Part of Dart's broad and multi-talented property management team, Office Manager Crystal Silburn, who oversees the readyspaces flexible work spaces in Regatta Office Park, has to wear a number of hats throughout her day. We sat down to talk with her about what a day in her life looks like.
"My role as office manager at readyspaces is to ensure that the day-to-day operations run smoothly, that our clients are always comfortable and happy, that the business is operating efficiently... and everything else in between!" said Crystal.
"It's such a pleasure to work with someone like Crystal, our ever-reliable, ever-dependable readyspaces expert," said Crystal's supervisor, Davina Tresidder, senior property manager at Dart. "She has such an admirable level of calm as she handles the busy operations of readyspaces, with an infectious smile and graceful attitude. Her title of "Queen of Positivity and Productivity" does not come unwarranted."
Crystal's time with the company began in 2006. "So this is year 17 for me," she said. "My journey at Dart has been one of great reward and opportunities that bring together my skills, abilities and passion – all while allowing me to contribute to the success of the company in varying capacities, doing the things I love every day."
Crystal credits the property management team with keeping her motivated and enjoying her work. "It is truly an honour to work alongside some of the best talent there is out there, who are known for being highly innovative across all facets of the business - from design, through implementation, up to the remarkable upkeep of properties post-completion," she said.
"Readyspaces is a fairly new concept for Dart - it launched in 2019 - and was designed to fill the niche for smaller turnkey office spaces with flexible terms catering to individuals in need of a quiet space to focus, startup entrepreneurs, businesses with a smaller footprint, or others in need of temporary placement while their permanent space is being fitted out.
"Our spaces have been a welcomed offering – along with our conference room facilities that are bookable on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis."
CBT: What drew you to this field?
CS: Having worked in the executive administration and customer service field for much of my career path, I knew it was time for a little change, and this seemed like an exciting, new and developing opportunity that would allow me to still do the administrative and customer service work that I’ve always loved, but also expand a bit into the co-working space and property management world.
CBT: What is your favourite part of your job?
CS: Knowing that my clients are happy! I know it sounds cliché, but that’s probably the most rewarding aspect for me as I always feel happiest when I can make those around me feel good.
CBT: Do you have a set schedule for tasks or is every day different?
CS: I do routinely set aside time each day for email responses, financial reporting, inventory checks etc. but every day truly is different at readyspaces as my time is based on our clients’ needs.
CBT: What are some examples of the variety of tasks you are presented with as office manager at readyspaces?
CS: Some examples of the variety of tasks in my role include leasing enquiries, client tours, execution of leases, new tenant onboarding, online member account set up, reviewing and distributing monthly tenant statements, budget preparation, other financial reporting, access fob activations, meeting room and catering coordination, processing vendor payments, coordinating maintenance requests, and AV/IT set-up assistance during meetings – you name it!
CBT: Who inspires you?
CS: I’ve been blessed with the most amazing parents, husband and children – so I’d have to say that they are my biggest inspirations in their own uniquely awesome ways!
Timeline of a typical day
7:30 a.m.: I arrive at the office and grab a coffee (aka "Mom Fuel"). I then check in on any conference room reservations and have the rooms prepared for the arrival of guests.
8 a.m.: I am responding to overnight emails, keeping tabs on any new leasing enquiries and then I’m off to check on our stationery, kitchen and coffee inventory – because you can’t start your day without a good coffee, right?
9 a.m.: This is when most of our tenants are getting into the office, so around this time I am usually back to the front desk to greet them and check in with them on any requests.
10 a.m.: It’s focus time for about an hour and a half to two hours, allowing me to get through any larger items such as budgeting, financial reporting or setting up a large group on our online member portal.
11:30 a.m.: Lunch time!
12:30 p.m.: This time is usually allocated time for reviewing monthly statements, leasing documents or to schedule in other meetings.
3 p.m.: I usually take a quick walk around to check in on the office and ensure both meeting rooms have been cleared/prepped for the next round of meetings.
3:30 p.m.: I typically respond to any emails that have been received since lunchtime.
4:30 p.m.: I am headed home to my wonderful family but our clients know that I’m always just a phone call away should any after-hours assistance be required.
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