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Children and Your Business, Together

Managing your own business is a dream for many. It is known that it has its own challenges, a lot, for sure, but the rewards from persevering truly is worth it. The sense of fulfillment, independence, and not having to rely on external sources of income all bring an immeasurable amount of joy that makes all of the challenges feel like a walk in the park in hindsight. When it comes to family-owned business, the shared success makes it even more life enriching. It is something that everyone in the family can take part in and be proud of, making it truly their own.

For us at Maple Group, we understand what it’s like to build from the ground up, and cherishing all the hard work that goes into our businesses. Because of this, we have encouraged our children to be involved at an early stage. But why, exactly?

Involvement Matters

Involvement matters, and this goes both ways. For your children, being involved in the business allows them to see where the money is coming from. Understanding where the family funds come from and seeing how much work is put into it allows them to value it so much more. This encourages more responsible spending habits. By being able to experience the work that goes into the money the family makes, money becomes even more meaningful and valuable.

For the parents, involving your children in the business allows you to see them in a different light—and them, you! This introduces a new dynamic you may not have at home. At work, you will both be in a different yet safe environment where you can both learn about each other. As parents, seeing your children engage in new activities can help you both discover new things; what are you good at, what can be improved, are there hidden talents here somewhere? This involvement can shine a light on skills you may not see at home.

A Road to Discovery

When placed in an unfamiliar (yet slightly so) territory, your children will feel safe to explore developing skills they may not otherwise show interest in. By involving your children in the business early, you are making them more aware of life skills that will come in handy not just in the business but outside as well. These life skills are things not usually taught in school, and experiencing them firsthand can help positively impact the life of your child. These valuable life skills include but are not limited to:

  • Developing interpersonal skills – Whether it’s communication, following leaders, or being the leaders themselves, being involved in the family business can improve interpersonal skills.
  • Critical thinking – When it’s the family’s business on the line, a certain (if not more) amount of care is placed when it comes to making decisions. Giving your children a preview of things like this can help sharpen their critical thinking skills for the future.
  • Having a balanced world view – There are things in our world that we only learn by experience, and by involving your children in the business and having them interact with people who are also part of it, you are helping them form a more balanced world view. Not limiting them to feeling only the privileges of being a business owner but exposing them to the hard work that goes into it makes them have an appreciation for many other things in life.

By being involved in the business early, your children will also discover if they would like to take over it someday or find out what other passions they may have and want to nurture. On the surface, it may all seem like “business talk” but in reality, there are weighty life lessons that come with having your children take part in your business at an early stage.

Maple Group Investments Market Insights

It’s a great time to evaluate market conditions and where we’re heading. As with every type of investment, there are highs, lows, and factors that affect how a year would look like. It is important to have a general insight on market sentiments in order to make sound decisions that can positively affect our portfolio. So, what’s in store for the coming year? Here’s what Maple Group Investments has in mind…

Calgary’s Real Estate Scene

There’s fear and hesitation for single family investors who are currently not buying and selling as much as multi-family investors. Compared to everywhere else in Canada, rent is lower in Calgary and has been historically low since 2015. Prices in Ottawa are high and because of this, it is harder to find deals in that region as well. However, Ottawa’s prices are higher when compared to Calgary but still lower when compared to Toronto. The prices in the different cities also present more room to grow.

Ottawa > Calgary > Toronto

In the past 6 months, interest rates have changed everything and a lot of investors are met with scarcity too. Because of this, individual investors are seeking to partner with experts in the field such as Maple Group Investments to be able to seamlessly enter the real estate scene and alleviate some of the hesitation that first-time investors or those who have invested in other ventures are currently experiencing. 

Where are we headed?

Despite the historical data of having low rent compared to other cities in Canada, rent is starting to climb and getting back on par with the rest of the country. Markets will continue to rise! This is especially true for multi-family investors. Based on our analysis and projections, interest rates will continue to rise before declining some time next year. Because of this, we’re waiting for the right opportunity to sell our flip. 

The timing and nature of investments can best be determined by those who have had years of experience and access to reliable sources of information in the real estate niche. This is why those who are looking to grow their portfolio and acquire assets are getting more encouraged to partner with Maple Group Investments.

