Key takeaways
What property managers can take from Tanya’s approach
- Be more curious than judgy. When a tenant is upset, Tanya digs in to find what is really behind it, because it is rarely about the paperclip on the floor.
- It all comes back to people. Spreadsheets can be taught, but managing a team and handling hard conversations is learned by being in the room with managers who trust you.
- Get involved early. Tanya has been part of BOMA Calgary her whole career, and its committees gave her lifelong friends and a network she still relies on.
- Balance goals with real life. She works on her commerce degree around family and work, slowing down when she needs to without beating herself up.
- Show up in person when you can. For newer property managers, Tanya recommends going into the office and calling or meeting tenants, not just sending emails.
About the guest
TB
Tanya Befus
General Manager, QuadReal Property Group
Tanya is general manager of QuadReal Property Group’s industrial portfolio in Calgary, about 5.5 million square feet. She started as a receptionist at Oxford Properties more than 20 years ago and later helped open Calgary City Centre with Cadillac Fairview. A BOMA Calgary member throughout her career, she has served as the board’s treasurer and is working toward a Bachelor of Commerce at Athabasca University.
Episode summary
In this episode
Jared Sarbit talks with Tanya Befus, general manager of QuadReal’s industrial portfolio in Calgary. Tanya started as a receptionist at Oxford Properties and worked her way up through several firms, including helping open Calgary City Centre with Cadillac Fairview, before joining QuadReal.
Tanya explains how the people around her invested in her early on, why she leads with curiosity, and what she has gained from two decades with BOMA Calgary, including serving as treasurer. She shares how she balances work, school, and life, the challenges hybrid work creates for newer property managers, and how she uses technology day to day.
She also talks about building community in industrial parks, including plans for community gardens, why janitorial teams deserve to be valued, and the books she recommends to other leaders.
Chapters
- 0:00Episode preview
- 1:02Introducing Tanya Befus
- 1:27From receptionist to general manager
- 3:46What kept her in the industry
- 4:58More curious than judgy
- 6:33Learning to work with people
- 8:34QuadReal’s Calgary industrial portfolio
- 9:26Two decades with BOMA
- 11:58BOMA events to watch for
- 13:16Balancing work, school, and life
- 15:49Applying what you learn in school
- 17:11Challenges for the next generation
- 19:35Technology on the job
- 20:57Building community in industrial parks
- 22:49Why janitorial teams matter
- 25:00The property she would love to manage
- 26:27Book recommendations
Jump to a chapter (17)
- 0:00Episode preview
- 1:02Introducing Tanya Befus
- 1:27From receptionist to general manager
- 3:46What kept her in the industry
- 4:58More curious than judgy
- 6:33Learning to work with people
- 8:34QuadReal’s Calgary industrial portfolio
- 9:26Two decades with BOMA
- 11:58BOMA events to watch for
- 13:16Balancing work, school, and life
- 15:49Applying what you learn in school
- 17:11Challenges for the next generation
- 19:35Technology on the job
- 20:57Building community in industrial parks
- 22:49Why janitorial teams matter
- 25:00The property she would love to manage
- 26:27Book recommendations
From the conversation
Transcript excerpts
I think always showing up being a little bit more curious than judgy…
Tanya BefusPlay from 5:47
No matter what I do day-to-day it comes down to your human interactions with everybody.
Tanya BefusPlay from 7:40
The janitorial team, holy moly, do they have I think one of like the hardest jobs.
Tanya BefusPlay from 23:13
Managing industrial properties in Calgary?
We’ll walk your property with you and send a written cleaning scope and price. Free, no obligation.
Read the conversation
Full episode transcript
Show transcript
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FAQ
Questions about this episode
What does QuadReal manage in Calgary?
QuadReal Property Group is a global real estate company with residential, commercial, and industrial holdings. Tanya Befus oversees its Calgary industrial portfolio, which is about 5.5 million square feet with more development on the way.
Why should property managers get involved with BOMA?
Tanya says BOMA Calgary has given her lifelong friendships, a strong network, and opportunities she would not have had otherwise. Events like ski day, luncheons, and the NextGen committee’s summer barbecue make it easy for newer members to meet people.
How can new property managers build connections in a hybrid workplace?
Tanya recommends going into the office when you have the option, meeting tenants in person, and picking up the phone instead of relying only on email or video calls. Being visible helps people recognize your name and your work.
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