Traction on Demand CEO agrees to purchase Nelson Legion building
By Nelson Daily Staff
One of the worst kept secrets in Nelson is about to see more discussion around the water cooler after the Royal Canadian Legion, Nelson Branch 51 announced the decision to sell the building at 402 Victoria Street to Mulberry Holdings.
The decision to proceed with the sale to Mulberry Holdings principal owner Greg Malpass followed a special meeting of Nelson Branch 51 membership Sunday.
More than 95 eligible members attended the meeting, voting 95 percent in favour of the sale.
Malpass, who grew up in Nelson, plans to move a branch of North America’s largest independent consulting and application development firm Traction on Demand to his hometown in the Spring of 2019.
Traction on Demand is a technology company that implements and coordinates cloud-based marketing strategies for its clients.
“The decision to open an office in Nelson came after much discussion with the entire Traction on Demand organization,” Malpass said in a Blog article on the company website.
“Several employees have expressed interest in working in a small, vibrant community with affordable housing and a short commute.
“Similarly, Nelson residents have also shown enthusiasm for the potential opportunities this new office brings.”
Malpass launched Traction on Demand in 2006 and was the company’s only employee for the first four years. Since then, Traction on Demand has grown rapidly – the company now employs 75 people and lists large-scale firms such as Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers and Bombardier as clients.
The proposed sale includes the Nelson Branch 51 Legion leasing the main floor and basement spaces back from Mulberry for a 20-year period. Malpass, present during the special meeting, outlined his plans for the future of the building to the membership.
Terms of the sale, other than the leasing back to Nelson Branch 51 Legion, were not released.
Traction on Demand CEO Greg stands outside the front door of Nelson Branch 51 of the Royal Canadian Legion. — Photo courtesy Traction on Demand website