A BRIEF HISTORY
After graduation from the University of Toronto, Hermann J. Kircher joined Ford of Canada, initially as Financial Analyst, and then as an associate in the Market Representation Department. In 1965 he was attracted to Larry Smith and Associates, an international Market Research firm, that provided consulting services to the Real Estate Industry, with particular emphasis on commercial developments.
Larry Smith & Associates had been founded in 1947, in Seattle, by the late Laurence P. Smith, one of the pioneers in the development of professional Market Feasibility Studies for complex real estate developments. The company grew quickly and had opened offices in the USA, Canada and Europe. Hermann had the benefit of working with Larry for several years, before his untimely death.
After the death of Larry Smith, Hermann was asked to assist the European offices of the firm, to grow, mature, become profitable, and reach independence. He provided consulting services to a rapidly growing international clientele, from offices in Lausanne, Paris, London and Brussels. The company’s targets were reached by 1970, when Hermann returned to Canada, and was appointed President of the firm.
In 1975 Hermann was instrumental in the merger of Larry Smith and Associates with Coopers & Lybrand, a firm of Chartered Accountants, Business Advisors, and Consultants. Larry Smith and Associates continued to operate under its own name, as a Division of Coopers & Lybrand. Hermann was elected Partner of Coopers and Lybrand; responsible for Real Estate and Retail Consulting services.
After an association of 27 years with Larry Smith and Associates, and serving as Consulting Partner at Coopers & Lybrand for a dozen years, Hermann decided that it was time for a change. Kircher Research Associates Ltd. was opened in 1992.