Stratawest Management Ltd. - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Stratawest Management Ltd. is a locally owned and operated property management company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, specializing in the comprehensive management of strata corporations. Established in 1992, the company boasts over two decades of experience, aiming to provide a high level of service to its portfolio of properties. Operating as a licensed brokerage under the Real Estate Services Act of British Columbia, Stratawest Management Ltd. holds licenses for trading, rental property management, and strata management. Its significance in the industry is underscored by its memberships in key organizations such as the Condominium Home Owners' Association of BC (CHOA), the Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA), and the Strata Property Agents of British Columbia (SPABC). The company's core mission is to safeguard owner investments and ensure strata corporations comply with the Strata Property Act, offering specialized services in financial management, administrative assistance, and building/asset management.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
Stratawest Management Ltd.'s primary objectives are centered on ensuring the security and long-term value of owners' investments within strata corporations. A key focus is to guarantee full compliance of strata corporations with the legal requirements stipulated by the Strata Property Act. The company provides essential advice and oversight to strata councils, guiding them in robust financial management, maintaining accurate and effective administrative records, and diligently preserving the corporation’s physical assets and equipment.
Specialization Areas
The company excels in three core areas of specialization, forming its unique value proposition:
Financial Management Services: This comprehensive service includes preparing budgets, efficiently collecting strata fees and any special levies, producing detailed financial statements, and assisting with annual independent audits. They manage electronic bank transfers, issue notifications for charges, and send timely payment reminders to owners.
Administrative Assistance: Stratawest offers crucial administrative support to strata councils, assisting with day-to-day operations and record-keeping.
Building/Asset Management: This involves arranging and overseeing regular service appointments, providing a paramount 24/7 emergency response number, offering expert guidance on significant capital maintenance projects, and assisting with the mandatory Depreciation Report preparation as required by the Strata Property Act. This also includes the vital liaison and supervision of employees, contractors, and trades, alongside attending to emergency situations and facilitating insurance claims submissions.
Target Markets
Stratawest Management Ltd. primarily targets strata corporations, more commonly known as condominiums, within the North Vancouver and broader Lower Mainland regions of British Columbia. Their market positioning strategy emphasizes specialized, comprehensive, and legally compliant property management services tailored to the unique needs of strata properties.
2. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
Stratawest Management Ltd. offers a suite of integrated services designed to provide comprehensive management for strata corporations. These are ongoing services rather than a traditional product pipeline, focusing on continuous delivery and improvement.
Financial Management Services
Description: Encompasses all aspects of strata corporation finances, from routine fee collection to audit preparation.
Development Stage: Fully operational and continuously refined to meet evolving regulatory and client needs.
Target Market/Condition: Strata councils requiring expert and compliant financial oversight.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing service, managed throughout the fiscal year.
Key Features and Benefits: Budgeting, fee collection, financial statement preparation, audit assistance, electronic transfers, owner notifications, payment reminders. Ensures financial transparency and legal compliance.
Administrative Assistance
Description: Provides essential administrative support to strata councils, facilitating smooth governance and communication.
Development Stage: Fully operational service, integrated into daily management activities.
Target Market/Condition: Strata councils needing support with record-keeping, communications, and meeting coordination.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing service, provided as required by council and corporation operations.
Key Features and Benefits: Support for meetings, record maintenance, communication with owners and stakeholders. Streamlines administrative workload for volunteers on strata councils.
Building/Asset Management
Description: Focuses on the physical maintenance, preservation, and long-term planning for strata property assets.
Development Stage: Fully operational service, incorporating proactive maintenance and emergency response.
Target Market/Condition: Strata corporations requiring professional oversight of building maintenance, capital projects, and emergency protocols.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing service, with project-specific timelines for capital works and scheduled maintenance.
Key Features and Benefits: Arranging services, 24/7 emergency response, guidance on capital projects, Depreciation Report assistance, supervision of contractors, emergency handling, insurance claim support. Protects and enhances the physical assets of the strata corporation.
3. Leadership & Management
Stratawest Management Ltd. is led by a team of highly experienced professionals, many holding the Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) designation and licensed under British Columbia's Real Estate Services Act.
Executive Team
Cory Pettersen
Position: President and Co-owner
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act, holds the RCM designation. Involved in real estate since 1999, with extensive experience in management and marketing. Former strata property owner, having served as council president, vice president, and treasurer.
Notable Achievements: Director of the Strata Property Agents of British Columbia (SPABC), active Corporate Member of the Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA).
Key Contributions to the Company: Provides strategic direction, industry leadership, and leverages his extensive experience as both a property manager and former strata owner.
Jason Kurtz
Position: Vice President and Co-owner
Professional Background: Holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History from the University of British Columbia. Licensed Managing Broker under the Real Estate Services Act, holds the RCM designation. Involved in real estate since 2006, with prior experience in community management for large Canadian universities. Extensive background in management, supervision, and information technology. Previous strata property owner with treasurer experience.
Notable Achievements: Member of the Strata Property Agents of British Columbia (SPABC), current Director of the Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA).
