A Gateway to Greatness
For Charles Wah, founder and president of Gateway Group and current Second Vice Chair at the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA), entrepreneurship wasn’t just a dream – it was in his blood.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Charles has always been rooted in his community. From studying Computer Engineering & Management at McMaster University to working in computer hardware and chip design for five years, he developed a strong technical and analytical foundation. Charles’s leap into entrepreneurship didn’t follow a traditional path. In 2013, the company he worked for unexpectedly closed its doors, and like many transformative moments, this apparent setback soon became an opportunity that defined his future.
“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he says. His parents, who built a life in Canada after arriving from Malaysia, were his earliest role models. Together, they started and grew a successful business, and continue to support Charles in his work today.
In 2014, Charles launched Gateway Group, diving headfirst into the complex world of real estate development. His first project? A 10.5-acre site in Ancaster where, in his words, “everything that could go wrong, went wrong.” With no servicing, woodlot constraints, and daunting feedback from the city, the project came with a steep learning curve. But with a vendor take-back mortgage and a partnership with LIV Communities, Charles turned the challenge into his first big success – a 46-townhome development, marking a meaningful milestone both personally and professionally.
Gateway’s Niche and Philosophy
Charles chose the name “Gateway” to reflect his belief in creating openings to opportunity, whether through helping tenants become homeowners, supporting first-time buyers as they enter the market, or empowering his team to grow and advance in their careers.
Gateway Group has carved out a niche in multi-unit infill developments that offer practical solutions to housing affordability. Often featuring duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes with rental suites, these projects help first-time buyers manage their mortgage costs while contributing to the revitalization of existing neighborhoods.
Recognizing that only a few practical resources existed to support aspiring infill developers, Charles co-created what he calls the “Infill Development Bible,” a 400-page guide and two-day crash course on navigating small-scale projects. The goal? To empower others to build confidently and contribute to housing solutions.
His passion for building communities is matched by his belief in the importance of collaboration. He credits much of his growth to mentors, partners, and the network he’s built through WE HBA. “I didn’t know anyone when I joined the association over ten years ago. Now, many of my closest friends are through WE HBA,” he says. “Getting involved through volunteering, starting with the U40 Committee, was a game-changer for me.”
For Charles, success in entrepreneurship often comes down to mindset. “I think mindset is key – staying positive, being resilient, and believing you can figure things out,” he says. “I didn’t always know what I was doing, but I knew I had to surround myself with the right people and figure it out.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Gateway continues to adapt to industry realities. Charles remains optimistic about the future, both for Gateway and for the city of Hamilton. He points to major projects like the Pier 8 revitalization and the redevelopment of the downtown arena as signs of renewed investment and energy in the city’s core.
Looking ahead, Charles sees WE HBA continuing to grow in impact, particularly by advocating for reduced development charges and faster planning processes. “Our industry is one of the largest employers in Canada. If we’re doing well, the economy is doing well.”
He also hopes to see more professionals in the industry take full advantage of what the association has to offer. “Join. Engage. Volunteer,” he advises. “The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.”
For aspiring developers or anyone thinking of launching a business, Charles’s story is a reminder that experience is often the best teacher – you don’t need all the answers to get started. You just need the courage to begin, and the resilience to keep moving forward.
Charles Wah (centre) of Gateway Group accepts the WE HBA 2025 Award of Distinction for Best Renovation in the $75,000 to $150,000 category, awarded for Project Magnolia.
