Family History
Background & Commemoratives
The Early Years (30's)
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Property investment first started with Joseph & Theodosia Apostol as Ukrainian immigrants to Canada in the early thirties. With only an old leather strapped luggage trunk carrying all their belongings, and a life left behind in eastern Europe, part of the former Soviet Union, they set off to pursue and have a chance at greater opportunities in North America - specifically Canada.
The long journey, by boat then rail, which included other Ukrainian, Jewish and Polish immigrants, took them across the Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean, having their first glance of North America as the Statue of Liberty into New York City, and along the Hudson River into Lower Manhattan. This was one of many stopovers that eventually led them to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they settled and were part of a large ethnic community.
It must have been that first glimpse of opportunity - the buildings, Manhattan skyline and city activity, that eventually drew Joseph and Theodosia from their initial western Canadian roots, back towards New York and southern Ontario. After working in northern Ontario coal mines, Joseph saved enough to buy a tiny 2-room house, which he shared with his family and a renter. Having a young family, and living in close proximity with a stranger was difficult, however, proved to be the start of a lifelong business and investment acumen.
Baby Boomers
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Eventually buying, selling and investing brought Joseph and Theodosia to the greater Hamilton area, established roots on a 65 acre farm in Flamborough with their children. Joseph personally worked the land, grew crops and livestock, and sold to local farmer's markets at the time. Additionally, personal investment went from houses to apartment buildings, and a building was purchased and operated on GHENT street in Burlington. Eventually selling this Burlington building, he purchased another newly built apartment building at the time in West Hamilton, known as 'Cathedral Suites' - named after its close proximity to Christ the King Cathedral Church.
Upon Joseph's death in 1976, his holdings continued in operation by his wife Theodosia, son (Robert Apostol) and daughter (Olga Martindale). Since the early-mid 80's and following Theodosia's death in the early 1990's, daughter Olga Martindale (Apostol) ran all the operations.
Generation X
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In 1995, Paul Robert Martindale, grandson of Joseph Apostol, and son of Olga Martindale independently formed WINK PROPERTY INVESTMENT - a local real estate investment and property management company. Although in the same business, philosophical differences prevented Mother (Olga) and Son (Paul) from working together until early in the new millennium (2000).
Succession planning and foresite were not family strong suits and family dividedness seemed to be a constant problem. From 2005-2008, the relationship dynamic between Olga and Paul changed for the positive, perhaps, as a result of Paul's father's passing in 2006. Since 2008, WINK PROPERTY INVESTMENT has exclusively managed Cathedral Suites as part of their rental portfolio, the last building purchased by Joseph Apostol, and look forward to the continuance of its restorative plan over the next few years.
Business Exposure
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Paul A. Martindale
Wearing a suit for a hockey game before the age of ten, to watch the THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS play at Maple Leaf Gardens, was not the ideal or popular choice, however was just one of the many life lessons passed on by the elder Paul A. Martindale to his son Paul Robert. Watching a live NHL hockey game in Toronto was always a treat, and certainly something special. For events like these, everyday attire wasn't acceptable, and business attire was the benchmark.
These traits, assumably came from being a lifelong civil servant of (35+ years), dedicating his life to public education. From Teacher, through the ranks as department head, vice-principal, principal, superintendent positions to finally School Board Chief Executive Officer, he had a global knowledge of his profession, and the passion to make a difference. There was never a shortage of issues to contend with and navigate in the board rooms, however, he always took the time each year to return to the front line - to teach in the classroom. This helped maintain his perspective and credibility when important decisions had to be made.
Starting from a young age, Paul Jr. from time to time, would visit and work at his Dad's office. No toys, games or colouring books there. Being a polite young man, filing, photocopying, and assisting others was expected, along with immersion to board meetings, developing budgets, negotiating, and working with people. The cost/benefit analysis of hard work, was once again front and centre to see (also see Joseph Apostol). Although not necessarily appreciated at the time, seeds were planted there, for Paul Sr's legacy to continue through his son. There was always a solution (though not always easy), always a Plan 'B', and the glass was always 1/2 full. Mental toughness during difficulties was always on display, and at times of crisis and catastrophe, you find out very quickly what people are made of.
Though not an avid investor, Paul Sr., after retirement, was able to live vicariously through his son's investments, always encouraging, volunteering, and offering helpful advice.
In 2006, during what were supposed to be his golden years, Paul A. Martindale succumbed to a very brief, but terminal battle with cancer. His company is dearly missed, his impact never forgotten, and his memories live on.
To borrow a line from a dear friend and colleague of his: "He walked amongst Kings, but kept the common touch."
