Meet the Team - Deborah
“I always pray before I start my day!“
Deborah Chijioke
Position: Condominium Administrator
Joined NCM: 2024
What is your position at New Concept Management Inc., and what does it mean to be part of the team?
As a condominium administrator supporting Maria, I handle the administrative needs of the properties in our portfolio. I manage inquiries from board members, residents, owners, and contractors. I am well-supported by the team at New Concept Management Inc. Philicia played a crucial role in my transition, which set the standard in my role.
What began your journey at New Concept Management Inc.?
I joined NCM in December 2024 after a recruiter discovered my resume, highlighting my extensive experience as a lawyer in the property industry. I was deeply involved in property transactions and believed I could easily transition into most of the work at NCM. Given my broad experience, I felt I could make a substantial contribution in this role. The interview went well; I ended up sharing a lot about my background as a lawyer and my journey from Nigeria to Canada. Some interviews can be quite intense with relentless questioning, but Maria allowed me to express myself freely and then selected a few follow-up questions based on our conversation.
What do you love most about the job?
What I appreciate most about my job is the constant activity from when I arrive until I leave. I enjoy that there’s never a time when I’m unsure of what to do. It’s a bit of a “high” for me!
Do you have a most memorable moment?
My time here hasn’t been long, but one standout memory is Philicia’s surprise baby shower at the office. I truly appreciated how everyone went out of their way to make it a special occasion for her. I didn’t expect such an event to happen in an office environment, but it was a memorable experience. I felt honoured to be part of this event.
Meet the Team - Frank
“Maria interviewed me, and she liked what she saw!“
Frank Farough
Position: Accounting Manager
Joined NCM: 2023
What is your position at New Concept Management Inc., and what does it mean to be part of the team?
I serve as the Accounting Manager at NCM, where I am responsible for fulfilling the accounting requirements of our clients, primarily condominium boards. My responsibilities include overseeing the accounting department, which encompasses bookkeeping, managing invoices, collecting monthly condo fees, preparing financial packages, addressing inquiries, and coordinating with external auditors to ensure compliance with protocols, among other tasks. Being part of Maria’s team means everything to me.
What began your journey at New Concept Management Inc.?
I was looking for a change. Previously, I served as the Lead Revenue Analyst at a seniors’ home. I had applied for higher-level positions within the company multiple times, but they consistently brought in external candidates, leading me to seek opportunities elsewhere. Maria interviewed me and appreciated my background! Although I was new to this industry, my previous experience was applicable. At the seniors’ home, residents were treated like condo owners.
What do you love most about the job?
I truly enjoy being part of the NCM Team. We put in a lot of effort and have a great time. Some days, we are all quite busy, yet we come together as a team. What I appreciate most is the diversity of our work! There’s constant problem-solving, with new challenges arising almost every day.
Do you have a most memorable moment?
Here’s my fondest memory so far, and it’s quite wild! Last year, during the Battle of the Management Companies, we headed to Canada Olympic Park for a thrilling downhill go-kart race. The challenge was to ride from the top to the bottom of the hill on the go-kart track while balancing a cup of water without spilling it. At the top, I playfully asked, “Hey, can I take THAT cup?” and pointed at a large cooler filled with ice water. To my surprise, they let me do it! I sped down the hill with the five-gallon cooler, completely soaked from head to toe. It drew laughter from some, while others were less amused. Overall, it was an unforgettable moment!
Laura Le
Vice President, Palace Royale Condominium Board
Please tell us about your role at Palace Royale and why you chose New Concept Management, Inc.
As the Vice President of the Palace Royale Condo Board, comprising three directors, I help oversee operations in our condo in Lower Mount Royal, just south of the vibrant 17th Avenue SW entertainment district, along with my fellow directors. Maria and her team came highly recommended by a reliable realtor who has worked with NCM for several years at other condos and has firsthand experience with their work ethics. As a board, we recognized the need to change to a new management company. After interviewing several options, we determined that New Concept Management Inc. was the best fit for our condominium corporation. They exhibit strong communication skills, professionalism, and a commitment to getting things done. It was a no-brainer for us.
What do you like most about working with New Concept Management Inc.?
NCM is fantastic! The team has been essential to us as the condo board at Palace Royale, and we view them as part of our condo community team. From the moment they assumed management of our condo, we can confidently say they have shown us continuous support, dedication, and patience, which hasn’t always been straightforward. They have optimized our processes, simplifying how we conduct meetings, record minutes, and engage with our owners. This allows us to concentrate on governing the condo and addressing the more significant issues, including staying on top of our contractors. New Concept Management Inc. promptly addresses our inquiries and concerns, benefiting not just us as a board but also our condo community members. They connect us with suitable contractors when required and actively negotiate on our behalf. We can’t praise NCM enough; we have built a strong relationship with Maria and her team.
Maria Bartolotti, the owner and condo manager of our small condo community, is exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable. While we may not always agree on outcomes, we, as a board and NCM, are perfectly aligned in our mandates. Over the last three years, her insights and guidance have become crucial to our condo board. Maria has provided leadership and assistance, especially in managing challenging residents. Maria is willing to be assertive when needed—precisely what our condo needs and tries to safeguard us from bullies. While she is genuinely kind and approachable, Maria is also straightforward and addresses any misconduct by community members without hesitation. She stands her ground and is unwavering in her principles.
Thank you for all that you do…. P.S. You are never allowed to leave us!