Intro

Industrial real estate is reshaping markets across Canada and the U.S. — and 2026 will separate the informed from the unprepared.

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Chad Griffiths, widely recognized as a leading voice in industrial real estate in Canada and host of The Industrial Real Estate Podcast.

Together, they break down how warehouses evolved from overlooked assets into the backbone of the global economy, what tariffs, uncertainty, and rising vacancy really mean for industrial leasing and investing, and why small-bay industrial buildings continue to outperform across market cycles.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why industrial real estate demand surged across both Canada and the U.S.
• How e-commerce permanently changed warehouse design and site selection
• What rising vacancy (from ~0% to ~5–6%) actually means in major markets like Toronto
• How tariffs and uncertainty stalled industrial leasing in 2025
• What experienced operators are watching for industrial real estate trends in 2026
• Why small-bay industrial continues to be one of the most resilient asset classes in North America
• What the ideal warehouse investment property looks like (size, site coverage, layout, functionality)
• Which industrial REIT Chad would hold long-term (Prologis)

If you’re a broker, investor, developer, or business owner evaluating warehouse space in Canada, the U.S., Denver, Toronto, or other major industrial markets, this episode provides grounded perspective on what’s actually happening—and how to think strategically heading into 2026.

About the Guest:

Chad Griffiths is a Canadian industrial real estate expert and host of The Industrial Real Estate Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, Chad is known for his deep understanding of warehouse functionality, market behavior, and long-term industrial real estate trends across Canada and North America.

Connect with Chad: LinkedIn | X

About the Host:

Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker of Warehouse Hotline and host of Commercial Real Estate Secrets. She is a third-generation commercial real estate owner and broker specializing in industrial real estate, warehouse strategy, investment analysis, and advisory services.

Connect with Aviva: LinkedIn | Website

Save this episode if you want a smarter framework for understanding industrial real estate, warehouse investing, and market strategy heading into 2026.