Forty years in business is good news.
That’s an impressive accomplishment for most people, but it goes up a notch as a grand achievement for those in the competitive real estate industry.
In recognition of his 40th anniversary as a realtor, Serge Carpino was honoured at a ceremony in front of his Canal City Realty office on July 22. Local dignitaries, family, and friends gathered to congratulate Serge. Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, MPP Jeff Burch, Tim Whelan, Niagara Regional Councillor and Nick Dell’omo VP, Thorold BIA made presentations to recognize Serge’s success in business.
What are some highlights during Serge’s 40 years in business?
“Working with your family is huge. I am very fortunate to have my family working with me every step of the way. Sometimes I feel I work for them, but that’s okay, “
Serge said with a giggle.
“Working with my family is number one in my books. Secondly, is seeing the metamorphosis and renaissance of the downtown. The downtown is close to my heart. “
Serge added.
Do you remember 1982?
In 1982 Olivia Newton John topped the Billboard music charts with “Physical” as the number song of the year and “Eye of the Tiger” was number two. Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada. Five-year fixed-rate mortgages were more than 15 per cent for about two years, from the fall of 1980 to the fall of 1982, peaking at just over 21 per cent in the second half of 1981. Inflation was high. Times were tough as many people could not pay their mortgage and lost ownership of their homes. That’s about the time Serge entered the real estate profession.
Serge informed the group about the days when he started his career in the real estate business in 1982, the same year he married his wife, Toni.
Over the years as a local realtor, Serge put his mark on the downtown community. For example, Serge developed the former Thorold News property on Regent / Ormond to bring the Tim Hortons franchise to the city. Across the downtown on Albert Street West, Serge also showed his stroke of genius by redeveloping the old LCBO store to create a modern dental office for Dr. Raimondo and other adjoining businesses including space on a second floor. Serge showed his vision by also converting the old R & D Cleaners building on Towpath to create a healthcare centre that is currently used as a medical office for Dr. Babak Karamy, a Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist.
There is a sense that the best is yet to come for Serge as he shows plans for a major residential development on Sullivan Avenue on the corner of Pine Street. A luxury apartment building is planned to go up on the property being developed by Serge’s Thorold-based real estate company.
“The downtown is the jewel in the crown of the city. Anything I can do for events or whatever, that’s the Carpino family giving back to the community. We just don’t take from the community, we give back. The car show is a pet project that I started years ago, and it’s just ballooned into one of the hottest things that has happened in our city, “
Serge stated in his speech at the ceremony that reflected on the start of his career in real estate.
Involved in the downtown business community since the early 80’s, Serge recalls volunteering on the first BIA committee as Secretary / Treasurer along with John Henderson from Henderson’s Pharmacy who attended the anniversary ceremony.
“Thorold has been the best kept secret. The secret is getting out. Thorold is growing. The city is experiencing the greatest growth over the next 5, 10, 15 years. You’re going to see Thorold become the place of a destination. “
Serge Carpino
Before establishing Canal City Realty in Thorold, Serge started his real estate career as a sales representative with the Peter Sukkau brokerage, and later joined B.J. Grosse Realty on Front Street.
“I could not think of a better place to raise my family, put my shingle up, and get into business. So, I am grateful for all the people who have contributed to my success.”
Serge Carpino, aka “The Good Guy”
Retirement Plans?
With 40 years behind him, and hundreds of real estate deals now in the books, is retirement an option for Serge? It does not sound like it.
“40 years have been a heck of a ride. I’m not planning to get off the ride anytime soon. I am here to stay. No plans for retirement, that’s for sure. Let’s keep on going and let this ride continue.”
Serge Carpino
Now we see why Serge is affectionately known as The Good Guy in Thorold.