Strategic Entrepreneur Networking Event - October 17, 2023


As part of attending our events and being a part of our community, we've posted copies of the slides and the recordings of the events for your access. As part of our Strategic Entrepreneur Networking Events series, this was an awesome meet up with great speakers, engaging content, fun giveaways, amazing feedback and of course, networking!

The event included the following:

  • A real estate market update by Kayla Smith
  • A macro economic and mortgage update by Jacob Perez
  • The main speaker was Jas Takhar who taught us about the power of podcasting and how easy it is to start something yourself.
  • Danielle and Kory provide their some tips in Coaches Corner.
  • Alvin Wong talks about how he is achieving success faster than they had anticipated through coaching in Student Success Stories.
  • THIS or THAT Healthy Debate where Mark Baltazar, Simeon Papailias and Myuren Chanthirakumar argue the benefits of Buying, Selling or Holding in this challenging environment.


Before you pay to enroll, remember that if you attended our event in person then you should already have access to this once you've logged in!
Patrick Jones - Course author

Jas Takhar

Meet the Keynote Speaker
As the driving force behind 'FTGU Academy,' (From the Ground Up) Jas empowers real estate professionals through 'kick-ass' training programs, propelling them to unprecedented success. Hosting 'The Jas Takhar Podcast,' he engages in captivating discussions with industry giants, sharing invaluable insights and wisdom. Founder of REC Canada, a top 3 real estate firm in Canada for the past decade, Jas has harnessed multi-million-dollar revenues and solidified his strategic prowess. His legacy is etched in his commitment to pushing boundaries, propelling professionals towards greatness, and etching an indelible mark on the industry landscape. Jas Takhar's journey continues to rewrite the script of success, one empowered realtor, podcast episode, and savvy investor at a time." 

Visit Jas' Website: FTGUacademy.com/resources
Patrick Jones - Course author

Kayla Smith

Meet the Host of the Realtor Update

Kayla has deep roots in both Hamilton and Thorold within the Niagara Region, and her professional network spans across the entire Niagara Region, Hamilton, Haldimand, and extends to Brantford and Guelph. Furthermore, her team provides services reaching as far as London and the Greater Toronto Area, stretching all the way up to cottage country. Her real estate journey began with house hacking and has since grown to include various facets, such as conversions, multi-family properties, long & short term rentals, student rentals, and commercial real estate. Kayla began her career full-time as an agent in 2019, when she left her full-time consulting job with the Government and has now built out a team of 7 Agents and full-time support staff, with their office in Downtown St. Catharine's. 

Visit Kayla's Website: www.smithcorealty.ca

Patrick Jones - Course author

Jacob Perez

Meet the Host of Economic and Mortgage Update
Jacob Perez has been investing in real estate for almost 10 years and has built a rental portfolio with just over 100 rental units. He has done conversions, joint ventures, custom home building, US investing, & several large multi-family projects (including new construction). In addition he is one of the owners of Synergy Mortgage Group, and has been awarded national recognition in the mortgage Industry from several major publications.

Visit Jacob's Website: www.synergymortgagegroup.com
Patrick Jones - Course author

Mark Baltazar

Meet the THIS or THAT Panelist

Peak Multifamily Investments  We help Canadians grow generational wealth through multifamily apartment buildings.  We execute a value-add strategy and enable Canadians to invest in one of real estate's most stable assets - multifamily through our Apartment Fund (Peak Multifamily Trust) and project specific-limited partnerships.  For those that are looking to operating multifamily assets on their own, we offer coaching and realtor services - helping investors acquire multifamily apartment buildings.

Visit Mark's Website: www.peakmultifamily.ca

Patrick Jones - Course author

Simeon Papailias

Meet the THIS or THAT Panelist
Simeon Papailias a proud co-founder of REC Canada. He’s not only a highly respected serial entrepreneur but one of the nation’s top real estate thought-leaders and influencers. Fifteen years ago, he committed to having an unmatched work ethic and unwavering integrity in the field, which resulted in Simeon Leading his team to the Chairman Award at Royal LePage for a decade while expanding his network to include the country’s most reputable builders and investors. He loves empowering the community by sharing his knowledge and insights with other industry professionals whenever possible.

Visit Simeon's Website: www.workwithsimeon.com
Patrick Jones - Course author

Myuren Chanthirakumar

Meet the THIS or THAT Panelist

Myuren founded MC Real Estate Group Inc. in September 2020 after spending 6 months actively educating and learning from investors on the BRRRR strategy. Since then, Myuren has solely purchased 13 properties using the BRRRR strategy in Windsor, ON and Sudbury, ON. He currently employs a Property and Operations Manager who actively manages the real estate portfolio in Sudbury. Myuren continues to focus on sourcing opportunities, raising capital, financing and optimizing the current portfolio. 

Visit Myuren's website: https://www.nmrk.com/people/myuren-chanthirakumar

Patrick Jones - Course author

Alfonso Salemi

Meet the Master of Ceremonies
Alfonso Salemi is the co-owner, co-founder of JAAG Properties a Rent to Own Company based in Ontario, Canada. He has helped close to 300 families on the road to homeownership. Alfonso loves sharing his passion for Lease Options / Rent to Own and the benefits it brings to people’s lives. He thrives on these interactions and enjoys helping others with their largest purchase or investment of their lives. With a deep-rooted passion for Lease Options / Rent to Own, Alfonso has played an instrumental role in assisting hundreds of clients and families in their journey towards homeownership. He firmly believes in the transformative power of Lease Options / Rent to Own and takes immense pleasure in sharing its numerous benefits with others. Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, Alfonso thrives on engaging with individuals and presenting them with the advantages offered by Lease Options / Rent to Own . Guiding people through their most significant purchase or investment is a responsibility he takes great pride in. Alfonso’s unwavering dedication to helping individuals overcome obstacles and achieve homeownership has made him a respected figure in the real estate community. Through his expertise and genuine care for others, he continues to forge meaningful connections and create positive change in people's lives.
Visit Simeon's Website: www.jaagproperties.com
Patrick Jones - Course author
Meet the HOSTS

Danielle Chiasson

Danielle Chiasson is a serial entrepreneur known for her work in the field of real estate investing in residential redevelopment and rental housing. Focused in Ontario, her many projects have ranged in scope from light clean-ups to full renovations, as well as legal duplex, triplex conversions, and multi-unit flips. She works as a general contractor managing various trades & staff, while managing her organization. She fills her days operating multiple businesses, underwriting properties, balancing finances, managing rental properties, and endlessly educating herself and others. She is also a member and contributor of several real estate education organizations. Danielle is passionate about business and real estate, and shares her experience and knowledge with other investors through speaking engagements and various online platforms, and is very excited about re-launching Strategic Success Consulting.
Patrick Jones - Course author



Kory MacKinnon

A former Corporate Trainer, Kory found his passion for real estate investing in his late teens after reading David Chilton’s book The Wealthy Barber.  However, lack of knowledge, systems and trusted mentors kept him from pulling the trigger on his first property until he was 30 years of age.

As the saying goes, the seed was planted and from that day forward, Kory used two decades of business experience to turn his lucrative real estate side hustle into early retirement.