Profile
We are committed, accountable, and experienced
Since 1958, Regional Group has been shaping real estate in Ottawa and throughout Canada’s National Capital Region. Started as Regional Realty, the business evolved into a real estate powerhouse with extensive experience handling every aspect of the real estate environment. We create, manage, and assess real estate value for our clients, partners, and investors.
Our standing and relationships within the community afford us intimate knowledge of every piece of real estate in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. We’ve successfully weathered market cycles and have the wisdom and experience to guide investment decisions. We are an innovative, nimble and forward-thinking company. Our team of seasoned, multi-disciplinary real estate professionals has the expertise to target investment potential, develop profitable real estate assets and deliver professional advice and management in both the private and public sectors.
We have the vision to create strategies that are smart solutions for today and have the holding power to be even smarter for the future.
Our Values
Driven by a philosophy of integrity
Integrity
We hold honesty, respect, best judgement, and doing the right thing as paramount for our stakeholders, employees and communities.
Commitment
We are resolute in our dedication to creating opportunity and value.
Innovation
We empower our people to strive for creativity, uniqueness and distinction, through collaboration and education.
Attention
We create by actively listening to the needs of our customers, investors and our community.
Balance
We value family and enjoyment in our workplace, communities and personal lives.
Gratitude
We are thankful for the opportunities and commitments that have been bestowed on us and are proud of the relationships and results we have built.
Leadership
For six decades and 3 generations, we’ve led change and city building. We’ve developed an extensive network of relationships in private and public sectors. Our team serves prominently in positions of leadership with professional and community organizations.
Leadership
Leading by example
Over six decades, we’ve developed an extensive network of contacts and deep experience shaping real estate deals in Ottawa-Gatineau. Our team is made up of highly talented individuals in all areas of property acquisition, development, and management.
Steve Gordon
Executive Chairman
Steve Gordon Executive Chairman
Steve Gordon is Regional Group’s executive chairman. From 1982 to 2020, he served as CEO&
president, leading the firm and shaping it into the integrated real estate platform that it is today. As
executive chair, he serves in an advisory capacity to the C-suite and executive team. Steve’s
visionary and entrepreneurial approach to real estate has been the driver behind many of
Regional’s most successful deals and communities. Steve’s personal core values of integrity,
commitment and gratitude are central to Regional’s culture.
Steve is a member of both the real estate and local communities and has served as president,
Real Estate Institute of Canada, Eastern Ontario Chapter; president, Institute of Real Estate
Property Management, Ottawa; president, Housing & Urban Development Association of
Canada, Ottawa; national director, Real Estate Institute of Canada; governor of the Ottawa
Boys & Girls Club; governor, Jr. Achievement of Canada; and founding governor, Institute of
Conflict Resolution.
Sender Gordon
President & CEO
Sender Gordon President & CEO
Sender joined Regional Group in 2012 and is the third generation to serve as CEO and
president, following the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He is responsible for the firm’s
vision and strategy,and chairs the executive committee. Prior to serving as CEO & president, he
was the firm’s executive vice president in charge of Investments & Leasing, sourcing and
syndicating value-add real estate for the portfolios of the Regional Group and its investors.
Sender thrives on the goals of each transaction and crafting a deal that addresses the needs and
interests of all stakeholders.
Prior to joining Regional, Sender completed rabbinical training in New York and was ordained as
a Rabbi in 2010. In 2012, Sender and his wife, Sarah, founded Miles of Smiles, a non-profit
organization established to teach English as a second language. The organization, which began
in Ottawa, now has numerous branches and an international reach.
Jim McCaw
Chief Financial Officer
Jim McCaw Chief Financial Officer
Jim joined Regional Group in 2008 and is responsible for Regional’s financial and tax strategy, business intelligence, accounting, and investor reporting.
Graduating Dean’s Honours with a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo in 1987, he received his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation that same year. Post-graduation, he continued to build his professional qualifications, earning a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation, a license as a trustee in bankruptcy, and a Corporate Finance (CF) practitioner designation.
Jim joined KPMG’s Advisory Services practice in 1989, and became partner in 1997, when he established and led the Ottawa Corporate Finance division. In this practice, he performed a wide variety of services including viability assessments, business valuations, restructurings and bankruptcies, and advised clients on debt and equity financing, mergers & acquisitions, financial strategy and divestiture.
