David Basche | Building a Broad Skill Set and Finding Focus

Adam Mitchell | Doing Things Differently At Low Tide Properties

Richard Costello connects with Adam Mitchell.

Adam is VP Asset Management and Development at Low Tide Properties responsible for the strategic direction and financial performance of a diverse portfolio of properties in emerging neighbourhoods in Vancouver and Seattle.

In this conversation, we’ll learn more about:

• What first drew Adam to studying real estate at UBC
• His early career days as an Analyst at Bentall and what it took to be successful in that environment
• The opportunity at Low Tide
• Background, evolution and purpose of Low Tide
• What’s involved in being VP Asset Management & Development as well as Adam’s favorite aspects of the role
• What’s special about the five neighborhoods in Vancouver that Low Tide operates in (Kitsilano, Gastown, Strathcona, Mt Pleasant, South Flatz).
• Shining a spotlight on local business and how this sets Low Tide apart
• Market trends and the demand for medical office space. Unique requirements of these tenants.
• The benefits of being a member of ULI
• Advice for younger self
• Quick fire questions (favorite coffee shop, pub, restaurant - in the portfolio ;-)

Jennica Palecek | Building a Personal Brand With Intention

Richard Costello connects with Jennica Palecek.

An industry rising star, Jennica is a Commercial Real Estate Advisor at Colliers Vancouver, specializing in office leasing. A graduate of the Beedie school of business, Jennica has a double major in business and economics and prior to starting her brokerage career, completed internships in finance and held roles in retail banking and property management.

With a passion for advancing diversity, Jennica is actively involved in Colliers North America Women’s Council and serves on the boards for the Canadian Mental Health Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

In this conversation, we’ll learn more about:

• What it means to be a commercial real estate broker
• The two main types of commercial leases
• The value that a broker can bring to a business
• How brokers are compensated
• Jennica’s pathway into brokerage and how Colliers sets new recruits up for success
• The benefits of working for a globally recognized business
• Building a personal brand
• Pulse check on the current state of the office market in Vancouver
• Giving back to the community and volunteering as a board member. What’s involved in this commitment and how might somebody go about doing something similar

Cindy MacMillan | Athlete Mindset: Learning to Fall and Always Learning

Richard Costello connects with Cindy MacMillan.

Cindy MacMillan is currently VP Investments at Grosvenor in Vancouver, responsible for leading the groups transit-oriented development sites delivering 3 million square feet of mixed-use multi-family rental & commercial property in Metro Vancouver. Cindy has close to two decades of commercial real estate experience with a strong background in finance, leasing and asset management. Passionate about advancing women in business, Cindy is Past President of CREW Vancouver and was recently awarded the prestigious Woman of Influence award, furthermore, Cindy has been appointed Crew Network President Elect for 2024.

In this conversation we’ll learn more about:

• Cindy’s background, first job and why real estate?
• From corporate accounting to asset management – how Cindy’s career has evolved
• Cindy’s current role at Grosvenor
• Navigating market challenges from high costs to AI
• How being part of the CREW network has contributed to Cindy’s professional growth and development
• Cindy’s role as President Elect of the CREW network in 2024 and President in 2025. What does this mean?
• How the network continues to evolve
• Benefits of effective mentorship for the mentee and the mentor
• Crucial skills that young professionals should focus on developing to succeed in today's competitive business environment
• How to approach failures or setbacks in your careers
• Cindy's passions outside of work

David Basche | Building a Broad Skill Set and Finding Focus

Richard Costello connects with David Basche.

David Basche is the President of Astria Properties in Langley, BC and is focused on the strategic growth of the business and oversees the company’s day to day operations. Prior to Astria, David spent a decade specializing in development and acquisitions for one of Vancouver’s leading real estate developers, Bosa Properties.

In this conversation today we’ll learn more about:

• David’s background (including his move from Germany to Vancouver Island and his education in BC)
• How his career evolved at Bosa Properties
• How real estate became his passion
• Reflections on working in acquisitions in a hot market
• Motivations for starting a business and reflections on how this new chapter is going so far
• We’ll learn more about Astria and David’s thoughts on the market and opportunities ahead
• David’s advice for aspiring real estate (acquisitions) professionals
• How David spends his time and energy outside of the office

Jeff Ranson | Moving The Needle: ESG and Decarbonization

James Ashley connects with Jeff Ranson.

With a focus on market transformation in the building industry, Jeff has worked for a number of leading organizations over the past 15 years. This includes the Canada Green Building Council, Building Owners and Managers Association of Toronto, and now Northcrest Developments.

Jeff has also participated in a number of public advisory roles - including the Waterfront design review panel and the City of Toronto climate advisory group. His career has included inter-governmental work, at the national to provincial to municipal level, and more recently on a hyper-local level leading sustainability and responsible development for one of the largest master planned communities in North America.

In this episode we discuss;

• The importance of carbon planning and net zero
• Utility innovation, placemaking and affordability
• Financial implications of ESG
• How sustainability has evolved
• How we go about setting and achieving net zero goals
• Characteristics of companies leading the way
• Whats next?
• And much more...