"BMG Real Estate stands for building communities and providing global infrastructure solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering solutions relating to water supply, roadwork, material supply planning, construction development, and rehabilitation.”
Balraj Mann has a 30-year history in consulting, land development, construction, and corporate management in British Columbia. He is the Founder and Chairman of BM Group of Companies, comprising of a diverse portfolio of structural restoration, waterproofing, construction management, material supply, and real estate-related businesses. BM Group has expanded operations to other parts of Canada, the US as well as South Asia. Currently, the BMG Real Estate division has over 12 active real estate projects (over 1,400 residential units) in the Lower Mainland.
Having built his first house in his early twenties, Mann went on to building for others and overseeing projects. Today, BMG Real Estate’s active projects include high rises, mid-rises, single-family homes, and townhouses. Truly, BMG Real Estate’s pipeline is being utilized to capacity. With a bustling business, Mann genuinely believes that the people attached to his company are most important to him. Being a family-run business, Mann strives to treat every employee like family, maintain good relations with clients, and create a healthy work culture.
With humble beginnings in Punjab’s farms, Mann traces many of his business values to his father, who worked hard and treated others with the utmost respect.
Mann’s love for the community and desire to give back extends beyond his work. BM Group has, over the years, supported important community causes such as BC Children’s Hospital, the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the Make a Wish Foundation. Mann also sits on the board of the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. For his success, the business tycoon gives much credit to his wife, who played a key role in raising their children and looking after the household; she also plays a part in the company’s strategic vision.
Of Mann’s three children, his two daughters are in the medical field and his son, Milan Mann, President of BMG Real Estate, is working towards building on the BM Group of Companies40 years of industry-leading expertise to provide communities an innovative approach to real estate development. Mann’s vision is to continue growing and providing a one-stop solution – be it through construction or providing the best firsthand experiences. For younger people, Mann explains that the real estate industry is a great one to enter with lots of career opportunities. With a shortage of housing prevalent in the Lower Mainland, construction has always paid well, and Mann encourages youngsters to capitalize on that. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and taking pride in what you build. At BMG Real Estate, the relationship with customers isn’t just limited to supplying or selling, but extends to after customers find their home with BMG.
DARPAN’s Super Seven
1. Tell us about yourself and your journey into real estate.
As the chairman of BM Group of Companies, I am well-versed in the construction and real estate world, overseeing 16 different brands in Canada, the US, and India. My journey started at 17 when I bought my first house in Surrey in 1982. I then went on to pursue my education in construction management and civil engineering. As a hobby, I designed and built houses.
Soon, I went on to develop single-family homes and large-scale projects, such as multi-family townhouses. We’ve gone global, with work being done all over the Lower Mainland, Toronto, Seattle, and India.
2. What does your company stand for?
BMG Real Estate stands for building communities and providing global infrastructure solutions. We are a one-stop-shop, offering solutions relating to water supply, roadwork, material supply planning, construction development, and rehabilitation.
3. What can buyers expect when buying from you?
We are a construction house. We’ve been here for more than 40 years and are here to stay. We are working on training another generation of workers and they’re coming up fast, so we will be around for a long time! This is our passion. With over 500+ staff worldwide, we are committed to service our projects and fostering all our business branches. Buyers can expect quality work and reliable after-sale service.
4. What is your advice for someone venturing into real estate?
Understand what you want to do exactly. This industry can be stressful at times. I have seen three recessions! You must have the will to get things done and work hard.
5. What is your mantra for success?
It’s all about hard work and staying grounded. You should collaborate with other people – be it tradesmen, suppliers, bankers, or employers. If you become selfish, you can’t grow or expand.
6. What are your hobbies?
I live on a beautiful farm. I love gardening and driving around in my mud tractor across our blueberry farm. I’m a family guy at heart!
7. In your opinion, what is driving the price jumps in the Lower Mainland?
The biggest reason of house price increases is the shortage of available housing inventory for sale compared to the increased demand, due to population growth in the region. Also, the increased cost of raw land, building materials, supply chain issues, labour shortages, delayed municipal approval processes, and soft costs have added to the cost of construction.