How do you see your business – managing the City of Calgary’s real estate interests – going forward over the next quarter?
… in terms of ‘what we are selling’, things have slowed during the downturn on infill lands. Sales of industrial lands have slowed too – purchasers are taking their time. We don’t expect to sell anything at fire-sale prices.
And over the next five years?
… we’ll be more active in re-development of inner city and brownfield sites, TOD sites and disposal of surplus lands. In terms of development of industrial land, we’ll continue with that as an important part of our mix. The City of Calgary has been in the industrial land development business since the 1940’s. It's a good fit with the private sector I think, to make sure we have adequate supply.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… I look for the best quality I can get – but I’m patient, especially around price (i.e., when I bought my car) because I want to get the best value. I’m clear about what I want. In terms of people, I want people who are good at what they do who can make sure WE are successful.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Doug Cassidy, and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… a demonstrated ability to understand their objectives, an ability to deliver. My team and I are accountable for a lot – we manage the data capture and our share of the tasks among 13 ‘stewards of land’ in our organization, acting as a consultant to the other 12, we deal with all properties deemed surplus to the needs of the other 12.
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… I’m comfortable with the term ‘collaborative’. There is a lot of experience and intelligence around me – and harnessing that is an important part of my responsibility.
Work/life balance?
… you can balance your time, you can balance your diet – but not your life! I have about 100 people in our shop, seven direct reports, long days.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… getting projects to the finish line, worrying about things that can get in the way.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… several people helped me a lot, helped me solve problems. In 1998 when I shifted to doing more community development work I discovered the value and pleasure of seeing the full results of my work …
For fun?
… skiing in Fernie – we have a condo there, running, things five-year-olds like to do.
What do you read?
… Globe & Mail, real estate industry periodicals and lots of reading related to work – so I don’t get much time for adult pleasure reading – but I am doing lots of bedtime reading with my son.
His ride?
… 2008 Infiniti G35. And for weekends, though fatherhood has him spending less time on the road and more in the backyard, a Yamaha 1300cc touring bike.