In October this year Paul Banoob, Branch Manager of Raine and Horne Strata Sydney, will be tackling a 20km assault course known as Tough Mudder. As the name suggests, it features a hefty dose of mud and will require a big effort to overcome obstacles that include ice baths and electrocution. But overcoming obstacles is what Paul is about - and this is perhaps why 2013 marks his tenth year in the strata industry.
“My first few days as a strata manager were certainly daunting and even with six months of training it still felt like a baptism of fire,” Paul recalls.
“But once I put myself in other people’s shoes, the role started to make a lot more sense – it’s people’s homes and their lives we are involved with. I also learned quickly that a good strata manager never says no to a problem and works hard to find a resolution,” he says.
After a successful period as a Team Leader with Body Corporate Services, Paul made a bold move to Bahrain in the Middle East – where he worked for three years – and was successful in introducing corporate strata management services in to the region.
“My time in Bahrain ranks among my proudest achievements, although it was a culture shock in the beginning. I had to adapt quickly but in doing so made some great friends. The experience taught me a lot about relationships and communication.”
Paul returned to Sydney in 2010 and moved in to branch management.
“It was a challenging experience at first and with my name on license, I felt responsible for everything. But by trusting my staff it allowed me more time to focus on my own portfolio.”
And it must be working – Paul was a finalist for Strata Manager of the Year at last years’ Strata Community Awards for Excellence. Although Paul admits his role isn’t perfect.
“The long hours can add up. Especially when you are away from your family in the evenings. Without the strong support of my wife and children I would not have been able to have such a rewarding career.”