Chris Wills ON: Navigating the Complexities of Commercial Real Estate

The Picture of Wealth

In this episode of "The Picture of Wealth", Dustin Service interviews Chris Wills, founder and managing partner of Venture Commercial, the commercial real estate division of Venture Realty Corp. They discuss the intricacies of commercial real estate, with Chris sharing his experiences and insights on property valuation, market conditions, and the impact of interest rates. Chris also highlights the potential of under-utilized areas like the north end of Kelowna and the importance of understanding commercial leases. About Chris Wills: With a career spanning back to 2007, Chris began at DTZ Barnicke and was mentored by his father, and later joined Colliers International before strategically aligning with Venture Realty Corp in 2020 to establish its commercial division. Passionate about community growth, Chris actively contribute to bringing new businesses to the Okanagan, assisting in expansions, and collaborating with developers and landowners. Chris' commitment extends beyond business, as evidenced by his role as the co-founder of "100 Men/Hero's Who Give a Damn!"—a charity initiative raising over $350,000 for Okanagan charities since 2016. Chris emphasizes mentorship, leadership evolution, and community engagement within his real estate team. Serving on the Board of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and actively participating in various charitable initiatives, he has a strong dedication to local businesses, community development, and making a meaningful impact in the Okanagan region. Assessing commercial real estate prices (00:04:48) The dream of bringing smaller businesses together (00:11:47) The value of building a tenant mix (00:13:09) The shift in investment from outside markets (00:18:20) Understanding Commercial Leasing (00:22:17) Explaining Triple Net Lease (00:23:49) Choosing the Right Asset Class (00:28:10) The website and questions about commercial real estate (00:33:20) Specialization in different asset classes (00:33:28) CONNECT WITH CHRIS: Instagram LinkedIn Website