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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.

Derrick DePass

Residential Property Manager

Derrick joined the Valiant Group team in 2023.   Derrick comes to Valiant with many years of management experience. In his position as residential property manager, Derrick is responsible for overseeing 402 units, and supervising several site staff, handling day to day tenant matters, liaisons with third party contractors and inspects properties.

Colleen Jacobs


Residential Property Manager

Colleen joined the Valiant Group team in April 2023 as the Residential Property Manager. Colleen comes to Valiant with experience in the residential property management field and in her role as Residential Property Manager she will oversee 330 units and supervising site staff, handling day to day tenant matters, liaisons with third party contractors and inspect properties.

Raquel Chahrouri

Residential Property Manager

Raquel joined the Valiant Group team in October 2023 as an Administrative Assistant and in April 2024 took over the responsibilities of a Residential Property Manager. Raquel will oversee 458 units by supervising site staff, handling day to day tenant matters, liaising with third party contractors and inspecting the properties.

Melissa Chapman

Property Manager

Melissa joined the Valiant Group team in April 2023 as the Commercial Property Manager. Melissa comes to Valiant with experience in the commercial leasing industry and in her role as Commercial Property Manager she will oversee 490,000 sq.ft. of commercial and retail space.

Walter Willmott


Operations Supervisor

Walter came to Valiant in 2018, as the company’s operations supervisor.  Bringing many years of experience in the industry, Walter directs the commercial, residential 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.

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 in 2021, as the accounts receivable administrator.  Linnette brings many years of accounting knowledge and experience from a diverse group of industries. Linnette is responsible for processing tenants payments and updating ledgers with a great deal of accurracy.

Kim Harbulik


Accounts Payable Administrator

Kim joined The Valiant Group in April 2024 as the Accounts Payable Administrator. Kim has several years of accounting related experience, specifically in payables, receivables, and month-end accounting analysis and data entry. Her responsibilities include invoice processing, coding, maintaining renovation and costing spreadsheets and processing vendor payments.

Danielle Holinaty


Administrative Assistant

Danielle joined The Valiant Group in September 2022 as the Accounts Payable Administrator. In 2024 Danielle moved to an Administrative Assistant position within Valiant. Danielle will oversee all aspects of the front office administration by keeping tenant files up to date, greeting customers at the front window and assisting with month end accounting entry.

Nancy Turbach


Leasing Agent

Nancy joined The Valiant Group in April 2023 as a leasing agent and will focus on overseeing the company's rental office. In her 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.