David Kardish
Sr. VP, Land Development
David Kardish Sr. VP, Land Development
David is responsible for Regional’s Land Development department including land acquisitions, syndications, development and dispositions. During his 30 years at Regional, he has become widely recognized as an industry leader in creative and innovative development. David and his team have been instrumental in the acquisition and development of high-tech business parks, retail lands, and master-planned residential communities, most recently including the CITIGATE Corporate Campus and Greystone Village, a LEED ND community.
Prior to joining Regional, David was a senior planner for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton, where he was involved in the City’s first comprehensive inventory of residential development lands. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a Master’s degree in Planning from Queens University.
Josh Kardish
Sr. VP, eQ Homes
Josh Kardish Sr. VP, eQ Homes
Josh is responsible for the daily operations of eQ Homes, a Regional affiliate. Josh joined Regional Group in 2006 as a land development manager, working side-by-side with his father, VP David Kardish. In that capacity, he managed large-scale, master-planned residential developments from acquisition through to completion. Prior to that, Josh worked as a planning consultant for Novatech Engineering Limited, an Ottawa-based engineering consulting firm. This combined experience gives him a unique perspective and behind-the-scenes knowledge that he brings to eQ Homes, which he joined as vice president in 2016.
A multiple degree graduate from Dalhousie University – a Master’s degree in Urban & Rural Planning and Bachelor of Commerce, Josh was awarded the Rossetti Scholarship from the Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning at Dalhousie University. Josh is the past president of the Greater Ottawa Homebuilders’ Association, a volunteer member of the board of Camp B’Nai Brith of Ottawa, and a current board member of CADHCO, a non-profit housing developer.
Kelly Rhodenizer
VP, Commercial & Multi-Family Development
Kelly Rhodenizer VP, Commercial & Multi-Family Development
As VP of Commercial & Multi-Family Development, Kelly is responsible for every aspect of developing Regional Group’s pipeline assets. Working closely with Regional’s internal teams, she manages the entire process from planning through construction, leasing, and liaising with project stakeholders.
Prior to joining Regional, Kelly was the Senior Development Manager at Colonnade BridgePort, where she managed development assets ranging from 2,000 sqft retail PAD, to 25-storey mixed-use projects. Kelly has been working within the greater Ottawa area since 2005 as a Land Use Planner and Developer.
She is a BOMA representative on the Ottawa City Hall Development Review Subcommittee, and a founding member of Women in Land Development (WILD). She is a graduate of Western University – with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.
Tal Scher
VP, Asset Management, Investor & Government Relations
Tal Scher VP, Asset Management, Investor & Government Relations
Responsible for leading Regional’s new Asset Management, Investor & Government Relations division, Tal oversees growth of value, serves as liaison and relationship manager with investors and creates strategic partnerships with all levels of Government and Crown Corporations. Additionally, Tal oversees Regional’s Tax and Valuation department that provides services across Canada.
Having joined Regional Group in 2015, Tal championed the full restructure of the Property Management division — new process development and implementation, adopting technological initiatives all while providing consistent and outstanding levels of customer service, ensuring the maximum return on investment for clients.
Under Tal’s leadership as Vice President, Asset and Property Management, Regional’s client base and number of assets under management grew exponentially. Tal oversaw significant staffing growth and was monumental in supporting the development of the firm’s portfolio and revenue goals.
As a member of the Company’s Executive Committee, Tal is instrumental in providing strategic and organizational direction for both Regional and eQ Homes.
Tal is involved in several organizations including being the Founder of BOMA Ottawa’s Emerging Leader Network, serving on the Board of Directors of BOMA Ottawa, being Chairman of the Board at the Torah Day School of Ottawa and continues to regularly support many more community initiatives and efforts.
John Clark, B.A., AACI, P. App
VP, Tax & Valuation
John Clark, B.A., AACI, P. App VP, Tax & Valuation
John joined the Regional Group in 1988 and has been managing Regional’s Tax & Valuation department since 1991. With over 30 years of experience, he is an internationally recognized leader in tax, valuation, assessment, and real estate appraisal. John is a fully accredited member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada, and his “Clark Report” is widely read by lawyers and accountants throughout the country. Under his leadership, his department has saved Regional’s clients in excess of $250 million in taxes.
John’s areas of expertise include appearing as an expert witness for both court and assessment review board matters, negotiation, and litigation support. He is an authority on a vast range of real estate appraisal types, including investment and commercial properties, located across the country and the eastern Arctic. John has been an active member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada and served as its national president 2001-2002.
Sachin Anand
Sr. Director, Acquisitions
Sachin Anand Sr. Director, Acquisitions
Sachin is responsible for the identification and oversight of commercial real estate acquisitions – primarily focused on value-add commercial & mid/high rise development opportunities to support the growth of the firm’s real estate portfolio and revenue & investment goals.
