Is the war on real estate developers finally coming to an end?
In the tenth episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Josh Kaufman, one of the most experienced minds in Canadian real estate development. With over three decades of leadership across firms like Starlight Investments, Dream, and Rogers, and a portfolio that spans residential, commercial, and industrial sectors across multiple provinces, Josh brings unmatched perspective to the table.
In this episode, we explore:
- Josh’s early roots in homebuilding and how growing up on job sites shaped his career
- Lessons from working with SmartCentres, Dream, and Starlight on projects across Canada
- The founding of InnoDev and why now is the most opportunistic time for mid-market developers
- How shifting municipal attitudes and policy changes are creating a "golden age" for housing development
- Insights on development financing, CMHC programs, and why collaboration—not conflict—is the future of city building
- The rise of missing middle housing, parking-light developments, and how smart, mid-rise projects are transforming urban communities
- Why developers must become educators and partners with municipalities to solve Canada's housing crisis
- The importance of innovation, deal flow, and long-term thinking in today’s market
Whether you're a developer, investor, or simply interested in how real estate is evolving, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and forward-thinking ideas about building better cities—and better outcomes for all.
Who is Josh Kaufman?
Josh Kaufman brings over 30 years of dedicated experience in the real estate and land development industries across Canada and the United States. Throughout his real estate career, he has held senior roles in project management, development and construction at Canada’s leading industry recognized companies, including Rogers Communications, SmartCentres, Dream, Fusion Homes, and Starlight Investments.
Josh’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including single, and multi-family residential condominiums and purpose-built rentals, retail and commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. He has developed properties in several municipalities throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, bringing a deep understanding of diverse regional markets.
Josh holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Art’s in Geography from the University of Western Ontario. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Board for Moskowitz Capital Management and is the Past President and current Board Member of the Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association. He also actively volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Covenant House.
Follow & Connect with Josh Kaufman:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kaufman-96326816
E-mail - jkaufman@innodev.ca
Phone - 416-917-3121
Follow & Connect with InnoDev Partners:
Website - https://www.innodev.ca/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/innodevpartners/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/innodev.partners
Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube - @bldfinancial
DLC National License: 12360
#CanadianRealEstate #multifamilyrealestate #realestatedevelopment
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