We sat down with Tony Kaleel to get to the bottom of what we mean when we say, “real estate is local”. And boy, does he nail it.
What is your position with Intracorp?
I’m the Executive Vice President of Business Development and I’m based in Vancouver, BC.
How long have you worked with Intracorp?
I joined Intracorp on October 3rd, 2007, so it’s been 12 years.
What is it about Intracorp that makes it a values-fit for you?
It comes down to entrepreneurial spirit, and the absence of micro-management. I have the freedom to do what I am good at – what I am passionate about. My input is valued and respected.
So, what do we mean when we say: real estate is local?
Every market has its nuances and idiosyncrasies. There are local values, local beliefs, local norms, and these shape the local culture. People move to new cities, for example, in search of opportunity and for lifestyle reasons. And what works in one city or market doesn’t necessarily work in another. So, each market can have its own housing needs. We spend a good deal of time researching and really listening.
Why is that important to you?
Our success depends on how well we address local needs. So simply importing a housing solution from one market and hoping it will be a success in another can lead to disappointing results. That’s just not us.
How do we apply this belief system to our business?
As I stated, we spend a lot of time researching and listening. We aim to come into a new market devoid of prior bias. We work closely with local experts and we nurture a team culture of unfiltered debate. We try to shape our perspective based on what the local homeowner is looking for.
How have you seen this belief positively impact Intracorp’s projects?
I think 44 East Ave in Austin has been a positive endorsement of this process. It’s a project that’s been largely designed by Austonians for Austonians. It’s been custom tailored for that market. You wouldn’t find another like it in the Intracorp projects portfolio.
Learn more about 44 East Ave here.