Andre Rivard

As a Director of Commercial Investments and Financing, I leverage my financial insights and skills to identify, analyze, and execute real estate investment opportunities across various asset classes and markets. With over 14 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, I have a proven track record of delivering value-added solutions and results to investors, lenders, and borrowers.

My core competencies include commercial financing, project management, financial analysis, and compliance. I excel at negotiating terms, structuring deals, and building long-term relationships with key stakeholders. I am also adept at managing a diverse portfolio of commercial properties and loans, ensuring optimal performance and risk mitigation. My mission is to help clients achieve their real estate goals and objectives while adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

DIRECTOR, COMERCIAL INVESTMENT and FINANCING, Canary Capital Inc., Ontario                         April 2021 – Present

• Spearheaded sourcing of off- and on-market properties, using market insight to identify high-potential opportunities that align with financial objectives.
• Successfully grew the company's rental unit portfolio by 300%
• Hired, developed, supervised, and managed the commercial Real Estate Division team growing from 0 to 4 members in 2.5 years, overseeing onboarding, training, and development of high-potential individuals.
• Increased net worth of asset portfolio by more than 60% in 2.5 years, leveraging astute financial analysis and innovative renovation strategies.
• Conducted thorough financial analysis to evaluate property values and potential returns, ensuring alignment with investment targets and risk management standards.
• Negotiated beneficial purchase terms with sellers, showcasing exceptional communication skills and financial acumen.
• Established and nurtured strong relationships within the real estate sector to source purchase financing (conventional, private, bridge financing) with favorable terms, leveraging a broad network of industry connections.
• Managed multifaceted projects involving external investors, delivering updates, and maintaining financial accountability.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to select optimal property management strategies, ensuring efficient operations and portfolio growth.
• Managed planning and execution of property renovations for optimal ROI within projected timelines.
• Oversaw property management companies based on location and type, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in resolving property-related challenges, and proactively addressing issues to maintain portfolio integrity and value.
• Demonstrated commitment to cross-functional collaboration by actively supporting residential activities, including unit showings and property visits, contributing to a well-rounded operational approach.
• Advised the residential arm of the business and consulted on complex deals, leveraging specialized knowledge to drive successful outcomes.
• Orchestrated property refinancing initiatives with CMHC, securing favorable terms and achieving positive cash flow within stringent timelines.
• Directed property wholesaling efforts, optimizing profit margins on non-rental portfolio sales.
• Ensured compliance standards through precise administrative, legal documentation, and regulatory reporting.

MANAGER, COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT, Home Trust Company, Toronto, Ontario               June 2019 – April 2021

• Managed a $6 billion commercial mortgage loan portfolio with a focus on effective portfolio management practices.
• Led and supervised a team of analysts and underwriters, ensuring seamless workflow and adherence to company policies.
• Reviewed and approved deals submitted by commercial mortgage underwriters, ensuring compliance with prescribed limits aligning with multi-unit underwriting requirements.
• Conducted comprehensive analysis and underwriting for commercial credit facilities, including conventional and CMHC-insured facilities such as multi-unit, construction, land, and condo inventory.
• Monitored delinquent accounts and collaborated with internal and external contacts to minimize losses for the company.
• Ensured timely completion of reviews, renewals, assumptions, extensions, and modifications by closely monitoring outstanding conditions/documents and following established guidelines.
• Supported team growth through guidance and feedback, fostering a cohesive and efficient work environment.
• Offered constructive feedback on team performance to senior management, contributing to the development of team members.
• Managed administrative and reporting responsibilities crucial to departmental operations and Senior Management.

Equitable Bank, Toronto, Ontario                                                                                                             April 2013 – June 2019

ASSISTANT MANAGER, COMMERCIAL CREDIT (January 2016 – June 2019)

• Reviewed deals submitted by my team of commercial mortgage underwriters and approved applications within prescribed limits of up to $5 million.
• Analyzed and underwrote commercial credit facilities for more complex commercial mortgage products and for deals exceeding the $5 million limit including conventional (multi-family, construction, land, condo inventory, etc.) and CMHC-insured facilities. 
• Ensured that the approved deals closed as scheduled and as efficiently as possible by following up on outstanding conditions/documents and ensuring compliance with established guidelines. 
• Provided support, guidance, and mentoring to team members, fostering a culture of adherence to company policies.
• Conducted performance reviews on an annual basis focusing on performance objectives and skill development.
• Communicated with internal contacts, including funders, managers, and administrators as well as external contacts, such as lending partners, and mortgage brokers to ensure transactions were processed in a timely and efficient manner while delivering superior customer service.

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE UNDERWRITER (April 2013 – January 2016)

• Conducted thorough analysis and underwriting for various commercial credit facilities, including multi-unit and CMHC-insured options.
• Ensured compliance with established lending guidelines and procedures, aligning with multi-unit underwriting principles.
• Ensure all lending criteria have been satisfied on deals underwritten and outstanding documentation/conditions are being met on time.
• Collaborated with internal and external contacts to ensure efficient transaction processing and adherence to guidelines.
• Prepared specific reports for assigned categories (i.e., Large commercial, watch list, productivity report, etc.) contributing to departmental insights and informed decision-making for the company as a whole.
• Contributed to ongoing adjustment of underwriting approach based on market conditions and prudent lending practices.

DEBT SERVICES MANAGER, Export Development Canada, Ottawa, Ontario                                      February 2011 – April 2013

• Managed a portfolio of over 550 files consisting of debt files under $100,000 and all bankruptcy files.
• Initiate recovery procedures once a standard claim has been paid to ensure prompt resolution.
• Communicate with third-party services, such as collection agencies, for the account of EDC to facilitate recovery efforts
• Evaluate settlement proposals to maximize recoveries on standard insured losses ensuring optimum benefit for EDC and its clients using direct intervention, dispute resolution, and negotiation skills with defaulting buyers and other parties
• Assisted business teams and others on policy issues, loss experience and recovery operations
• Interpreted business documents and commercial agreements to ensure appropriate understanding for EDC and clients in order to take the best course of action.
• Helped recoveries team surpass the aggressive total recovery goal

FINANCIAL SERVICES MANAGER, National Bank of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario                      March 2008 – February 2011

• Manage and monitor a portfolio of over 300 clients and 30+ million dollars on a daily basis achieving client satisfaction and consistent volume growth.
• Achieved and surpassed aggressive targets in Savings, Credit, Loyalty Products, and Referrals.
• Proactively acquire new business clients with mail, phone, and personal marketing initiatives. 
• Advise clients on all their financing and investment needs on a consistent and proactive basis. 
• Prepare weekly and monthly compliance, performance, and financial reports. 
• Supervised junior advisors in the performance of multiple client files and reviewed their work.

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Finance General, University of Ottawa, (Honours)