Strategic Partnerships & Real Estate Insights | EP 329 with Ashley Hopkins & Sarah Vandenbelt

In this episode of The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast (recorded Spring 2025 and aired Summer 2025), Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, sits down with Ashley Hopkin, President & CEO of Paradigm Commercial Group, and Sarah Vandenbelt, Broker of Record and Founder of Paradigm Commercial Real Estate. Together they share how their unexpected career paths led to a powerful partnership and why “full service” is the future of real estate for Canadian business owners.

Their conversation dives into how property management and brokerage work hand-in-hand to create value beyond transactions — from finance and legal oversight to community-building and strategic investment planning. It’s a masterclass in collaboration and adaptability for entrepreneurs looking to use real estate as a lever for resilience and growth.

✨Key Insights from this Episode:
How partnership and networking create a competitive edge in a male-dominated industry.
Why due diligence and long-term planning are non-negotiable in real estate and business.
Real estate as a strategic asset — not just a place to operate.
The power of full-service models that align property management with brokerage and advisory.

Fun Frank Advice from the Paradigm team:
💡 Ashley Hopkin: “Don’t take no for an answer. An obstacle is just an opportunity in disguise.”
💡 Sarah Vandenbelt: “Don’t wait until you feel ready. Bet on yourself, take the leap, and trust that you’ll figure it out.”

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Guest Contacts — Paradigm Commercial Group & Real Estate:
• Website: paradigmcommercial.ca
• LinkedIn: Ashley Hopkins and Sarah Vandenbelt — Paradigm Commercial Group

💡 Whether you own property or you’re ready to buy, learn why real estate is an asset class that can support your business operations and your personal wealth plan. Book a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis today to explore your options.


About Us:
Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager with RBC Dominion Securities. O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management provides strategic guidance to Canadian entrepreneurs and incorporated professionals preparing for and navigating liquidity events, with a focus on tax-aware income strategy, purposeful giving, and family governance.

Call-to-Action:
👉 Request a 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis via our RBC Dominion Securities team page.
👉 Subscribe to The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more founder-first insights on cash-rich exits, wealth stewardship, and life beyond the business.


Disclaimer:
Nothing in this video constitutes legal, accounting, estate planning or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. You are advised to consult with independent tax and legal advisors before taking any action based upon the information contained herein to ensure your won circumstances have been properly considered. All opinions and views expressed by the speaker(s) are not representative of views and opinions of RBC DS. All Information and opinions provided in this video are in good faith, but without legal responsibility.