Celebrating Canada's 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders: A Night of Recognition and Impact

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The 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders awards recognize impactful young professionals across various sectors, including construction and real estate, culminating in a celebratory event in Vancouver.

The prestigious 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders awards have unveiled this year's honorees, shining a spotlight on the influential young professionals who are pivotal to Canada's economy. These 40 leaders are making significant impacts across a diverse array of industries, such as development, real estate, construction, finance, technology, sustainability, trade contracting, and engineering, among others. Their contributions reflect the multifaceted nature of the Canadian industrial landscape.
Among the notable winners is David Basche, the President of Astria Properties, who has a remarkable track record in identifying market trends and executing large-scale projects. His leadership has propelled Astria to prominence in the Canadian real estate sector, focusing on energy-efficient designs and fostering partnerships with municipal governments and local stakeholders.
Another standout is Michelle Sotomayor, the Senior Vice President of Development at Conwest Developments. Over her 18-year career, including more than 12 years at Conwest, she has successfully delivered over 3 million square feet of industrial, commercial, and mixed-use developments across Metro Vancouver. Sotomayor played a crucial role in the development and execution of Ironworks, recognized as North America's first intensified industrial development, which garnered both the ULI Americas Award for Excellence and the ULI Global Award for Excellence.
The awards also recognize contributions from the trades and services that are essential to the development process. Shelby Clerihue, Director of People & Culture at Kindred Construction, has been instrumental in shaping the firm's workplace culture and talent acquisition strategies. Her efforts ensure that Kindred remains competitive in a challenging labor market, particularly as it undertakes complex commercial, institutional, and residential projects.
Andrew Stiffman, Vice President of Construction Services at Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, has overseen a transformative shift in the company from a specialty forestry and sawmilling operation to a fully integrated mass timber manufacturer. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding the company's operations, which have grown to a remarkable $100 million over five years, including the establishment of a new modular facility.
Before construction can commence, the site must be prepared, a task managed by Justin Olthof, Vice President of Sales & Estimating at Priestly Demolition Inc. Olthof has incorporated advanced technology into the firm's bidding and assessment processes for demolition and environmental remediation projects, enhancing the company's relationships with developers, general contractors, and government agencies while promoting material recovery and recycling initiatives.
This year's list of honorees not only showcases individual talent but also highlights the collective strength of the industry. The celebration of these achievements will take place at BREWHALL in Vancouver on October 29, 2026. This event invites attendees to connect with honorees, finalists, and alumni, celebrating the leaders who are shaping the future of their industries.
The evening will also feature the announcement of three new individual awards: the Valedictorian, awarded to the top scorer among submissions; the People's Choice Award, recognizing the individual with the most peer endorsements; and the Alumni of the Year Award, honoring past winners who have continued to excel in their fields.
Join the celebration and witness the recognition of 225 leaders who are actively changing the landscape of industry in Canada. For those interested in attending, tickets can be obtained by reaching out to [email protected].

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