As a long-time trusted advisor, commercial lender, & mortgage broker, Sachin brings his wealth of experience & knowledge to the Regional team. He has a consistent track record of success, having originated and funded ~ $2.0BN in loans for his Ottawa based clients since 2009. Prior to commercial lending, an Investment Banker – Debt Capital Markets living in London, UK and Manhattan, NYC.
He possesses a solid foundation in commercial real estate underwriting, financing, valuation, and risk mitigation. He is able to leverage his entrepreneurial background to develop new relationships & quickly earn the trust of his clients and peers – making him a stand-out business development ambassador. His robust skill set also includes, capital structuring, portfolio & relationship management, legal negotiations, debt capital markets, and real estate life-cycle & capital expenditure planning.
A graduate of McGill University (Montreal Canada), he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a with major in Finance. He also completed an International Business Strategy minor at ESSCA Business School in France as part of his undergraduate degree. He was the founder and 4-time captain of the McGill University Men’s Lacrosse team. He still serves on the executive Board of Directors for the McGill University Men’s Lacrosse program as well as a former Board of Director executive member of the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA).
Having lived in 5 cities over 4 countries (and travelled to 40 countries), Sachin possesses a diverse & global perspective.
Celia Muregerera
Director of Human Resources
Celia Muregerera Director of Human Resources
As the Director of Human Resources, Celia sets the strategic direction of the HR function at Regional Group, and is a trusted partner to the leadership team. She is passionate about a people-centered culture and creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
Celia brings more than 16 years of Human Resources expertise to the role. Prior to joining Regional Group in 2023, Celia spent the majority of her career in technology and the built environment industry.
She is a member of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) and a certified Senior Human Resources Professional International (SPHR-i).
History
Beneath all – lies land
Our love of Ottawa and pride in Canada’s Capital is a central theme in everything we do.
Started in 1958 as Regional Realty, founder Len Potechin recognized the unlimited potential for economic growth and community development achievable through real estate investment and management. His legacy is alive and well, having steadily grown under the leadership of Steve Gordon, CEO. We have created a unique real estate platform and attracted capital from wealth managers, family offices and institutions.
Today, we have a $5+ billion pipeline of commercial, mixed-use and residential projects in various stages of development in Ontario and Quebec, as well as a management portfolio of more than 2.9 million square feet of commercial space and 2,000 residential units. Our homebuilding division, eQ Homes consistently creates visionary, award-winning communities which lead the way in home innovation and sustainable living initiatives.
Len Potechin founds Regional Realty, Ltd
Debut of Regional Realty’s “Regi” the first MLS Computer
1981Regional Commercial Brokerage Division established.
Research, Market Studies and Consulting Division established.
Acquisition of Statesman Management and Realty Ltd. based in Calgary and Edmonton.
1988Regional establishes Realty Tax Advisory Service – now Tax & Valuation, managing over 3000 properties
1997Regional sets record of 25-million dollars in apartment sales in 1 month
Regional builds new corporate offices
Construction begins on eQuinelle Regional’s first master-planned community – $450 million gross development value
2006eQ Homes becomes first production builder in Ontario to introduce Smart Home technology as standard
2017Regional Group celebrates 60th Anniversary
Greystone Village Awarded LEED ND v4 Silver, the first community in Ontario to achieve this designation.
2018Clients
Active and attentive partner in the success of every project
We measure success differently. To us it’s not just about the numbers, it’s also about the process. Our reputation has been earned through years of hard work and relationship building. We bring that to every deal we make, every property and portfolio we manage, and every community we build. We focus on listening to what our investors and customers want and need. The result – another successful transaction and relationship.
Awards
Proud to be recognized as one of the top real estate companies in Ottawa
We love real estate. We love the challenge, the process, and ultimately, the thrill of watching a vision become a thriving reality where people live and work. In truth, we are rewarded every day – by the people we meet, the communities we have the pleasure of creating, and the relationships we have built.
We are grateful for the opportunities to pursue our passion. However, it is always wonderful to be recognized for the work we have done. A kudo is always appreciated!
2020
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Grand SAM – eQ Homes
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Builder Sales Assistant – Alain Legault, eQ Homes
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Builder Sales Representative – Stephanie Vintinner, eQ Homes
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Single Family Home (2,001 – 3,000 SQ.FT.) – The Blackburn, eQ Homes with Norma King Design Inc.
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Builder Sales Team – eQ Homes
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Bungalow (Single) – The Firestone, eQ Homes with Norma King Design Inc.
