housing for a diverse, inclusive population at affordable prices.” – Sam Kolias “Tom was the consummate professional and gentleman. His style and professionalism instilled confidence in those around him and in those who wanted to invest in the sector.” – Vince Brescia “Tom was very decisive, thoughtful and quick in his decision making. His greatest attribute was a deal is a deal and a handshake is a handshake, something I could always count on and which is a dying art in the business.” – Daniel Drimmer What have been Tom’s greatest contributions or influences on the rental housing industry? “Tom’s tireless energy in supporting a huge team that supports a huge community of residents that depend on CAPREIT 24/7 for their housing needs. This is such a significant contribution that will live on in the CAPREIT culture and fabric.”– Sam Kolias “Tom played a critical role in contributing to the health of the rental sector through his volunteer efforts at FRPO. I still recall Alan Greenberg, Mitchell Abrahams and myself taking Tom for lunch to talk to him about becoming Chair of FRPO at a critical time for the industry – when the government was contemplating changes to rent controls.
Although it was a particularly busy time for CAPREIT, Tom nonetheless agreed to take on the role. Having someone of Tom’s stature proved to be an important part of FRPO’s success in maintaining the positive reforms and investment climate achieved through the rent reforms of the late 1990s when changes were ultimately made in 2007.” – Vince Brescia “He was a very outspoken leader in the business community, doing a great job representing all apartment owners, well respected by all his staff and site staff at the buildings, and considered a gentlemen and a ‘go-to guy’ by his competitors and someone whom everyone always wanted around in a deal because Tom was the guy you wanted on your side and in the trenches next to you on tough deals.” – Daniel Drimmer What have you learned from Tom over your career? “Tom was an incredible mentor. He encouraged people to never settle for the status quo, but to push boundaries and take risks when you can live with the worst-case scenario. He also encouraged people to surround themselves with a strong, positive and trusted team.” – Jodi Lieberman “Tom’s philosophy was that the good guy can win in business. We are all better off treating people with
respect and doing what is right. Fortune will naturally follow in business.” – Mark Kenney “Relationships last forever as do our memories. Tom’s sincere care for others, mentorship and guidance to his peers, team, residents and all stakeholders will live on forever.” – Sam Kolias “I suppose there are many ways people have learned from Tom given the diversity of his strengths and capabilities. What I learned most from Tom is watching how he conducted himself in important situations. His combinations of statesmanship, calm, positive reinforcement and confidence proved effective in many challenging situations. It is something we should all try and emulate.” – Vince Brescia “Always being a gentlemen in every situation, always giving everyone an audience and the time of day, respecting, complimenting and progressing his own staff who all wanted to work for him, and the meaning of a handshake Tom was a real ‘mensch,’ a friend, a mentor and will be deeply missed and forever remembered by myself, not just for his amazing business accomplishments and his time and commitments to charities, but also, and especially for the genuine and sincere person and friend he was, always having fun along every step of the way!” – Daniel Drimmer
Final thoughts “Our industry has lost a pioneer and a giant. Your legacy is the path you gave us to follow. We thank you for everything you’ve done. You will be greatly missed.” – Marc Côté, Publisher, RHB Magazine
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