Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Inc.

08/17/2026

Summer Reflections from 50 Years in Commercial Real Estate – “Don't just participate in the industry…use your position in the industry to change what good performance means.”
As an "industry elder" reflecting on a 50-year journey in Canada's commercial real estate business, I always enjoy meeting university students interested in real estate, as well as young professionals beginning or evolving their careers.
My career philosophy has always centered around the concept that commercial real estate leadership should be measured not only by financial rewards and performance, but also by the social, arts, cultural, and environmental value a professional creates.
If I could offer a little advice today, to these young professionals it would be this:
• Choose your employers deliberately and carefully. Before “raising your corporate job flag” at ABC Corp, investigate what a company does locally, not just what appears in its corporate-responsibility materials.
• Look for evidence, not branding. Does the firm foster community investments in local arts and culture partnerships, charitable causes, environmental programs with sustainable-building practices, adaptive reuse, energy efficiency, with measurable outcomes?
• Become an initiator. If a worthwhile social, arts, cultural, and environmental initiatives don't exist, create them and lead rather than waiting for corporate leadership or industry associations to act.
• Connect sustainability to capitalism. High-performance, ecologically intelligent buildings aren't merely altruistic projects. They can reduce operating costs, improve asset value, attract tenants, enhance employee experience, and strengthen long-term returns.
• Think beyond trade organizations. Industry associations can help, but meaningful innovation often comes from individual professionals who decide to push the boundaries of conventional practice.
• Build a personal legacy. Your professional résumé can ultimately demonstrate two parallel forms of performance: what you accomplished economically and what you contributed to the communities and environments in which you worked. The particular compelling proposition here is that social & environmental responsibility and commercial success don't have to be separate objectives. In commercial real estate, the best projects can make the building, the owner, the tenants, the community, and the environment better simultaneously.
As an example, related to my advice noted in this posting; Over my 50-year career in commercial real estate, my legacy will be defined in part by:
• My community service over the past 25 years at the Calgary Drop-in Centre, Canada’s largest emergency shelter assisting unhoused and addicted citizens.
• My work in 2004/5 on the development team as the retail leasing lead at the Bison Courtyard on Bear Street in Banff, Alberta. This mixed-use, high-performance LEED Gold Standard green building is a blend of retail, residential and restaurant space. An innovative Tripple Bottom Line lease was created for this project. The document was the first of its kind and includes among other unique features, an incentive program where commercial tenants can earn rental rebates by implementing initiatives that reduce environmental impact, improve environmental performance, or contribute to the social fabric of the community.
• My current service as a volunteer Board member at cSPACE Projects Inc. a social purpose enterprise celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026 that is dedicated to supporting communities of artists, non-profits, and entrepreneurs working at the creative edge of change. cSPACE Projects develops creative places that activate people and ideas to ignite collaboration and community-led innovation. Currently cSPACE has a 145,000 square foot portfolio of creative arts & culture spaces in Calgary, Alberta.
In other words: “don't just participate in the industry…use your position in the industry to change what good performance means.” Start early, your career in commercial real estate will be long. What will your legacy be? Remember, your résumé and those of your generation will be evaluated on the merits of your professional performance in conjunction with your individual social and environmental innovations, contributions, and stewardship. Don’t let me down…
Finally, be thoughtful about whose advice you accept—but be patient with grizzled veterans like me who are inclined to offer it. Career advice is a form of nostalgia. Giving it is a way of reliving past commercial real estate triumphs and transaction battles through the fog of time—recycling those memories, painting over the rough edges, and appreciating them for all they're worth.
After 50 years, I've come to believe that while buildings shape skylines, it's the people you build them with who shape your career.”

08/11/2026

Summer Reflections from 50 Years in Commercial Real Estate – Be a leader or get out of the way

As an "industry elder" reflecting on a 50-year journey in Canada's commercial real estate business, I always enjoy meeting university students interested in real estate, as well as young professionals beginning or evolving their careers.

If I could offer a little advice today, to these young professionals it would be this:

“Don’t worry about the future or be afraid of taking chances on your career moves. Work across the various disciplines in the commercial real estate industry, change firms, change your title, change your city, province, country, or your tie if you wear one at all. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind like some bad guy’s flying airliners into the office complex you manage on any given day.

Work in Toronto once but leave before it makes you hard, work in Vancouver once but leave before it makes you soft. If you live and work in Alberta, well, you truly are blessed. Work internationally, your skills are transferable everywhere. Canadians are well regarded in commercial real estate circles globally and some of the finest shopping centres and commercial real estate development projects on the planet have been designed, developed, constructed, leased, managed, or marketed by Canucks. Canadians are to the commercial real estate industry what the Swiss are to watches, the French are to fine wines, or the Germans are to fine cars. The world needs more Canada, seize the day!

