Stratagize

In this episode, Brent and James sit down with Matt Scalena to unpack what's actually happening inside real estate deals right now.   With buyers having more options than  they've  had in years, the conversation has shifted.   It's no longer about getting into the market.   It's about finding a reason to walk away.   And  that's  exactly  what's  happening.   From first impressions in the lobby, t...

Most strata councils think insurance is random.  It's  not.   Premiums go up.  Deductibles change . And it often feels completely out of  a council's  control.   In this episode of  Stratagize , Brent Anderson and James Milne sit down with Kim Lundberg from BFL to unpack how strata insurance  actually works  behind the scenes, and what insurers are really evaluating when they price a building.   T...

Highlights from our  4th Annual Vendor Trade Show : what councils are delaying, and why it keeps costing more .      Our annual Vendor Trade Show has  quietly become one of the most  anticipated  events for strata councils, and for good reason.  It's  one of the few opportunities where you can step out of email threads and boardrooms and  actually meet  the people behind the work, face-to-face,  a...

In this episode, we sit down with strata lawyer  Polina  Furtula  to unpack one of the most powerful, and most abused tools in strata governance: the proxy. We examine how proxies are supposed to protect owner participation, and how they can just as easily be weaponized to seize control of councils, block critical repairs, or overturn years of progress. Polina walks through real-world examples, in...

In this episode, we sit down with CIO Jeff Hahn to unpack why the industry's decades-old operating model is no longer sustainable—and what the next era of service will look like. Jeff breaks down how HODA, RSS, and the upcoming Cyan platform will fundamentally shift communication, efficiency, and manager workload across North America. If you want a clear, insider view of where property management...

In this episode, Brent and James sit down with  Manuj Aggarwal , AI thought leader and pioneer of the "digital twin"  concept,  to explore how artificial intelligence will reshape the way we live, manage, and make decisions in strata communities. Manuj breaks down the coming shift in homeowner expectations, why self-service is becoming the norm, and how AI can reduce stress, streamline communicati...

Most first-time buyers focus on mortgage rates and monthly payments. But according to Farrah Turcotte, mortgage broker, personal finance coach, and strata council inside r,  that's only part of the equation. In this episode, Farrah joins Brent and James to unpack the full cost of owning in a  strata : from rising maintenance fees and special levies to budgeting for appliances, insurance deductible...

In this reaction episode, Brent and James unpack Sanjay Maharaj's decision to sell his strata management company and reflect on the broader questions it raises. What happens when rising costs, talent scarcity, and evolving client expectations converge? Is the current service model built to withstand the long-term pressures of the job?   Brent and James take a thoughtful look at the emotional and o...

A large accounts receivable (AR) can be more than just an inconvenience for a strata , it can cripple its ability to operate . In this episode Oscar Miklos, founder of Refresh Law returns to reveal the hidden risks of letting unpaid strata fees linger and provides actionable strategies on how to recoup those funds.   Connect with Stratagize: Website Linkedin Email Connect with Brent Anderson Linke...

After years of battling rising costs, shrinking margins and growing client expectations, Sanjay Maharaj made the tough call to sell his business. In this episode he breaks down the challenges that led to that decision and what it means for the future of strata management.   Connect with Stratagize: Website Linkedin Email Connect with Brent Anderson Linkedin Connect with James Milne Linkedin

Electric vehicles are here to stay – is your strata ready? Lee MacFarlane from Edwards Mechanical breaks down the process for making a building EV-ready . From infrastructure upgrades to funding, h e covers key steps, and what councils need to know to future-proof their building.   Connect with Stratagize: Website Linkedin Email Connect with Brent Anderson Linkedin Connect with James Milne Linkedi...

In this episode of the podcast, we explore how strata councils must align during the RFP process when selecting new management. Guests Dave Calloway, Regional Vice President with FirstService Residential, and Kim Palmieri, Vice President Sales & Operations East Region, share expert insights on avoiding common mistakes and ensuring smooth decision-making. Tune in to learn how to navigate this compl...

In this episode, CEO David Diestel discusses the groundbreaking Benchmark report from FirstService Residential. Packed with critical financial data for high-rise communities, this report is essential for budget-savvy boards. From maintenance fees to reserve funds, this guide supports boards to confidently back their budgetary decisions with data.    Discover how this resource could transform your...

In the first year of managing a newly built strata, councils often encounter unexpected issues with developers, from deficiencies to lack of money. This episode delves into the common frustrations councils face in new builds , offering practical advice to overcome initial hurdles and ensure long-term success. Tune in for expert tips, red flags to watch for, and essential survival strategies to hel...

In this episode, Brent and James explore how strata councils can effectively address unsafe behavior, bullying, and harassment by utilizing their most powerful resource—bylaws. Return guest, Lisa Mackie, Partner and Strata Lawyer with AHBL breaks down the key steps councils can take to enforce bylaws that promote safety and respect within their communities. Join us as we discuss practical strategi...

Brace yourself for the new era of depreciation reports that's rewriting the rules for strata corporations. We discuss the sweeping changes and their profound implications for future planning and asset management. Learn how these pivotal changes will impact future planning and why it's just the beginning.  

In this episode, Brent and James are joined by Matt Scalena, one of the hosts of the ever-popular Vancouver Real Estate Podcast. Together they discuss the impact a realtor has on the dynamic landscape of purchasing in a strata. This is a must listen for any first time home buyers and those new to strata living. Connect with Stratagize: Website Linkedin Email Connect with Brent Anderson Linkedin Co...

The strata management industry is eager for new talent, but more crucially, it demands well-trained strata managers. Given the fast-paced nature of the field, managers are often thrust into their roles and expected to learn on the job. We had the opportunity to speak with the insightful Katherine Olson, Associate Broker in Strata & Rental Management, who specializes in training and development. Sh...

Waiting days for a response from your strata manager? It's a frustration many strata residents face. What if there is a solution? Explore the frontier of efficient communication and modern email management with Lielin Chester's game-changing approach to strata management email... 64% of all resident email is resolved in four hours! Listen in to learn how this revolutionary approach goes beyond swi...

In this episode Brent and James speak dive into a critical issue facing strata managers in British Columbia - the challenge of portfolio assignment and its direct impact on service delivery to strata clients. Many strata clients face challenges due to the portfolio assignment system that simply do not exist in a non-portfolio market. Guest Darrin Whitney, Vice President of Operations for FirstServ...

In this episode your hosts Brent and James go solo to take a deep dive into the termination process of strata management agreements. As consultants who assist strata councils transitioning to new management, they are no strangers to the myriad questions surrounding this topic. They start by understanding the structure of agency agreements then zoom in on the termination process itself, shedding li...

In this episode, Brent and James conclude the series where we decode the intricacies of living in a strata community. From deciphering bylaws to understanding the difference between common and limited common property they discuss the rules that will shape your daily life. Delve into dispute resolution mechanisms and discover the do's and don'ts of alterations to your strata lot, and gain valuable...

In this episode, Brent and James discuss essential insights for first-time strata owners to navigate the intricacies of community living. This first conversation takes a high level view of some of the organizing principles of a strata, such as the dynamics of decision-making within the council, and how the strata manager fits into the puzzle. Also discussed are the financial responsibilities and m...

In this insightful episode, hosts Brent and James delve into the crucial aspects that councils need to understand when it comes to supporting ageing residents who aspire to continue living in their homes and communities. Joining the conversation, Tony Gioventu, Executive Director of CHOABC returns to Stratagize to explore how fostering empathy and sensitivity to the changing needs of strata reside...