Claim OwnershipVancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast
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©2021 Adam Scalena
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Imagine you are friends with hundreds of commercial real estate investors, developers, economists and urban planners in Vancouver. Now imagine you can grab a coffee with each of them and casually chat about failures, successes, motivations, lessons learned and even their best investment advice. This plus the nuts and bolts of Commercial Real Estate - that’s what we’re aiming for with the Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast!
197 Episodes
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After a summer hiatus, Cory Wright is back with Rod MacKay, Team Lead at William Wright’s Vancouver office, to break down what’s really happening in the commercial real estate market. Why did deal activity surge through the summer when it’s usually slow? Which asset classes are leading the rebound and which ones are still struggling to find their footing? And what do investors need to know heading into the final stretch of 2025? From pricing realities to pent-up demand, retail resilience to surprising signs of life in the office sector, this episode offers a candid, on-the-ground look at where the market stands today and what could be coming next.
What does a day in the life of a commercial property manager actually look like? This week, Cory sits down with Robin Kelley, Partner at Groupe Denux, to talk about the operations, challenges, and rewards of managing some of Canada’s most recognizable buildings. From navigating tenant relationships to handling emergencies and long-term capital planning, Robin shares what goes into keeping commercial assets running smoothly, and profitably. How do major landlords approach property management? What separates a good manager from a great one? And why is this often-overlooked side of the business more important than ever in today’s market? Whether you're an owner, investor, or industry pro, this episode is packed with insights from the heart of the operation.
What’s driving the surge of investor interest in retail? Is industrial still the safe bet it once was? In this week’s episode, David Basche, President of Astria Properties, returns to share how his firm is expanding from industrial into retail projects and why certain markets like Vancouver Island and Alberta are catching their eye.From pre-leasing challenges to future development potential, David unpacks how evolving market dynamics, construction costs, and shifting tenant demands are reshaping opportunities in commercial real estate. Is retail the new darling of CRE? What’s behind the slowdown in industrial deals? And which regions might offer the best upside for investors in 2025 and beyond? Tune in for an insider’s perspective on where smart money is headed next.
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in November 2023Join Cory and Melisa in this engaging conversation with Dan Smith, the driving force behind commercial leasing at Reliance Properties. In this episode, Dan takes center stage to delve into the pulse of the current commercial real estate market.Tune in to discover Dan's insights into the potential resurgence of the office asset class. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving this anticipated comeback and the reasons behind the shift. Don't miss out on this discussion with Dan Smith! Let's go!
Think golf courses are just for birdies and bogeys? Think again. In this episode, Marianne DeCotiis of William Wright Commercial joins Cory to unpack one of the most surprising sectors of commercial real estate: golf courses. From multi-million dollar land plays to resort-style development potential, Marianne shares why these sprawling green spaces are catching serious investor attention. What makes a course financially viable? Who’s buying them, and why? And how can a clubhouse become a revenue-generating machine even in the off-season? Whether you're a golfer, a developer, or just curious about this niche market, this episode is a hole-in-one.
What happens when a hospitality pro ditches fine dining and goes all-in on sourdough? Clay Spalding, founder of Wild Flour Pizza Co., joins the show to share how he turned a pandemic pivot into one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing pizza concepts. From creating the menu to managing sky-high demand on delivery apps, Clay dishes on what sets Wild Flour apart and why crafting great pizza is only half the battle.Why is sourdough a bold (and complex) choice for high-volume pizza? How did COVID reshape customer habits? And why is finding retail space for a pizzeria more competitive than ever? Grab a slice of insight and join us for a fresh take on what it takes to build a standout food brand.
In this episode, Raffael Merola, Principal at Merola Construction, joins Cory and Adam to break down the realities behind restaurant and retail build-outs. From permitting pitfalls to HVAC nightmares, Raf shares hard-earned advice that could save months of delays and tens of thousands of dollarsHow long does it really take to open a restaurant? What are the most common and costly mistakes tenants make during the TI process? And how has the design and construction landscape shifted in the age of delivery apps and evolving customer expectations? If you’re thinking of opening a restaurant, or representing someone who is, this episode is essential listening.
As we hit the midpoint of 2025, where does the commercial lending market stand and where is it headed? Alan Haigh, Managing Partner at Impact Commercial, joins Cory and Adam this week to share expert insights on the complex forces shaping real estate finance today. How are interest rates evolving, and what do they signal for investors and developers? Which asset classes are attracting lender confidence, and which are struggling to adapt? And why are more investors turning their attention to Alberta and secondary markets? From rate expectations to deal structure trends, this episode offers a timely pulse check on commercial real estate lending across Western Canada.
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in April 2023Yet another major American retailer will exit Canada as the Nordstrom's brand is set to shutter eleven Canadian retail operations under two names operated by the American giant.This week Cory and Adam welcome to the show retail expert David Ian Gray of DIG 360 who is here to unwrap everything from how the retail environment has changed, why American big box brands haven't fared as well this side of the border and even touches into how technology has impacted the retail world and gives us his thoughts on why Nordstrom is pulling out …and his answer might catch you off guard.David also provides his insight into the post COVID retail landscape and why retail was on the decline prior to the pandemic. A true professional and expert in his craft, this is an episode that provides some much-needed answers to what is happening within the retail industry.
