20 Under 40: Adam Wissink

Meet Adam Wissink, 37, president and CEO of JAAG Properties and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2021 recipients

A FORMER LONDON Police Service constable, Adam Wissink launched rent-to-own real estate solution JAAG Properties Inc. with partner Alfonso Salemi in 2014. The company has since gone on to acquire over 200 properties, delivering real estate solutions to both families looking to get into the competitive home market and investors seeking passive real estate opportunities. The business, which now employs 10, has also expanded into recreational properties with the formation of Port Stanley Cottages, and has recently added a mortgage services arm.

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What would you call your biggest business achievement, and why?

The day JAAG Properties completed our first rent-to-own program and the client took over ownership. It proved that what JAAG had been working towards for the first three years in business worked and was a success — not only for the company, but for our client who is now a homeowner. It proved that the system and program that we had created was a successful model that we could replicate.

How have the last two years changed you, and your approach to work?

Going through the pandemic has made me more aware of our employees and work-life balance. We encourage work-life balance at JAAG through several options, such as working from home when or if needed, a wellness flex package which gives employee funds to spend on their health and wellness, a full benefits package and flexible work hours to suit each employee’s lifestyle.

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What’s left for you to do — personally or professionally?

I would like to be a mentor for our employees and others to assist them in achieving their professional goals. I will continue growing JAAG and bring on the right individuals who can help more and more people with the dream of homeownership.

You’re temporarily marooned on a desert island — what’s the one thing you’re bringing with you?

A ball. From my passion for sports, I would be able to use that ball to entertain myself for hours. And you never know, it might just turn into a best friend if you are on the island for long enough.

An old friend is coming to town — where are you eating?

Angel’s Diner. I go there with my family at least once a week and have gotten to know the servers and owners. We feel like family when we are there, and the owners have actually put my kids’ pictures up on the wall with Elvis, Marilyn and Dolly! Interview by Kieran Delamont