Episode 14: No Holds Barred With The Godfather Of Strata

About the Episode:

Get the Guides:

3 Keys to Decision Making for Strata Councils

Maintenance Planner Checklist

8 Steps for Going out to Bid

About the Guest:

Tony Gioventu

Tony is the executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of BC (CHOA). In addition to serving on numerous boards and committees for government agencies and industry associations, Tony is the weekly columnist for The Province, The Times Colonist, and syndicated media across BC.

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. 

🚨 STRATA TIP

Sign up for a CHOA membership 

Being a council member is a big and important responsibility. Lack of knowledge is often sited as one of the main reasons more people don’t sign up to be a council member. Consider joining CHOA and participate in their education programs to skill yourself up to help you make better and more informed decisions for your strata. 

 
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS

🛠 Management fees are below what is reasonable 

🛠 The industry is terribly short of strata managers, between 700-800 in the Province for 14,000 stratas that require management = 18 properties per portfolio.

🛠 Councils need to understand that proactively operating a portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars requires a level of a professional who is sought after in the job market. Prospective employers compete for these individuals with high paying positions. 

 
💬 QUOTES 
“Current door rate of $25 per month provides for a basic level of strata management, not an in-depth level of leadership around operations.” 
 
MYTH VS FACT 🦄 
“Keeping strata fees low makes it easier to sell your unit.” 

(Myth)  

Low strata fees are a signal that the property relies heavily on special levies to operate which only require 26% of votes to defeat the motion.