The Economic Drivers in the Calgary Market

All economic niches have unique drivers that affect the market’s conditions and trajectory. Calgary has a diversified range of economic drivers including but not limited to:

  • Oil and gas
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Trades
  • Healthcare
  • Immigration
  • Outside investments – investors from outside of Calgary

Considering the geographic advantages of Canada—Calgary in particular, there is a lot of space where investors can build. This offers room to grow when it comes to rent and value. The available land can be used for a number of purposes as well, whether it’s for schooling, healthcare, or commercial and other industrial purposes. Such advancements contribute to the already good quality of life and provides even more avenues for growth for locals and migrants alike.

Conclusion

While it is too early to say for sure how how the rest of the year will be, our projection is that markets will continue to rise, prices will appreciate, and multi-family investments are the way to go. With historical data and current real estate beats combined, investing on what shows the most promising returns after considering the driving factors of the real estate economy is the sound choice to make.

For more detailed and personal advice on how to grow your portfolio and which real estate niches to invest in, get in touch with us today!

Overcoming Your Fears

As George Addair once said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” For Maple Group Investments Co-Founder Sophie Coutu, a recent excursion during one of her business trips reminded her of how doing things that are uncomfortable can lead to amazing new experiences and growth.

During a recent trip to L.A.,  Sophie went skydiving—something she had always wanted to do. The experience proved to be exhilarating, exciting, and truly unforgettable. It’s as if, in her words, “You see Google Earth!” What’s even more impressive is that she went for this experience alone. Although scary, it was a lot of fun and brought back memories of how starting her business was like for her.

Into the Unknown

When Sophie founded Maple Group Investments, she knew that she was going to do it—the same feeling she felt when she went skydiving.

For a lot of people, business owners or otherwise, “testing the waters” is the safer route to take. Having a feel of the temperature to help determine whether to take a plunge or not. For Sophie, establishing her businesses and going skydiving were very similar. She knew she had to jump and face the fears head on!

The First Time is Always the Scariest

Everybody has boundaries, comfort zones… places where they’d like to be and stay in because it’s familiar. However, growth happens beyond these safe places everybody loves being in. Whenever someone tries out something new, these boundaries stretch and new experiences are added under your belt. Before you get there though, you have to overcome the discomfort and fear.

“When you get comfortable with something, this is where it’s hard to jump,” says Sophie. Endless opportunities await beyond that scary first step—or jump, though!

Think about it this way… sometimes, not knowing about what you’re about to face might just be what you need to kickstart and ultimately achieve something amazing. It’s like renovating a space, cleaning out your entire house, or putting together a 1000-piece puzzle. If you knew the hard work and hours that go into the end result, you might chicken out and not do it at all! But when you take a step back and look at the wonderful result of your labours, you’ll thank yourself for taking that difficult first step.

A “Can-Do” Attitude

As scary as trying out new things are, each person has unlimited potential. Great minds from different centuries believe this to be true, and innovators from different eras have proven this time and again. As long as you set your mind on a goal, you will be able to achieve it!

Jumping by yourself, like Sophie did on that skydiving experience, it isn’t something a lot of people often do. More often than not, people are inclined to have someone hold their hand, so to speak, when about to embark on a new and terrifying journey. While it is important to acknowledge that there is strength and so much value from having support, everyone should also keep in mind that a can-do attitude will go a long, long way.

An only child, Sophie learned to do a lot of things by herself and that if she wanted and had something that needed to be done, she didn’t have to wait for anyone. If she can do it herself, she will, and to the highest standards! Because of her strong will and faith in personal abilities, she trusted that feeling to jump and take the risks that came with starting a business. Thus, Maple Group Investments was born and continues to provide hands-off, done-for-you-deals that provide a superior return on investment.

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WHAT OUR INVESTORS ARE SAYING

Investing with Sophie is a worry-free way to make money. She offers great returns and trustworthy service. Her kindness and support is worth more than the returns she will provide!

An investment with Sophie is essentially an investment in a greater future!

