Connect Canada CRE has selected its inaugural Canadian Next Gen Award recipients.

The 10 honourees are emerging commercial real estate leaders from across Canada who have stood out for their diverse contributions to their organizations and industry. The winners are based in the regions that Connect CRE Canada covers daily on its news website (www.connectcre.ca).

This article profiles Donald Tabor, an office and retail landlord and tenant representation specialist based in CBRE’s Halifax office.

Several Notable Clients

It did not take long for Donald Tabor’s commercial real estate career to take off.

Tabor joined CBRE in Halifax in 2016, serving as the firm’s Atlantic Canada market research manager. A year later, he moved into a leasing and sales role, specializing in landlord and tenant representation in the office and retail sectors while also negotiating property and investment sales transactions.

In 2022, Tabor’s company recognized him as one of its emerging leaders.

During his career, he has strived to stay even keeled, he told a CBRE interviewer.

“It’s something I try to remind myself of most days,” he said. “There are ups and downs in the industry, and you just need to keep working and putting the effort in.”

That effort has helped Tabor secure such large-scale developer and landlord clients as the Armour Group, WM Fares Group, Mosaik Properties, Grafton Developments and Manga Hotels.

His other notable clients have included: GWL Realty Advisors, Killam Properties, Tim Hortons, Westwood Developments and Armco Capital.

Although Tabor has represented major companies, he is most proud of his work on behalf of two young women who launched a small business: Bliss Caffeine Bar.

“Watching them take the space and make it their own was really inspiring,” he told his interviewer. “They found a gap in the market and offer a high-quality product, and now they’re seeing a lot of success. It’s packed all the time. All my friends go there. It’s like my little mark on South Park Street.”

He strives to help other young commercial real estate professionals just by sitting down and talking to them.

“It’s important to get together and talk shop and share your experiences and what’s worked for you,” he told his interviewer. “It’s important to establish friendships and trust with everyone, even people at other firms. I think that’s how we can support each other, by building relationships.”

According to the author of a CBRE profile on him, the native Haligonian is “contagiously kind.” He is also “the epitome of a friendly Maritimer.”

“Whether you’re a client, fellow broker, or someone looking to get their start in the industry, Tabor will welcome you with a smile,” the author wrote.

To see the list of all award recipients and read their intriguing success stories, click on the page below.

Canadian Next Gen Award Winners Page