As part of our ongoing focus on professions in the industry, this month we’re profiling BOMA members from various aspects of the commercial real estate industry. Each profile is tied to the feature article in the September issue of BOMA Calgary News in Business in Calgary magazine.
Today’s interview is with Alex Orilla, 5th Class Building Operator, Cominar REIT
How did you get into commercial real estate?
I started doing maintenance work and eventually ended up in Commercial Real Estate, which I’ve been in now for five years.
What do you like most about your job?
Troubleshooting issues and fixing equipment.
What is a typical day for you?
Arriving to work anytime between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. depending on the shift schedule. I carry out preventative maintenance programs on HVAC, boilers and cooling towers. I answer service/repair requests from tenants as needed which can relate to lighting/electrical repairs, HVAC , plumbing repairs.
What are your top two challenges?
Prioritizing jobs and service calls in order to complete service calls in a timely matter (same day). Dealing with a variety of people means sometimes dealing with difficult people.
How do you see the future of your segment of the industry? How do you see it evolving?
Owners/Managers will be hiring operators that can specialize in all trades; more skilled operators means less need to sub out the work. More schooling and training will be encouraged.
-Submitted on behalf of the BOMA Communications Committee