Member Spotlight - Meet Jesse Buhler

Wednesday, Apr 6, 2022

Jesse Buhler 505

CREW Calgary is excited to kick off Member Spotlights in 2022 by featuring leaders, new members, and sponsors across our network. We are thrilled to introduce a new member and CREW champion, Jesse Buhler. Jesse is coming up on four years with GWL Realty Advisors in July, as the Director of Property Management.

In this role, he oversees 3.5 million sf of AAA office space in Downtown Calgary and a technical services group across western Canada, focused on security and life safety. Jesse is one of the founders of BOMA Canada’s Young Professionals National group and remains a Director on the BOMA Calgary Foundation Board. Hear from Jesse as he shares some unique insights on his exciting career path...

  1. As a new member, what drew you to join the CREW network, and can you share a few things you are looking to gain being a part of this network?

I was originally introduced to CREW Calgary through Krista Knauss, and I have a lot of friends in the network. I was drawn into CREW Calgary when I heard about all the different events being planned: mingling/networking opportunities, corporate headshots, and resume reviews. These are innovative ideas that engage people in a unique and smart way. I met with one of the members on CREWs Events Committee, I was impressed with how they got really creative with golfing events last year, organizing smaller events in a series format. You were still able to get to know people and participate outside of the traditional webinar format, which is very unique to most events hosted over the past two years

2. What is your advice for young professionals looking to get into a similar role?

My first piece of advice is volunteer for jobs that no one else wants to do, there is a lot of value in challenging yourself to take on the difficult tasks. It’s not aptitude it’s attitude.

I started in residential property management in Vancouver and took a massive pay cut to get into commercial real estate. I started working for Colliers and took on an extremely difficult but profitable portfolio. It was essentially a bunch of pain in the butt clients, and I took the job no one else wanted. I found ways to do a better job and make more money from the portfolio. Although this was an extremely challenging task, there was a lot of reward in taking on this portfolio and improving it. One last point that I will say is title isn’t everything. Don’t ignore someone’s title, but see how people speak to the people with the lowest title not the highest title.

2. After a busy day or week of work, what helps you unwind and relax, and have you picked up any new hobbies or interests?

I have two boys, seven- and nine-years old. I enjoy coaching their hockey teams, I find skating a great way to unwind. I re-established a hobby growing up, I always played a lot of music. Last year, I built a blue telecaster guitar from a kit and played it a few times. I found it very soothing to sand down the wood and put together all the pieces. It has my last name painted on it “Buhler.” After the strings broke a few times while I was playing it, I bought a better, cheaper guitar to play.

3. If you are going on a trip soon, where are you going and why did you choose that location?

I have a trip coming up in the new few weeks to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico with some friends. My happy place is Kenora, ON where my family has a cabin. I have been going there out there every August Long Weekend for as long as I can remember.