About Us

About Terry Collier MSc & Associates

We are a small team of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We look forward to working with you.

From design to development to marketing and sales, Terry Collier, MSc. & Associates provides a variety of services in the seniors housing industry.

Our Team

Terry Collier, MSc

Founder & Principal, Terry Collier & Associates
Seniors Housing Authority | Consumer Behavior Researcher | Real Estate Developer & Investor

BIOGRAPHY

Terry Collier is one of Western Canada’s foremost authorities on seniors housing as an asset class. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has built an unmatched body of research into geriatric consumer behavior, specifically, what motivates independent adults to transition from one housing type to another, and why the vast majority never make that move at all.

His research centers on a critical question for the industry: what events need to occur in a senior’s life to create enough cognitive dissonance to support a change in residential venue? The inconsistency between a senior’s belief system and their actions is, in Terry’s view, the key to understanding why so many age in place despite mounting evidence of harm. The World Health Organization reports that 14% of seniors worldwide are clinically depressed, with social isolation a primary driver, a statistic that Terry’s work seeks to address through better community design.

That research is not theoretical. Terry has translated four decades of behavioral insight into a proven development model. His firm, Terry Collier & Associates (TC&A), has developed and marketed $450 million worth of seniors properties across Western Canada, 29 properties in total, and currently operates five Supportive Seniors Living residences that are outperforming conventional multi-family assets on every meaningful metric: consistent rent growth, low turnover, and extraordinarily low tenant loss rates, even in markets where traditional rental housing is struggling to hold revenue.

With many additional properties now in development across North America, TC&A is scaling a portfolio that demonstrates the thesis Terry has spent his career proving: that purpose-built seniors housing designed around genuine community connection, is not just a social good, it is an exceptional investment.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Terry’s career in seniors housing began in 1985, developing digital solutions for a chain of seniors properties in Southern California. His interest in the behavioral science behind seniors housing deepened during his Master’s program, where he focused on geriatric consumer behavior and the purchasing decisions of aging populations.

He returned to his roots in Canada, joining a seniors developer’s marketing division where his research directly informed the design and programming of seniors communities across Canada. As a faculty member and lecturer at Medicine Hat College, Grande Prairie College, and Red Deer College, Terry facilitated the development of a supportive living property in each community.

Today, Terry is the architect of the Three Robins Active Living Community model, a research-driven approach to 55+ housing that integrates programming, marketing, management, and development under one framework. He is actively driving the development of new seniors communities bringing buildings from concept to construction. Across a growing portfolio of brands, Terry oversees every dimension of the process, from community programming and resident experience to market positioning, property operations, and capital strategy. He continues to conduct focus groups and primary research to ensure each property reflects the evolving needs and motivations of the seniors market.

EDUCATION & RESEARCH

Master of Science (MSc.) — Geriatric Consumer Behavior
Advanced Doctoral Coursework (ABD) — Seniors residential decision-making; cognitive dissonance in aging populations
40+ years of primary research into seniors consumer behavior and residential decision-making

RESEARCH FOCUS
Geriatric consumer behavior and purchasing decisions • Residential transition triggers in aging populations • Cognitive dissonance and aging in place • Seniors supportive living design and programming • Active living community development and investment performance • Alternative housing as a high-yield asset class

Ron Usher

Ron studied Architectural Illustration at MacEwan University in Edmonton and quickly gained work in Toronto working for Setterington and Company Marketing Agency, an organization that specialized in builder development marketing for single, multi-family, hi-rise, and commercial advertising.

Ron then got an opportunity to work with a major Architectural firm inChicago, Rael D. Stutsky &Assoc. Inc. Creating architectural renderings for residential, commercial, mix-use, hi-rise, and institutional projects throughout the U.S.

Ron made a return to Edmonton to start his own consulting firm specializing in commercial and residential marketing offering architectural rendering, interior design, exterior design and integrated marketing/brand systems.

Over the last decade, and as opportunities presented themselves Ron’s firm has focused on seniors residential projects gaining valuable expertise and insights in this growing area.

Ron has developed and honed his craft over three decades creating unique skill sets, and garnering the confidence of builders and developers across North America.

Trudy McAuley

Trudy McAuley transitioned into being part of a marketing team focused on Active Adult Apartments with aging in place amenities. Trudy’s passion is spending time with clients, listening to their life journey and helping them find solutions to their problems as they begin the process of moving into their new home and becoming part of a community.

Whether it’s helping a resident that is parting with their prized possessions or encouraging them to meet their new neighbors to begin to end loneliness, Trudy McAuley guides them through an often difficult time.

As part of the marketing team Trudy McAuley has planned ground breakers, participated in development of collateral material, presented on various topics at socials (large gatherings of people brought together to educate clients on senior issues as well as the project being built) maintained a data base, rent roll and moved residents into properties.

A seasoned consultant specializing in the strategic design, development, and execution of tailored programming for 55+ communities. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of older adults, she crafts engaging initiatives that promote connection, wellness, and enrichment within apartment settings.

Janet Halbesma

Meet Janet, a seasoned professional with over four decades of invaluable business experience, primarily centered around customer service and human resources. For the past five years, Janet has ventured into the realm of continuing care, where her dedication shines brightest. Beginning her journey in long-term care, Janet focused on delivering personalized one-on-one support to clients, establishing profound connections along the way.

Janet’s career trajectory took an exciting turn when she partnered with Terry Collier as a leasing manager. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment, showcasing Janet’s adaptability and knack for forging meaningful partnerships. Her transition into this role was seamless, thanks to her wealth of personal experiences and unwavering passion for senior care. She had the opportunity to tour a Three Robins Community and was excited to see how programs and amenities could make a huge difference in the lives of seniors and wanted to be a part of the process.

As part of the marketing team Janet looks forward to getting to know clients and assisting them as they embark on their new journey in life.

As Janet continues to evolve professionally and personally, her journey serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to blend career success with genuine compassion. With her unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to service, Janet is poised to continue making a profound difference in the lives of seniors and the communities she touches.

Len Halbesma

Len is the most recent person to join our team. After a 40 year career in grocery store management, he brings with him a wealth of business experience and IT skills. His passion resides in analytics, spreadsheets, and business processes that offer organization and efficiencies.

Len is excited to be a part of our team as he recognizes that the past business model of senior care is outdated, and he is motivated to play his part in affecting change. Today’s senior is more sophisticated, more knowledgeable, and desires choices. A place to live is no longer good enough. Active Adult Living is more than a catchphrase. It is how we see ourselves living after retirement. He looks forward to bringing this vision to life.

Blair Knott

Blair Knott has worked for consulting companies and the Alberta Government as a Civil Engineer for the last 30 years. He joins Terry Collier and Associates because of his interest in the fast paced world of development and construction and his interest in making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and those living in multifamily buildings.

Blair is a civil engineer who specializes in multi-family developments, traffic, and parking assessments. He is also a development manager and is our occupancy coordinator for our multi-family projects.

Providing a variety of services in the seniors housing industry – from design to development to marketing and sales.

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