"I'd be going around to development sites with Dad, sitting at dinner talking about the business," he recalled. "It's in your blood and it becomes intense."

Born and raised in Burnaby, Beedie said he never considered having a career outside of the family business. He joined the company in 1993 and has been responsible for all new development projects and land acquisitions since 1994.

Under his command, the company has become the largest landlord of industrial space in B.C., with 4.6 million square feet.

After finishing his undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, Beedie worked as a chartered accountant at Ernst & Young. After that eight-month stint, he completed an MBA in real estate and finance.

The Beedie Group buys land, designs and builds industrial buildings and then either sells or leases the buildings. In about half of cases it will hold the building and become the landlord, but Beedie said there's a growing trend of companies buying the building they occupy.

"Smaller companies want to own the building," he said, noting that larger multinationals, on the other hand, will lease their premises.

Beedie plans to expand into Calgary while at the same time diversifying into residential and commercial real estate developments.

Beedie's attempted foray into the hockey business is a sore point. He and Tom Gaglardi, CEO of the Sandman Hotel Inn and Suites, attempted to buy the Vancouver Canucks and GM Place but the deal went sour.

Beedie spends much of his free time with his wife Cindy and their three kids, ages 10, eight and five.

Profession you would like to try: Lead guitarist in a rock band

Where do you feel most comfortable? On the beach in Hawaii

Favourite movie: After Hours

Currently reading: Politicians, Partisans and Parasites

Toughest decision: Whether to have a third child

Car: Silver BMW 645 convertible

Would most like to meet: Bono

Born: Burnaby

Last CD bought: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, by U2

Education: SFU, UBC

What's left to do: Travel the world