August 19, 2015 / By: Sanokaji Karkee

From Constable to Mainstreet’s Capital Expenditures Manager

Human Resources
gridaccent
Back To List

My dream

I grew up in a small Asian country sandwiched between two giant countries. Despite political instability, poor socio-economic condition I was nominated to the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee) for engineering, which was my dream. Since childhood, I used to show my behavior to become an engineer by making water turbines from local material, pipe networks from pumpkin vines and village electrification by erecting dried corn plants. My dream came true when I was nominated for bachelor in Civil Engineering under United Nations Development Program Scholarship (UNDP). Prior to engineering I had completed certificate in civil engineering and was working for the army as senior constable. After completing training I fulfilled my obligation to my birthplace by serving 24 years and then immigrated to Canada on 12 December 2013. Now I am a part of Mainstreet Equity Corp. and working as Capital Expenditures Manager.

A Review of my new job

Mainstreet capital expenditures under the "value chain" business model means renovating newly acquired properties, enhancement of operating efficiency, upgrade all rental units to meet Mainstreet branded standard and turnover maintenance. As a manager my responsibilities are to bring order to chaos. Derive deliverables, deadlines, milestones for each capital project, communicate with stakeholders and team members. I use my skills acquired over 24 years working from constable to executive engineer.

Scheduling is one the tougher tasks in project planning as the budget depends on the project duration. Renovation projects consist of several tasks, deriving duration depends upon the availability of internal construction manpower, reliable contractors and sub-contractors. Mainstreet is rich in human resources, equipped with all craftsmen, such as plumber, electrician, landscaper, maintenance and cleaner. Plumbers and electrician are well experienced and are capable for maintaining all types of appliances and appurtenances.

Mainstreet Equity has a solid functional organizational structure, capital project management is one of the business units under the supervision of VP, Operations and the COO. In addition to this, CapEx is responsible to liaise with Regional Managers and Regional Administrators. The success of projects is driven by the vision of everyone and the objectives of the organization, therefore team spirit is vital for the timely completion of projects.

 

Mainstreet Equity Corp. is a publicly traded (TSX: MEQ) residential real estate company in Canada. Mainstreet currently owns and operates properties in Surrey, BC; New Westminster, BC; Abbotsford, BC; Calgary, AB; Cochrane, AB; Lethbridge, AB; Edmonton, AB; Fort Saskatchewan, AB; and Saskatoon, SK.

Mainstreet provides affordable, renovated apartment suites to Canadians, and is committed to creating real value without diluting shareholder interests.