BY GARY THANDI
Troy was born in Vancouver in 1983 and raised in Richmond. He describes a joyous childhood filled with family, friends and a sense of community. In high school he discovered an interest in marketing, computer sciences and social studies. Troy notes, “during my formative years in high school, I met my first career mentor Charan Sethi. He was a top real estate agent and local developer and I was lucky enough to have his guidance for a number of years.” Sethi suggested that education coupled with practical real-world experience was essential to early career success.
“I think it was the combination of my own work ethic and great mentors I have had along with my career that led me to where I am now,” Troy elaborates.
After high school and prior to beginning his post secondary education at BCIT, while Troy was exploring career options, he was lucky enough to connect with one of his many mentors who helped him with his distinguished career. “I received some great mentorship, support and advice from Bill Phillips.”
Troy has his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from BCIT. He also has a Diploma of Urban Land Economics and Post Graduate Certificate in Valuation from UBC coupled with his Real Estate, Property Management, Mortgage Brokers and Managing Brokers Licenses. Finally, he also attended MIT on scholarship for the advanced Development and Finance program.
“In my time at BCIT we had an extremely heavy course load. I found it difficult to keep up with my studies, so I sought out a tutor. That is a common theme in my life—recognizing when I need additional help and then find the right person to provide guidance,” Troy emphasizes. “And it is something I now do for others. I am a mentor the same way I had great mentors.”
“I was one of those students that questioned everything. I wanted to thoroughly understand how business decisions were made and the calculated risks associated with those decisions. As a result of my business curiosity, Bill took an interest in mentoring me, and to this day, he continues to be a great mentor and friend.”
Troy’s development career began as the President’s Assistant at Wallmark Homes. Soon after, he was promoted to Development Coordinator and then Development Manager. He worked with this company from 2006 to 2013. In 2013, Troy joined Bucci Developments and currently serves as the Director of Development. He was also the DI for Bucci Developments Investment Fund Limited. Troy has led 32 real estate projects across Western Canada with an aggregate value of over $1.2 Billion.
Bucci Development is currently working on a master-planned multi-tower community in Fleetwood. Troy mentions “I am lucky to have the opportunity to lead such a transformative project in Fleetwood. It was a combination of previous development experience coupled with the valuable lessons taught by my mentors that allowed me to perform at this level. This project will include 1,200 affordable homes and a mix of commercial and amenity uses.”
Troy also finds ample time to give back to the community. He is the President-Elect of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver, has membership in the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and remains involved with the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia, having served as Past President in 2019. The primary focus of REIBC is to advance and recognize excellence in education, knowledge, and professionalism. And he currently serves on the Board of Directors for Built Green Canada and the Fraser Valley Home Builders’ Association.
“For over a decade I have been volunteering within the real estate industry. As satisfying as that was I felt the need to give back beyond that. I started spending more of my time volunteering with local organizations and charities.”
Troy also mentors both BCIT and UBC students in real estate and business. “I try to speak regularly to classes, as well as make time for coffee for people just starting out in the industry.” Troy further mentions “I find mentoring students extremely rewarding. It is amazing to see how far some of my mentees have grown in their respective positions. Many mentees have become close personal friends.”
In Troy’s closing remarks “If you are fortunate enough to find success, it is your opportunity to send the ladder down and lift others up. Giving back is the right thing to do. It is important to help tomorrow’s leaders get started on their dreams today.”
