Group Leadership

Gary E. Laughton

AACI, P.APP, AAPI, MRICS

Leading independent valuation and advisory assignments across Central America and the Caribbean for more than three decades.

Trusted by institutional investors, banks, sovereign wealth funds, developers, and global real estate groups for complex cross-border valuation and strategic advisory.

FOUNDER MESSAGE

Independent Advice Built on Regional Experience

Objective valuation requires regional insight, not standardized assumptions.

Since founding The Bristol Collective in 2013, I have personally led the delivery of independent valuation and strategic advisory services for complex real estate assets across the Caribbean and Central America.

With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in Latin American markets, I have gained through years of on-the-ground work in Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Belize, and many of the smaller island nations — I bring a level of regional insight and market intuition that allows me to guide clients through high-stakes decisions on resorts, private islands, master-planned communities, and large land holdings.

My goal has always been to provide truly objective, conflict-free advice to international owners and investors who need credible valuations without the local biases or corporate constraints that often complicate regional work. What I enjoy most about this role is building both exceptional teams and lasting client relationships. I have deliberately created a flexible model that lets me assemble the perfect combination of senior valuation specialists and regional experts for every engagement, ensuring we match the exact expertise required.

At the same time, I have focused heavily on proactive client development — identifying opportunities, earning trust through consistent delivery, and cultivating long-term partnerships with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, global banks, family offices, and developers who return to us year after year because they know they will receive unbiased, high-caliber work tailored to their specific needs.

2013 — Present

Founder & Principal Consultant

The Bristol Collective • Full-time
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Led delivery of independent valuation and advisory assignments across the Caribbean and Central America.
  • Specialized in resorts, island valuations, major land holdings, and complex mixed-use properties.
  • Built a trusted network of accredited experts with 30+ years of regional market experience.
2008 — 2020

Vice President, Valuations LATAM – Caribbean

Colliers International Realty Advisors
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Executed valuation and consulting assignments across Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Built and led strong client relationships and multi-country valuation teams.
  • Provided valuation support for London Stock Exchange listings.
2002 — 2007

Director, Valuation Services

Colliers International Realty Advisors Inc.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Led business development and managed appraisal & consulting teams.
  • Increased valuation staffing significantly and improved operational recovery.
  • Directed merger and acquisition valuation teams across Canada and Europe.
1995 — 1999

Manager, Consulting Services

Colliers International
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Developed and managed specialist appraisal and consulting practices.
  • Completed strategic valuation and feasibility reports for major infrastructure projects.
  • Managed appraisal assignments involving airports, ports, and large land developments.
1990 — 1995

Partner, Vancouver Valuation Practice

Parkes Laughton & Associates
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Co-founded and expanded a successful valuation practice serving institutional clients.
  • Completed airport ground lease studies involving North American airports.
  • Achieved annual fee revenues exceeding $550,000 in a highly competitive market.
1999 — 2001

Director, Independent Expert Valuation

Realbase Consulting
Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Provided independent expert valuation and strategic real estate support.
  • Completed high-value valuation assignments for public and government clients.
  • Delivered advisory on complex land, housing, and infrastructure assets.

Canada’s Economic Tightrope

Most economists and trade data support the view that Canada’s high standard of living is linked to its economic policies and trade relationships amid global uncertainty.

Is Belize Stuck or Thriving?

Explores Belize’s economic progress, historical trends, and future growth potential.

What Bananas?

Discusses Chiquita’s exit from Panama and the broader economic shifts affecting the region.

First Quantum Minerals Signals

Analysis of arbitration developments and the impact on Panama mining investments.

Canal Power Shift

Examines BlackRock’s Panama Ports acquisition and potential impacts on property values and infrastructure.

Safe Havens vs. Struggles

Country risk analysis examining stability and economic conditions across Central America and the Caribbean.

Panama’s Path to Progress

Discusses possible resolution paths for the Cobre Mine dispute and regional economic recovery.

Water – At Risk?

Highlights water scarcity, infrastructure gaps, and climate-related property impacts across Central America and the Caribbean.

If You Are Evaluating a Complex Asset

We are available to provide perspective where clarity is required.

We’ll take it from there. A senior advisor will contact you directly.