Sponsor Spotlight: Conwest Developments
Friday, May 3, 2024
We're running a series to highlight and learn more about our CREW Vancouver Sponsors. We asked them a few questions so we can get to know them better.
We'd like to thank one of our Diamond Sponsors, Conwest Developments.
What core values does your company prioritize, and how do these values align with the mission and goals of our women's network?
Conwest is a local, privately owned company with over 41 years of experience in the Lower Mainland. Our success to date is led by remaining authentic to our values with our internal and external teams. We lead through a team-based and collaborative approach that fosters the growth of all of team members and stakeholders.
Conwest aligns with CREW’s mission of empowering women in business and leadership. Within our company, we champion internal growth, offering informal and formal mentorship to our team. We believe in putting the right people in the right seats, by putting individuals in positions where they truly thrive. We are also proud to partner with CREW and the UBC Sauder School of Business to offer our annual Award for Women in Real Estate to support future female leaders within the industry. Learn more here!
Can you highlight a recent development project your company has been involved in that has had a significant impact on the local community or economy?
Ironworks, completed in 2019, is North America’s first stacked, mixed-use commercial industrial development in North America. Spanning over 200,000 square feet, Ironworks was envisioned by our internal team to create an impact on the community, to create a new form of commercial development, and to offer new opportunities to local businesses to grow.
Ironworks has been recognized by organizations like NAIOP and UDI as one of the best and innovative industrial developments. Ironworks more recently earned international recognition such as the 2023 ULI Americas Awards of Excellence and the 2023 Global ULI Awards of Excellence.
This project epitomizes our commitment to innovation and market foresight, made possible by the collaborative efforts and innovative thinking of our team and project stakeholders. We are proud of the hard work that our team put into delivering this innovative project.
If there's one thing you'd like others to know about your company, what would it be?
At Conwest, our guiding mission is simple yet impactful: Our purpose is to do great real estate projects, with great people, for the right reasons. This belief runs through every facet of our operations, from our initial project planning to the final stages to purchaser occupancy.
We see ourselves as dynamic entrepreneurs, always seeking innovative solutions and fostering collaborative relationships. By prioritizing a service-based approach and adhering to industry-best practices, we've cultivated a reputation on delivering quality and long-lasting projects. Our unwavering commitment to a people-first approach ensures that every project we undertake is not just a financial success but also a source of pride for all involved stakeholders.
Could you share a story or example of a woman in your company who has benefited from her involvement with CREW Vancouver, and how has this experience contributed to her professional growth and development within the commercial real estate industry?
Among the remarkable women in our team, two stand out for their growth and development catalyzed by their involvement with CREW.
Alicia Chung, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, volunteered for CREW Vancouver for over 6 years in various committees and serving on the Board of Directors for Events and Incoming President. CREW was instrumental in Alicia’s professional development as it provided the opportunity to build relationships with other like-minded women, hone skill sets in leadership, and establish a network of individuals who champion each other’s success Alicia's leadership style because of CREW centers around a team-based, collaborative approach that leverages individual strengths and growth. Since joining Conwest in 2017, Alicia has seamlessly transitioned through different roles within our organization, showcasing her unwavering commitment to our values of growth and collaboration, and now serving on our Senior Management Team.
Chantal Francoeur, our Policy and Communications Manager, joined our team at the end of 2023 driven by a shared vision of mentorship and continuous growth. Her involvement with CREW, particularly her tenure as Co-Chair of the Marketing and Communications committee, played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of effective communication strategies and audience engagement after previously working as a Development Manager. Inspired by watching a video of our COO Ben Taddei’s speech at the CREW convention in Atlanta, Chantal found her professional home at Conwest, where she transitioned smoothly into her new role, equipped with a solid foundation of skills and values instilled by her experiences with CREW. Through her journey, CREW has not only empowered Chantal with essential networking opportunities but has also provided her with mentorship and support, enabling her to find the right role in the right company that shares her values.