Jesse Buhler
Jesse is a bright, enthusiastic, team-oriented individual. His structured approach, coupled with extensive expertise in property management, construction, leasing, and customer service, aligns seamlessly with the demands of the industry. Jesse’s experience within the construction industry and upbringing in an entrepreneurial family has given him the knowledge, the drive and a unique insight needed to establish and guide successful teams within the real estate and project management industry.
Please tell us about the journey that you've had so far and your roles and responsibilities at GWL Realty Advisors.
I earned my diploma in marketing and communications in Vancouver and, upon the recommendation of a friend, applied for a position in residential property management. Fortunately, I secured the job and started my career in residential real estate property management in Vancouver.
My role at GWL Realty Advisors is quite unique, overseeing various properties and managing property managers. I handle day-to-day tasks related to tenant issues, respond to calls, address janitorial concerns, and manage collections. In addition, I lead a technical services group responsible for running a sustainability program covering Western Canada, with the goal of achieving net zero by 2050. This team also reports to me on building operational consistencies and procurement. Overall, my role is multifaceted, covering a range of responsibilities in property management and sustainability initiatives.
In what ways have you observed the industry changing in recent years, and how pivotal has technology been in shaping and revolutionizing this sector?
Previously, decisions were often based on intuition, traditional practices, or textbook knowledge. However, the evolution of technology has transformed our approach, providing more informed decision-making capabilities. Instead of implementing changes and hoping for the best, we now have the opportunity to make educated decisions backed by data. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) has become a crucial aspect of this shift. AI can rapidly collect and analyze millions of data points within seconds, presenting aggregated insights. This abundance of data empowers even seasoned operators with decades of experience to make more informed choices, deviating from the conventional ways. Looking ahead, AI is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving our broader goals, including the ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2050.
What are some of the major challenges that leaders face today and how does technology, such as AI, contribute to overcoming these challenges?
The ability to rapidly collect a wealth of data within seconds is a significant advantage. This influx of information allows us to make decisions based on informed insights rather than relying on intuition or traditional methods. However, it comes with its challenges. Some seasoned professionals in our industry exhibit resistance to altering established practices and express skepticism towards technology, which can act as both a benefit and a hindrance to the adoption of more efficient processes.
How do you ensure that individuals are prepared to embrace change, and what strategies do you employ when introducing new technology to ensure readiness and acceptance?
The key challenge lies in the gradual nature of change management. Education efforts within my team primarily focus on coaching in change management. While our team members are knowledgeable and adept at what they do, the challenge arises when presenting changes to individuals with decades of experience in the industry.
