For those unable to attend BOMA BC event today. Here's a brief overview of the challenges facing our industry in BC.
It was a great turnout for BOMA BC 'Executive Roundtable Discussion. Great to catch up with so many familiar faces. Common themes include: 🧠 Staffing Strain & Burnout - Property managers are under immense pressure, juggling increased expectations with limited resources. - Staff are stretched thin, leading to burnout and even exits from the industry. - Leaders emphasized the importance of listening, being available, and providing individual support. 🧍♂️ Leadership & Team Support - Managers must balance empathy with business needs, and avoid “just throwing money” at problems. - Creating a supportive culture, mentoring, and being approachable were recurring themes. - Knowledge-sharing across departments and learning from colleagues is crucial. 🏢 Industry Shift - There’s a noticeable shift in assets toward residential and mixed-use developments. - Skills once limited to commercial office now need to evolve—residential knowledge is in demand. 💻 Innovation & Technology - Emphasis on trial-and-error in tech adoption: “fail fast” and pivot. - Innovations like AI, tenant apps, and smart building systems are being implemented. 🧩 Career Advice for New Entrants - Be open to learning across asset classes, diverse experience builds resilience. - Build a network—this industry is tight-knit and collaborative. - Don’t be afraid to start small or shift roles; many panelists fell into property management and grew from there. Laura Malley Michael Bishop Don Fairgrieve-Park Jillian Mann