Nicholas Stryland: Driving Leadership and Growth in Canadian CRE

With nearly 30 years in Canadian commercial real estate, Nicholas (Nick) Stryland has built a reputation as a versatile leader and trusted advisor across office, industrial, and retail markets. Nick began his career in brokerage, specializing in office leasing and landlord representation. His ability to negotiate complex deals, cultivate client relationships, and craft market strategies earned him national recognition and multiple industry awards. These early achievements laid the foundation for a career defined by both results and relationships.

Over time, Nick transitioned into senior leadership roles with some of Canada’s most prominent real estate organizations. At Dream Industrial REIT, he played a pivotal role in growing the firm’s national industrial portfolio. Later, at Nicola Institutional Realty Advisors, he oversaw the asset management of more than 12 million square feet, guiding portfolio repositioning and operational performance on a national scale. Keep reading to learn more about Nick’s career and new role at Spear Realty.

SIOR Canada: What’s your story? How did you first get into commercial real estate?

Nicholas: I started in brokerage in the late 1990s, cutting my teeth on office leasing and landlord representation. Very quickly, I realized how dynamic the business was — every deal involved new people, new challenges, and new opportunities to create value. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to work across all asset classes — industrial, office, retail, land — and on both the brokerage and ownership sides. That dual perspective has shaped how I approach deals today: understanding not just the transaction, but the strategy behind it.

SIOR Canada: What inspired you to take on this new role as Partner and COO at Spear Realty?

Nicholas: Spear is a growing, entrepreneurial firm with a strong reputation in the GTA. For me, the opportunity to join as Partner and COO was about more than a title or ownership — it was about helping build something with lasting impact. I’ve spent nearly three decades in this business, and Spear represents a chance to combine that experience with a team that’s hungry, collaborative, and client-focused. We’re positioning ourselves as a bespoke firm solving complex real estate challenges, and I’m excited to help shape that growth.

SIOR Canada: You have led teams through complex negotiations—what qualities define a truly high-performing real estate organization today?

Nicholas: It comes down to culture. The best organizations balance rigorous execution with genuine collaboration. You need sharp market knowledge and negotiation skills, but you also need humility, transparency, and a willingness to put the client’s interest first. At Spear, we’re building a team that acts more like consultants than brokers — solving problems, anticipating challenges, and delivering long-term value. That mindset, coupled with accountability, is what drives high performance.

Be curious, be resilient, and play the long game. Early in your career, it’s easy to focus only on the next deal, but the real success comes from building trust, investing in relationships, and constantly learning.

SIOR Canada: How has being an SIOR member shaped your career?

Nicholas: SIOR has been invaluable. The network alone is second to none — I’ve built relationships across North America that have directly led to business opportunities and lifelong friendships. But beyond the deals, it’s the knowledge-sharing and professionalism that stand out. Being part of SIOR raises your game. Serving on the Canadian Central Chapter board for over 12 years, and helping launch initiatives like the Young Professional Committee, has also been rewarding — it’s given me the chance to give back to an organization that has given me so much.

SIOR Canada: In your experience, what do you see as the biggest opportunities in the GTA’s CRE market over the next few years?

Nicholas: Industrial is experiencing a short-term dip, but the fundamentals in the GTA remain extremely strong. Vacancy is still at near North American lows, and demand is steadily coming back. For those who take a long-term view, the sector remains one of the most resilient and promising asset classes.

In the office market, the “return to work” movement is well underway. This creates opportunities for both tenants and landlords — tenants are able to secure quality space with more leverage than they’ve had in years, while landlords who reposition and invest in their assets are attracting the companies committed to office as a driver of culture and collaboration.

Collaboration isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential for serving clients well. SIOR embodies that spirit: the willingness to pick up the phone, share information, and help each other succeed. That’s a huge advantage in today’s CRE environment.

SIOR Canada: How do you think industrial, office, and retail spaces will evolve?

Nicholas: Industrial will keep densifying — higher clear heights, more automation, and smarter facilities. Office will shift further toward flexibility, with landlords and tenants working together to create environments that are collaborative and experience-driven. And retail will continue to polarize: the commodity side migrating online, while experience-based retail — food, entertainment, lifestyle — thrives in the right nodes. Across all asset classes, adaptability will be the common denominator.

SIOR Canada: What advice would you give to Young Professionals in the industry?

Nicholas: Be curious, be resilient, and play the long game. Early in your career, it’s easy to focus only on the next deal, but the real success comes from building trust, investing in relationships, and constantly learning. Dedication to making a business plan — and then adapting that plan as you execute your strategy — is key. Deals don’t come to you; you have to do all the right things consistently to be ready when opportunities present themselves. And remember — your reputation is your most valuable asset. Protect it.

SIOR Canada: SIOR emphasizes knowledge-sharing and collaboration—how do you see that playing a role in today’s fast-changing CRE environment?

Nicholas: In a market as fast-moving as ours, no one has all the answers. The ability to share insights, benchmarks, and best practices across geographies and specialties is what keeps us sharp. Collaboration isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential for serving clients well. SIOR embodies that spirit: the willingness to pick up the phone, share information, and help each other succeed. That’s a huge advantage in today’s CRE environment.

SIOR Canada: Outside of real estate, what keeps you motivated and balanced?

Nicholas: Family is the foundation of everything I do. My youngest son is deeply involved in rep hockey, and my oldest son is an avid skier, traveler, and budding entrepreneur. Supporting their passions keeps me grounded and motivated.

Beyond family, I’m passionate about travel — it gives me perspective, energy, and inspiration. I’m also a certified sommelier and currently attending chef school, which combine my love of food, wine, and continuous learning. Those outlets give me balance and creativity outside of the boardroom.

SIOR Canada: What drives your commitment to charities such as Wellspring and how do you see leaders contributing beyond business?

Nicholas: Cancer has touched my family personally, and Wellspring’s mission resonates deeply with me. Supporting patients and their families during the toughest moments of their lives is something that matters far beyond real estate. As industry leaders, we have a responsibility not just to our clients and colleagues, but to our communities. Whether it’s through fundraising, volunteering, or mentorship, the impact we make outside the boardroom is just as important as the deals we close.

Nicholas’ leadership and expertise continue to set the bar in Canadian commercial real estate. His ability to drive strategic growth, strengthen client relationships, and build high-performing teams has defined his nearly three decades in the industry. Now, he brings this depth of experience to Spear Realty, where his vision and leadership will shape the firm’s next chapter. Explore more stories like this on the SIOR Canada News and Updates.

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