Canadian apartment developers are connecting with their peers via a new initiative in Southern Ontario which offers for a unique blend of structured discussion, peer connection, brainstorming and personal growth.
What began six months ago as a single gathering in London, Ont., quickly expanded into an ongoing series of monthly sessions bringing value to these high-performance entrepreneurs. This value has grown and the initiative has now expanded to Toronto and Hamilton.
The focus is on offering private apartment developers a chance to share wisdom, tackle real-world challenges and build meaningful relationships. I call it a “braintrust of peers.”
From isolation to collaboration
As a passionate industry advocate, I find these informal yet purposeful meetings help developers to grow both their businesses and their personal lives.
I’m hearing feedback such as, “I’ve been inspired by the knowledge and generosity of the group”; “I don’t spend time doing things like this, but making time has really opened my eyes”; and I’m personally witnessing the growth of an enriching experience for everyone involved.
Entrepreneurs love a creative environment!
The power of peer insight
Each session kicks off with a teaching component, but it’s the candid, peer-to-peer conversations that participants value most.
Following Chatham House Rules — under which ideas can be shared freely but not attributed to individuals — the discussions dive into the daily challenges apartment developers face, from market shifts to operational hurdles.
The result? A safe space, a brain trust, for open exchanges and practical insights that resonate with seasoned principals and the next generation, alike.
The program is intentionally exclusive, tailored for private apartment developers and their families. My message has been clear, “This isn’t for staff or employees, it’s a meeting of private entrepreneurs — generation II, generation III, principals and their children are also welcome.”
This focus on family-run businesses adds a layer of continuity and legacy to the discussions, appealing to those navigating the complexities of multi-generational development firms. It almost adds an element of being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.
Building more than apartments
Since its inception, this braintrust-of-peers initiative has struck a chord. Developers appreciate the rare opportunity to connect with peers, who understand their unique pressures and ambitions.
They value the teaching component and then the conversations start — they all enjoy the peer connection even more as the months go by.
With the apartment industry in a state of uncertainty, with the market, interest rates, recession and our precarious political situation, now more than ever having a safe place to ask hard questions and brainstorm ideas is greatly needed.
I believe that our largest problem, the housing crisis, is best solved by our largest army — the private sector. Yes, government is needed as an enabler, but it is not the solution.
Historically, apartments have been built by the private sector. Toronto is a great example of this with several Holocaust survivors among those who have built the concrete towers that adorn the skyline throughout (I love the award-winning documentary movie Shelter, which tells this story).
Beyond competition
With sessions now running in three cities, the program shows no signs of slowing down. For apartment developers interested in joining these braintrust sessions, you can find more about them here.
In an industry often defined by competition, this gathering proves collaboration and shared experience, can be a powerful alternative. This is a great industry where working together is possible and tackling the toughest of challenges is possible.