Ontario’s condo management industry has rapidly evolved over the last few years with the emergence of licensing and regulatory requirements. But now it faces a staffing crisis at an unprecedented level, with many seasonal managers and executives leaving the industry due to retirement or other opportunities.

To woo talented and futuristic candidates, management service providers attempt to sway the troops with top dollar and the promise of a great community, but rarely discussed are the reasons why someone should join, or even remain within, this somewhat unknown career path.

There are valid reasons deterring people from the profession, namely difficult personalities. Managers might be cursed at and threatened throughout the course of their career; their names, and the management service provider, might be dragged through the mud in the media for something that they have no control over. There may be instances of unethical behaviour they are powerless to stop, and interpersonal conflict will be a daily occurrence because the Condo Act and various condo documents are adversarial in nature. Ultimately, this breeds contention. A manager may feel anxious, frustrated, alone and ask: “Why am I here”?

Nor is this a 9-to-5 career. Clients have monthly meetings with often late nights; the workload keeps managers past “office hours,” into the weekend sometimes. Calls come in past 5:00 p.m. to address various types of emergencies, ranging from multi-floor floods to fires and major equipment breakdowns.

Managers now face a high risk of burnout and there is a mental health crisis in the industry with few resources to help. Meanwhile, condo boards today want a manager who is capable of withstanding all this pressure.

But for those keen on dealing with people from all walks of life, while not being glued to a desk, this is also a wonderful time to work in this profession. Managers get to service communities and residents, learn new and exciting topics, which make for a well-rounded working life, and become leaders in the corporations they service, in the industry and in the communities where they live.

Crisis management will be your forte. People skills will be your sword and shield. Knowledge and ability to adapt will be your power.

Duty to serve

The rush from successfully problem-solving an issue is intriguing, with time spent prolonging the lifespan of equipment through proper maintenance and adhering to manufacturers’ recommendations and best industry practices.

Managers are involved in replacing major components of the building’s assets to preserve the best interests of the corporation, formulating and maintaining an annual plan that keeps the wheels of the corporation turning, and servicing residents administratively.

There is a higher purpose in this line of work. Over a million residents live in condos, and more buildings are being built today than ever before. To provide service to residents, especially in the vicinity of their home, is a challenging and fulfilling task. To preserve their assets and the assets of the corporation is the obligation and duty under the Act. That ultimate sense of duty to serve is what calls to this industry. This is the most opportune time to answer the call.

Opportunity for life-long learning

To be able to execute on a high level in a fast-paced environment, learning is the key ingredient. During the span of a condo management career, people learn about the building and workings of condo communities, as well as other aspects of professional life.

There are great service professionals, trades and vendors to meet. Through them or inadvertently, there is much to learn about laws, government structures and corporate governance affecting condo corporations. There are opportunities for public speaking, chairing meetings, record keeping and minute taking, and the chance to wear many hats—to be a generalist.

Becoming a leader

For those looking to display their leadership qualities, this is an industry in need of strong leaders. A manager is the front-and-centre person for the corporation in its day-to-day operations and beyond, dealing with various stakeholders and managing multiple staff. Residents and owners will look to you for guidance about their home and their role in the condominium.

More beneficially, many managers are joining the board of directors in the communities where they live to serve as a volunteer member. Managers are also stepping-up and joining volunteer industry organizations to promote education, higher service standards and to shine a light on issues facing condominiums.

A number of management service providers have opened charity organizations, giving back to the communities in their respective regions. Managers are also organizing charity drives in partnership with other stakeholders to raise awareness and funds for a particular cause. There are many opportunities to volunteer and give back in this sector, which is a fulfilling experience.

Being a condo manager is not the most glamorous of professions by any means; it is an industry rapidly evolving, with many challenges and opportunities to grow. There will be difficult times and many will likely reconsider this path, but to truly succeed in the field, one should embrace the challenges and accept the obstacles The satisfaction of solving issues is unparalleled.

Bogdan Alexe is President and CEO of B1 Management Group Inc. B1 Management Group provides expert condominium management and consulting services for clients in the GTA, employing the latest technology and 20+ years of hands-on experience. B1managementgroup.com

Val Khomenko is a Senior Condominium Manager with ICON Property Management Ltd. based in Toronto, Ontario providing condominium management services in the Greater Toronto Area. Val can be reached at val@iconpm.ca