INSIDER magazine: One-on-One with Ryan Behie
With 15 years in commercial real estate, Ryan Behie leads Behie Real Estate with a style that blends data-driven insight and genuine connection to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Q & A:
1. What were you up to before Behie Real Estate? How did that prepare you for what you do now?
I began my career in 2010 at a locally owned franchise of a global brokerage, just as the industry was finding its footing after the global financial crisis. In 2015, I was asked to establish a new corporately owned office, which meant securing my broker license, building a team, and taking part in the Canadian management group. Winnipeg was a high priority for the company, which put me in some remarkable rooms—including a memorable meeting with the global CEO, who had started as an industrial agent before rising to lead a Fortune 500 firm.
By comparison, establishing Behie Real Estate was a streamlined process. With no competing objectives, I was able to focus on a clear vision of how a firm could best serve clients in Winnipeg—both now and into the future.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job? And what (if you care to share it!) do you find the biggest challenge to be so far?
The most energizing part of my work is uncovering new opportunities and driving them forward—especially when it’s alongside great people. We’re fortunate to work with fascinating businesses and individuals, each with unique perspectives. That mix keeps every day fresh and challenging.
Our biggest challenge is communicating how we do things differently. We’ve invested heavily in advanced tools—market analytics, financial modeling, visualization, and GIS mapping—that allow us to uncover opportunities and cut through misconceptions. When clients see the results, they often remark they’ve never seen anything like it. That validation means a lot to us, but we can do a better job of showcasing it more broadly.
3. Can you recommend a book that’s a good read for someone in an executive or other leadership position?
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Its central theme is that true leadership means accepting ultimate accountability—delegating authority never means delegating responsibility. The book’s stories, drawn from Navy SEAL experience, translate powerfully into business and team leadership.
Another favorite is Company of One by Paul Jarvis. It challenges the idea that bigger is always better, and instead shows how staying nimble and focused on value often creates stronger outcomes. A memorable takeaway is “teach everything you know.” Ideas are easy; execution is rare.
4. If you had to single out one or two people who have been really influential in your career, who would they be, and why?
Mark Renzoni, the Canadian CEO of my former firm, was a tremendous influence. A former broker himself, he led with humility, moved easily between the trenches and the boardroom, and earned the trust of his people. His wisdom and steady leadership left a lasting impression.
But without question, my greatest influence has been my wife. We’ve been together longer than I’ve been in real estate. She’s been through every high and low, making sacrifices and taking risks alongside me. In 2023, she joined me at Behie Real Estate, and I’m grateful every day to have her as my partner—in business and in life.
5. If you weren’t leading Behie Real Estate, what do you think you might be doing instead?
I feel incredibly fortunate to say that I’m living out the career I envisioned for myself years ago. As I approach 40, I feel like I’m just getting started, with tremendous excitement for what lies ahead.
6. From your perspective, what’s one small shift any CRE-related company could make to become more people-first?
Take full responsibility for the success of your people. That means ensuring they’re well-resourced, in the right role, and adequately challenged. It also means having the courage to act when someone’s behavior undermines the team, even if they’re producing results.
A people-first culture isn’t about perks or relaxed leadership styles—it’s built on accountability and courage. When leaders take full responsibility for their teams, performance and fulfillment follow.