Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast

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.