Eric Carlson, CEO of Anthem Properties: uber-builder, blistering critic of lefty ideologues – and a calm and thoughtful guy
Eric Carlson has a well-earned reputation as a blistering critic of the dumb, ideological interventions of government. He is also one of a handful of Vancouver development-industry heavyweights—someone who has been helping reshape the region for decades while building a diversified, integrated, international real estate and development empire. His Anthem Properties Group now employs more than 850 people here and abroad. But Carlson may be most famous in the public mind for a searing attack on NDP Premier David Eby that ran in the Victoria Times Colonist just before the last election—an outburst that quickly went viral.
Reading that piece, you might expect to meet a snarling polemicist with blood in his teeth.
In person—and on the upcoming podcast—Carlson proves to be so much more. He’s a guy who can rightly rile up a crowd. But when you ask him to back up the sharp invective, what you get is—well—nuance. Carlson has revealed himself as a lifelong student of psychology, history, international relations… and even music appreciation.
The man is razor-sharp. He thinks fast, explains complex issues clearly and without bullshit, all while remaining surprisingly compassionate. He speaks with real authority, zero filter, and a brutal sense of humour. Tough as nails, yet genuinely funny.
There’s no question that Carlson is fierce. He still puts in 80-hour weeks and stays deep in the weeds on every aspect of his business. But he’s also willing to go deep. Our conversation ranged from childhood influences and the early grind to Anthem’s evolution, why company culture matters, Vancouver civic politics, communism, ESG (what he calls corporate wokeism), the game-changing Cowichan fee-simple decision, global macroeconomic shifts, and everything in between.
From Anthem’s corporate strategy to Carlson’s measured analysis of the issues, the person you find at the mic is someone deeply thoughtful—who assumes you probably are, too.
The podcast is a blast. You won’t want to miss it.
Welcome to the Goodman Report Podcast!
Each episode, we’ll dive deep into the world of real estate – exploring market trends, the latest drivers, and industry insights.
Be sure to follow the Goodman Report Podcast on your favorite platform and subscribe to get the latest episodes ?
