Kris Thorkelson has spent over a decade building a name for himself in Winnipeg’s real estate market. As the founder and CEO of Thorwin Properties, he manages more than 2,400 apartment units across the city. His journey into real estate was not something he planned from the start. In fact, Kris’s background is in pharmacy and psychology, with degrees from the University of Manitoba. But a chance opportunity to buy an apartment building in 2010 changed his path.
“It started as a small investment,” Kris recalls. “I didn’t imagine it would turn into a full-time business.”
Kris Thorkelson was born on August 6, 1968, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up on a farm near Riverton, Manitoba, alongside his three sisters. Life on the farm taught him the value of hard work and teamwork. These lessons became the backbone of his career.
When he began in real estate, Kris noticed a gap in the market. There were plenty of buildings but not enough focus on quality and resident satisfaction. This realization shaped his approach to property management. “We wanted to be different,” Kris explains. “It wasn’t just about renting apartments—it was about building communities where people felt at home.”
Thorwin Properties became known for providing high-quality rental homes and excellent service. Kris made sure to invest in well-maintained buildings and energy-efficient upgrades. This focus on quality and sustainability helped the company grow quickly.
But growth came with challenges. The rising costs of construction and materials made it harder to expand. Navigating zoning regulations also slowed down projects. Kris tackled these issues by building strong relationships with suppliers and local authorities. “You have to be patient and persistent,” he says. “There’s no shortcut to doing things right.”
Kris’s approach to real estate is simple: focus on the residents. He believes that happy residents lead to lower turnover and fewer problems. This strategy has proven successful for Thorwin Properties. “If you take care of your residents, they’ll take care of your buildings,” Kris explains.
Beyond real estate, Kris is known for his community work. He supports several local organizations, including Agape Table and Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Giving back is something Kris takes seriously. He believes that businesses have a responsibility to help their communities thrive.
“I’ve been lucky to do well in business,” he says. “But success doesn’t mean much if you’re not making a difference for others.”
Kris’s ability to balance business with community service is one reason he is well-respected in Winnipeg. His leadership style is hands-on but humble. He spends time visiting properties, talking to residents, and finding out what can be improved. This direct approach helps him stay connected to the needs of both his team and the people who live in Thorwin’s buildings.
Looking ahead, Kris sees both challenges and opportunities in Winnipeg’s housing market. Rising interest rates and construction costs are making it harder for new developments to get off the ground. But Kris believes that the demand for rental housing will continue to grow. He is focusing on sustainable practices and transit-oriented developments to meet this demand.
“Winnipeg has a lot of potential,” Kris says. “The key is to grow without losing what makes this city special.”
When he’s not managing properties or supporting local causes, Kris enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes golf, tennis, and traveling to new places. These hobbies help him recharge and gain fresh perspectives on his work.
“I think it’s important to step back sometimes,” he admits. “You get better ideas when you’re not always in the middle of things.”
Kris’s story is one of steady growth and strong values. From his first apartment investment to leading one of Winnipeg’s largest property management companies, he has stayed true to his principles. His focus on quality, community, and long-term thinking has not only built a successful business but also made a lasting impact on Winnipeg’s housing market.
As Kris continues to expand Thorwin Properties, one thing is clear—he’s not just building apartments. He’s building communities.