When we talk about preparing for a cash-rich exit, most founders think about their business, their financial plan, and perhaps their tax strategy. But one area that often gets overlooked is real estate.
Real estate can be more than the roof over your business - it’s a lever for resilience, growth, and legacy.
That’s why I was so energized by my recent conversation on The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, with Ashley Hopkins, President & CEO of Paradigm Commercial Group, and Sarah Vandenbelt, Broker of Record and Founder of Paradigm Commercial Real Estate.
Their stories remind us that real estate, when approached strategically, can provide shelter AND create options.
Building Something Bigger Than Themselves
Ashley and Sarah didn’t set out to build careers in real estate. Ashley started as an administrator and found herself drawn into the complexity of property management. Sarah grew up around real estate but didn’t see herself taking it on until her entrepreneurial streak pushed her to carve her own lane.
What unites them is a belief in partnership. Eleven years ago, they were two women navigating a male-dominated industry. Today, they’ve joined forces under the Paradigm banner to offer a full-service model that combines property management and brokerage. It’s a one-stop shop designed to support business owners at every stage.
What “Full Service” Really Means
Here’s what struck me most about their approach: real estate management is more than collecting rent checks. Ashley described her role as a constant juggling act of finance, legal, emergency planning, and even community building. Sarah, on the other hand, emphasized the art of helping business owners buy and sell strategically - not reactively.
This holistic approach is what makes their model so compelling. They don’t force clients into fixed arrangements. Instead, they tailor their services - whether that’s helping with due diligence, advising on whether to lease or buy, or ensuring an owner is thinking five years ahead instead of five months.
It’s the kind of long-term vision I encourage with financial exits. You want options. And the only way to have options is to start planning early.
Why Business Owners Should Care
If you’re a founder or CEO, here’s why their perspective matters to you:
- Real estate can be an asset class just like stocks or bonds - but with the added advantage of supporting your business operations.
- Due diligence is non-negotiable. Just like buyers will scrutinize your business before acquisition, savvy real estate buyers and investors need to do the same with properties.
- Timing matters. Selling or buying at the right moment, with the right structure, can protect you from risk and unlock opportunities.
- Relationships are currency. Both Ashley and Sarah stressed how much their success comes from networks of trust - something every business owner should be cultivating.
The Bigger Lesson
At its core, their story is about adaptability and collaboration. Ashley and Sarah are proof that you don’t need to “have it all figured out” to succeed in real estate - or in business. What you do need is the courage to bet on yourself, the persistence to push past “no,” and the humility to bring in partners who complement your strengths.
That’s the future of real estate, and frankly, the future of business - full service, long-term, and grounded in relationships.
TTFN - ta-ta for now!
Colleen
*RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. â / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2024. All rights reserved*