For Natasha Paikin, the home building industry has always felt like home. Her earliest memories with the association are from her toddler years and include spending time tagging along at the New Horizon office, and the community barbecues complete with a homebuilder dunk tank. What began as childhood impressions of a close-knit, energetic industry quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.

Today, at just 29, Natasha serves as Director of Client Experience at New Horizon Development Group (NHDG) and as a dedicated executive board member with the West End Home Builders’ Association. Her position at NHDG covers the client experience journey, from sales and design through occupancy and service, while also involving her in planning new developments and community initiatives. “There’s never really a typical day,” she reflects. “And that’s what I love most about it.”

Carrying Forward a Legacy

From an early age, Natasha was drawn to the home building industry. Her father, Jeff Paikin, co-founder and president of NHDG, often cautioned her about its challenges, reminding her it was a risk-heavy and demanding career. Still, she remained fascinated. “I was always interested, always watching. I didn’t stay away,” she reflects.

Jeff’s influence, as well as that of Joe Giacomodonato, co-founder and vice president of NHDG, remains central to Natasha’s journey, particularly their examples of humility, gratitude, and what she explains as “servant leadership.” She recalls moments when Jeff and Joe pitch in on small tasks, a powerful reminder that no task is beneath a good leader. “That energy bleeds through the rest of the team,” Natasha explains. It’s a philosophy she carries into her own leadership style. “Humility and gratitude are the values that set our team apart. Every challenge is faced like it’s new, and every win is something we’re grateful for, never taken for granted.”

A Voice in the Association

Natasha’s involvement with WE HBA began in 2018 when she joined NHDG. Her first stop was the Marketing and Membership Committee, which at the time was a standing committee that has since been discontinued, where she built connections that remain close to this day. From there, she moved into Design Council, and eventually the Board in 2021. This year marks her first as part of the Executive.

She first stepped into the spotlight with WE HBA’s Women in Industry Committee (WIN) as a guest speaker during the Coffee for the WIN webinar series at the height of the pandemic. For Natasha, that moment was both nerve-wracking and deeply meaningful. Her grandmother, Marnie Paikin, was the first to sign onto Zoom to watch the webinar – one of the final moments in her career of which Marnie would bear witness – making it one of her most cherished career memories. Later, she reflected on another milestone at the 2024 Industry Luncheon: “Taking part in the panel discussion on affordable housing, alongside Habitat for Humanity Halton and the City of Hamilton’s Housing Secretariat, was the most substantial public speaking opportunity I’ve had in the industry to date. I appreciate every chance to contribute to, and keep growing through, this association.”

Beyond the local level, Natasha currently contributes provincially on the Tarion Industry Advisory Council and nationally through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Women in Residential Construction Committee. Representing WE HBA in Victoria this year, she joined discussions on how smaller HBAs across Canada can adopt similar committees and initiatives to WE HBA. “Associations across the country are looking to us,” she notes, proud that WE HBA was the first home builders’ association in Canada to create a dedicated women’s group, the Women in Industry (WIN) Committee.

Facing Industry Challenges

Natasha reflects thoughtfully on the obstacles home builders face. Increased interest rates, escalating construction costs, tariffs, economic uncertainty, and prolonged approvals have created a housing crisis that she describes as among the most challenging the industry has seen in decades. She believes WE HBA’s strength lies in advocacy: “Educating all three levels of government on what the industry and society need to recover is critical. We can’t take our foot off the pedal.”

She also points to the importance of adaptation. “As more builders pivot from condos to rental housing, and as new missing middle policies take hold, we have to evolve to ensure every segment of the industry is represented and supported.”

Looking Ahead

Through WE HBA’s structured succession plan, Natasha envisions growing her role on the Executive, with a clear path toward taking on greater leadership responsibilities in the coming years. “It’s rare for HBAs across the country to have a succession plan like ours,” she says. “We’re in a very good position, and it’s something that prepares the next generation of leaders.”

Her advice for anyone considering involvement with WE HBA is simple: “Do it. Put any fears aside. You’ll be surrounded by smart, successful people who are also just genuinely great. It’s always a value add.”

Beyond the Boardroom

Away from the office, Natasha finds joy in adventure. This past summer, she spent ten days living in a VW camper van exploring Lofoten Islands in Norway under 24-hour daylight, her third time embracing the minimalist “van life” abroad. “It’s surprising to people, but I love it,” she laughs. The experience added a personal highlight to her year, offering a balance to her professional life and a chance to recharge in nature.

Closing Reflections

From early memories at association events to her impact on the future of WE HBA, Natasha Paikin’s story is one of connection and purpose. Natasha continues to shape her own path, balancing tradition with innovation, and carrying forward the values that inspire her most.