Key Contributions to the Company: Directs operational strategies, leverages technological expertise, and contributes to industry best practices through his board memberships.
Michael Frederick Boughey
Position: Managing Broker
Professional Background: Experienced in the strata property management industry.
Linda MacSeafraidh
Position: Managing Broker
Professional Background: Licensed Managing Broker under the Real Estate Services Act, holds the RCM designation. Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria. Extensive experience in legal and financial matters. Involved in subdivisions and bare land strata developments since 1985, specializing in strata management since 2000.
Monica Dare
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act, holds the RCM designation. Extensive experience in capital projects for strata corporations, including building envelope remediation, re-roofing, and copper pipe replacement. Involved in property management since 1991, specializing in strata properties.
Ioana Oros
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act. Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania. Involved in real estate since 2002. Extensive experience in large projects such as building envelope remediation, mechanical upgrades, and new home warranties. Former strata property owner with council treasurer experience.
Brent Macdonald
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act for Strata Management in British Columbia. Involved and licensed in real estate since 1990. Holds a diploma in Tourism Management Entrepreneurship.
Olga Vergunova
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act. Previous strata property owner with council experience. Extensive background in large strata projects, including building envelope remediation and mechanical upgrades. Involved in property management since 2007.
Sylvia Brewer
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act. Involved in office administration since 2010, active as a property manager since 2015. Past experience in strata management procedures and administration of client records, liaison with owners, tenants, and trades since 2011.
Ian Osman
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act. Holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the European Union. Involved in real estate since 2005. Background includes involvement in building envelope remediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, and capital improvement/upgrade projects. Current strata property owner with experience as a Council Vice-President and President.
Taryn Porritt
Position: Licensed Representative
Professional Background: Licensed Representative under the Real Estate Services Act. Past experience in strata management procedures. Actively serves as a Property Manager since 2015.
Recent Leadership Changes
The provided information does not detail significant recent changes within the core leadership structure, focusing instead on the continuity and experience of the existing executive and management team.
4. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Stratawest Management Ltd. actively seeks to expand its team with talented and energetic individuals, emphasizing a positive and supportive work environment that offers guidance, mentorship, and support. The company is particularly interested in candidates who can uphold and enhance its reputation as a forward-thinking, honest, and ethical industry leader. Recruitment efforts focus on key roles within bookkeeping, administration, and property management.
Company Growth Trajectory Indicators
While specific numerical growth metrics are not provided, the company’s stated goal of maintaining a "select portfolio of quality properties" suggests a strategic approach to growth that prioritizes high-quality service and ethical practices over rapid, unmanaged expansion. This indicates a focus on sustainable growth and strengthening its market position through reputation and service excellence within its specialized niche.
Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights
Employee sentiment, as reflected in various reviews, indicates a mixed but generally solid perception. With an average rating of 3.7 stars out of 5 based on 165 reviews, feedback highlights knowledgeable staff, responsiveness, professionalism, and efficient handling of emergencies by managers such such as Michael Boughey and Jason Kurtz. However, some comments point to areas for improvement, including mentions of a "revolving door of overworked property managers" and instances of prolonged resolution times for building issues, suggesting challenges in workload management or internal processes.
5. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
Stratawest Management Ltd. maintains an active digital presence primarily through its website, which features a blog alongside links to social media channels. The company uses these platforms to share updates, blog posts, and thought leadership content pertinent to strata management.
Brand Messaging and Positioning
The company's digital content reinforces its position as an expert in strata property management, offering insights on critical topics like depreciation reports, the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and regulating short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) within strata corporations. Through its various channels, Stratawest projects an image of industry leadership and a commitment to keeping clients informed about legislative changes and best practices.
Community Engagement Strategies
Stratawest Management Ltd. actively uses its platforms to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and diversity. The company shares messages of solidarity and support for various social causes, including anti-racism initiatives, Indigenous peoples' solidarity efforts, healthcare support, and assistance for refugees. This extends to tangible actions, with donations made to organizations such as Pivot Legal Society, Hogan's Alley Society, Black Health Alliance, and the Canadian Council for Refugees.
Thought Leadership Initiatives
The company’s blog serves as a central hub for thought leadership, providing valuable articles and resources that address complex and current issues facing strata corporations and owners. This content not only educates but also positions Stratawest as a knowledgeable and reliable source of information within the strata management sector.
Social Media Profiles
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/StratawestManagement/](https://www.facebook.com/StratawestManagement/)
LinkedIn: [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/stratawest-management-ltd](https://ca.linkedin.com/company/stratawest-management-ltd)
6. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
Stratawest Management Ltd. has earned an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), signifying its adherence to BBB Standards for Trust and a commitment to ethical business practices. The company is recognized as one of the top strata management firms in Vancouver. Client feedback frequently highlights the helpfulness, extensive knowledge, and professionalism of its staff, alongside commendations for quick response times and a proactive management approach. The company holds an average rating of 3.8 stars on Google reviews, reflecting generally positive public sentiment.
