When Ilya Raykhlin arrived in Canada as a child, he had no idea he would one day become one of RE/MAX Commercial’s top brokers worldwide.
Born in the former Soviet Union, Raykhlin’s family immigrated to Canada as he entered the first grade. His mother, a single parent, worked multiple jobs to support her children, instilling in him the values of hard work, resilience, and adaptability.
That foundation would later propel his two-decade career in commercial real estate, leading multimillion-dollar transactions that also earned top industry accolades.
A childhood hustle sparks ambition
Growing up in Montreal as a poor immigrant, Raykhlin’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early from his desire to experience more in life than his family’s limited means could offer.
At age 11, he launched his first venture, collecting and reselling lost golf balls outside a local golf course. It was his first taste of business, sparking a lifelong interest in sales.
“That experience taught me how much I enjoyed the entrepreneurial life, which I’d revisit again much later,” said Raykhlin.
Lifelong friend Mike Meligrigoris, now a successful Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and vice president at T. Rowe Price Canada, remembers Raykhlin as someone who stood out even at a young age, not for sports or popularity but for his curiosity, sense of fairness, and sharp mind.
“He was always the kind of kid who questioned things, who wanted to understand how the world worked,” said Meligrigoris. “We’d hang out at each other’s houses, read comics, listen to comedy albums, and just talk. Ilya made you feel like your thoughts mattered, even when we were just kids.”
The two often found themselves acting as peacemakers when schoolyard conflicts broke out. “We weren’t the biggest or the loudest, but people listened to us,” added Meligrigoris. “Looking back, that was Ilya’s leadership showing up early.”
Raykhlin’s early career ambitions, however, were in journalism. He studied at Montreal’s Dawson College, where he once interviewed former Jeopardy game show host Alex Trebek for the school’s newspaper. But looking for more structure, he enlisted as a Canadian Armed Forces Reserve combat engineer.
“The military gave me the discipline and resilience I needed,” said Raykhlin. “I learned to operate under pressure, solve problems, and push beyond my limits.”
Turning challenges into opportunities
In 2006, Raykhlin and his wife moved from Montreal to Calgary, where he set out to become a real estate agent. A chance encounter with a commercial leasing specialist shifted his focus from residential to commercial real estate, and he never looked back.
Breaking into the field wasn’t easy. At 32, he was older than most newcomers, and by 2008, the Great Recession was in full swing.
But instead of retreating, he doubled down.
“I worked long hours, chased every lead, and found ways to see opportunities where others didn’t,” he said.
His persistence paid off. He built a successful practice, secured high-profile clients, and established himself among other industry leaders.
Raykhlin earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Durham University in the United Kingdom and is currently working on his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.
His fluency in French and English has also given him an advantage, allowing him to connect with national and international clients.
Giving back to the community
Beyond real estate, Raykhlin—who holds deep faith in God—is dedicated to giving back. As a member of Shriners International, he supports children’s health-care initiatives. He is a longtime donor to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, where his name is displayed on the donor wall.
“I don’t actually have children of my own, but supporting the hospital’s foundation lets me make a difference in the lives of kids who need it most,” he said.
Raykhlin enjoys traveling, playing chess, and reading about history and technology in his free time. He remains close to his mother, who still lives in Montreal, and he makes it a point to visit her as often as possible.
While he has long embraced his Canadian identity, he still takes pride in his Slavic heritage, often reflecting on how his upbringing shaped his work ethic and business acumen.
Michael Cain, the owner of RE/MAX House of Real Estate, where Raykhlin’s commercial brokerage team operates, credits his success in part to his ability to properly mentor his recruits.
“He’s like a teacher,” said Cain. “Someone could come in knowing nothing about commercial real estate, and Ilya will take the time to train them. His process isn’t rushed, and it takes months, but he ensures they actually know what they’re doing before making a call. That’s what makes him a leader.”
Cain also highlighted Raykhlin’s industry knowledge depth, making him a highly respected expert.
“Ilya knows pretty much everything from leases to valuations to different types of properties. Whether it’s retail space, office space, or industrial, he understands it all,” said Cain said. “That expertise makes him one of the most recognized RE/MAX Commercial agents in Canada.”
When asked how he has maintained his passion for nearly two decades, Raykhlin was quick to answer.
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”