Commercial real estate rewards patience, expertise and a willingness to think long term. Few people understand this better than Gayland Panko, owner/manager of Royal LePage® Next Level.
Based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Gayland has built a focused commercial real estate practice, serving clients throughout Regina and communities across southern Saskatchewan, including Assiniboia, Swift Current and Weyburn. While his business spans several commercial asset classes, his primary focus is farmland, complemented by industrial properties – a combination that reflects the unique economic landscape of the Prairies.
Today, Gayland is also helping shape the future of Royal LePage CommercialTM as a member of the National Commercial Advisory Council (NCAC), bringing valuable regional insight to national conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing commercial practitioners across Canada.
A career built on experience
Gayland’s journey to commercial real estate began as an investor. Years of building and managing his own commercial portfolio gave him firsthand insight into what buyers, sellers and investors are looking for, eventually leading him to pursue a career in commercial real estate.
“I started investing in commercial real estate in the U.S. during the recession and expanded throughout Canada every year since,” he said. “I started in agricultural land, then multifamily, retail, medical office, industrial, and now I am a developer as well.”
That investor mindset continues to shape the advice he gives clients today, grounding every transaction in practical business decisions and long-term value.
Royal LePage Next Level: Defining success beyond the transaction
When asked about the defining moments in his career, Gayland points to more than sales achievements.
While earning Royal LePage® National Chairman’s Club™ status – recognizing the top 1% of agents in the company nationwide – was a significant career milestone, Gayland believes purchasing and growing Royal LePage Next Level has been his most rewarding accomplishment.
“I believe there are a series of moments constantly changing my career,” he said. “Making the National Chairman’s Club for GCI as an individual was a major milestone, but buying a brokerage will prove to be the most rewarding because it was so challenging.”
He is equally proud of helping guide his brokerage, Royal LePage Next Level through periods of change.
“Building Royal LePage Next Level alongside the wonderful agents who have had my back has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. We are truly a family, and the change and growth I see every month makes me very proud.”
The value of a national perspective
As a member of the NCAC, Gayland helps ensure the perspectives of commercial professionals across Saskatchewan and other regional markets are represented in discussions that shape Royal LePage Commercial’s future.
He believes one of the council’s greatest strengths is bringing together professionals from markets of every size.
“I knew we might have different opinions in different parts of the country, but it is intriguing to hear the concerns of large-city agents versus more remote practitioners,” he said. “It shows there is never a one-size-fits-all solution in a country as big as Canada.”
For Gayland, diverse regional representation is essential when developing programs, policies and resources that support commercial professionals nationwide.
“Being accountable to the entire country instead of a handful of large cities is important,” he said. “Without a diverse group of asset classes and geographical areas, it is extremely hard to spot all of the adverse effects of well-intentioned policies.”
Advice for commercial professionals
Commercial real estate often requires months, or even years, of work before a transaction reaches the finish line. Staying focused throughout that process is one of the habits Gayland believes separates successful practitioners from the rest.
“Stay focused on the work in front of you and don’t get ahead of yourself,” he said. “Every deal requires persistence from start to finish, and there’s always another opportunity waiting.”
He also emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced professionals and building trusted relationships throughout the industry.
“The most experienced and successful people are always helpful,” he said. “The commercial world is very small, so it’s relatively easy to figure out who is legitimate and who isn’t.”
A market unlike any other
Gayland’s market is currently experiencing one of the most significant farmland events in recent Canadian history.
“Our market just got flooded with the largest farmland liquidation, maybe in Canada’s history, from one owner,” he said. “Over $700 million all listed on the same day.”
The unprecedented listing has increased scrutiny on agricultural lending and created uncertainty around future land values, highlighting how regional markets can face challenges that differ dramatically from larger urban centres.
Building your own business
For agents considering a career in commercial real estate, Gayland believes success comes from developing deep expertise in a specific market segment while leveraging the support and opportunities available through the Royal LePage network.
“Commercial real estate gives you the opportunity to become the go-to expert in your market while building a business that’s truly your own,” he said. “With the right support, relationships and commitment to learning, there’s tremendous potential to grow.”
His career demonstrates that success in commercial real estate isn’t built overnight. It comes from developing expertise, maintaining your reputation and staying focused on the long game – qualities that continue to shape both his business and his contributions to Royal LePage Commercial through the NCAC.
