Brad Hinkelman is a Canadian entrepreneur and the CEO of Casacol, a leading real estate and hospitality company based in Medellín, Colombia. Known for his strategic vision, Hinkelman has played a major role in Medellín’s transformation into a top tourist and investment destination. Since moving to Colombia in 2008, he has become one of the most influential figures in Medellín’s real estate market, helping to shape the city’s growth with modern developments, sustainable practices, and a focus on community impact.
Today, Casacol manages over 500 properties and is one of the largest hospitality operators in Medellín. From humble beginnings as a single Airbnb host, Hinkelman’s journey exemplifies the potential Medellín holds for investors and developers. Through Casacol, he has not only created a successful business but has also helped Medellín shed its past image, becoming a symbol of the city’s growth, resilience, and future promise.
Early Life and Education
Brad Hinkelman was born and raised in Canada. He attended Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, where he studied Business Administration, focusing on marketing, finance, and economics. These early studies provided the foundation for his later career in real estate and investment, equipping him with the skills needed to manage and grow a business.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Hinkelman continued his education in finance with executive courses at New York University. This specialized training enhanced his expertise, giving him an edge in the financial aspects of his future ventures. With a strong educational background and hands-on industry knowledge, Hinkelman set his sights on a career in the fast-paced world of real estate investment.
Professional Journey
Brad Hinkelman’s career began in North America’s technology sector, where he worked with some of the largest names in the industry. He started with IBM in 2000, taking on various roles in sales and marketing. Through hard work and talent, Hinkelman quickly moved up the ranks, participating in IBM’s high-performance and young leaders programs. He worked with high-profile clients across banking, insurance, and telecommunications, experiences that would later shape his approach to building client relationships.
In 2007, he joined Oracle Corporation as a Region Manager. His work at Oracle involved managing large-scale client relationships in Canada and the United States, with a special focus on telecommunications, banking, and insurance sectors. His time at Oracle taught him the importance of high-value client relationships, a skill he would later apply to his work with foreign investors in Colombia.
In 2008, Hinkelman took a leap, leaving his technology career to move to Medellín, Colombia. Drawn by the city’s untapped potential, he initially invested in real estate as an individual. Soon, he recognized a lack of quality investment services for foreigners and saw an opportunity. In 2013, he founded Casacol to provide foreigners with reliable real estate investment and property management services. “Medellín had so much potential, but what was missing was someone who could bridge the gap for foreign investors,” Hinkelman recalls.
Under his leadership, Casacol quickly became a leading player in Medellín’s real estate market, developing over 500 hotel rooms and managing one of the largest portfolios of rental properties in the city. The company’s success has been driven by its focus on sustainable development and community involvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinkelman launched the Casacol Foundation, which provided essential resources to vulnerable neighborhoods with the motto, “We give where we live.” This philanthropic focus reinforced Casacol’s dedication to Medellín’s social and economic well-being.
Life in Medellín and Giving Back
Brad Hinkelman lives in Medellín with his family. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, he embraces the cultural diversity of his adopted home. Beyond his work, Hinkelman is committed to giving back to the community. Through Casacol Foundation, he supports local initiatives and vulnerable communities, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.
Hinkelman’s philosophy combines sustainable business practices with social responsibility. He believes that growth should benefit everyone and that a successful business is one that can lift up the community. “Success isn’t just in numbers; it’s in making a real impact on the lives of people around us,” he says.
Interview with Brad Hinkelman
How did you get started in this business?
I started my journey in Medellín’s real estate market after moving here in 2008. Initially, I was just an investor myself, learning about the market firsthand. Over time, I saw a need for quality investment services, especially for foreigners. That led me to start Casacol and help others navigate the Medellín market.
How do you make money?
Casacol makes money through a range of real estate services, from property development to sales and property management. We manage rental properties, offer legal services, and work closely with investors to maximize returns. Our focus is on delivering value, which keeps clients coming back.
What’s one thing you enjoy most about Medellín?
The people here are incredible. There’s a warmth and hospitality that you don’t find everywhere. The city has such a positive energy, and I love how it’s always changing and growing.
What has been the toughest part of your journey?
One of the hardest challenges was navigating the real estate market as a foreigner, especially in the early days. Understanding local laws and earning trust from both locals and international investors took time. But that challenge helped me grow and build a stronger, more resilient business.
What’s next for Casacol?
We’re excited to continue expanding our projects in Medellín and adding more sustainable practices to our developments. We’re also looking at ways to enhance our property management services. Our goal is to keep delivering quality while adapting to new trends.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, but always do your research. Building trust is everything, especially in a new market. And remember, success takes time—so be patient and stay committed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brad Hinkelman from?
Brad Hinkelman is originally from Canada.
What is Brad Hinkelman’s job?
He is the CEO and founder of Casacol, a real estate and hospitality company based in Medellín, Colombia.
What degrees does Brad Hinkelman hold?
He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and completed executive finance education at New York University.
What languages does Brad Hinkelman speak?
He speaks English, Spanish, and Russian.
What does Casacol specialize in?
Casacol specializes in real estate investment, property management, and hospitality services in Medellín, with a focus on serving both local and foreign investors.
Is Brad Hinkelman involved in philanthropy?
Yes, he is the founder of the Casacol Foundation, which supports local communities in Medellín, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brad Hinkelman’s journey from Canada to Medellín is a testament to his vision and entrepreneurial spirit. As CEO of Casacol, he has contributed significantly to Medellín’s real estate market and helped position the city as a top destination for investment and tourism. His dedication to sustainable development and community engagement highlights a modern approach to real estate that values both profit and people. Hinkelman’s impact on Medellín continues to grow as he and Casacol look toward a future built on opportunity, trust, and positive change.
