"I don't just build buildings or apartments or homes; I build communities, what makes a home special is what surrounds it. If you have children, you want a school nearby. If you're elderly, you want to walk around safely. It's essential to create dreams of a good community."-Charan Sethi, Founder of Tien Sher Group of Companies
Successful people embody certain common traits, such as vision, creativity, drive, discipline, and hard work. Charan Sethi exemplifies these qualities, having demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his goals and an innovative spirit throughout his career. As the founder of Tien Sher Group, Charan Sethi has showcased his vision and determination by investing in and transforming Whalley, an area once dismissed as unlivable. His journey from a machinist to a real estate developer highlights his resilience, hard work, and dedication to community building.
Charan Sethi's journey into real estate was born out of a desire for better opportunities. After moving to Canada in 1978 from England, he worked as a machinist until 1985. Frustrated with the stagnation in his career, Charan Sethi decided to explore the world of real estate—a field that had always intrigued him due to his father's involvement in house renovations in England. Despite the challenges of studying for a real estate license after a long hiatus from formal education, he persevered and became a realtor on April 1, 1985.
Starting with Century 21, he soon moved to REMAX, where he thrived among top producers. His knack for land assembly work, where he facilitated deals involving multiple landowners and developers, earned him a place among the top 10% of producers worldwide within the REMAX system. However, a pivotal moment in his career came when a developer failed to honour a promise, prompting him to reconsider his path. Encouraged by a friend, he embarked on his development ventures, founding Tien Sher Group in 2004, representing Charan Sethi and his two sons, symbolizing their combined efforts and vision.
Transforming Whalley: A Vision Realized
The story of Charan Sethi's transformation of Whalley is one of vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the community. When he first considered investing in Whalley, the area was notorious for its high crime rates and was often regarded as the worst part of the Lower Mainland. However, he saw potential where others saw problems. In collaboration with city officials, including then-Mayor Dianne Watts and former Mayor Doug McCallum, he formulated a plan to revitalize Whalley.
Charan Sethi's investment in Whalley started with acquiring a significant land parcel, which has now grown to encompass 16 acres, with 10 acres already developed. Tien Sher's developments in Whalley are not just about building homes but creating vibrant communities. His holistic approach focuses on mixed-use developments that cater to diverse demographics and provide essential amenities.
The Flamingo One tower, a 36-storey building set to be completed in May 2025, exemplifies this vision. It includes 375 homes, 55,000 square feet of office space, and various commercial outlets such as restaurants and medical services.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a devastating fire in 2008 that destroyed 116 homes, Charan Sethi's determination never wavered. He rebuilt what was lost and continued to push forward, driven by a philosophy that embraces life's challenges and focuses on achieving long-term goals.
During the rooftop ceremony for Flamingo One, it was a moment of immense pride for the South Asian community to see one of their own transforming the cityscape.
"I don't just build buildings or apartments or homes; I build communities," says Charan Sethi. "What makes a home special is what surrounds it. If you have children, you want a school nearby. If you're elderly, you want to walk around safely. It's essential to create dreams of a good community."
The development strategy at Tien Sher involves creating mixed-use spaces that serve multiple purposes and demographics, reflecting Canada's multicultural society. This approach ensures that each project caters to every age group and ethnic background, fostering an inclusive environment.
The current projects in Whalley feature office buildings, commercial spaces on the ground floor, and residential towers, making each development a self-sufficient community.
Building the Future: Penticton and Beyond
Looking to the future, Charan Sethi continues to expand his vision of community building with new projects in Penticton. Collaborating with his younger son, he is developing a 10-acre site in Penticton that will feature over 1,500 homes, an office building, and a commercial plaza. Known as the Innovation District, this project incorporates innovative ideas and aims to create a complete, walkable community. The development will provide medical practitioners with space, given its proximity to a hospital, and will include commercial spaces on the ground floor to serve local needs.
Much like Charan Sethi's work in Whalley, the Penticton project is designed to foster a sense of community and belonging. By creating gathering spaces such as gyms, co-op working spaces, meeting rooms, and mini theatres, he aims to combat the isolation that often plagues urban areas.
The appeal of Innovation District extends beyond its real estate offerings. Located in the middle of Penticton, the district is a stone's throw away from essential services. The area also boasts quick access to the town's two lakes, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle supported by expanding bike and pedestrian infrastructures. Residents can look forward to amenities that enhance community living and personal well-being. The development also prioritizes sustainable transportation options, with provisions for e-bikes and e-scooters, encouraging residents to embrace a car-free lifestyle.
"We thought about amenities that make your life better as opposed to loading the building up with a bunch of stuff that just looks nice on paper," Charan Sethi says. "And that culminates with the rooftop deck, from which you can see the lake, entertain friends, or get out there and enjoy the weather on your own."
The Innovation District will be its own community within a community. The village will have numerous commercial offerings and walking trails. It will address the city's massive housing shortage, with vacancy rates under 1.5%. According to the city's housing needs assessment completed in 2023, the industrial, health care, and other business sectors are all having difficulty recruiting people because people have no place to live. With homes starting from $279,000, Innovation District is set to provide attainable luxury in a market that has traditionally been challenging for many to enter.
The Philosophy Behind the Success
Charan Sethi's success is rooted in his relentless drive and genuine love for what he does. Despite being 72 years old, Sethi's work ethic remains unmatched. His days often start at 5:30 AM and end late into the night, driven by a deep sense of fulfillment from his work. "The sense of achievement is big for me," he says. "It's so fulfilling because you take a piece of land, lease on it, go through it, develop it, build on it and have happy faces move into it."
His commitment to mentorship and community service further illustrates his dedication to giving back. He frequently guides those seeking direction in their careers, emphasizing the importance of motivation and drive. Charan Sethi's philosophy is simple yet profound: "Aim at the goal and keep on going at it." This mantra has guided him through numerous challenges and remains a cornerstone of his approach to life and business.
A Message to the South Asian Community
For the South Asian community, Charan Sethi's journey is particularly inspiring. His story is a powerful reminder of the opportunities that exist in Canada and the importance of perseverance and hard work. He encourages young people to remain focused and treat each other respectfully, emphasizing the value of unity and mutual support. "Be a Canadian—there's space for everyone. Don't pull each other down," he advises.
Charan Sethi's vision extends beyond real estate; he envisions a society where people from diverse backgrounds come together to create inclusive, vibrant communities. His journey from a machinist to a visionary real estate developer highlights the power of vision, creativity, drive, discipline, and hard work. Through Tien Sher Group, he has transformed Whalley and is now poised to bring similar positive change to Penticton. As he continues to shape communities and mentor future generations, Charan Sethi's legacy inspires and uplifts countless individuals, particularly within the South Asian community.
