Welcome to the CRE podcast, 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate. AI is reshaping commercial real estate, but the biggest barrier to adoption may not be technology; it may be fear.
In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, powered by First National, hosts Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk welcome William Lépine, Senior Director of Operations at Lépine Apartments, to explore the principles behind his family’s three-generation, 1,500+ unit portfolio in Ottawa. William shares how he established credibility within the family business, why Lépine prioritizes larger rental units and suburban communities, and how long-term fixed leases can create stability for both tenants and owners.
He also explains the thinking behind pacing development through softer markets, balancing conventional financing with alternative debt strategies, and maintaining strong lender relationships.
What You Will Learn:
- How to build credibility in a family business by becoming the in-house expert on one function
- Why larger unit sizes (900+ square feet) create longer-term value retention
- The “build because there’s opportunity, not because you have to” principle
- How fixed, long-term lease structures (5-15 years) can create rent certainty
- Why conventional financing offers more control and certainty than CMHC
- How a fully integrated developer-operator model creates scalability
- The importance of geographic focus and operational scalability
William Lépine is a member of the Lépine family and the Senior Director of Operations at Lépine Apartments, a renowned multi-residential developer based in Ottawa, Ontario. Having grown up in the real estate industry, William has developed expertise across construction, marketing, operations, and finance. He plays a key role in managing the company’s financial health, including cash flow, leverage, and liquidity. His broad experience and strategic approach contribute to the continued growth and operational strength of the family business.
Episode Reference:
- William Lépine on LinkedIn
- Lépine Apartments Website
- Adam Powadiuk on LinkedIn
- Aaron Cameron on LinkedIn
- Commercial Real Estate Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Commercial Real Estate Podcast on Spotify
- Commercial Real Estate Podcast on YouTube
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