Year-End Reflections: Where I’ve Been & What I’ve Seen

Hello,

As the year winds down and the holiday season sets in, I wanted to pause for a moment—to reflect on what’s been a very full, rewarding year, and to share what’s coming next as we head toward 2026.

The past few months have been busy in the best possible way.

I had the honour of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the CIBPA Hamilton–Halton Business Excellence Awards Gala—an evening that truly captured the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our local business community. The conversations, the stories, and the energy in the room were powerful reminders of something I believe deeply:

Connection still matters. And when it’s real, you can feel it.

Beyond the stage, I’ve been attending and hosting local events, sitting down with business owners, leaders, and professionals to explore what authentic connection really looks like in a world increasingly driven by automation, AI, and surface-level interaction. A consistent theme keeps coming up:

People may forget what you say—but never forget how you made them feel.

At the same time, I’ve spent much of the fall travelling throughout the U.S.—Kansas City, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and beyond—attending and speaking at real estate training events. The rent-to-own space south of the border is evolving quickly, and I’m excited about the opportunities emerging for Canadian investors who want diversification, strong returns, and impact-driven investing.

As Christmas approaches, I’m intentionally slowing the pace—spending time with family, recharging, and reflecting on what truly matters. I’m grateful for the conversations, the trust, and the relationships that continue to grow within this community.

Thank you for being part of it.

Alfonso