Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt
Celebrating
40
Nearctic keeps building, growing and thriving through all kinds of economic weather By Nerissa McNaughton
S
ome people have a rags-to-riches story, and you’d think David Kent would be one of them. After all, his life in Alberta started on a cold, winter day. He had arrived by bus in Fort McMurray, transplanted without prospects from his university in New Brunswick. His possessions? Nothing but $11 and change in his pocket and a cup of coffee in his belly. But this isn’t a rags-to-riches story because Kent had something far more valuable on him that day than $11. He had vision, talent, optimism, grit, determination, community spirit and a work ethic that spanned the next four decades. With that, he built Nearctic. Nearctic is a property development and management firm with industrial, residential and commercial properties in its portfolio. Pelham Master Builder, Nearctic’s subsidiary company, develops new townhouse, apartment, and condo projects. Five years ago, Kent shared the story of Nearctic with Business in Edmonton magazine as the real estate company was celebrating it’s 35th anniversary. Today, as Nearctic celebrates 40, what has changed?
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