Humble Beginnings on the Prairies

Growing up on a farm near Riverton, Manitoba, I learned early on what it meant to work hard, stay humble, and respect the value of community. Life on the prairies teaches you more than just how to wake up early and put in a full day’s work—it instills a mindset rooted in resilience, collaboration, and responsibility. While I may now spend more of my time in urban boardrooms than on open fields, those early experiences continue to shape how I lead my company and approach real estate development.

The Value of Hard Work and Grit

Farm life doesn’t come with shortcuts. Whether it was helping with chores or simply watching how my family handled challenges, I quickly came to understand that success is built through consistent effort over time. That same mentality carried into my business career. When I launched Thorwin Properties in 2010, I didn’t start with a large portfolio or a flashy brand—I started with a single investment and a long-term vision. Just like on the farm, every gain was earned, and each setback became a learning opportunity.

That experience taught me that you don’t need to be the biggest player in the field to make a meaningful impact—you just need to do the right things, day in and day out, and stay true to your values.

Building with Purpose

One of the most important lessons the prairies taught me was the significance of community. In small towns and rural areas, everyone looks out for each other. You learn quickly that the strength of a community isn’t in the buildings—it’s in the people. When I started growing Thorwin Properties, I knew that I didn’t just want to build apartments. I wanted to create places where people could live comfortably, feel safe, and be proud to call home.

That belief continues to drive our work today. Whether we’re renovating an older property or developing something new, our focus is on delivering high-quality, thoughtfully maintained housing that enhances people’s lives. We don’t see our residents as numbers—we see them as neighbors.

Community Isn’t an Afterthought—It’s the Foundation

Urban development often focuses solely on profit margins and density targets. But my background reminds me that any successful venture needs to serve more than just financial goals. It has to contribute something valuable to the community. At Thorwin, we make it a priority to invest in neighborhoods, support local organizations, and improve the overall living experience for our residents.

Whether it’s partnering with local nonprofits, supporting sustainability initiatives, or simply listening to feedback from tenants, we are constantly looking for ways to do better—for both people and the planet.

Integrity in Every Deal

The farm also taught me about honesty and trust. In small communities, your word is everything. If you say you’re going to do something, you do it. That same principle guides every decision we make at Thorwin Properties. We believe in being transparent with our residents, partners, and stakeholders. We’re not in business to cut corners or maximize short-term gains—we’re here to build something meaningful and lasting.

This approach to leadership has helped us earn trust and respect across Winnipeg’s real estate sector. It’s also helped us attract a team that shares these values and believes in our mission.

Prairie Roots, Forward Vision

While my roots will always be rural, my goals are firmly focused on the future. I believe that real estate has the power to shape the direction of cities—not just physically, but socially and culturally as well. As urban centers like Winnipeg grow and change, we have an opportunity to create spaces that are more inclusive, sustainable, and connected.

That’s why we’re constantly evolving—embracing smart technologies, green building practices, and inclusive design principles to better serve today’s residents and tomorrow’s needs. But no matter how much we innovate, the foundation remains the same: a deep respect for people and the land we develop on.

Giving Back Is Part of the Journey

Another lesson from the prairies that I carry with me is the importance of giving back. Whether through charitable donations or community engagement, I believe success should be shared. Over the years, I’ve been proud to support causes like Agape Table and Canadian Lutheran World Relief—organizations that, like us, are committed to uplifting others and making the world a little better than we found it.

By staying involved and staying grounded, I can ensure that Thorwin’s growth is aligned with a greater purpose.

A Legacy Built on Values

In the end, I see my work not just as a career, but as a chance to build a legacy. One that reflects the values I learned as a young boy on the farm—hard work, integrity, community, and compassion. These aren’t just nostalgic ideals; they are timeless principles that guide how we operate and grow.

As Thorwin Properties continues to expand, I’ll never forget where it all started. The lessons of the land—the quiet discipline, the care for others, the drive to do right—will always remain at the heart of everything we do.