Perfecting the RFP process: Council alignment tips for new management
Release Date: 03/13/2025
Stratagize
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, and have real conversations. In this episode, we pulled experts from each of our three panels: Protect, Respond,...
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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, including large buildings thrown into chaos by organized proxy campaigns. The conversation finishes with practical advice for councils and owners on how to spot proxy manipulation and...
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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 technology is headed, this conversation lays out the roadmap. Connect with Stratagize: Connect with Brent Anderson Connect with James Milne
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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 communication, and improve decision-making for councils. They dive into practical examples, from triaging leaks to predicting building needs, while painting a clear picture of what...
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Most first-time buyers focus on mortgage rates and monthly payments. But according to Farrah Turcotte, mortgage broker, personal finance coach, and strata council insider, 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 deductibles, and those sneaky amenities you might never use but still pay for. They dig into how to prepare your finances before you buy, how to stress test your budget, and why so...
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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 operational demands that led Sanjay to move on, and what leaders in the space can learn from his story. It’s not a crisis, it’s a moment for...
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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: Connect with Brent Anderson Connect with James Milne
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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: Connect with Brent Anderson Connect with James Milne
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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, he covers key steps, and what councils need to know to future-proof their building. Connect with Stratagize: Connect with Brent Anderson Connect with James Milne
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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 complex process and secure the right management team for your community. Connect with Stratagize: Connect with Brent Anderson Connect with James Milne
info_outlineIn 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 complex process and secure the right management team for your community.
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