Episode 15: Brutally Honest Strata Advice

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 Host:

Amanda Farmer

As a Strata Lawyer, Fellow, and Council Member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers, Amanda Farmer is recognized by her peers as an accomplished professional in the area of strata and community tittles law. 

Amanda has been educating Strata Managers, apartment owners and residents for over 15 years, through round table workshops, seminars, large scale presentations and guest speaking. She has presented for the Real Estate Institute (NSW) as well as at REI’s annual Women in Real Estate conference. Amanda has prepared CPD material and presented for Stata Community Australia (NSW), the Owners Corporation Network, the Australian College of Strata Lawyer, City of Sydney Council and other local councils.  

Amanda is passionate about the power that knowledge has to improve experiences and outcomes for those living in and working with strata properties. 

About the Stratagize 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:
Avoid a late AGM and provide your strata manager with a date range to schedule the meeting.
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
🛠 Legacy strata corporations are meeting more often than they need to.
 
🛠 Staffing a strata is an expectation more councils should have of their management company to provide a consistent experience for their residents
 
🛠  Portfolio size is the #1 indicator of quality of service.

💬 QUOTES
“Stratas are a form of government and a mini democracy.”