Amichai Reiss (Ami Reiss) is the founder of Reiss Management, a residential real estate company that manages rental properties across Montreal, including the neighborhood of Laval.
Ami Reiss studied at Yeshiva University, focusing on business and psychology. In 2006, he began working at Divco, one of the largest construction companies in Quebec, where he served as the right-hand man of the company’s founder and chairman. This position of responsibility gave him the opportunity to work as a project manager on multiple large-scale projects, such as Palais des Congres in Montreal.
Following his work at Divco, Reiss switched to working in real estate management, operating as a project manager for a real estate division called Vista. In 2016 he founded Reiss Management, and soon after became the managing partner of a large multi-residential portfolio that continues to grow steadily under his direction.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Ami Reiss is an avid philanthropist, donating to multiple organizations, including synagogues, food banks, schools, and medical organizations.
Why did you decide to create Reiss Management?
It was important for us to create a company to handle the management of all our assets. Since each property in our portfolio is owned by distinct companies, Reiss Management is able to serve as a central entity connecting the assets and consolidating resources in order to benefit from economies of scale and increase efficiency.
How do you start each day?
My wife and I wake up early each morning to get our three daughters ready for school. We eat breakfast as a family and then I drive my girls to school. I pray every morning, and get in a few minutes of exercise before heading to the office. When I get to the office, I start by reading and responding to important emails. I review the progress of our renovation projects, speak with the building managers about any issues that require my attention, and check out new properties that have recently come on the market. Additionally, I try to make time to keep up with what’s going on with the markets and the news by visiting my favorite information outlets. I also spend a good amount of time on the road going to the properties to stay abreast of all operational issues. Communication with the team is vital, so I am constantly on the phone with the team members discussing everything that is relevant to the daily management of the properties.
What has changed in the rental market?
Due to very high demand in the rental market, landlords are now more than ever in a position to upgrade the quality of dwellings. This will increase the overall quality of life for renters, and make our Canadian cities even greater.
How important is collaboration?
No entrepreneur can be successful without the help of a great team. I make it a top priority to stay in close contact with my entire team, so that they know that I am always behind them and ready to help them in their tasks in any way I can.
Communication is key. Unify, and be greater than the sum of your parts.
What is one big-picture lesson you have learned over the course of your career?
When I was younger, I was always in a rush. Time felt like it was passing quickly and I needed to make the most of every opportunity, big or small. As I get older, I realize that as important as zeal is, finding a sustainable pace is of even greater value. We are in a marathon, not a sprint, so it is pace more than anything else that will ultimately determine success.
Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
How do you define success?I’m sure many agree, but it’s worth saying nonetheless: True success is being appreciative about, and happy with, whatever you may have.
What is one strategy that has helped you manage your business?
I always try to deal with things as they come up and not to push them off to a later time. There is no better time than the present to deal with new matters.
What books do you recommend?
As success in business is dependent on one’s general state of mind, I would recommend that everyone take some time out of their schedule to study books that teach about faith in that which is bigger than ourselves. In my case it is the Torah, and the literature around it.
