An Interview with Kris Thorkelson, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Kris Thorkelson is a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and philanthropist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born on August 6, 1968, Kris grew up on a farm near Riverton, Manitoba, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for teamwork.

In 2010, Kris founded Thorwin Properties, a company that now manages over 2,400 apartment units in Winnipeg. His commitment to providing high-quality housing and exceptional resident service has established him as a leader in the industry.

Beyond his business endeavors, Kris Thorkelson is a dedicated philanthropist. He has donated $500,000 to the University of Manitoba’s Pharmacy faculty and supports various charitable organizations. In his personal life, Kris enjoys golf, tennis, and travel, and values spending quality time with his family. His journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment.

Kris, you’ve built an impressive career. Can you share with us how your early years growing up on a farm shaped your work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit? 

Growing up on a farm near Riverton, Manitoba, taught me the value of hard work from a very young age. Farms are never idle; there’s always something to be done, whether it’s feeding animals, fixing equipment, or ensuring the land is properly tended to. My parents were hardworking and instilled in me the importance of responsibility and reliability. These lessons about commitment, perseverance, and working as a team with family were invaluable when I eventually ventured into business. They taught me that success comes through effort, consistency, and, most importantly, being dedicated to your goals.

You ran an online business for 18 years. What was that experience like, and how did you pivot afterward? 

Afterward, I pivoted toward real estate. The transition wasn’t immediate, but I had always been interested in investing, and real estate offered a stable and profitable outlet for my entrepreneurial skills. It was an opportunity to build something from the ground up once again, and I applied the same principles of efficiency and customer service that had worked so well in the pharmacy world.

In 2010, you started Thorwin Properties, which now manages over 2,400 apartment units. How did you approach building such a large real estate portfolio, and what challenges did you face? 

Building Thorwin Properties was a gradual process. I started by investing in apartment buildings with the goal of creating quality rental homes. It took a lot of research, market analysis, and strategic acquisitions. I didn’t want to just buy any property; I wanted to focus on locations that could offer long-term value and appeal to residents. The biggest challenge was managing growth while maintaining quality service and resident satisfaction. You can have all the units you want, but if your residents aren’t happy, you’ll never succeed. We built a strong team, stayed focused on our core values, and always prioritized our residents’ needs. The focus on customer service helped us stand out and continue growing.

You’ve been very active in philanthropy, donating $500,000 to the University of Manitoba’s Pharmacy faculty. Why is giving back to the community so important to you, and how do you choose the causes you support? 

Philanthropy has always been a part of my values. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve success, and I believe it’s important to help others along the way. Supporting the University of Manitoba’s Pharmacy faculty was a natural fit for me, given my background and the education I received there. It was an opportunity to give back to the institution that helped shape my career. Beyond that, I also support causes like Agape Table and Canadian Lutheran World Relief, which help vulnerable populations locally and globally. I choose causes based on where I feel I can make the most meaningful impact, whether it’s helping students access education or providing aid to those in need.

Thorwin Properties is known for its high-quality rental homes and outstanding resident service. What do you think sets your company apart from others in the real estate market? 

Our focus has always been on the quality of service, not just the quality of the properties. There are plenty of apartment buildings out there, but we aim to create communities where people feel valued and cared for. We listen to our residents and make sure their needs are met quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a maintenance request, a question about their lease, or a concern, we strive to respond promptly and professionally. This focus on customer service has earned us the trust of our residents and helped us maintain a strong reputation in the market. We also ensure our buildings are well-maintained and provide a safe and comfortable living environment.

What do you believe is the key to balancing a successful career with personal time, especially when managing a large real estate portfolio and being involved in various philanthropic activities? 

Balance is essential, and it’s something I’ve learned over time. Being in real estate, especially managing over 2,400 units, can be demanding, but I make time for my family, hobbies, and travel. I set boundaries and prioritize what matters most—my health, my family, and my personal growth. When you have a strong support system at home, you can more effectively manage the professional demands. It’s also important to carve out time for activities that recharge you, like golf and tennis, which help me stay physically active and mentally sharp.

You have traveled extensively and enjoy exploring new cultures. How has travel influenced your perspective, both personally and professionally? 

Travel has been a huge influence on me. It’s not just about the places I’ve been but the people I’ve met along the way. Traveling exposes you to different ways of thinking and doing business. It opens your mind to new ideas and practices that can be applied to your own life and career. Personally, it has made me more adaptable and understanding, helping me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Professionally, it’s encouraged me to think creatively and take calculated risks, which is essential for any entrepreneur.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in entrepreneurship or real estate investing? 

The most important advice I can give is to start with a clear vision but remain adaptable. Don’t be afraid to learn from mistakes and pivot when necessary. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about making consistent, informed decisions and staying disciplined. In real estate, the key is location, location, location, but it’s also about the people you work with and the relationships you build. Surround yourself with a great team, stay focused, and always be prepared for challenges. The market can be unpredictable, but resilience and adaptability will get you through.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Thorwin Properties and your philanthropic endeavors in the future? 

In the future, I want to continue growing Thorwin Properties, expanding our portfolio while maintaining our commitment to providing top-quality rental homes. We’re also focused on improving the communities we serve, making sure we’re always improving our properties and enhancing the resident experience. On the philanthropic side, I plan to stay involved with the causes I care about and find new ways to give back, particularly in areas of education and support for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of not only business success but also positive contributions to society.

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