Investing is a risky business and we need to do all we can to mitigate those risks. One way to lessen those risks is getting to know who and what you are investing in. We met Sophie through Inner Circle. We have some funds available and she had a deal that needed some funding. She presented us the business plan and answered all our questions. She was wonderful and very open throughout the process. Delivered all that she promised, most importantly, she delivered it on time. Timeliness is very important for us investors, especially if we’re relying on those cash flows for other projects/investments. If you have some available funds to invest with a good return, I’d recommend to give her a call. Our experience investing with her was smooth, hassle free and secured.

I partnered with Sophie and Yan on multiple multi-family
buildings. They are thorough and diligent with the preparation and research of the deal. I trust their decisions and guidance throughout the process. Maple Group is professional, knowledgeable and I’m confident that I will partner with them again!

Since I started in this amazing world of real estate investing, I have met people with a mindset that is at such a high level of frequency, it’s humbling. Sophie is among the best of the best. I first learned about her when she was interviewed by Alfonso and I was immediately hooked! What I saw was a genuine, powerful and caring woman that came from humble beginnings to an inspiring story of accomplishments. Sophie has never forgotten the importance of leaving a legacy for her family, friends and everyone who crosses her path.

Sophie is a remarkable person on every single level. Not only is she an investor, mom, entrepreneur, but she’s also become our very good friend. Being around her makes us feel happy and alive, her energy and spirit inspire us every day. If you want some inspiration for your business or in your life, make sure to connect with Sophie. We guarantee it will change your perspective in every single aspect. It’s our pleasure being your friends and partners.

Sophie is a hustler, go-getter, no BS kind of woman who will not rest until her goals are achieved! She’s the epitome of multi-tasking managing her business, her family, her investment, etc. Sophie finds time to give undivided attention to her family and friends. Do you want to be inspired, empowered and go to the next level? Then you must connect with Sophie because she will always choose people over profits.

Sophie is a phenomenal human being. At first, I was a bit hesitant to invest with her but she took her time and answered all my questions honestly. Since investing with her, my portfolio has increased 10X. Maple Group Investments is all about transparency and trust. Sophie is straightforward and a gem of a person. My family will be indebted to her and we look forward to many more deals together in the future! Sophie is a savage and a rockstar.

Sophie and Yan have a great knowledge of client service experience. They are both amazing entrepreneurs always looking for ways to add value to their clients and partners.

I partnered with Sophie and Yan on multiple multi-family
buildings. They are thorough and diligent with the preparation and research of the deal. I trust their decisions and guidance throughout the process. Maple Group is professional, knowledgeable and I’m confident that I will partner with them again!

Since I started in this amazing world of real estate investing, I have met people with a mindset that is at such a high level of frequency, it’s humbling. Sophie is among the best of the best. I first learned about her when she was interviewed by Alfonso and I was immediately hooked! What I saw was a genuine, powerful and caring woman that came from humble beginnings to an inspiring story of accomplishments. Sophie has never forgotten the importance of leaving a legacy for her family, friends and everyone who crosses her path.

Sophie is a remarkable person on every single level. Not only is she an investor, mom, entrepreneur, but she’s also become our very good friend. Being around her makes us feel happy and alive, her energy and spirit inspire us every day. If you want some inspiration for your business or in your life, make sure to connect with Sophie. We guarantee it will change your perspective in every single aspect. It’s our pleasure being your friends and partners.

Sophie is a hustler, go-getter, no BS kind of woman who will not rest until her goals are achieved! She’s the epitome of multi-tasking managing her business, her family, her investment, etc. Sophie finds time to give undivided attention to her family and friends. Do you want to be inspired, empowered and go to the next level? Then you must connect with Sophie because she will always choose people over profits.

Sophie is a phenomenal human being. At first, I was a bit hesitant to invest with her but she took her time and answered all my questions honestly. Since investing with her, my portfolio has increased 10X. Maple Group Investments is all about transparency and trust. Sophie is straightforward and a gem of a person. My family will be indebted to her and we look forward to many more deals together in the future! Sophie is a savage and a rockstar.

Sophie and Yan have a great knowledge of client service experience. They are both amazing entrepreneurs always looking for ways to add value to their clients and partners.