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Single Family Home (Under 2,000 SQ.FT.) – The Hamilton, eQ Homes
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Grand Sam Award – eQ Homes
2019
The Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) – Best Business – The Regional Group
2019
The Family Enterprise Xchange (FEX) – FEX Ottawa Family Enterprise of the Year – The Regional Group
2019
The Family Enterprise Xchange (FEX) – National Family Enterprise of the Year – The Regional Group
2019
The Lee Evans Awards – Builder Partnerships 2019 Executive Summit – Management Excellence – eQ Homes
2019
Deloitte – Canada’s Best Managed Companies – The Regional Group
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – New Community – eQuinelle, eQ Homes with Hobin Architecture Incorporated
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Single Detached ($500,000-$625,000) – eQ Homes, The Firestone
2019
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Single Detached ($750,001 and over) – eQ Homes, The Riviera
2018
Canadian Brownfields Network – 2018 Brownie Awards – RENEW: Development at the Community Scale – Greystone Village
2018
The Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) – Best Performance Sustainability – The Regional Group
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Special Achievement – Production Builder of the Year – The Regional Group
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Town Home Model – The Atticus, eQ Homes
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Grand Sam Award – eQ Homes
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Condo Project – eQ Homes, River Terraces at Greystone Village
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Most Environmentally Friendly Builder – eQ Homes
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Builder Design Centre – eQ Design Studio, West of Main with eQ Homes
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – New Community (Planned) – Greystone Village, eQ Homes with Hobin Architecture Incorporated
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Attached (2,000 sq. ft. or less) – eQ Homes, The Atticus
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Fred Neilson Award – The Regional Group
2018
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Special Achievement – Best Community – eQ Homes, eQuinelle
2017
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Community – Greystone Village, eQ Homes with Hobin Architecture
2017
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Builder Video – River Terraces at Greystone Village, eQ Homes
2017
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Builder Sales Assistant – eQ Homes, Claudia Jacobs
2017
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Builder Sales Centre – eQ Homes, River Terraces at Greystone Village
2017
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Single Detached (2,000 sq. ft. or less) – eQ Homes, The Anderson, Fernbank Crossing
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Bungalow – eQ Homes with G. Ryan Design – The Augusta
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Community – eQ Homes with G. Ryan Design – eQuinelle
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home 2,000 sq. ft or less, $400,00 and under – eQ Homes: Clarence Crossing, The Dumont
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Single Detached 2,000 sq. ft or less, $400,000 and under – eQ Homes: Clarence Crossing, The Dumont
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Production Home, Single Detached 2,000 sq. ft or less, $400,001 and over – eQ Homes: Clarence Crossing, Alexander
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Community of the Year – eQ Homes, eQuinelle
2016
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – Housing Design Awards – Community of the Year – eQ Homes, eQuinelle
2016
eQuinelle Golf Club – Ottawa Golf Fairway Awards – Best Customer Service – The Regional Group, eQ Homes
2016
eQuinelle Golf Club – Ottawa Golf Fairway Awards – Best Greens – The Regional Group, eQ Homes
2014
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Bungalow – eQ Homes inc., The Pebble Beach Model
2013
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) – The SAM Awards – Best Bungalow, Single (over 1,500 sq. ft.) – eQ Homes inc., The Malibu Model
Affiliates & Partners
Strategic partners
The strength of a company is often measured by their affiliations. We are proud to partner with companies that share our values about community, sustainability and giving back.
eQ Homes
Established in 2009, eQ Homes, a wholly-owned affiliate company, is one of Ottawa’s top builders — consistently delivering innovative, award-winning homes of exceptional quality. The company’s motto “Enduring Quality” is evident in every community they build.
Tree Canada
Respect for the environment is one of our core values. For every home we build, we contribute to Tree Canada’s National Greening Program to replenish those trees we used. To date, Tree Canada has planted over 80 million trees, and greened over 1,100 urban centres, BIAs, indigenous communities, schools and hospitals throughout Canada.
Habitat for Humanity
Creating strong, livable communities is the core of our business. Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
In The Community
Big hearts and big ideas are a great combination
We operate with Community in mind. Our team has always been passionate about creating healthy, vibrant communities for exceptional living, and our charitable giving focuses on areas that support them.
- Children’s programs & education
- Environment
- Health care
- Nature
A holistic balance ensures the future of the communities we build, and we strive to enhance them by contributing financial resources and expertise to many worthwhile causes. Our employees extend this dedication by serving as volunteers and participating in neighbourhood events. We are extraordinarily proud of the communities we build, work and live in.