Member Spotlight: Landmark

We’re thrilled to feature Landmark in our latest profile series! As a pioneer in commercial real estate advisory, Landmark is redefining the industry with their tenant-centric approach and innovative solutions.

Landmark is a commercial real estate advisory services firm whose purpose is to be an industry disruptor and driver of change using a relationship driven model in a transactional structured industry.

We only represent tenants to ensure there is never a conflict of interest. We were originally born out of a property management firm that was representing private and institutional landlords. This early foundation gave us an in-depth and behind the scenes view of how landlords negotiate leases and manage their properties and tenants. It was clear to us that there existed a lack of knowledge and expertise among tenants’ in-house real estate teams, and the traditional big company brokerage model did not appear to adequately serve the unique needs of tenants in a way that produced true value and benefit.

Landmark offers a comprehensive and integrated suite of services including: market intelligence, transaction management, legal services, project and facility management, lease administration and lease audits.

Tell us about the market you operate in.

Landmark operates across Canada with offices in Montreal, QC (HQ), Calgary, AB, and Fernie, BC. Our coverage includes primary, secondary, and tertiary markets. This broad reach allows us to cater to clients in bustling urban centers as well as in smaller, emerging areas.

Canada can be a challenging country to operate in due to our broad geography and myriad different types of markets. Landmark has made it our business to be experts coast to coast.

What initially attracted you to join Exis?

Representing tenants only is a core pillar of how Landmark does business. This was the initial attraction to Exis: to partner with like-minded brokerages/advisors who understand the importance of not allowing potential conflicts of interest in their business.

Can you describe a specific instance where Exis made a significant impact on your work?

Our first transaction with Exis was with the Boston member in 2019. It was a 20,000 sf office expansion in downtown Montreal. We had not yet joined Exis but were seriously considering it. We were so impressed with the experience that we joined immediately after the transaction was completed.

What are the current trends or challenges in the commercial real estate industry that you are most focused on?

In the commercial real estate industry, particularly within the industrial space, a key challenge we’re focused on is managing rising rental rates and low vacancy. As demand for quality spaces grows, these increases can pose significant hurdles for our clients. We’re dedicated to finding innovative solutions that balance financial and operational needs, ensuring our clients can thrive in this competitive market. For our office clients, right sizing their offices is an ongoing challenge and we enjoy advising our clients on this important initiative.

What opportunities do you see for growth or innovation in the commercial real estate sector?

One of the most exciting opportunities I see in the commercial real estate sector is the potential for truly tenant-centric strategies. Traditionally, the industry has focused heavily on landlords and property owners, often sidelining the needs of tenants. But when you think about it, tenants are the lifeblood of any commercial property. 

Their tenancy is what brings financial value to the building—without them, it’s just a structure, a collection of materials.

At Landmark, we’re flipping the script on how the industry operates in Canada by putting tenants first. We believe that understanding and prioritizing their needs isn’t just innovative—it’s essential.

Beyond this, I’m really excited about the integration of advanced technology in industrial spaces. The adoption of smart sensors, automation systems, and IoT integration is transforming how these spaces operate. This technology not only increases efficiency but also enhances safety and sustainability, making industrial spaces more attractive to forward-thinking tenants. The growth potential here is immense.

In essence, the future of commercial real estate lies in how well we can innovate to meet the evolving needs of tenants and leverage technology to create smarter, more efficient spaces.