REAL ESTATE PROFILE
Q&A with Laurence Vincent
On Jan. 1, 2018, Laurence Vincent was named co-president of Prével, a leader in Montreal’s residential development, following in the footsteps of her father, Jacques Vincent, in this role. Warm and engaging, 36-year-old Laurence was born in Joliette, Que., and grew up in the suburban (Lanaudière) town of Repentigny. Today, she feels “very urban” and has a deep passion for Montreal.
We met at the Prével office, on William Street in Griffintown.
Where did you attend school?
I completed high school and CEGEP at Collège de l’Assomption and then headed to UBC (University of British Columbia, in Vancouver) to pursue a history degree. I was 19 and spoke little English. The culture shock was huge and I found the climate challenging. I loved skiing and was relieved to learn that, when it rained in Vancouver, it was probably snowing in Whistler.
I did my second year at Berkeley (near San Francisco) and returned to UBC for my final year, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2004.
Had you considered career options?
I came back to Quebec with the lofty goal of wanting to save the world. I moved into an apartment in Montreal’s Villeray district, with two friends. It was great; this city has a vibe like no other.
My studies had been so abstract; I craved something tangible. My father said: “There is nothing more real than a construction site.” I agreed and began at the lowest rung — sweeping and carrying huge planks of plywood. My arms were barely long enough, but I managed and always knew that my co-workers had my back.
Then I took on a series of diverse jobs with Prével, always wondering about my true calling. My dad never pressured me — he just said that whatever I chose, as a career, I had to really love it.
My next position was acting as liaison between our construction and administrative teams at Le Cambridge seniors’ residence, in Pointe-Claire. Then I handled after-sales service at Village Liberté sur Berges (Brossard) and later worked in sales at Imperial Lofts, in St-Henri.
What happened next?
I had been thinking about a master’s degree and chose the oneyear, intensive, MBA program at HEC (Hautes Études Commerciales). Among other things, I learned that I could change the world through business.
And after graduating ?
I was still in my 20s and loved hanging out with friends and playing ultimate Frisbee. I returned to Prével and tackled communications and marketing. I sat in on meetings with architects and listened intently to my dad and (copresident) Jonathan Sigler. Fresh from my MBA program, I had lots to say but stayed silent.
My dad and I have a precious tradition — our once-a-week lunches. We both love food, humour and discussing everything. He offers his opinions and lets me make my own decisions, although he does tease me a bit when it turns out that he was right. Gradually, our lunch conversations gravitated to the topic of his succession. He felt I was ready. I eventually agreed to replace him at Prével. Jonathan Sigler is a truly exceptional man. He has decades more experience but treats me as an equal.
What are your current projects?
We are very excited about Union sur le Parc (on René-Lévesque Boulevard West), which will bring new families to downtown Montreal. It consists of two 20-storey towers (388 condos) surrounded by 30,000 square feet of green space, including two parks. Many units have three or four bedrooms and we have designed fabulous common areas, including a sports centre with mini-gym for kids, an arts & crafts area, and much more. Delivery is scheduled for autumn 2019.
Another fabulous development is Le 21ème arrondissement — six structures built around a square, adjacent to Old Montreal. There will be 900 dwellings (condos and rental units) with food-oriented commercial space at the ground level. The final phase will be completed in early 2020.
What puts the spring in your step?
I feel fortunate to be fulfilling my dream of changing the world, one family at a time. At Prével, we bring new life to urban areas, which also helps local business owners.
And in your spare time?
I have three fantastic children: a daughter, Alexanne, six, and sons, Renaud, four, and Julien, two. Our favourite thing to do together is “nothing.” I have a demanding career, but my kids are No. 1.
I learned, by example, that this can be done. My mother, Monique Marsolais, is a notary. She always worked, but my sister and I never doubted that we were the most important part of her life.
A while back I was working at home, in the glow of my laptop. It was late. Alexanne came to me and said: “Mom, it’s time to close your computer now and rest. Just close it.” I did.