Meet Our Team
Douglas Bender ~ CEO
Douglas Bender is the Founder and Principal of Enzo Developments Inc., an award-winning real estate development and investment firm headquartered in Alberta, Canada. Renowned throughout Western Canada for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence, Douglas consistently delivers landmark residential and recreational communities distinguished by architectural distinction, operational mastery, and exceptional investor value.
Douglas’s project portfolio represents the pinnacle of luxury and lifestyle in Western Canadian real estate:
- Madera Ranch RV Resort: An exclusive, all-season retreat on Lake Koocanusa, seamlessly blending high-end amenities with pristine wilderness.
- Newgate Sandy Shores Campground: A celebrated lakeside destination, acclaimed for its elevated hospitality standards and unique natural setting.
- Cavallo Ridge: A premier four-season resort crafted to blend sophisticated design, year-round recreational opportunities, and sustainable luxury living.
- Southern Edge Developments: Signature residential and mixed-use projects redefining best-in-class living standards across Alberta’s most sought-after markets.
- The Nest at Crowsnest Mountain Resort: An iconic property at the base of Crowsnest Mountain, delivering unparalleled alpine luxury and direct access to world-class outdoor recreation.
With more than two decades of experience, Douglas Bender is highly regarded for his expertise in land acquisition, master planning, capital structuring, and stakeholder relations. His rigorous approach, forward-thinking leadership, and dedication to investor success have positioned Enzo Developments at the forefront of the region’s real estate sector.
Douglas is personally involved in every stage of development, ensuring each Enzo project sets a new benchmark in quality and value. His commitment to innovation, integrity, and sustained excellence has earned the trust of discerning residents, investors, and business partners across the Enzo portfolio
Tom Hochhausen ~ CFO
Tom Hochhausen serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CAO) of Enzo Developments,
Ashley Brennan ~ CAO
Ashley Brennan serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Enzo Developments, bringing strategic operational leadership and extensive business management expertise to the company. As the founder and owner of Brennan Consulting Services, Ashley has built a reputation for delivering tailored, high-impact consulting solutions to businesses across Alberta’s energy, trades, and real estate sectors.
With a comprehensive background that includes operations management, human resources, project management, finance, and legal expertise, Ashley excels in driving operational excellence, streamlining complex workflows, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Her hands-on leadership style and commitment to process optimization have been instrumental in scaling Enzo Developments’ projects efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and responsiveness.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley is passionate about family and life balance. She actively supports her daughter’s ambitious journey as a 16-year-old athlete pursuing a professional career in women’s motocross, sharing a profound commitment to perseverance and excellence both on and off the track. Ashley’s love of travel further enriches her perspective, inspiring innovation and dedication in all her endeavours.
Ashley combines a solid foundation in accounting, legal, and commerce disciplines with extensive operational expertise. She is widely respected for her integrity, dedication, and exceptional ability to cultivate lasting relationships with clients, partners, and team members.
Thomas Glenn Shypitka ~ CRO
Thomas Glenn Shypitka is a distinguished Canadian politician and respected community leader, currently serving on the management team at Enzo Developments with a focus on governance and regulatory affairs. A fifth-generation resident of the East Kootenay region, Tom possesses a profound understanding of the local economic and cultural environment, rooted in deep generational ties.
Elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 2017, Tom represented the electoral district of Kootenay East as a member of the BC United caucus. Throughout his tenure, he held key leadership roles including Official Opposition Critic for Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, and Caucus Chair. He also contributed significantly as Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, demonstrating his commitment to prudent fiscal oversight and robust policy development.
Tom also served on the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) as a board director. Examining land use applications, amending bylaws, and engaging in public consultation was a small part of the ongoing workload Tom experienced while serving.
Tom has a diverse entrepreneurial background, having owned and operated several hospitality establishments, over a 30 year span. He further honed his financial acumen during a seven-year tenure as a financial advisor with Sun Life Financial. He currently serves as a Realtor with East Kootenay Realty after completing his Licencing through the Saunders School of business at UBC.
Complementing his business and financial expertise, Tom’s extensive experience in real estate development, has endowed him with comprehensive knowledge of land acquisition, permitting processes, legislative frameworks, agricultural affairs, and Indigenous land reserve governance.
Tom and his wife have raised three children and enjoy the company of their two grandchildren. His enduring dedication to public service and active community engagement underscores his professional and personal values.
In his capacity at Enzo Developments, Tom applies his political insight and regulatory expertise to ensure strategic compliance with governance standards, fostering transparency and disciplined operations across the company’s projects.
Dacy Zacharias ~ Chief Experience Officer
Dacy Zacharias serves as the Chief Experience Officer at Enzo Developments, bringing extensive expertise in strategic communication, public relations, and advocacy. Prior to joining Enzo Developments, Dacy was the Awareness Manager for Cochlear Canada, where she played a crucial role in advocating for access to bilateral cochlear implants for deaf children, successfully challenging government policies to expand qualification eligibility.
At Enzo Developments, Dacy leads the creation and execution of integrated communication strategies that support business objectives, elevate brand reputation, and foster transparent engagement with investors, clients, partners, and communities. Her comprehensive skill set includes media relations, crisis management, digital marketing, and internal communications, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all platforms.
Dacy’s leadership is defined by her commitment to purposeful communication that aligns with organizational goals, building trust and strengthening relationships. Her strong advocacy background and results-driven approach have been instrumental in positioning Enzo Developments as a leader characterized by integrity and innovation.
Throughout her career, Dacy has demonstrated a passionate dedication to championing causes with meaningful social impact, combining this experience with a collaborative leadership style to advance Enzo Developments’ mission and values.
Aaron Gauer ~ Chief Development Officer
Aaron Gauer serves as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Enzo Developments, bringing a wealth of expertise in project development, operations management, and strategic growth initiatives. In addition to his leadership role at Enzo Developments, Aaron is the owner of Gauer Power LTD., a respected business based in Kimberley, BC, which further underscores his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to the local community.
At Enzo Developments, Aaron oversees all aspects of project development from inception through completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the company’s vision for quality and innovation. His hands-on leadership and industry knowledge drive operational excellence and sustainable growth across the company’s diverse portfolio.
Aaron’s dual experience as a successful business owner and development executive equips him with a unique perspective on integrating business objectives with practical project execution. He is recognized for his strategic mindset, problem-solving capabilities, and his ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams.
Committed to advancing Enzo Developments’ mission, Aaron continues to leverage his business insights and development expertise to deliver impactful projects that contribute to community prosperity and long-term value.