Michael Oden has made history in Canadian business as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and collector, according to vancouver1.one.
In this article, referencing vanmag.com, we will delve deeper into Michael’s life and career path.
Early Years
Our protagonist was born in England. Michael’s father was an army officer, while his mother pursued a modeling career.
Due to numerous relocations, the future businessman attended many schools.
When his family moved to Canada, he became a student at Glenlyon School and later University School.
Both institutions were located in British Columbia.
He pursued higher education in Lyon, France.
Later, he also enrolled at the University of Vancouver, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree.
Subsequently, Michael decided to study at the School of Economic and Political Science.
Career Development
In the 1970s, Oden began his career as an expert in housing policy.
After resigning from his director position in public relations at a housing corporation, he took charge of the housing program at the Council for Social Development in 1969. There, he conducted various housing studies.
Advancing to a New Level
By the end of 1973, Michael secured a new role as a special advisor to the Minister of Housing.
During his tenure, he significantly improved social and cooperative housing in British Columbia. To further develop this sector, Michael facilitated the acquisition of Dunhill Development, which later transformed into a Housing Corporation.
Head of the Commission
Oden was later offered the position of chairing the Provincial Mobile Housing Commission. In 1976, he founded his own company, Oden Planning, which studied Canada’s housing policy and provided recommendations.
Another Position
In 1994, Oden was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Affordable Housing.
Through his work and his company’s initiatives, he played a key role in reshaping government attitudes toward real estate in the region.
Teaching
Between 1977 and 1979, Michael was a lecturer at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Vancouver. The best students had the opportunity to intern at his company.
Lucrative Collaboration
In September 1980, Michael began collaborating with Polygon Properties Limited. His company became one of the firm’s partners.
Later, in 1988, he assumed the presidency of this organization. By 1992, he had purchased it outright, becoming the sole owner.
A Pivotal Organization
Discussing Michael’s entrepreneurial endeavors, it is essential to mention another company that played a crucial role in his career—Polygon Homes.
The company was founded in 1980. Initially, Michael focused on residential neighborhood development, later forming housing cooperatives and nonprofit organizations.
However, in 1983, he began elevating the company to a new level, expanding into townhouse and apartment construction.
In 1988, the company underwent further expansion, leading Michael to sell a stake in Lang Property Corporation.
A New Stage
When this firm became part of P&O Limited, Oden and his partners negotiated the acquisition of all company shares.
As a result, Polygon essentially gained control over all real estate in the province.
Following the death of his primary business partner, Michael became the company’s majority shareholder. He also assumed the roles of president and chief executive officer.
Polygon Homes, along with its subsidiary Morningstar Homes, eventually built over thirty-two thousand homes—just in Vancouver alone.