Comztar Commercial Properties

How many years have you been in this business?

Comztar was incorporated 2003: 18 years as the founder of Comztar. People will ask how I came up with the name and it really is a simple answer. At the time of incorporation, the intention of the Comztar name was to represent commercial property, in your community in “star” locations. However, at the time of incorporation “S” was taken so I switched it for a “Z” and that’s where the name COMZTAR came from!

Why did you join BOMA?

Great organization for industry people to connect and I like every body!

What's one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?

Losing my dad in April has made me realize more than ever that every day is the journey. We focus too much on the “BIG” goals and sometimes forget that its is every day getting to the destination where life happens! It’s no just a cliché.  Life is about the journey and not just the destination.

What educational or business experiences best prepared you for your career?

Entrepreneurship runs in my family, and I grew up around businesses as both my parents were entrepreneurs

My first business was trading frogs when I was 4 -5. We would trade based on size, shape, spots, colour. They were released at night so the next day I would have to start all over again.

Trading frogs is similar to warehousing and any business 😊…. every day is a new day and find new frogs. It has become a theme at work I have frog art in my office, new day, new frogs

Dalhousie and Saint Mary's University, Wallace McCain Institute were all part of formal education. In my 20’s I was enrolled in a mentorship program thru Trump University, and had a developer in Washington as my mentor. Early in my career, I read every book I could get my hands on about real estate.

My dad was my biggest mentor, cheerleader and challenger. I’ve been around real estate, and warehousing for over 30 years being on job sites long before I started Comztar.

What advice would you give to professionals coming in to the commercial industry?

Don’t take yourself too seriously or take things personally.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be and why?

In business I would say to myself “Have more fun.” However, if I followed that advice earlier on, Comztar wouldn’t be as big as it is now. So, you decide your priorities.

What's your favourite movie and why?

James Bond.

They are classic, old and new. I love Bonds problem solving action on his feet, he has the best quotes, and dresses well.

I agree that Martini's are best "Shaken, not stirred."

And another famous quote, "Well, I like to do some things the old fashion way."

If you could have dinner with someone famous (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

My dad, to hear his voice, see him smile, have a hug. He would say I am doing a good job.

How do you define success?

Being happy! Living my best life and making a difference in the community and to the people around me.