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in September 2022People may or may not know that business sales and acquisitions fall under the commercial real estate umbrella.This week Cory and Matt welcome Chris van Vliet from William Wright Commercial's Fraser Valley office to break down how you buy or sell a small business. Chris talks us through the timelines, the conditions, and some things you need to be cautious of when navigating through the process.He also provides his insight on what businesses sell faster than others and exposes the lack of funding available through your traditional banking sector. If you own a small business or ever wanted to be your own boss, this is your episode.
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in January 2021Over the past 20 months, most industries have seen a lot of change and the law industry is no different when it comes to commercial real estate. This week, Cory and Matt welcome Tim Lack of Redpoint Law to discuss the ever-changing world of the legal side of commercial real estate. Tim shares his insight on how the pandemic has changed how commercial real estate is leased, sold, and financed. If you are looking to add to your portfolio, have space you need to find a tenant for, or are looking to expand your business into another leased space, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
This week Cory Wright welcomes back Rod McKay our newly appointed Team Lead at William Wright’s Vancouver office, here for a deep dive into the concept of the 1031 exchange and its potential impact on Canada’s commercial real estate market.Together, Cory and Rod unpack how this U.S.-style tax deferral strategy could unlock stagnant inventory, encourage reinvestment, and even support small businesses by allowing capital gains to be deferred - not forgiven. They explore real-world scenarios where deals are falling through due to tax burdens and explain how a Canadian version of the 1031 exchange could get buildings out of long-term holding patterns and back into productive use.Bonus: Hear how this policy might even help save Canada’s NHL franchises
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in May 2022Ever find a great restaurant on your favourite food app, but then realize they don’t have a physical brick and mortar location you can enjoy?On the show this week, Cory and Matt welcome Amrit Maharaj, Chief Operating Officer of Coho Collective, who is here to break down what exactly a ghost kitchen is, why some of your favourite restaurants are getting in on the action, and how they have capitalized on the food app boom.As the demand for the food delivery market continues to grow, Coho Collective is looking to expand rapidly not only in BC but also across Canada and beyond. He unpacks the opportunity and the little start-up cost needed to open your first online ghost kitchen and take your culinary passion to the next level. After this episode you will never look at Doordash or Skip the Dishes the same way again.
This week Cory Wright invites Greg Mitchell, Director at GDM Consulting Group Ltd., to explore what it takes to bring a real estate development from raw land to a completed project.With over 15 years of experience in urban planning, project management, and real estate development, Greg shares insights into the full development cycle, discusses developer-friendly regions, and outlines how design, strategy, and process intersect to create successful outcomes.As a Registered Professional Planner with deep Vancouver roots, Greg brings a rare mix of technical expertise and creative vision. Whether it’s navigating regulatory hurdles or fostering stakeholder engagement, his approach is all about building better communities from the ground up.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the development world and learn what makes a great project... and a great place to build.
Joining us today is Antony Sulentic, Acquisition Manager at PC Urban, to explore the exciting developments happening in the rental housing market. Antony brings his expertise to the table as we discuss the regions PC Urban is actively building in, the factors driving their decisions, and how their projects are addressing housing needs in today's dynamic real estate landscape.From emerging urban hubs to long-term community planning, this conversation offers valuable insights for investors, renters, and anyone curious about the future of purpose-built rentals in Canada.
Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in March 2023When buyers spend millions on buildings there is one area some of them tend to skip… and that can end up being a very costly mistake.This week Cory and Matt welcome Conall Barr from CBarr Inspection, here to talk about the importance of a commercial building inspection before you remove subjects on your next purchase.Conall unwraps the many layers of a commercial inspection and how they can save a buyer hundreds of thousands of dollars in deferred maintenance costs. Conall also shares some of the best and worst situations he has seen which are always interesting, this is another great episode you do not want to miss, enjoy!
This week Cory Wright and Melissa Moretti interviewed industrial lands planning expert Eric Aderneck for an insightful discussion on the industrial real estate sector. From politics to tariffs, Eric provides a unique bird’s-eye view of what's shaping the industry today.Despite the uncertainties in the market, we unpack how end users are still making moves, with properties priced right selling quickly. Tune in for this engaging conversation on industrial real estate, market trends, and the latest news!
Ever find yourself questioning what types of commercial insurance you really need—or even why your premiums seem so high? Or maybe you've wondered why your landlord is requiring you to carry a certain amount of coverage?These are common concerns for business owners navigating the world of commercial real estate insurance. In today’s discussion, Cory is joined by Doug O'Dwyer from Axis Insurance to clear up the confusion and shed light on some of the most common misconceptions surrounding commercial property insurance.Together, they’ll break down the different types of coverage, explain why costs fluctuate, and offer insights into the factors that influence your policy requirements. If you've ever felt unsure about what you need or why, this conversation is for you!
The long lost missing recording of Doug Porter, Chief Economist of BMO Canada, unwrapping the 2025 Outlook - recapped by Rod McKay.What does 2025 hold for political outcome, political uncertainty, interest rates and potentially the Real Estate market? Tune in and find out!
This week Cory Wright is flying solo, but he’s bringing in a heavyweight guest to make up for it. Joining the show is Vance Leschuk, President of Add Vance Consulting, a leading expert in property tax appeals.Many commercial landlords assume property taxes are set in stone, but Vance breaks down how owners can challenge their assessments and potentially save thousands. In an economic climate filled with uncertainty with the tariff threats and shifting political landscapes. Understanding your options for reducing expenses is more critical than ever.This is an episode you can’t afford to miss!
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