The Explainer Podcast

Season 2

Episode 4 – How Stackt Market is Revolutionizing Retail w/ Matt Rubinoff

In this episode, we talk to Matt Rubinoff the founder of Stackt Market, an ever-evolving cultural marketplace located in Toronto. Built entirely out of shipping containers, it features a variety of shops, entertainment, and local art. During the episode, we discuss what inspired Stackt Market, how it continues to innovate, and what we can expect this summer!

Episode 3 – Journey to Net-Zero Emissions w/ Melissa Jacobs & Emma Wildeman

In this episode, we talk to First Capital’s Senior Director of ESG, Melissa Jacobs, and First Capital’s Energy and Sustainability Manager, Emma Wildeman, about the current outlook on climate change. We discuss FCR’s journey to net-zero emissions, the programs and initiatives FCR has implemented, and ways you can work towards reducing your carbon footprint.

Episode 2 – The Future of Retail w/ Craig Patterson and Carmine Francella

In our second installment this year, our new host Lucas Durofil chats with some behemoths of the retail industry about what they see coming down the rails for the industry. First, we talk to the Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Craig Patterson, to discuss his thoughts on current trends, technology, and concepts in the retail industry such as smart carts and unattended shopping experiences. We also sat down with First Capital’s SVP of Leasing, Carmine Francella, to discuss FCR’s approach to the retail industry, the importance of a healthy tenant mix, and a few of the new concepts FCR is bringing to the portfolio.

Episode 1 – Fighting Food Insecurity in Support of Second Harvest

In our very first episode of 2022, we kick off this season of The Explainer with our new host, Lucas Durofil who discusses the FCR Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation Fall Fundraiser supporting Second Harvest. We recorded virtually with Melissa Campisi and Meaghan Bach, co-chairs of the FCR Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation as well as Corey Smith, VP of Philanthropy at Second Harvest. Together, we discuss Canada’s food insecurity, as well as FCR’s part in helping combat this issue. In this episode, we also announce the total funds raised from our 2021 foundation fundraisers – don’t miss it!

Season 1

Episode 9 – The Webster’s International Debut

We’re excited to release the latest episode of The Explainer podcast. For this episode, Meaghan chats with Eric Sherman, Meghan Bichsel and Stéphane Parmentier about the opening of The Webster’s first international location at 121 Scollard in Yorkville. They speak about how the deal came together, the design process, as well as what each of them is most excited for the public to see and experience with this unique project! You can shop at The Webster in Yorkville upon their soft launch this coming October 28th, 2021 at 121 Scollard Street in Toronto.


Episode 8 – The Next Gen of Real Estate

Our latest installment of The Explainer podcast is now streaming! Listen in as we chat with CEO Adam Paul, Talent Acquisition Specialist Jennifer Cruz, and Leasing Coordinator (and former intern) Spence Goodwin about the FCR Intern Program. This year, we received over 3,500 applications for our 14 intern positions, a new program record! Learn more about our program, the CEO’s Capstone Project, and some tips and tricks for next year’s prospective interns in our latest episode.


Episode 7 – FCR’s Arts Program

To date, First Capital has commissioned 30 art installations across our portfolio. We sit down with First Capital’s Maryanne McDougald, SVP of Operations about the history of the program at FCR. We also chatted with Christine Leu and Alan Webb of LeuWebb Projects, the creative team behind “Lighten Up” FCR’s latest art installation, installed earlier this month at 3080 Yonge Street!


Episode 6 – Post Pandemic People & Culture

As we see the vaccines roll out and go into the arms of people across the country, we sit down with Sommer Stewart, our Senior Director of People & Culture to chat about what the future of work looks like – whenever we get there! From the techniques we’re using to stay connected remotely, to the trends Sommer sees becoming a part of the future of work – we’ll cover it all!


Episode 5 – Celebrating International Women’s Day!

Earlier this month, for International Women’s Day First Capital held an internal panel discussion with 4 of our female colleagues. That panel included Emeka Mayes, VP of Investments; Caroline Ip, Property Manager for GTA East; Kim Cavers, Director of Construction for Western Canada and Andrea Stephen, a Trustee on the FCR board. The discussion was moderated by J.J. Shier, VP of Operations.


Episode 4 – FCR’s Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation w/ Alison Harnick, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Not another foundation! But wait – this one you won’t want to miss! In this rendition of The Explainer, we’re exploring the newly created Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation with Alison Harnick, SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. We chat about the ins and outs of a foundation like this, and the process of getting it off the ground. From all of us at the Explainer & First Capital – bon voyage to 2020! Happy Holidays & best wishes for a better year ahead.


Episode 3 – Centre Wilderton with Luc Fortin, VP Development

Centre Wilderton is a development in the centre of the Island of Montreal. This Côte-des-Neiges development’s first phase is underway, and is already bringing new life to the area. We sit down with Luc Fortin, VP Development to dive into the details on this development.


Episode 2 – COVID-19 & CRE with J.J. Shier & Terry Ledamun

It’s been a wild few months for everyone now that COVID-19’s new normal has settled in. In this rendition of The Explainer, we’re exploring the pandemic’s ripple effect on CRE. We sit down with J.J. Shier, FCR VP of Operations and Terry Ledamun, FCR VP of Leasing – Central. We get to chat about what went down industry wide, what specifically we are doing to help retailers, and reopen our properties safely for everyone.


Episode 1 – Sustainability with Melissa Jacobs, Senior Director – Sustainability

First Capital’s 2019 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) Report was shared earlier this month. We sit down with Melissa Jacobs, First Capital’s Senior Director, Sustainability to get updated on what FCR is doing to better sustainability. We also get to chat about the push for sustainability industry wide, and what techniques we employ to help our tenants meet their sustainability goals.