Marlin Spring was founded in 2013 and is led by CEO Benjamin Bakst and CFO Elliot Kazarnovsky.
2 Seasoned Industry Professionals
With the focus on our team and its growth, Marlin Spring has evolved into a vibrant company that is a recognized industry leader in the real estate sector with a portfolio in excess of 8 million square feet of residential GFA with an estimated project completion value of over $4 billion.
Representing past and present development and multi-family projects.
Representing past and present development and multi-family projects.
Focused on high principles and integrity, our dynamic team brings new energy to the industry. Our success is a result of leadership and the nurturing of long-term valued relationships with our partners, investors and team members.
Benjamin Bakst
LinkedIn Profile
CEO and Co-Founder
Prior to co-founding Marlin Spring, Mr. Bakst was Executive Vice President of a leading development company for ten years. He helped build it into one of the largest condominium development firms in the Greater Toronto Area. With a strong focus on the construction of high-rise development projects, Mr. Bakst was involved in leading the property management and finance divisions and has played a leading role in the high-rise construction division. Mr. Bakst received his CPA designation in the state of New Jersey in 2005.
Elliot Kazarnovsky
CFO and Co-Founder
Prior to co-founding Marlin Spring, Mr. Kazarnovsky was Chief Financial Analyst for a leading development company. His responsibilities during his tenure included projecting the economic feasibility of all projects as well as the maintenance of the financial requirements. Mr. Kazarnovsky holds a degree in finance and graduated with distinction in 2004. 
Ashi Mathur
LinkedIn Profile
President
Prior to joining Marlin Spring, Mr. Mathur spent over 25 years in Investment and Corporate Banking as well as Public Accounting. Most recently, he was Deputy Head of Investment Banking and Head of North American Real Estate at BMO Capital Markets. He also founded and was the CEO of the BMO Capital Markets Real Estate Private Equity Fund and served as Chair of BMO Capital Markets Merchant Bank. During his career, he successfully completed over $100 Billion of M&A advisory and capital raising transactions in both the private and public markets. Prior to joining BMO, he spent four years at N.M. Rothschilds & Sons and three years at Ernst & Young where he qualified as a CPA, CA in 1994. He received his Bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Waterloo. He remains engaged with the University by appearing as a Guest Lecturer and serving on the School of Accounting and Finance’s Advisory Board.
Marlin Spring US Realty
Avi Jakobowitch
President, US Realty
Prior to joining Marlin Spring; Mr. Jakobowitch was Vice President of Sales and Operations at a large retail operation, with multiple stores throughout the Greater Toronto Area. He was responsible for sourcing and construction of new locations.
Leadership Team
Christopher Bessey
Director, Mid & High Rise Construction
Jeffrey Claus
Project and Reporting Manager
Morgan Coe
Chief Human Resources Officer
Leslie Dragani
Décor Manager
Adam Flekser
Director, Investments & Financing
Dave Garber
Managing Director, Canadian Multi-Family
Joe Guido
V.P., Construction
John Josephson
Director, Land Development & Acquisitions
Pedro Lopes
Sr. V.P., Land Development & Acquisitions
Thomas Mallick
Controller
Rivki Mandelbaum
Director, Corporate Strategy & Communication
Erin Millar
Director, Sales & Marketing
Mike Petricca
General Construction Superintendent
Dallas Rose
Director, Acquisitions US Multi-Family
Indira Spanu
Accounting Manager
Sarah Ward
Director, Acquisitions Multi-Family