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Our Valiant team

Our Story...

We have been building for you since 1922!

Abel Hann built his first house in Toronto (on Keele Street) in 1922. A year later, he was joined by his brother, Fred Hann. Together they laid the foundation - literally and figuratively - of the company we know today. The two men placed only their families above the requirements of their growing family business, in an era when more and more people entered the work force to labour in large, impersonal firms.

Abel's son Jess, followed in his father's footsteps, making significant contributions towards the growth of the business, by shifting his focus on building on the outskirts of towns, where the land was much cheaper.

In the 1950s, Jess brought his son Robert into the business, and together they started building in Oshawa. The second and third generation worked tirelessly to grow and evolve the company.

They purchased land all around the Durham Region and Robert expanded into building shopping centres in the 1960s. The first centre he built alongside his brother-in-law Peter, is still a busy, thriving centre known as Lake Vista Square, on Wentworth Street, Oshawa. Robert Hann eventually set up the company's base operations on Marland Avenue, then relocated after completing construction on the then tallest building in Oshawa located on Nonquon Road.

The 20th floor of the Summit Place is still home to Valiant's head office today. It is currently run by his daughter Beth Kelly and her son William. The fourth and fifth generation's pride in the family business, and deep desire to honour the hard work and sacrifice of past generations, is the very key to the company's continued success.

Elizabeth Kelly

President

Over the years, Beth’s focus has been land development and construction at her family’s century old business. Since taking over the helm from her father, Beth shifted her attention to property management and operations.  Her goal is to maintain a high standard of customer service set by her father and grandfather, while preserving the Hann family’s legacy for generations to come.

William Kelly

Development Manager

Following in the footsteps of his mother, Will entered the family business right after school.  Will’s responsibilities include overseeing construction and land development, as well as actively participating in the management of the company’s operations.

Erika Bradbury

V.P. Operations

As the vice president of operations, Erika is responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all operations related activities at The Valiant Group. Erika started out in the Property Management field in 1990 as an Accounts Receivable Clerk for Tritor Developments. In 2000, she joined Bob Hann and his family as one of the Property Managers. In 2010, she took over planning, directing and co-ordinating The Valiant Group's operations.

Santo Garofalo

Maintenance Supervisor

Santo joined Valiant’s maintenance department in 1998.  An electrician by trade, his vast knowledge and experience in various fields quickly made him a valuable advisor for the entire company.  Site staff, managers, as well as the owners consult Santo on a daily basis for all maintenance, and at times construction related issues.  Shortly after obtaining his master electrician licence, Santo was promoted to the supervisory position.

Lesley Neville

Controller

Lesley joined Valiant Group in November 2022 as Controller. Lesley comes to Valiant with many years of Senior Accounting Experience in both the manufacturing and packaging industries.  Lesley will oversee the day to day operations of our accounting department and staff to ensure the proper posting to accounts, financial statements, account analysis and all other accounting functions.

Dionne Kukoly

Human Resources

Dionne joined Valiant Group in 2006 as Payroll and Human Resources. Dionne ensures the highest degree of safety for Valiant Group employees, tenants, and visitors, by training staff on Health and Safety, ensuring the protection of information collected under the Privacy Act, and training staff on the standards under the Accessibility Act.

Danielle Holinaty

Accounts Payable Administrator

Danielle joined The Valiant Group in September 2022. Danielle is an experienced compliance and bookkeeper. Her responsibilities include invoice processing, coding, maintaining renovation and costing spreadsheets and processing vendor payments.

Andrea Jay-Peterson

Accounting Coordinator

Andrea joined The Valiant Group in 2018, as the Accounts Payable Administrator. Andrea has many years of accounting experience and training. In the fall of 2022, Andrea accepted the Accounting Coordinator position, in which she handles all advanced accounting functions such as pre-authorized payments, account adjustments, construction accounting, new tenant charges and letters of credit.

Linnette DePass

Accounts Receivable Administrator

Linnette joined the Valiant crew in 2021, as the accounts receivable administrator.  Linnette brings years of accounting knowledge and experience from a diverse group of industries.

Walter Willmott

Custodian Supervisor

Walter came to Valiant in 2018, as the company’s custodian supervisor.  Bringing many years of experience in the industry, Walter directs the commercial and storage site custodians.  Recently, Walter received training in the fire & safety field, and is now responsible for overseeing the weekly and monthly fire & safety testing for all Valiant sites.  Walter also continually assists with special projects and supports the maintenance supervisor as well as the property managers.

Rental Agent

Kristina joined The Valiant Group as one of the Property Coordinators in the summer of 2022. She recently shifted her focus to overseeing the company's rental office. In her new role, she is responsible for all aspects of the application and rental process, as well as managing the maintenance crews working on vacant units to ensure that every new tenant receives the home they deserve.

Garett Wood

Commercial Property Manager

Garett joined the Valiant Group team in August 2012 as Site Manager at one of our storage facilities. Shortly thereafter, Garett was transferred to a much larger facility requiring his expertise and experience in the management field. In the spring of 2015, Garett was promoted to Property Management, Residential & Storage Portfolio. In 2022, Garett advanced into the Commercial Property Manager role, overseeing 490,000 sq.ft. of commercial and retail space.

Mary Gammon

Residential Property Manager

Mary brings extensive administrative and clerical skills and joined the Valiant Group Property Management team in 2016. Mary handles day to day tenant matters, liaisons with third party contractors and inspects the properties. Mary's portfolio includes 5 residential buildings.

David Mohamed

Residential Property Manager

David is the newest member of the Valiant team.  In his position as residential property manager, David is responsible for overseeing 300 units, and supervising several site staff.