Reza Nasseri is a well-known figure in Alberta, a businessman who has made immense contributions to various charitable and community initiatives. He’s been particularly focused on higher education, healthcare, and the arts. So, how did Reza become such a wealthy and influential individual? Let’s dive into his story on edmonton1.one.
Early Life and Youth
The future entrepreneur was born on July 16, 1945, to Mahmoud and Batoul Nasseri. He spent his entire childhood, surrounded by five siblings, in the city of Isfahan in central Iran. From a young age, Reza showed a keen interest in science, construction, and design, even dreaming of building a spaceship to fly to the moon. At 17, he began working as a tour guide, showing visitors the ancient city and introducing them to the rich legacy of classical Persian architecture. This path wasn’t accidental; he loved exploring new horizons and wanted to distance himself from the events unfolding in Iran during the 1960s. Even then, Nasseri was considering moving to another country. A single encounter solidified his decision: he overheard an Edmonton businessman and university professor speak passionately about Alberta and its capital. That’s when he decided to make the move to Edmonton.
Big Changes
In December 1964, on a cold day, Nasseri arrived in Alberta’s capital with just 75 dollars in his pocket. Adapting to the new city was made easier thanks to the help of Lou Berak and Alex Slutker. These philanthropists assisted him in settling in, finding a good job, and enrolling at the University of Alberta. Reza immersed himself in his studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While attending university, he worked at various businesses to pay for his education, which allowed him to accumulate valuable practical experience across different sectors of the construction industry. During his time at university, Reza met and later married Sylvia Erikson, a teaching student. In the early 1970s, he became a Canadian citizen and started working as a research engineer, then as an electrical engineering instructor at NAIT. During summer breaks from teaching, he continued to work in construction, genuinely enjoying creating things with his own hands.
Launching and Growing His Own Business
In 1977, Reza became an independent developer, establishing Nasseri Construction. It’s worth noting that in 1976, he had already set aside other construction and teaching commitments to focus exclusively on developing his new business. As his business grew, so did Reza and Sylvia’s family. The couple welcomed two sons, David and Michael, and a daughter, Shaheen. In 1982, Nasseri changed his company’s name to Landmark Homes, embarking on a journey that ultimately led him to be recognized as one of the province’s most successful and innovative developers, as well as a highly responsible and caring corporate citizen. A key and commendable aspect of Nasseri’s approach to home building was his commitment to providing people of all income levels with the opportunity to experience the pride and security of homeownership. Over the years, he created several popular brands under the Landmark umbrella, offering a wide range of new home options. Along the way, Reza became a leading advocate for innovation in the construction industry, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of home building and promote energy-efficient homes. Reza soon became a respected leader in the construction industry, joining the board of directors for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Edmonton Region, as well as the Professional Home Builders’ Institute of Alberta and the Alberta New Home Warranty Program. Reza’s success in business and as a respected figure stems from his commitment to ensuring his life path reflected a firm belief in giving back to the community. In 1995, he established the Landmark Community Care Program, which has contributed over $6.5 million in donations for medical research and innovation. One of his most innovative approaches to corporate social responsibility is the House of Hope program, which brings together builders and suppliers who donate materials, expertise, and labour to construct homes. All proceeds from the sale of these homes go towards supporting charities. Among the charitable projects supported by Landmark are arts institutions like the Citadel Theatre, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and the Victoria School Foundation of the Arts, as well as WINGS (a shelter for women and children experiencing violence), the Youth Emergency Shelter, and the Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer Food Banks. Reza actively supports a strong, healthy future for vulnerable citizens in the capital as a member of the City of Edmonton Affordable Housing Committee and the Committee to End Homelessness. Nasseri places a special emphasis on healthcare and medical research. His desire to express gratitude has led to significant support for the University Hospital Foundation, as well as prostate cancer research and awareness. Reza served as a trustee on the Alberta Hospital Foundation board. In 2006, Reza’s desire to help those in need and empower others to achieve success like his own led to a $1 million donation to NorQuest College’s Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Education. For his extensive contributions, Reza Nasseri has received numerous awards. The businessman believes that serving others is every citizen’s duty and that our communities can be strong, dynamic, and caring with just a little effort. Edmontonians regard Reza as an exemplary corporate citizen who has repaid his city and province with generosity, humility, and integrity.