Eileen Boles, BA, OLCM, RCM

Company: Condominium Management Group
Joined ACMO: September, 2015
Other education: BA, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB
Mentor(s) in the industry: Ed Romijn (Edmonton, AB)

What inspired you to pursue a career in condominium management, and what was your path to get here? Like many condominium managers, I didn’t set out specifically to enter the industry. Out of university I was looking for a career that would make me happy long term, I tried a couple things and then found a job as an administrator at a large property management company.  I really enjoyed the challenge that each day brings. A couple of years into this role, a mentor and now, really good friend, took me under his wing and answered my many, many, many questions, let me shadow him and taught me about condominium management. Here I am, 19 years later, and I am now mentoring and guiding managers new to the industry. It’s funny how things can come full circle, I went from being the person asking all the questions to being the person who can help provide guidance and support to others.

If you could teach only one skill to a new condo manager, what would it be, and why is it essential? Communication, communication, communication! All the technical and “book stuff” can be taught, but communication is key. It is what makes great condominium managers. Keep boards and owners up to date is essential to managing expectations. Hint:  a lot of challenges can be worked through or avoided when people feel heard and informed.

Describe a memorable moment or personal victory on the job that made you feel proud. I don’t know that I have one specific moment or event that stands out. For me, the rewarding part has been watching buildings evolve over time. Watching projects come to life from the planning stage to completion is exciting and rewarding.

What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced as a manager, and how did you tackle it? I would probably circle back to communication. When I first started in the industry, I thought being a good manager was about knowing the answers and getting things done. Every day, we work with so many different personalities, perspectives, and expectations, and we don’t always see eye to eye with everyone. Learning how to listen and adapt your approach made a big difference for me.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction? Part of my job now is mentoring new managers; I think every part of that is rewarding. I love it. Condominium management is a great career and helping someone who is new to the industry figure things out, answer their questions, and help build their confidence is something I really enjoy.

Complete the sentence: I’m an RCM because… of the education and resources offered.

Please share a specific way your ACMO membership has made a difference in your work or career development. Through my membership I have great access to education (that is expanding day after day), networking with others in the industry, and resources for professional development. I love the weekly ACMO Envelope email.

Imagine it’s five years from now and everything has gone better than expected—what does your ideal professional life and/or the industry look like? My hope is that condominium managers are viewed more as professionals and trusted resources. The role of a manager is far more complex than many people realize. I hope boards and owners see managers as someone who brings knowledge, experience, and guidance to the table, not just as someone to act as an administrator.

Just for fun

What’s your secret talent (work-related or not)? My secret talent is riding horses. I live on a farm, and when I’m not at work, I’m usually outside with my horses. It’s my happy place.

What three items are always on your desk—and what do they say about you? I don’t keep a lot of things on my desk, I am quite organized, everything has its place. I have flowers, my one specific mug for my many cups of tea each day, and always my notebook.

I like colour, so the flowers add a little brightness to my workspace. The mug and tea are a necessity (lol), and the notebook because there are so many things flying at you, it is where I have to keep myself organized.

 What’s your ‘manager mantra’—a quote or phrase that you live by at work? Be a proactive manager, not a reactive manager.<

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