincial government’s decision to reduce the urban boundary and how this decision will impact the supply of housing. And we discuss what the new location of the Sens Arena should be from an Urban Planner’s perceptive. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.2023-12-0535 min
No Safe Mode!KingSett Capital: The Deleveraging Cycle and The Not So Great RecessionI am thrilled to have Scott Coates, Group Head, Mortgage Investments at KingSett Capital as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In the podcast, Scott talks about KingSett’s approach to appraisals in the current real estate environment. Scott also mentions the lag in cap rates. And we discuss the CMBs and what could be done to improve the Canada Mortgage Bond program. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.2023-11-2731 min
No Safe Mode!Peakhill Capital: Debt Yields and Lending in the Current Real Estate EnvironmentI’m thrilled to have Harley Gold, Managing Partner at Peakhill Capital as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this week’s episode, Harley talks about the difference in lending between Canada and the United States. Harley also mentions lending in the current real estate environment. We also discuss the different metrics used by lenders to underwrite transactions and why the Debt Yield is the most important metric used by Peakhill. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.
2023-11-2028 min
No Safe Mode!Bassi Construction: The Nuts and Bolts of Adaptive Repurposing Office to MultifamilyI'm thrilled to have Dan Pereira, President at Bassi Construction as our special guest on this week's podcast. In the podcast episode, we discuss what makes an office building suitable for adaptive repurposing to residential. Dan also talks about the biggest challenges encountered when converting office to multifamily. Having a competent and experienced team is critical to a successful adaptive repurposing project. Dan also makes mention of his experience with current and previous adaptive repurposing of office to residential projects. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!
2023-11-1330 min
No Safe Mode!What to Expect for the Real Estate Asset Class in 2024I'm incredibly thrilled to have Dennis Mitchell, CEO and CIO at Starlight Capital as our special guest on this week's podcast. What does empirical data show regarding the real estate class? What does research indicate on companies that use ESG strategies? Dennis provides insight on these questions among other items. Dennis is a regular guest on BNN Bloomberg, and it was an honor to have a conversation with him on my podcast. We also talked about the Black Opportunity Fund co-founded by 51 black professionals from across Canada. Click the link to listen to our conversation.2023-11-0616 min
No Safe Mode!Institutional Vs Private Investors: Whose Money is Building Rental Housing Now and is ESG Overrated?I’m thrilled to have Stefania Parnanzone, Director Asset Management at TCU, as our special guest on this week's podcast. In the podcast we discuss how tenant expectations have changed and how TCU is managing those expectations. Stefania also makes a distinction between an Asset Manager and a Property Manager. And should private companies care about ESG? Stefania mentions that most private companies are already performing ESG activities. And that it’s just a matter of auditing those activities. Click the link to listen to our conversation.
2023-10-3026 min
No Safe Mode!Swords and Shields: Real Estate Development from a Legal PerspectiveI’m thrilled to have Sameer Gulamani, Managing Director and General Counsel at Bayview Group, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In the podcast, Sam talks about his unique view on real estate development as General Counsel. Bayview Group develops several real estate asset types including Hotels and Multifamily. Sam mentions that approaching Multifamily development from the lens of Hotel development is beneficial for their business. We also discuss critical points on what could be done to make the development approval process more efficient.2023-10-2329 min
No Safe Mode!Alternative Assets in the Real Estate Market: WHAT ARE THEY?I’m thrilled that Warren Wilkinson, Managing Director at Colliers Ottawa is our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Warren delves deep into the meaning of Alternative Assets. This is not the typical meaning of alternative assets as it relates to other types of investments but “Alternative Assets” within the real estate asset class. We discuss the current trends in alternative assets for real estate. Warren also talks about the importance of conducting due diligence before deciding to invest in real estate alternative assets. Click the podcast link to listen to our conversation.
2023-10-1621 min
No Safe Mode!Crisis in Ottawa’s Byward Market: What is the Solution?I am thrilled that Bill Sioulas, Director of Real Estate at Golpro Holdings, is the special guest in this week’s podcast. In 2025, Bill will reach a major milestone of half a century in Commercial Real Estate. That is a wealth of knowledge and experience in Commercial Real Estate. Bill spends a significant amount of time in the Ottawa Byward Market and the challenges in the Byward Market are real. In this week’s podcast, Bill stresses the need to change the word “shelter” for homeless people to “supportive housing”. This has helped to address homelessness in other countries. We also discuss...2023-10-0936 min
No Safe Mode!The Real Truth About Affordable HousingIn this week’s episode, we have a special guest, Kevin McMahon, President at Park River Properties. Our conversation centered around affordable housing and how housing affordability can be achieved. And we discussed the fact that rent control has never resulted in housing affordability. Kevin also mentions why housing affordability is viewed in a negative light. Click the podcast link to listen to our conversation.
2023-10-0237 min
No Safe Mode!No GST More Housing: How's Does the Newly Announced Initiative to Remove GST on Purpose Built Rentals Impact Housing?I am super excited for this week’s podcast episode with Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builder’s Association. The GOHBA (Greater Ottawa Home Builder’s Association) represents builders and developers in Ottawa, so it was great to have a conversation with Jason. In the podcast, Jason talks about the newly announced initiative to remove GST on new purpose-built rental housing and how this will help make the numbers work for multifamily projects. We also discuss how large and smaller builders are implementing sustainability in the development of housing. Listen to this week's podcast episode to lea...2023-09-1834 min
No Safe Mode!MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts): Would it be More Efficient and Cheaper if the Private Sector Built Municipal Services?I am thrilled to have Mark Kenney, CAPREIT President and CEO, as a special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Should the private sector build municipal services to help speed up the process of housing development? Who is to blame for the current housing crisis? In the podcast, Mark also talks about the recent parliamentary committee hearings on the "financialization" of housing. And we discuss an alternative solution to "NIMBYism". Listen to this week's podcast to learn more about our conversation!
