THE SPECS: Company: Avison Young Commercial Real Estate Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Property Type: Industrial Specialist Year Built with SIOR: 2017

OVERVIEW - Why He’s the Real Deal

From saving the deal to saving the day, Ben Sykes, SIOR, knows what it means to be the Real Deal. As principal at Avison Young in Ontario, Canada, Ben’s resume boasts over 15 years of aiding those looking to make the best real estate decision. But that’s not all he does to help those around him. Even when faced with life-threatening situations, he doesn’t hesitate to protect his neighbor. He’s more than just an SIOR.

HIGHLIGHTS - Get to Know Justin

SIOR Report: What’s the most useless talent you have?
Ben Sykes, SIOR: For some reason I have memorized a lot of random numbers that I don’t use often (if at all). I can still recall some of them today, like my university student card number, my university roommate’s student card number (weird I know), loyalty rewards card numbers, driver’s license, social insurance and passport numbers and expiry dates, etc. It doesn’t come in handy often but when it does, I have an odd sense of accomplishment.

SR: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
BS: Earlier this summer I was driving with my wife on the highway, and we saw a car on fire at the side of the road. I slowed to see if anyone needed help and quickly realized the driver was unconscious and still in the car. I knew a rescue had to happen quickly, so I and two other men jumped out of our cars to break open the driver’s side window as the door had been damaged from the accident. Thankfully the flames were on the other side of the car, so we were able to break the window and pull the driver out who only had minor burns. Thirty seconds later (literally) the car was completely engulfed in flames. The experience was crazy, emotional, and a very vivid reminder of how quickly life can change.

SR: If you could only eat one type of food, what would it be?
BS: Italian. Italy has such a diverse set of regional foods, so I could easily survive the rest of my days working my way through the various Italian dishes.

SR: What are you happiest doing when not working?
BS: Watching my son….he is a good reminder of finding joy in the little things every day!

SR: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
BS: Treat people right, work hard, and do the small things every single day as well as you can. That doesn’t mean to expect perfection. Learn to embrace failure by stepping outside of your comfort zone as over time, the little and big losses will teach you.

SR: What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
BS: A senior broker—when I left their team three years onto the business—told me he didn’t think brokerage was my calling and offered to make some calls to other people to “help me” find me a job. That individual has since burned out of the brokerage business and here I am 17 years later.  Although bad advice, it taught me to give people time and grace to develop. Regardless of your seniority or position, treat everyone with respect.

SR: What is your proudest accomplishment?
BS: Becoming a dad!

SR: What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
BS: I wish I didn’t misplace small items around the house and office. It is a running joke with my family and team at the office as to how many times I am scrambling to get out the door and can’t find my car keys, wallet, phone, etc.

SR: Describe your perfect day.
BS: We built a weekend place in the country outside of our home in Toronto to remind us to relax and slow down.  A perfect day is up there with my wife and son on a beautiful late summer day, jumping into my 1963 Series IIA 109” Land Rover Defender, loaded with our beach gear and a full cooler, and take off down the country road with no set agenda.