How Canadians can stay warm + keep energy costs down in the winter

In the previous blog post we talked about Generation Y and their impact on the housing industry and proclivity for technology. Gen Y is more educated and exceptionally more tech-savvy than any other demographic, relying heavily on modern conveniences to not only save time and money but to stay current and ahead of their fellow neighbours. Bragging rights are big.

 With that in mind, here are two cool pieces of tech that’ll make life a little easier when the winters are harsh.

NEST THERMOSTAT

 Canadian winters can be rough on the wallet. The Nest Learning Thermostat can alleviate that strain by learning your ideal temperature setting when owners are at home and change them when they’re away to reduce heating and cooling costs. After a few days of use, the little disk-like device uses this data to program itself to adjust the temperature automatically. Nest Labs estimates saving 14 to 26 per cent off your heating and cooling bill each month depending on the size of your home and family, a big win when you’re already stretching the monthly budget with the holidays around the corner.

 Whether you’re living in a new single-detached home or an older renovated multi-use building, thermostats are all different. By identifying what you have and sending the info and a photo to Nest Labs, they’ll ensure compatibility and send you the correct parts for easy installation. Not only will it adapt to the ebb and flow of your family’s life at home, it has a touch screen for easy configuration and built-in Wifi so owners can control Nest from any computer, iOS or Android device. (nest.com)

WARMLYYOURS HEATED DRIVEWAY

Imagine never having to shovel your driveway. Done. Whether it’s a single or triple car garage the WarmlyYours snow melting system keeps snow off your driveway. The system uses electric cables under a bed of concrete, asphalt or mortar under pavers to melt snow and ice and while keeping wires hidden away. Owners can choose to get a control kit to either manually turn on the heaters or set it automatically with a mounted snow sensor that’ll detect snow fall and blowing snow and kick it on when needed. (warmlyyours.ca/snow-melting)

-Adam Trinh, Communications Strategist
Chatterson Drive Inc. 

#passiondrivessuccess

Why the real estate industry needs to pay attention to Gen Y?

The hot topic at this year's Urban Land Institute Fall Meeting was Generation Y: who are they, and what do they want when it comes to Real Estate? It's an interesting time for Real Estate; Gen Y isn't quite old enough to hold important decision-making roles in the industry, but they're about to become its largest customer. Every day it becomes more important to know what Gen Y wants, and how we can reach them.
 
"Gen Y" is the group of young adults currently between the ages of 17 and 34. Also known as the "Echo Boomers" and a handful of other names, Gen Y is the largest demographic in America; there are roughly 80 million living in the United States today. This number is expected to continue growing, as new immigrants usually arrive as young adults. 
 
Apart from the sheer size of the population, why should we care about Gen Y? Being 17-34 means a few key things: the younger Gen Y'ers are just starting their careers and are moving away from home, and the older members are at key positions in life with semi-established careers and are looking to buy homes. Simply put: they're in the market. 


GEN Y: WHO ARE THEY?

 Let's start with some recent U.S. statistics for Gen Y:
- 40% are married or partnered
- 30% have children
- An equal amount live in Urban, Suburban and Small Towns/Rural areas.
- 35% are homeowners
- 20% live with their parents
- 37% are renters
- 6% live in university/college housing
- 2% live in mobile homes
 Generally speaking, Gen Y'ers are savvy with technology and Social Media, they're always "connected", they're outspoken, educated, civic minded, somewhat pampered (they grew up without much hardship in the world), and optimistic. So optimistic, in fact, that 91% expect they'll make enough money to live the life they want, and 90% plan to become homeowners eventually.

GEN Y: WHAT DO THEY WANT IN LIFE? 
A shift is occurring between Gen X and Gen Y. Materialism is being replaced by "Experiencism"; Gen Y'ers prefer to pay for experiences and services over goods. A recent marketing survey showed the "ability to make me smile" is 33% more important to Gen Y'ers than to Boomers. 

One of the things that makes Gen Y smile is family. Maintaining a work-life balance is extremely valued: Gen Y likes spending as much time with family and friends as possible. Most like the area where they grew up, so they aren't moving far from home.
Interestingly, Gen Y is a generation of sharers. Sharing and rental programs are becoming increasingly popular. From car shares like Car2Go to tool libraries and even art and wedding dress sharing programs, Gen Y would rather pay for something only when they need it, and not hold onto it afterward.

GEN Y: WHAT DO THEY WANT IN REAL ESTATE?

