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Van and Maria Sheppard share how they built a successful real estate development business focused on micro suites for one and two-person households, now managing over 50 units across multiple properties.

• Started their development business in 2012 after Maria immigrated from Russia to Canada
• Discovered their niche when realizing 50% of their student housing tenants weren't students
• Identified that one and two-person households increased from 33% to over 60% of Canadian households between 1961-2011
• Focus on infill development, converting outdated properties on main streets into micro suites
• Operate with clear division of responsibilities - Van handles structural elements ("from the paint back") while Maria manages aesthetics ("from the paint out")
• Build properties to hold and operate long-term rather than sell
• Currently have 50 units in development across seven different projects
• Balance work responsibilities with family life, raising four boys while growing their business
• Find greatest satisfaction when tenants express delight at their finished spaces

Connect with Sheppard Development at https://shepparddevelopment.ca/ or sheppard_development on Instagram.