Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves.
If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.
THE DETAILS
Name: Jacob Campagnaro
Brokerage: Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services
Personal Channels:Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Years of Experience: 8
Areas of focus: The GTHA, Niagara, and Southern Ontario
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
Burlington, ON
What city or area do you primarily work in now?
I work across Southern Ontario, with a focus on the GTHA and Niagara regions.
What made you want to become a commercial real estate agent?
Real estate has always been a family business for me, so it felt natural to pursue it. I love the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunity to work closely with people, helping them navigate important decisions. It’s a career where I can combine my passion for real estate investment and building strong relationships.
What's the biggest challenge you see facing the commercial real estate industry today?
What’s the single best advice you have for property owners looking to lease or sell their commercial space?
Prioritize flexibility on closing and condition timelines to maximize sale values. Speaking specifically for multi-family properties, buyers in today’s market are willing to pay more for properties when given the time to achieve CMHC financing. This allows sellers to achieve a higher value for their property, as buyers can achieve a higher loan-to-value on acquisition, due to the more favourable interest rates of a CMHC mortgage.
What’s the single best advice you have for property owners looking to lease or buy commercial property?
Prepare your plan of action before you start looking. Make sure you have a strong team you can rely on as you work through the purchasing process. For example, I will always recommend that buyers have a conversation with a few lenders, lawyers, building inspectors and development consultants, if applicable. This team will help guide you through the complexities of the process, ensuring you make informed decisions. Being as prepared as possible before offering can help cut down on condition and closing timelines, in turn helping to negotiate a more favourable price.
What’s the best thing a commercial real estate agent can invest in for their brand (a professional network, a solid LinkedIn strategy, etc.)?
Building a robust professional network is essential for success in commercial real estate. Attend industry events, seminars, and meet-ups to expand your connections and stay informed about market trends. Investing in a good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is also crucial for managing relationships, staying organized, and following up consistently with clients and prospects. A well-maintained CRM ensures no opportunity is missed, helping you stay on top of your pipeline and fostering stronger client relationships. Additionally, having an active LinkedIn presence and sharing valuable insights can boost your visibility and credibility in the industry.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I have great respect for industry leaders who have been able to find the elusive work-life balance. As many in the industry know, this can be a constant challenge as you build your business and career.
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about commercial real estate agents that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
We have run into many situations where buyer clients will bring us into a deal late, typically just for the transaction component. I believe that the commercial realtor should be brought in much sooner to be part of the bigger picture investment planning component. I personally enjoy discussing bigger picture strategies with my clients to build out what the next five and 10 years are going to look like.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) commercial deal.
A multi-family portfolio, involving 120 units across four buildings, stands out. I was able to use my knowledge of multifamily real estate to help a growing REIT acquire a cornerstone portfolio in a high-interest rate environment. This is memorable to me as it allowed me to build a relationship with a new client, and educate them on a strategy they had not yet used in the industry. It was rewarding to see the success of this approach and to become a trusted advisor on future acquisitions.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Trustworthy. Driven. Personable.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of working in commercial real estate?
I own and operate a glamping business located in Tobermory, Ontario. Grotto Getaway allows me to combine my love for real estate with my passion for outdoor adventure and hospitality. When not on site or at the office, I’m also passionate about fitness and spending time with family.
This interview may have been edited for both length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of STOREYS.
