Along with Caroline, Ian's wife, Ian leads a dynamic team specializing in Real Estate Sales, Property Management, and Small-Scale Property Development. With decades of experience and a deep passion for helping clients succeed, Ian offers a personalized, full-service real estate experience that sets him apart.
Ian’s journey in real estate memorably began in 1997, by accidentally winning two properties at a London auction. Those first investments doubled in value within just a few years, sparking the creation of a small development company in Manchester, UK. Over the years, Ian purchased, renovated, and flipped or held nearly 30 homes.
In 2003, Ian and Caroline made the bold decision to move their young family to Barrie, Canada, where Ian wasted no time jumping into the market, purchasing a six-plex in Barrie almost immediately. Recognizing his knack for analyzing numbers and market trends, local Realtors encouraged Ian to get his real estate license in 2005. With a background in investment banking and trading, Ian found a natural fit in helping clients maximize their real estate investments.
Meanwhile, the growing demand for property management services led to the birth of the property management division, catering to investors who wanted hassle-free tenant management.
After 5 great years with Royal LePage, Ian and the team made the move to Keller Williams in Barrie, where Ian assumed the position as Broker Of Record, responsible for the oversight of the Brokerage's Realtors.
By 2018, Ian had co-founded another venture with his business partner, Kelly, focusing on joint ventures in Collingwood. Together, they acquired and enhanced single-family homes, adding second suites and garden suites to increase property value and rental income potential.
Ian's expertise spans all corners of real estate, from land acquisitions and office buildings to single-family homes, luxury properties, multi-family properties, flips, and even hard-money lending.
Ian is a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Canada (FRI) and holds a Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) designation. Beyond helping clients buy, sell, and invest, Ian continues to invest in real estate, ensuring he stays deeply connected to the industry. In 2018, Ian was contracted with Humber University as a Subject Matter Expert to help rewrite the training course for new Realtors.
Ian maintains close relationships with Scott McGillivray and Keyspire as a preferred Realtor for Simcoe County, as well as Wealth Genius, where Ian is a preferred Vendor. In addition, Ian serves BGRS, supporting Relocation Programs for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Government of Canada (TBS), and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Ian is also a Real Estate Valuations Realtor for the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee, where he is often called to enter properties alongside officers in situations requiring a high level of understanding and tact.
Ian's combination of investment knowledge and oversight of the property management business makes him ideally positioned to speak authoritatively on Landlord/Tenant situations. He is often called by other Realtors to assist with complex clauses and drafting offers for tenanted properties.
When Ian isn’t doing something connected with real estate (which isn’t that often), you will find him up in the sky as a keen amateur pilot or on the golf course enjoying a relaxing afternoon with friends.
Ian has a 5-star reputation with his Realtor peers and is highly respected as level-headed and professional. His integrity precedes him, and he always puts the client first.
Whether you're looking to find your dream home, expand your investment portfolio, or need seamless property management, Hocking Homes Group is here to guide you every step of the way.