From Firefighter to Real Estate Developer: Paul D'Abruzzo's Journey & Investing Tips

In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham interviews Paul D'Abruzzo, an investor-focused realtor and developer in the GTA. Paul shares his background as a former Toronto firefighter for 10 years, retiring to focus on real estate after juggling multiple roles as a husband, father, investor, and realtor. He started investing in 2009 with his first property in Hamilton for $238,000, growing his portfolio through hard work and no handouts, influenced by his old-school Italian grandparents' emphasis on diligence. Paul highlights authenticity in the industry, stressing that being an active investor himself allows genuine conversations and mentorship for clients ranging from small-scale rentals to large developments.

Transitioning to development, Paul explains how he and partner Drew Toth specialize in projects like infill developments, 6-9 unit buildings, and larger townhome complexes, including recently completed 18 units and upcoming 26 townhomes. He introduces his coined term "Return on Lifestyle" (ROL), learned the hard way after burnout, emphasizing that investments must improve life quality—such as more family time or reduced work hours—beyond just cash flow. Paul's turning point came at age 23 attending T. Harv Eker's Millionaire Mind Intensive and Never Work Again conference, inspiring passive income pursuits and realizing the advantages of starting young.

As of November 2025, Paul's key project involves repurposing 5-6 acres of Seaway Mall parking lots in Welland, Ontario, into a dense residential hub with 15 blocks, starting with 26 townhomes on block 4. Using a GPLP structure, investors can participate passively at developer-level profits with minimums of $50,000-$100,000, requiring accredited status or prior relationships. Amid high housing demand and economic challenges like inflation, this pro-growth initiative offers strong returns and monthly educational calls for learning development processes. The episode blends inspiring stories with practical advice for building wealth in Ontario's evolving real estate market.