At Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, a cornerstone of the Canadian Weston Group, career paths are rarely linear. The Toronto-based national owner and developer of commercial and residential real estate has built a culture where potential often trumps traditional experience, fostering significant growth stories from within its own ranks.
From Reception Desk to Project Management
Elliot Sedgwick began his journey at Choice Properties as a temporary receptionist with no background in real estate. Demonstrating a keen interest in learning, he quickly transitioned into the IT department. "I had no formal experience in project management when my manager offered me some project work," recalls Sedgwick, who now holds the title of Senior Project Coordinator. That initial opportunity sparked a passion, leading him to a developing career in the field he discovered within the company.
Sedgwick's story is not an isolated case. Simone Cole, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Choice Properties, cites her own career as evidence of the organization's philosophy. Cole spent over a decade within the Weston Group of Companies, most recently as general counsel of Weston Foods, before its 2021 sale. Despite lacking an extensive real estate background, she successfully transitioned to Choice Properties, shadowing the legal team before stepping into her current leadership role.
A Culture of Accessibility and Opportunity
The company's open-concept office in Toronto mirrors its open-door policy for professional development. "All the senior leaders are available — and whether through collaborating on projects or mentorship, we try to know who’s working on what," Cole explains. This approach includes formal mentorship pairings, where seasoned leaders like Cole guide less experienced colleagues.
The commitment to growth extends to tangible sponsorship opportunities. For employees ready to advance, Choice Properties facilitates secondments to other Weston group businesses. An employee might move from the landlord perspective at Choice Properties to tenant-side experience at Loblaws. "We make a real effort to give people stretch assignments — whether a project, an initiative or a transaction," says Cole, noting examples like moving from commercial to residential portfolio work.
Structured Programs for Emerging Talent
This year, the firm launched a structured two-year graduate program, where recent graduates complete four six-month rotations across core departments. This initiative underscores a leadership mission, from the top down, to attract diverse talent and create the conditions for their success.
Now in his sixth year, Sedgwick continues to benefit from this supportive environment. "The leadership always sees if there is anything I’m interested in doing, or a new skill I want to learn," he says. The company is currently supporting his pursuit of a Project Management Professional certification, paving his way to the next level. For Sedgwick, the culture is a perfect fit: "Where else would I get to say hello to the CEO every day? And he knows everyone by name."
Through a blend of organic mentorship, structured programs, and a fundamental belief in its people, Choice Properties demonstrates that investing in internal talent is a powerful strategy for both individual and corporate growth in Canada's competitive real estate sector.
