This month our Team Member Spotlight is shining on Property Manager, Shiona Niven!
Shiona joined the Onyx team earlier this year and has been an incredible addition to the team. Shiona brings a vast amount of experience to Onyx, having been exposed to many property management experiences in a short amount of time. Her fantastic, positive attitude, coupled with her excellent communication skills have Boards singing her praises - take a moment to get to know Shiona!
What part of your role do you enjoy the most? I love that everyday is different and I never know what challenges will arise. I really enjoy problem solving and tackling issues when they come up. Also working with a great team.
What do you feel is your area of expertise re: property management?
I think what Condo Boards appreciate is that I am strong and will stand my ground with vendors and out-of-line residents, but always remain professional. I am great with creating budgets and obtaining board members 🙂 I love a challenge and excel at dealing with tricky/unusual situations.
What has been a memorable moment for you during your PM career?
I love everyday as a Property Manager and have so many stories! I'll share a few that I think really demonstrate the range of experiences that a PM can have:
I once had a unit owner call me in a panic because they saw a rat in their back yard area...that happens to back on to a greenspace. I had to explain that I rodents live outdoors, and the condo corp cannot call pest control for that.
I once had to deal with a problem-unit that was tenanted and witnessed the police smash in the door and the unit resident escorted off the property. It was a sad situation, but many residents were relieved.
I once had an owner tell me that they pay for my salary so I better take care of their request immediately to have their toilet repaired - they were not so happy when I told them it was a unit owner responsibility.
I once had to deal with a new owner who assumed everything in his unit was covered by the condo - the light cover was broken, the sink dripped and the fridge did not work. They also proceeded to have 5 people living in a one bedroom, however the condo declaration stated no more than 2 adults. That was a fun one (can you hear the sarcasm?)
Helping a unit owner who was a senior citizen with something small but knowing it had a big impact on them.
Sometimes I laugh because someone (usually an owner) makes a wacky request or complains about something that is so off the wall, and other days I laugh because crying isn't an option! Taking on major projects is a favourite of mine.
What has surprised you most about working as a Property Manager
What has surprised me most has been to see my confidence grow and to be able to teach and mentor less experienced staff
What do you love about working at Onyx? The team! Also, my ability to grow with this amazing organization.
What hobbies or personal interests do you enjoy when not at work? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, writing (fiction), the moon and the stars.
Contribution by Jenn Bowdring
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