Nikolai Ray is a leader in the real estate industry known for his approach to ethical development and impact investing. As the President of Fierbrooke Communities, he has built a company that excels by focusing on sustainability, long-term community development, and responsible investment methods. Nikolai is also the founder of MREX College, an institution that aims to make real estate education available to all and to provide new investors with the tools they need to succeed.
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Q: As the President of Fierbrooke Communities, you’re well-known for your innovative approach to real estate development. What made you start Fierbrooke, and how does it match your values?
Nikolai Ray: The concept of Fierbrooke Communities comes from my passion for using real estate as a tool to create social change. Living in Quebec shaped my understanding of how housing affects communities—economically, socially, and environmentally. Real estate is more than just developing structures—it creates spaces where people can flourish.
At Fierbrooke Communities, we take a long-term view of value creation. Our projects are proof that profit and purpose can coexist. When we focus on ethical practices, sustainability, and the well-being of residents, we shape the future of communities.
Q: Impact investing is central to Fierbrooke’s operations. Why does this matter to you, and how does it influence your projects?
Nikolai Ray: To me, impact investing mixes financial returns with real, positive results for society and the environment. Real estate can transform lives, but it comes with big responsibilities.
At Fierbrooke, we don’t just build homes – we build ecosystems. We apply eco-friendly methods, address housing costs, and design developments that help communities grow. Our dual focus on impact and profitability allows us to make a difference on many levels.
Q: You have made some notable contributions to the real estate industry as the founder of MREX College. Could you tell us more about the college and its mission?
Nikolai Ray: MREX College started from my desire to address the knowledge gap in real estate investing. When I got my start in the industry, I noticed how scattered and hard to access quality education for new investors. So MREX College came to life to address these issues.
Our mission is to make real estate investment education available to everyone. We offer practical, real-life training that gives students the skills to excel in multifamily real estate. Whether it’s someone who’s a beginner or someone who wants to expand their portfolio, we provide the tools and strategies to help them reach their goals. By teaching future real estate investors, we’re making the real estate sector more ethical and knowledgeable.
Q: What challenges have you faced as an impact investor and educator, and how have you solved them?
Nikolai Ray: The biggest challenge was to move beyond old-school thinking in real estate. Impact investing, sustainable development, and education-focused projects aren’t very easy to push when markets only look at quick and easy projects.
But I’ve always known that aiming for long-term value works best. We have stuck to our beliefs and built solid connections with similar companies and partners. This helped us beat back any resistance and show that purpose-driven methods actually work and are economically viable.
Q: What core values guide you as an entrepreneur?
Nikolai Ray: Integrity, innovation, and a commitment to growth. Integrity is a non-negotiable—it creates trust in everything we do. We need innovation because real estate is always changing quickly, so we must stay ahead. Growth means learning and developing not just as business people but as humans.
