Justin is a graduate of UBC’s Sauder School of Business, where he specialized in Real Estate. It was there – under the teaching of Werner Antweiler and Tsur Somerville – that Justin says he developed a passion for the industry. He joined the Chard team immediately upon graduation in 2015.
Since his early days at Chard, Justin credits the direct mentorship provided by both CEO, Byron Chard, and VP of Finance and Corporate Reporting, Jennie Vescey, with helping to build his understanding of the real estate development industry and guide his growth.
“The management group is honest and transparent, driven by team objectives with no blame and direct expectations. Our management team is a special set of individuals that trust each other and believe in their team.
This starts from Byron, but the unique leadership from each of the VP’s is evident and critical to the underlying culture that both supports and drives each department for Chard’s standard of success, while still having fun along the way.”
Justin’s work has been led by Chard’s mission and vision to build quality homes and commercial spaces that enhance the community around them, which as he says “is directly aligned with my personal goals.”
“I love Chard because we thrive on creative and transparent deal structures and mutually-beneficial partnerships to get projects started. In our industry, creative partnerships are the only way to build large-scale developments that offer a diversity of residential housing.”
While there’s no such things as a “regular” day at Chard for Justin, most days revolve around acquisition opportunities and the partnership/financial strategy of pre-construction properties.
His involvement in business development opportunities (i.e. potential site acquisitions) includes reviewing the initial underwriting to determine if opportunities are feasible, and recommending potential acquisitions to Byron and the Executive Team.
According to Justin, what makes Chard an ideal workplace for him is a mix of the work we do, how we approach projects and partnerships, and the team we do it with.
“We are agents of growth and change, willing to adapt and find solutions – which makes my job challenging but fulfilling.”
Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, Justin admits he is a reformed Leafs fan who has since rightfully jumped ship to support the Canucks. And if you ask him for his go to restaurants? As an Italian, he recommends Lupo in Yaletown for Italian food, Pourhouse or The Diamond in Gastown for cocktails, and Lyft in Lower Lonsdale as the best brunch spot!