2023-09-1149 min
No Safe Mode!Property Values in Ottawa: Has the Market Bottomed Out?How is working from home, elevated interest rates and the city's Official Plan impacting property valuations in Ottawa? I am super excited for this week's podcast with Oliver Tighe, Executive Vice President, Valuation Advisory Services at Colliers Ottawa. In the podcast, Oliver talks about converting office to multifamily housing as well as the urgent need for micro-suite style apartments and how the government can assist with making them more affordable. You can listen to this week's podcast to learn more about our conversation.2023-09-0528 min
No Safe Mode!Jon Love: What Needs to be Done Regarding Immigration, Taxes and Airbnb?What do taxes, immigration and Airbnb have in common? I am thrilled to have Jon Love, the CEO of KingSett Capital as a special guest on this week's podcast. Jon talks about KingSett's approach to active management and sustainability. We also discuss taxes; that the government taxes activities they don't want. So why are taxes on rental housing high? Does the government want more rental housing? You can listen to this week's podcast to learn more about our conversation.2023-08-2828 min
No Safe Mode!Increasing the Roster of Tenants and Residential Housing in Downtown OttawaHow is the office market looking globally and are there any lessons that can be applied locally? What needs to happen in Ottawa's downtown core to increase traffic? I am super excited for this week's podcast with Colin Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Global Real Estate Investments at TD Asset Management. In this week's podcast Colin talks about the importance of the Federal, Municipal and Provincial governments being aligned to help solve the current housing crisis. We also discuss the important work that the Black Opportunity Fund (an organization that Colin is big part of) is doing to...2023-08-211h 08
No Safe Mode!Office to Residential Conversions Pilot by the City of Ottawa and Other Initiatives to Make Housing Supply More EfficientIs there too much Red Tape in the Approval Process for the development of housing? Call it what you want, red tape or process. There is always room to make housing supply more efficient. In this week’s episode Councillor Glen Gower talks about increasing efficiency in the approval process of housing development. We also discuss the priorities of NCC and the priorities of the city and how these may not always be aligned.
2023-08-1536 min
No Safe Mode!Population Growth and other Fundamentals of Real Estate Development with Special Guest Michael Tsourounis, Managing Partner & Co-Head Real Estate, Hazelview InvestmentsWhat do the fundamentals of real estate development look like? In this week's podcast, Michael Tsourounis, the Managing Partner & Co-Head Real Estate, Hazelview Investments talks about the fundamentals of real estate development. We also discuss the importance of managing stakeholder expectations to build better communities. Organic growth is a key element in the markets that Hazelview develops real assets. To learn more about this week's podcast, click the link to listen!2023-08-0827 min
No Safe Mode!The Value Add Strategy and Finding Off Market DealsThere is so much activity on Carling Avenue in Ottawa’s commercial real estate market. In this episode, Jordan Bianconi, VP Acquisitions and Business Development at Inside Edge Properties talks about a project he has been proud to work on in Ottawa and some of the challenges with making real estate acquisitions in the current market. We also discuss Inside Edge’s approach to making projects on NCC land work.2023-08-0125 min
No Safe Mode!Steel Frame Buildings: Building Multifamily like LegosShould developers pursue real estate development on NCC (National Capital Commission) land? Kelly Rhodenizer does not think so! What do you think? It was great chatting with Kelly who is the VP Commercial and Multifamily Development at Regional Group. Regional Group is a prominent commercial real estate family office here in Ottawa. During the conversation with Kelly, we also discussed building multifamily housing using steel frames instead of wood frames or concrete.2023-07-2525 min
No Safe Mode!Downtown Ottawa Office Buildings: Diversifying Away from the GovernmentIn this week's podcast, we discuss the office market in downtown Ottawa with Veteran Real Estate Executive, Shawn Hamilton. This conversation may "ruffle some furthers" as Shawn pointed out in our conversation. Shawn highlights what needs to happen in the downtown core for Office to thrive again.2023-07-1830 min
No Safe Mode!Communication: The Key to Managing Unpredictability in ConstructionCan you imagine your great-great-grandfather being an architect for the construction of parliament building in Ottawa? In this podcast Sam Fuller of Fuller Construction shares a bit of history regarding his family's involvement in real estate. So many lessons to be learned from our conversation including the strategy for managing unpredictability in construction which involves so many moving parts. 2023-07-1027 min
No Safe Mode!Balance - A Strategy for Achieving Affordability and Energy Efficiency in Multifamily HousingCody Campanale was born into a real estate family. He now works as the Land Development Manager at Campanale Group. His Dad and Uncles started Campanale Group in the 70s way before Cody was born. In this podcast, Cody talks about the real estate development process and the importance of balancing affordability and energy efficiency. And it was interesting to hear Cody explain the family business's approach to land banking.
2023-06-282h 42
No Safe Mode!Efficiency in Multifamily Housing: A Different PerspectiveAn interesting conversation with Matthew Gordard who shares his life experiences and how they have shape his motives in real estate, and his unique perspective on efficiency.2023-06-1023 min
No Safe Mode!Keys to Success in Energy Efficiency for Multifamily: Podcast with Special Guest Dylan Desjardin from TCU
Which pizza tastes better between pizza from New York and pizza from Italy? This is how we concluded our conversation after discussing housing affordability and energy efficiency. We talked about the key things that developers and investors need to think about to achieve energy efficient multifamily.
2023-06-0322 min
No Safe Mode!Efficiency in Multifamily Housing with Mateo Chiyangi and special guest Ross Farris from Windmill Development GroupA fun educational conversation about Multifamily housing with a focus on energy efficiency.2023-05-1322 min