"In 2008, I ventured into my construction company, Square Nine Developments Inc. We are dedicated towards quality and craftsmanship and have been making our presence known in multi-family housing market. From building wood frame town houses and now into developing and building concrete high rises, Square Nine is setting up the mark with its core values.” - Manish Sharma, Owner and Director, Square Nine Developments
As a talented businessman, Manish Sharma has learned to navigate through challenges and has success stories come out even through the pandemic. Every business has own roadblocks. The real estate industry market is no different and market conditions are ruled by one ideology: supply and demand. He is the Owner and Director of Square Nine Developments Inc. – a construction company that has been setting the mark with its core values, specializing in townhome projects and concrete high-rise developments and general contracting in the Lower Mainland.
Just like most people, the successful businessman had not seen the pandemic coming, but he is very aggressive and a go-getter. For example, his Element 1 townhomes achieved excellent sales at decent prices in March 2020. Behind the growth, Sharma reveals, is the optimal location of his projects, which always gives him confidence. Just like transit-friendly Element 1, the Belvedere concrete tower, Square Nine Developments’ current project, is in a great location and features ease of SkyTrain access. In his experience, the biggest thing for first-time home buyers is to look for something transit-oriented, with the environment, sustainability, and location at top of mind. As such, the entrepreneur’s projects have always given him confidence.
Sharma believes that each day is a learning curve, and he makes the best of it. In 2008, he formed his company and saw opportunities in multi-family homes. Initially, he was primarily handling wood frame developments, but has gone into concrete developments since 2015. From exciting new projects coming up in Burnaby and Clayton, to big news on the way surrounding Surrey Central, Square Nine is on a roll. In the next 10 years, the plan is to expand Square Nine to other municipalities in Canada. Now, as he moves into a new, high-rise office with a growing company, the down-to-earth business leader considers himself fortunate to be surrounded by great people.
Until now, he has been a self-made man, but calls his family the unsung heroes behind his success. His wife has been a pillar of support, alongside his three children (plus a doggo!) who look up to him. The loving father tries his best to be the optimal role model for them and loves when his children ask questions about the business.
The passionate industry enthusiast reveals that the most rewarding part of the job for him is getting up every morning and coming in to work. For him, everyday is a day off and every day is a working day. Vancouver’s real estate market has been on the upswing for a long time and the market is going to be stable. Through the development of common platforms, Sharma believes in discussing innovative ideas and designing concepts that can benefit the industry as a team and as a collective group of people. Since the start of his journey, he has prioritized design, quality, and location. With a customer-oriented approach, his vast experience appeals to all – be it first-time home buyers or investors.
DARPAN’s Super Six
1. Tell us about yourself and your journey into real estate.
I immigrated from India in 2002. In 2008, I ventured into my construction company, Square Nine Developments Inc. We are dedicated to quality and craftsmanship and have been making our presence known in the multi-family housing market. From building wood frame townhouses and now into developing and building concrete high rises, Square Nine is setting up the mark with its core values.
2. What does your company stand for?
Square Nine is a company that customers can rely on, and our employees are proud to work for. It is a company with an open mind, ready to embrace new opportunities and driven to deliver exceptional value. A lot of thought goes into our projects at the designing stage to bring the best layout, amenities and floor plans for future homeowners, with a location that is convenient and transit-oriented.
3. What can buyers expect when buying from you?
When you’re buying from square nine, you’re buying into great locations. Simply put, you can truly expect a good quality project.
4. What is your advice for someone venturing into real estate?
For younger generations, I encourage proactiveness and recommend that you don’t just stand on the sidelines, but rather go get in there.
5. What is your mantra for success?
There’s no such mantra – it’s all about consistency, hard work, and focusing on what you need to achieve.
6. What are your hobbies?
I’ve started with some sports like snowboarding and golfing. At the end of the day, quality time with family and friends is what I value the most.