 They may like to share goods, but Gen Y doesn't like to share their space. There's an increasing demand for studio and 1-bedroom apartments. Apartment size is less of a factor (far less important than price), and amenities such as gyms, dog walks, dog washing stations, bike racks, storage and common areas are in higher demand.

As more Gen Y'ers move out of their parents' homes and head to the Inner City (popular but surprisingly not as pervasive as expected), the use of cars is declining. This is an important factor when Gen Y'ers choose their neighborhoods; close amenities and transit accessibility are more important than ever.

Within homes, open spaces are important for the entertaining socialites, as is a space's flexibility and ability to be customized.

GEN Y: HOW DO WE REACH THEM?

As distrust in traditional marketing reaches an all-time high, and attention spans reach an all-time low, new tactics are needed to appeal to this demographic. Not only is a shift to a strong online presence necessary, but messaging strategies need to evolve as well. For starters, everything you do should have multiple stimuli, clean design, and get your point across in as few words as possible.
 
Finally, with Gen Y sharing information at unprecedented levels, great customer service has become absolutely critical. Peer reviews are more important than they've ever been, with 84% of Gen Y'ers saying online/peer reviews have some influence on a purchase decision.

While Gen Y may seem like an enigma to today's Real Estate professionals, reaching them will get easier as they start to move into decision-making roles in the industry. But if you want a competitive edge today, getting your finger on the pulse of Gen Y is essential.

#passiondrivessuccess 

ULI Fall 2012: CHDR Visits the Community of Stapleton, Denver

Fall Meeting in Denver, CO. Today’s Mobile Workshop brought us to Stapleton, a thriving master-planned community with some amazing features. Back in the 1980’s, the area was the home of Stapleton International Airport. Now, decades later, the airport is long gone and Stapleton is taking-off as the country’s largest urban infill, currently valued at over $2.1 billion.

Stapleton is an eclectic mix of multi-family, single-family, retail and commercial spaces blending seamlessly with over 1,100 acres of green space in a large 4,200-acre site. Gorgeous “Pocket Parks”  break up the rows of housing to provide a wonderful living and working environment, and amazing green initiatives are only a few of the great benefits driving the success of this community, now rated as the 9^th best-selling master-planned community in the United States (up from 11^th last year).
 
Part of Stapleton’s success is due to its unique situation. As the former site of the Stapleton International Airport, Stapleton had the benefit of starting fresh in the middle of several aging communities. This allowed the developer, Forest City, to begin with retail developments, which were in high demand in the area at the time. The bigger revenues generated from the retail side gave Forest City the financial leg up they needed to expand rapidly with their residential efforts. They’ve also been fortunate to secure further accessibility with a public transport line opening in January 2016.

But the community hasn’t been without unique challenges. Long-term jet fuel leakage pushed the City of Denver into a massive earth relocation effort. Cleanup for this project alone has amounted to over $120M in costs to the city. In addition, the large amounts of green space have created challenges in designing the community (green space disconnects “the grid”) and have increased Denver’s park space by 1/3 without a similar increase in population to support associated maintenance costs. 
The community has also had some challenges with their Affordable Housing Initiatives, planning 10% of for sale units at 80% of the average median income. This 80% AMI has resulted in a very small market of people who meet the lower-income requirements and can qualify for a loan at the same time. So far, Stapleton has only hit 5.5% of affordable units. 

Despite the recession, Stapleton is seeing strong sales. Forest City is predicting 500 home sales for 2012, marking it as their 3^rd best year of all time for residential sales, and their best year for commercial investment. Home prices range from the low $100,000s to $800,000 to upwards of $1M for Estate homes.

Look for more posts over the coming week as we delve deeper into current and future trends in Real Estate.

You can find out more about Stapleton at www.stapletondenver.com
SCOTT WESTBY - Communications Strategist 
#passiondrivessuccess

We're looking for our next Communications Strategist.

THE COMPANY | Chatterson Drive Inc. 

Does the idea of working for a young (4 years old) Calgary business get you excited? Chatterson Drive (CHDR) is a boutique marketing and communication firm focused exclusively in the niche of real estate building and development. Chatterson Drive doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach to servicing clients in fact the opposite is true. Opportunities and solutions are client specific whether it’s developing marketing programs or conducting market research studies, we don't just know real estate - we live and breathe it. Our philosophy? It’s simple: passion drives success. We live by our core values and we're wondering if they resonate with you too?  

