Founder & Managing Director, EDI

Martin Soltys is a Canadian entrepreneur and the founder of Entertainment Development Institute (EDI), a multidisciplinary platform focused on strategic investments across entertainment, real estate development, and professional sports.

With a background that spans both creative and commercial disciplines, Martin holds degrees from Western University’s Ivey Business School and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television. This unique combination of business acumen and storytelling expertise has positioned him to lead EDI with a balanced perspective—grounded in strategy, yet driven by vision.

Since its inception, EDI has grown from a passion project into a development and capital investment group recognized for its ability to identify opportunities that blend cultural relevance with long-term value creation. EDI’s portfolio spans large-scale real estate developments, entertainment districts, and sports franchises—each project carefully selected for its ability to spark economic growth, community engagement, and brand equity.

With a strategic focus on bringing to life projects that carry distinctive character, or transformative potential, Martin is driven by a mission to reshape communities for the better. His leadership centres on creating places and platforms that not only generate strong returns, but leave a lasting, positive imprint on the people and cities they serve.

Vice President, EDI | Development & Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers

Tita Cool is a real estate professional and strategic operator with a diverse background in corporate management, real estate development, and investment. As Vice President at Entertainment Development Institute (EDI), Tita plays a central role in sourcing, structuring, and executing opportunities across entertainment, real estate, and sports—bringing her business instincts and proven market experience to a fast-growing platform.

Her career began in corporate management, where she supported the successful launch of Sephora’s Western Canadian expansion in 2008. That experience gave her an early understanding of the grit, ingenuity, and adaptability required to navigate complex markets like Vancouver. Today, she brings that same drive to both her real estate and investment work.

Tita is also proud to be a trusted Development and Real Estate Advisor, and runs the Development Division at Engel & Völkers. With extensive experience across residential, commercial, and development projects, she has worked alongside seasoned developers on land acquisitions, large-scale builds, and new community launches. Her multifaceted expertise in consulting, land sourcing, design, marketing, and sales has helped her lead projects from concept to sold-out success—earning her a spot in the prestigious Medallion Club.

At EDI, Tita leverages her strong negotiation skills, financial insight, and relationship-driven approach to help shape projects that leave a lasting impact—whether it’s in a growing neighbourhood, a global sports arena, or a new entertainment venture.

Director of Marketing, Sponsorship Management & PR, EDI

Tim Thom is a seasoned veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, bringing over 15 years of experience working with both active and retired athletes across major global leagues—including Boxing, MMA, NBA, NFL, CFL, NHL, La Liga, MLS, and the PGA.

Tim began his career on the brand side, where he honed his ability to develop and execute high-impact strategies that deliver real results. His approach has always been rooted in building partnerships that are not only performance-driven, but also grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision. He believes the strongest collaborations come from aligning values, culture, and long-term goals.

With a deep background in mergers and acquisitions, talent management, sponsorships, and investment strategy, Tim offers a rare combination of insight and influence—guiding both talent and brands through opportunities that span sport, media, and lifestyle.

As Executive Producer of the television series Prizefighter, Tim has further demonstrated his versatility and leadership in the entertainment space, overseeing content that bridges sport and storytelling with broad audience appeal.

At EDI, Tim leads talent and brand partnerships with a clear vision: to attract top-tier athletes, entertainers, and global brands to Vancouver and beyond, helping shape the city into a hub for authentic, world-class collaboration. His goal is to not only elevate EDI’s portfolio, but to foster lasting, culturally resonant partnerships that redefine what’s possible at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and development.