Matthew Finn
Toronto
Summary
Former professional athlete turned real estate and business development professional—bringing a rare mix of sports IQ, business acumen, and market-savvy real estate experience to the table. Deeply embedded in the sports and entertainment landscape, with direct experience advising on sports performance facilities, athlete-driven investments, and large-scale mixed-use developments across Canada and the U.S. Known for building long-term relationships, navigating financial strategy, and helping bring vision to life—whether it's a 3,000-unit development or a state-of-the-art training center for elite athletes. Supported by an extensive network across the sports world—from NHL locker rooms to youth coaching circles, development facilities, and athlete-investor communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sales and Leasing Associate
Savills Commercial Real Estate
05.2023 - Current
- Lead advisor on sports-focused commercial real estate deals, working with elite training and performance brands like Celestica, McCormick Food, Sysco, Shoot 360, Footlab, Canlan Sports, and Canadian Ice Academy.
- Supported facility expansion, site selection, leasing, and strategic positioning for brands at the intersection of tech, performance, and sport.
- Advised developers and ownership groups on creating real estate experiences tailored to athletes, families, and fans.
- Delivered insights on tenant mix and leasing strategy to improve long-term asset performance in sports-driven communities.
- Highlights:
- Closed $20M+ in lease volume in under 12 months.
- Secured high-profile, sport-aligned tenants to elevate commercial assets.
- Helped structure long-term leases for performance-focused facilities built around community and elite training.
Head Coach & Head of Player Development (U11–U13)
Toronto Elite Hockey
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led the U12 Elite AAA team to a Gold Medal at the World Selects Challenge in Italy, competing against the top youth programs from across North America and Europe.
- Designed and implemented high-performance development programs emphasizing skills, leadership, mental preparation, and character-building.
- Taught players the deeper values of teamwork, sacrifice, and accountability—helping young athletes grow into exceptional players and people.
- Actively leveraged personal NHL/OHL network to enhance player development pathways, mentorship, and exposure.
- Worked closely with parents, trainers, and scouts to align development plans with long-term goals, including next-level opportunities.
Investor Relations & Head of Sales
AJDL Development Group / Reid's Heritage Properties
03.2021 - 05.2023
- Played a leading role in over 15 residential and mixed-use development projects across Canada and the U.S., many of which included active lifestyle communities and sport-focused living environments.
- Advised on the rollout of major U.S. expansion projects, including a 3,000+ unit master-planned development in Nashville, geared toward lifestyle-driven, community-integrated living.
- Represented the firm with athlete-investors, strategic partners, and high-net-worth stakeholders.
- Collaborated with development and marketing teams to position real estate offerings toward active demographics.
- Key Contributions:
- Supported real estate strategies that resonated with buyers and renters.
- Helped bridge investor expectations with project delivery and long-term community planning.
Professional Hockey Player
09.2014 - 01.2021
- Drafted 35th Overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2012.
- Captained the Guelph Storm to an OHL Championship, earning the Mickey Renaud Leadership Award, given to the CHL’s most impactful leader.
- Built a 7-year pro career in elite, high-performance environments—learning the business of sport from the inside out.
- Developed and maintained a vast, active network across the NHL, AHL, European leagues, and player development ecosystems—now leveraged in real estate, coaching, and business initiatives.
- Toronto Maple Leafs | Toronto Marlies | New York Islanders | Charlotte Checkers | Kansas City Mavericks | Guelph Storm (OHL)
Education
RECO Real Estate License -
Humber College
01.2021
Business Program - undefined
University of Guelph
OHL Scholarship Program - undefined
Guelph Storm
Ontario Secondary School Diploma - undefined
Michael Power St. Joseph’s / City Academy
Skills
- Team Leadership & High-Performance Culture – Leading by example with a captain’s mindset; fostering elite environments where teams thrive under pressure
- Strategic Relationship Building – Deep network across sports, real estate, and business; known for cultivating long-term, trust-based partnerships
- Athlete-Centric Real Estate Strategy – Understanding athlete needs across training, lifestyle, and transition; advising on spaces that support performance and well-being
- Personality & Stakeholder Management – Experienced in aligning diverse stakeholders—from pro athletes to developers, investors, and community leaders
- Vision Execution & Brand Alignment – Helping turn big-picture concepts into actionable, on-brand outcomes—whether it’s a real estate development or sports facility
- Leadership Under Pressure – Built in the locker room, sharpened in the boardroom—able to make smart, calm decisions in high-stakes situations
- Mentorship & Team Development – Guiding athletes, partners, and young professionals through growth, transition, and high-performance journeys
- Business Development & Opportunity Spotting – Identifying and capitalizing on niche markets where sports, real estate, and lifestyle intersect
Timeline
Senior Sales and Leasing Associate
Savills Commercial Real Estate
05.2023 - Current
Head Coach & Head of Player Development (U11–U13)
Toronto Elite Hockey
01.2022 - 01.2024
Investor Relations & Head of Sales
AJDL Development Group / Reid's Heritage Properties
03.2021 - 05.2023
Professional Hockey Player
09.2014 - 01.2021
Business Program - undefined
University of Guelph
OHL Scholarship Program - undefined
Guelph Storm
Ontario Secondary School Diploma - undefined
Michael Power St. Joseph’s / City Academy
RECO Real Estate License -
Humber College
Similar Profiles
Elexa YehElexa Yeh
Undergraduate Student Intern at Savills Real Estate CompanyUndergraduate Student Intern at Savills Real Estate Company
Elexa YehElexa Yeh
Intern at Savills Real Estate CompanyIntern at Savills Real Estate Company
Max HeinzMax Heinz
Investment Real Estate Research Intern at Finegold Commercial Real Estate & PartnersInvestment Real Estate Research Intern at Finegold Commercial Real Estate & Partners