Do one thing every day that challenges your employer and colleagues to generate new ideas, improve performance, to have a social conscience, that will make you stand out among the crowd. Be a leader or get out of the way!”

Finally, be thoughtful about whose advice you accept—but be patient with grizzled veterans like me who are inclined to offer it. Career advice is a form of nostalgia. Giving it is a way of reliving past commercial real estate triumphs and transaction battles through the fog of time—recycling those memories, painting over the rough edges, and appreciating them for all they're worth.

After 50 years, I've come to believe that while buildings shape skylines, it's the people you build them with who shape your career.”

08/06/2026

Summer Reflections from 50 Years in Commercial Real Estate – Live Long and Prosper
As an "industry elder" reflecting on a 50-year journey in Canada's commercial real estate business, I always enjoy meeting university students interested in real estate, as well as young professionals beginning or evolving their careers.
If I could offer a little advice today, to these young professionals it would be this:
“Enjoy the power, confidence, and energy of your youth. You won't fully appreciate the strength, potential, and perspective you possess until years have passed.
But trust me, in 25 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and the meaningful
contributions you would go on to make in the built environment.
In the fast paced, hard-driving, testosterone driven, Type ‘A’ environment that is often seen in the commercial real estate field, look after your health. Health is wealth. Be mindful of the temptations of drugs and alcohol. The industry is filled with stories of talented professionals whose careers and lives were derailed because they had workaholic tendencies, addictions or neglected their physical or mental well-being.
Have fun in your business social life at industry events and professional conferences like ICSC but remember, everything in moderation. Yogi Berra, the famous New York Yankee catcher and baseball Hall of Famer, once said, “If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. My version is simpler: Why spend your life making all the money in the world only to lose your health—or your freedom to addiction?
And don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85, if you have any hair left at all. I know.
Finally, be thoughtful about whose advice you accept—but be patient with grizzled veterans like me who are inclined to offer it. Career advice is a form of nostalgia. Giving it is a way of reliving past commercial real estate triumphs and transaction battles through the fog of time—recycling those memories, painting over the rough edges, and appreciating them for all they're worth.”
After 50 years, I've come to believe that while buildings shape skylines, it's the people you build them with who shape your career.” Comment if you recognize someone in the attached photos!

08/04/2026

Summer Reflections from 50 Years in Commercial Real Estate - Career Evolutions
As an "industry elder" reflecting on a 50-year journey in Canada's commercial real estate business, I always enjoy meeting university students interested in real estate, as well as young professionals beginning or evolving their careers.
If I could offer a little advice today, to these young professionals it would be this:
Don't feel guilty if you don't know exactly what you want to do with your working life. Some of the most interesting people I know had no idea what career they wanted at 25, and some of the most accomplished and interesting people I know at 60 are still discovering new opportunities and redefining their paths.
Maybe you'll build a career in commercial real estate development or finance. Maybe you'll find your passion in leasing and brokerage. Perhaps you'll assemble the largest mixed-use development site in North America and earn a multi-million-dollar fee. Or perhaps your greatest success will come in a direction you can't yet imagine.
Whatever path you choose, don't congratulate yourself too much, and don't be too hard on yourself either. Success is influenced by both preparation and opportunity. Your choices involve an element of chance, just as everyone else's do.
Commit to becoming an expert in your chosen discipline. Earn the professional credentials that matter, build a consistent track record of performance, and develop a reputation for getting things done. People need to know they can rely on you to deliver results, perform at a high level, and inspire others to do the same.
My own career evolved gradually. I began in marketing at regional shopping centres, moved into mall management, and eventually found my passion in retail leasing. As my reputation for performance grew, new opportunities continued to present themselves. In 1991, I left the corporate world to found Fairfield Commercial Real Estate. Becoming an entrepreneur and commercial real estate broker has been the most productive, fulfilling, and rewarding chapter of my professional life.
Be patient. Lose any sense of entitlement you may have, stay humble, and check your ego at the door. Careers are built over time through hard work, resilience, continuous learning, and the trust you earn from others. If you consistently deliver value and conduct yourself with integrity, opportunities will find you.
Finally, be thoughtful about whose advice you accept—but be patient with grizzled veterans like me who are inclined to offer it. Career advice is a form of nostalgia. Giving it is a way of reliving past commercial real estate triumphs and transaction battles through the fog of time—recycling those memories, painting over the rough edges, and appreciating them for all they're worth.
After 50 years, I've come to believe that while buildings shape skylines, it's the people you build them with who shape your career.