• PASSION for the work we do and the industry we serve 
• COLLABORATION in everything we do                    
• INTEGRITY in our community, our work and our industry 
• INNOVATION in the many ideas + strategies we create    
• GROWTH as individuals and as a company
• FUN throughout the day, week, month and year

 THE OPPORTUNITY | Communications Strategist

Is your dream job the prefect smorgasbord of writing, social media marketing, traditional marketing, project management and strategy development?  Would you rather work as part of a small dynamic team rather than independently in a cubicle? If you answered yes to these three questions then your new career might be with Chatterson Drive.  CHDR is looking for an experienced Communications Strategist to join our growing Calgary team.

THE RIDE | Communications Strategist 

•   Collaborate with internal team to create and execute strategic marketing and communications programs for a variety of real estate builder + developer clients 

•   Manage, organize and coordinate day-to-day deliverables and activities 

•   Act as the key point of contact and Account Manager for a select group of clients

•   Coordinate and participate in the research, writing, editing and approval of all marketing and communications initiatives

•   Work closely with internal team members to create + implement strategic marketing programs and projects

•   Monitor daily media and current events and issues related to individual clients and the real estate industry

•   Conduct industry specific research and produce reports for client projects

•   Work collaboratively with the client to implement and execute a variety of strategic marketing and communications programs

•   Create and execute client presentations and proposals

•   Manage budgets and develop weekly and months client status reports and updates

MUST HAVE’S | Communications Strategist 

• 4-year degree in communications or related field preferred.  2-year diploma will also be considered, MBA's welcome.
• Minimum 2 years experience working in an agency, homebuilder or developer environment
• Professional manner and high level of comfort when interacting with all levels within the organization and external parties
• Exceptional verbal and organizational skills
• Advanced writing + strategy development skills
• Social media savvy
• Familiarity and comfort working within a super cool Apple environment

GOT WHAT IT TAKES? | Communications Strategist

Resumes can be emailed to: 

IWantToWork@chattersondrive.com 

For more information on Chatterson Drive visit:

 www.chattersondrive.com 

or follow us on Facebook.

Successful candidates for interview will be asked to provide a writing sample. Only select applicants will be contacted for interview.

 #passiondrivessuccess 

vertical team building. #goldstarinitiative

photo courtesy of @shiphoto #passiondrivessuccess

traffic jam on the way to work.

photo courtesy of @shiphoto #passiondrivessuccess

how we come to work each day.

photo courtesy of @shiphoto #passiondrivessuccess

A man named Bruce.

It was our usual Pay It Forward Wednesday at the Mustard Seed in Calgary this morning. For the past, almost three years, our team has been getting up at the crack of dawn to head down to the shelter to cook and serve breakfast to sometimes more than 400 Calgarians in need.

We love Pay It Forward Wednesdays. We come together as a team to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate who are doing everything in their power to escape the situation they're in. Many of the Mustard Seed's guests are plagued with mental health and addiction problems however all of them choose to make the most of every day and fight to make a change. Needless to say, Wednesday mornings have become a cherished ritual among the Chatterson Drive team. What began with just me, has evolved into a true family affair with the entire team 'choosing' to Pay it Forward each and every Wednesday morning.

This particular day was no different than any other Wednesday at the Seed. We arrived just before 6am to our normal warm welcome from the shelter's dedicated kitchen staff. We like to think they are quite happy to see us each week as early morning volunteering seems to be a rarity in our city. We start with a quick huddle to determine who's doing what and, off we go. One of us takes bread / toast duties, another goes onto preparing individual cups of butter, jam, ketchup and peanut butter. On the other side of the kitchen, Allan is hard at work preparing the hash browns and getting them in the oven while two other members of the team are getting the cutlery, plates and serving windows prepared. I've become the default egg master; cooking + preparing more than 800 eggs to accompany the morning's other fix in's. Needless to say, a great team working hard, smiling, laughing and doing something meaningful makes for a great start to the morning.

After breakfast was prepared and the serving window opened, I went into the meal hall to mark meal tickets--each guest is able to have a 1st and 2nd portion. The lines of people are are often 50-75 people deep and remain that way the entire 45 minutes the serving windows are open. Many of the Mustard Seed's guests count on a hardy breakfast to get them through a long day. As I stood at the front of the line, marking tickets, I noticed an elderly gentleman out of the corner of my eye sitting alone at one of the long banquet tables. He didn't look familiar and after three years coming to the Seed every Wednesday, we tend to recognize our guests.

