Episode 21: Confessions Of A Former Strata Manager
About the Episode:
In this episode, Brent and James talk with former strata manager, James Payette and discuss his decision to leave his career and his hopes for the industry’s future.
Get the Guides:
3 Keys to Decision Making for Strata CouncilsMaintenance Planner Checklist
8 Steps for Going out to Bid
About the Guest:
James Payette
Business Development Manager at Prostar Contracting, Sunbury Fencing, & Lambert Plumbing Heating & Air
James Payette is a Business Development Manager at Prostar Contracting with previous experience as a Strata Manager as well as a Senior Community Manager. With more than 10 years of experience within the Strata management industry, James came to the realization he wanted to pivot his career.
About the Hosts:
Brent Anderson
Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia
As Business Development Director, Brent is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia.
Brent’s professional career in sales began selling souvenirs at Canucks games back at the PNE Coliseum. For the past 15 years, has been closely working with strata managers as a salesperson for various trades, including painting, high-rise window cleaning, and HVAC services.
The sales world is full of cookie-cutter reps who lead with their ego and put their needs ahead of the customers. Not Brent; he is passionate about the needs and goals of his clients and specializes in bringing them peace of mind.
Brent lives in South Surrey with his wife and their Jack Russell Terrier. He is an avid hiker and budding kayak enthusiast.
James Milne
Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia
As Business Development Director, James is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia.
James takes a consultative approach to his role, recognizing that having the right fit between a community and its management is crucial to long-term success. Prior to joining FirstService, James worked in luxury hotel management and business-to-business sales.
James has more than 20 years of experience in customer-facing roles and a true passion for customer service. He is a licensed strata manager and has a degree in Business Management.
When not working, James is also an avid mountain biker and serves as the President of one of BC’s largest non-profit mountain bike clubs.
About Stratagize Podcast
Over 1.5 million people live in strata housing in the Province of British Columbia.
Let's face it, you'd rather watch reruns of the nightly news than read the Strata Property Act (And we can't blame you) Still, most people are at a loss when it comes to understanding such an important framework for how many of us live our lives in proximity with one another.
🎙 Stratagize with Brent Anderson & James Milne features conversations with industry leaders and experts who share their knowledge to demystify an industry that impacts the lives of more than 1 out of 3 British Columbians.
Whether you are a council member, owner, investor, or renter, if you're looking for content that will bring value to your strata and help you get to the next level… THIS is it!
Listen to our latest episode, subscribe and rate us on iTunes. 👊
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🚨 STRATA TIP:
The council president is no different from any other council member except an additional vote in the event of a tie. They do not control council’s decision. Each member must have an opportunity to speak and to vote.
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
🛠 Junior managers have more properties and senior managers command smaller portfolios comprised of higher revenue generating properties.
🛠 Strata managers receive up to 200 emails per day and it takes a full 8 hour day just to stay on top of correspondence. Working on directives and running council meetings all happens after hours.
🛠 Working relationships with councils are great, but interactions with residents are often overwhelmingly negative.
💬 QUOTES
“Strata Manager is the wrong term; it sets the wrong expectations for the clients. The role should be called Strata Administrator.”
MYTH VS FACT 🦄
“Getting licensed is enough education to prepare a strata manager to do their job”
(Myth)
The licensing course excels at teaching compliance with the act, but it stops short of competencies such as holding a meeting or preparing a budget.