07/29/2026

Summer Reflections from 50 Years in Commercial Real Estate...
As an "industry elder" reflecting on a 50-year journey in Canada's commercial real estate business, I always enjoy meeting university students interested in real estate, as well as young professionals beginning or evolving their careers.
If I could offer one piece of advice today, to these young professionals it would be this:
"Remember the great commercial real estate projects you work on throughout your career. The mediocre ones that failed or never inspired you will inevitably try to occupy space in your memory. If you ever figure out how to forget them completely, please let me know.
Keep your testimonial letters, thank-you notes, and commendations. Shred your old bank statements.
Take lots of photos of your co-workers, clients, consultants, and collaborators, along with the buildings and spaces you helped bring to life. Years from now, those photos will remind you not only of successful projects where you contributed, but also of the people who made them possible. They are the best witnesses to your finest work and, very often, the people most likely to recommend you for your next opportunity. Enjoy a few of my success and team photos from my long career. Post in the comments if you recognizance someone!
Finally, be thoughtful about whose advice you accept, but be patient with grizzled veterans like me who are inclined to offer it. Career advice is a form of nostalgia. Giving it is a way of reliving past commercial real estate triumphs and transaction battles through the fog of time, recycling those memories, painting over the rough edges, and appreciating them for all they're worth."

After 50 years in the industry, I've come to believe that while buildings shape skylines, it's the people you build them with who shape your career.

07/24/2026

Recently, I had an informative and fun summer catch-up coffee meeting with industry colleagues: commercial real estate lawyer John Love with Love Land Law and commercial real estate expert Jim Brown the creator of CRE Tour De Force, a digital platform for commercial real estate professionals. The coffee is always good at the Good Earth Coffeehouse. Together, we probably bring over 120 years of commercial real estate experience in legal, brokerage and real estate development to the table.

After our meeting, I took some time to reflect on my 50-year journey in the commercial real estate industry. Many of my colleagues have enjoyed long and successful careers, and I am truly grateful for these enduring business friendships.

I’d like to share some sage advice from Michael L. Kehoe for young professionals in the commercial real estate field: "It’s important to keep in mind that industry colleagues will come and go, but for the precious few that become friends and collaborators, you should hold on to them. Don’t waste your time on jealousy with your co-workers or industry colleagues success; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind … but the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself. Don’t let your career become a rat race, because even if you win you will still be a rat."

Fortunately, for those of us in Alberta, our Province is rat free. Let’s keep it that way!

07/22/2026

VIVO for Healthier Generations in North Central Calgary, Alberta, is offering a space leasing opportunity for a community service/non-profit groups and arts & culture organization. The 1,598 square foot exterior facing space is located on the main level at 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB, within this major multi-use fitness and community hub that includes a branch of the Calgary Public Library, popular ice rinks, and aquatic and fitness facilities.

The visitor experience at public-facing institutions like major recreation centers is enhanced by the presence of community service and arts & culture experiences. These venues are attractive to community-focused groups looking to elevate their profile and expand their service offerings to the general public, benefiting from the strong customer footfall at these recreation centers.

VIVO boasts a near-endless stream of visitors, including families attending scheduled activities and students from nearby high schools. The Calgary Public Library branch at VIVO is a significant traffic generator..

This facility features ample on-site surface parking in a community-oriented, wellness-driven environment. Primary users include families, youth sports teams, students, fitness members, seniors, and library patrons, with daily repeat visitation driven by programming throughout the week.

If your community service/non-profit group or arts & culture organization is interested in public-facing space in north central Calgary, please reach out to Michael L. Kehoe, Agent for VIVO for Healthier Generations, at 403-803-9900 or via email at [email protected]. Fairfield Commercial Real Estate professional services include project consulting and tenant recruitment programs in specialized commercial space leasing across Alberta and beyond.

06/22/2026

Thank you Retail Insider for seeking my opinion on Shake Shack's second Calgary location...“The announcement that Shake Shack Canada will open its first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary is significant news in quick service dining circles. The choice of location in the 9200 block of Macleod Trail South reinforces this prime ‘zone’ as the bullseye-sweet spot for quick service restaurants with drive-thru capability in the city."

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

06/09/2026

Congratulations to the women & men of the graduating class of 2026!
As an ‘industry elder’ in the commercial real estate sector in Canada, I have the privilege of meeting with university real estate clubs and attending commercial real estate career days. I speak to students about various career paths in commercial real estate, providing mentorship to those entering or evolving their careers within the industry. This endeavor is very satisfying for me, and it is evident that the commercial real estate industry will be in capable hands with these future leaders!
As we enjoy the June 2026 Convocation days at universities across Canada, I am pleased to re-share my essay from three years ago titled "My message to the women and men of the class of 2023!" This piece reflects on my 50-year journey in commercial real estate and offers advice to this year’s graduates on the opportunities in commercial real estate that lie ahead. Here is a link to the essay -

My message to the women and men of the class of 2023! As an ‘industry elder’ in the consumer real estate business in Canada, I attend commercial real estate career days speaking to university students about careers in commercial real estate. This involves mentoring students and young people ente...