White hair, glasses and a thick white beard. I noticed not only was he sitting all alone but he didn't have a plate of breakfast. As the line of guests subsided, I decided to go over to ask if he was alright and to see if he was hungry. The gentleman replied, "I'd love to eat breakfast however I'm not able to stand in line and get a plate." As he began to explain, he raised his hands to show me his severe shakes. He had Parkinsons' Disease and was unable to do much with his hands---including being able to carry a plate of food without dropping it. I asked him if he'd like to eat and he graciously replied, "I'd very much appreciate that." Within a moment or two he was enjoying the wonderful meal my team had prepared. I went back to my post to continue to mark meal tickets for guests.

It was almost 8am and our team's time at the shelter for this week was wrapping up. As I marked the last meal ticket, I looked over at the gentleman and, to no surprise, he had finished his meal. I ran over, asked him if he was still hungry and with a big smile he said, "that would be wonderful, I'd really appreciate that." As I brought over his second plate of breakfast, I decided to sit down and ask the gentleman his name. He told me his name was Bruce. I asked him how he got here and so my journey with Bruce began.

Bruce is 70 years old. Never been married. Never had children. He completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, served as a Principal at a local public school and was a professor for many years at the University as well. He was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder, Parkinson's Disease and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the middle of his successful career. It ruined him and brought on terrible bouts of depression, anxiety and eventual heart disease. Time wasn't on Bruce's side. No job, severe mental and physical issues and no family to provide support --Bruce was left with few choices. He has spent the previous three years moving from shelter to shelter and somehow grew accustomed to sleeping on a 2" thick mat on the floor with nothing more than his jacket for a blanket. He told me how grateful he was for the great, friendly and supportive staff at the Mustard Seed and the place where he spends his days, Potential Place. I was shocked by his story but moreover, inspired by his courage, positive attitude and determination to make a change for the better. My eyes began to tear up and my heart started to pound. Work could wait; Bruce could use a helping hand today.

I asked the management staff at the shelter if they would allow me to take Bruce for the morning. They enthusiastically obliged and soon thereafter, we were on our way. Bruce shared stories of his childhood, his teenage years and his years as a school Principal and University Professor. He was very proud to be a born and raised Calgarian and during his darkest hours, he was still proud to be living in this great city. Despite his many hardships in life, Bruce was just happy to be alive. I asked Bruce if there was somewhere he wanted to go or something he needed to pickup. I thought I could be his personal chauffeur for the day. He told me he had his clothes stolen the day before and what he was wearing was all he had left. That made it easy --our first stop was Wal Mart. We picked out some nice shirts, pants, socks and a belt and decided to replace his garbage bag of stuff with an actual duffle bag. He was excited to have some new clothes to wear. From there, we proceeded to the pharmacy where Bruce got the prescription he hadn't been able to pickup for more than two weeks --a prescription that helps him sleep at night and maintain his balance when he walks. After Wal Mart, he took me to the place where he spends his days; a day home called, Potential Place. He toured me through the home and introduced me to everyone he knew as "his angel that rescued him." I clenched my jaw and fought the tear that dripped down my cheek.This was heat-wrenching. 

I helped Bruce sort through his new clothes, gave him a firm handshake, my cell phone number and a promise to follow up with him soon. Bruce gave me much, much more. Little did he know, he touched my heart in more ways than words will ever be able to explain. He inspired me. He served as an eye-opening reminder of how precious life is and how the smallest actions we take can make an incredible impact in the lives of others. There are thousands of other wonderful, talented, intelligent and kind homeless people in our city just like Bruce. They too have an ability to inspire others and contribute positively to our great city.

Bruce, like so many, have so much to share and give. All it takes is for one of us to take the time to slow down, stop and listen to their story.

We take our lives for granted. We don't spend enough time reflecting on how truly lucky we are. This life is a gift and a blessing and it's up to all of us to determine what we are going to do with each moment. The staff at the Mustard Seed, Inn from the Cold, Potential Place and all the other shelters in this city have focused their attention on an issue many of of us have become accustomed to ignoring. Homelessness is a real issue in Calgary and its up to us to do something about or turn a blind eye --the choice is our own. Today, Bruce made a serious impact on my life. After this incredible, unexpected morning I just had, I encourage all of you to go outside and seek out your very own Bruce.

Make it a great week. Pay It Forward.

Jason

#passiondrivessuccess

Morning Inspiration: always nice to wake up to.

"Welcome every morning with a smile.

Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday.

Be a self-starter.

Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day.

Today will never happen again.

Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail." 

-OG Mandino