“It’s incredible how quickly the time has flown. I still remember sitting alone in a small second-floor office tucked in the back of an industrial building in Brossard, just a computer, a phone, and a big vision,” said Ian Quint, President of Brasswater. “Fast forward ten years, and we’ve grown into a team of 75, working out of our one-of-a-kind 20,000 square foot downtown office. We now own and manage over 12 million square feet of real estate across Canada and the United States. The growth has been exponential, but it’s always been driven by the same values we started with: think big, move fast, and enjoy the ride.” MILESTONES THAT SHAPED THE JOURNEY “There have been so many defining moments, each one opening the door to the next phase of our evolution. Some that stand out: moving out of that original warehouse office was symbolic — it felt like we were leveling up. Buying our first large-scale property gave us the confidence and capital to scale. 2
Expanding into the U.S. market was another major leap, as was the decision to rebrand from Groupe Quint to Brasswater, a name that better reflects our long-term vision and identity.” “Completing our first ground-up development project was also a big step, proving we could build as well as buy. And now, hitting the ten-year mark and moving into a headquarters that truly reflects who we are, that’s a milestone we’re particularly proud of.” AN AGILE, DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGY “At our core, the strategy has always been the same: create value and have fun doing it. That philosophy hasn’t changed. What’s evolved is how we execute on it. We’ve become increasingly data-driven, more focused on market cycles, and much more agile in how we deploy capital.” “We’re constantly analyzing where the market is headed and that forward-looking approach has 3
helped us stay competitive, even in volatile times. We’ve also become more disciplined: we pass on more deals than we do, and we never compromise our underwriting standards.” This combination of vision and restraint has shaped Brasswater’s reputation in the investment community. “We don’t chase deals to generate fees. Every acquisition is made with the mindset of longterm ownership, and we’re always investing our own money alongside our partners. That alignment of interest is at the core of how we operate.” SPEED, FOCUS, AND FLEXIBILITY “A few things differentiate us, but the big one is our structure,” Quint explained. “Being a private company with a lot of expertise gives us the ability to move quickly and decisively. We don’t have layers of bureaucracy or outside pressures dictating how and when we act. We’re able to underwrite deals faster than most firms, and when we decide to move forward, we close quickly.” That speed has been critical in competitive markets. “That kind of speed and conviction sets us apart,” he said. “It’s part of our DNA. We’ve built a culture where decisions are made quickly, but never carelessly.” SUSTAINABILITY WITH SUBSTANCE “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s something we’ve prioritized since day one,” said Quint. “A big part of that comes from my own 2455 Metropole Development Project 4
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passion for the outdoors and endurance sports like triathlons, which have instilled in me a deep respect for the environment. We bring that mindset into every project.” “Many of our developments are LEED and BOMAcertified, and we constantly look for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our buildings. Beyond certifications, we think about sustainability in terms of long-term value: making investments that will remain relevant and resilient for decades to come.” That long view is embedded in every investment decision. “We don’t think about returns over quarters; we think about decades. That’s how you create something that lasts.” CLARITY OF FOCUS IN A DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO “Brasswater is one of the most active buyers of industrial and commercial real estate in Quebec,” said Quint. “Over the past decade, we’ve built a portfolio of over 12 million square feet, focused exclusively on the industrial and commercial sectors.” 1300 Sherbrooke Head Office Redevelopment 6
Ian Quint, President 7
MAÎTRESCOUVREURS DEPUIS PLUS DE 60 ANS 514 365-6600 7550, rue Saint-Patrick Montréal (Québec) H8N 1V1 toiturestroisetoiles.com COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIEL INSTITUTIONNEL PATRIMONIAL “We’ve deliberately stayed away from residential. Our belief is that by staying focused on what we know best, we can execute at a higher level and create more value. That clarity of purpose has been a major driver of our success.” That specialization allows the company to act with precision. “We know the market. We know our tenants. And we understand how to optimize these assets for longterm returns.” PHILANTHROPY AS PART OF THE BUSINESS MODEL “It’s incredibly important, and very personal,” Quint said about community involvement. “Philanthropy plays a major role in my life, and as a company, we make a point of giving back to the communities where we operate. Each year, we donate to dozens 55 Marie Curie Development 8
of local charities, focusing on causes that align with our values, from youth development to healthcare to environmental preservation. I also sit on the boards of multiple charitable foundations, and many members of our team are involved in their own initiatives.” That sense of responsibility is tied to their understanding of real estate as a local force. “Real estate is local by nature, and we believe that being a positive force in those communities is both a responsibility and a privilege.” LOOKING AHEAD: SMART GROWTH, NEW MARKETS “The next chapter for Brasswater is all about smart, targeted growth,” said Quint. “We’re focused on three main areas: expanding our footprint in the U.S., where we already own over 3 million square feet; broadening our presence across Canada, especially in underrepresented markets like the Maritimes and the Prairies; and deepening our involvement in new asset classes.” 99 Cure Labelle Redevelopment 9
He outlined two key areas of opportunity. “In particular, we’re putting a renewed focus into acquiring retail properties and putting a lot of energy into developing data center projects. These are sectors where we see long-term opportunity and where we believe our approach can really add value.” This isn’t a departure from their core—it’s an expansion of it. “We’re not shifting strategies. We’re building on what we do well and applying that same disciplined, high-energy approach to new frontiers.” A CULTURE ROOTED IN PEOPLE “Real estate is a people business, always has been, always will be,” said Quint. “Everything we’ve built over the past ten years has been made possible through relationships: with our employees, our partners, our lenders, and the many professionals we collaborate with.” He emphasized the collective nature of the company’s accomplishments. “Brasswater is what it is today because of those people. So, on behalf of the entire leadership team, I want to say thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us, and we’re just getting started.” That message carries a deeper meaning as the company looks forward. “We’ve always had big ambitions, but we’ve never lost sight of the people who helped make those ambitions possible. That’s what makes this anniversary so meaningful.” 10
BRASSWATER AT TEN Ten years in, Brasswater stands as a model for entrepreneurial growth, guided by a clear strategy and consistent values. “We never set out to be the biggest. We set out to be the best at what we do. And that mindset continues to guide us.” Their sights are set on what’s next, but the foundation is firm. “It’s been an incredible first decade,” said Quint. “We’ve learned a lot, built a lot, and grown a lot. And the next ten years are going to be even more exciting.” For more information, please visit www.brasswater.ca 11
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com www.brasswater.ca
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