Biography of Brian O'Kane

Brian O’Kane is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the O’Kane Group of Companies, including the CEO of Klarke Investments, which manages several corporations involved in real estate development and property investment. His portfolio of rental properties includes

multi-family, office, commercial, and industrial buildings and strip malls Brian has managed these properties for over 20 years and has extensive operational experience. His areas of expertise include cost accounting, financial modeling, and finance

Since 2002, Brian has established a number of property development companies and general contracting companies These companies have developed real estate properties in Calgary and provided contracting services to various private sector owners, operators, and the not-for-profit sector For example, for four years (2011-2015), Brian served as President of Vectus, a general contractor and construction management firm providing services to commercial clients in both the redevelopment of existing properties and the construction of new multi-family and commercial structures

Before entering Calgary's real estate and property development industry, Brian was the CEO of an oilfield equipment manufacturing and supply company and led its turnaround strategy Under Brian's leadership, the company grew sevenfold in five years and was successfully sold to an American competitor in 2001

Professional Career

A seasoned performer, Brian has led and been in senior management positions with companies in various industries since 1989, having established many new companies and successful businesses

CEO, Capitan Overlay Technologies

Brian served as CEO at Capitan Overlay Technologies, a global leader in the fabrication of exotic metal overlays for the oil and gas industry, for five years, and was responsible for the company's turnaround and sale to Triten.

After the sale, he remained at Capitan as a management consultant during the transition to ensure an orderly handover of the company to its new owners.

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Flotek Industries

From 1993 to 1996, Brian was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Flotek Industries, a publicly traded international manufacturer and marketer of downhole valves for the oil and gas industry In 1995, the company operated in Canada, the USA, Venezuela, and Barbados The company introduced the Petrovalve technology, a revolutionary valve system designed to increase production in downhole sucker rod pumps.

Controller, Cassola Management

For two years, Brian was the Controller at Cassola Management, a construction, property development, and manufacturing company. He was responsible for the finance and accounting department within the group, which consisted of a diverse group of 32 separate companies involved in high-rise construction, structural steel manufacturing, paneling systems and windows, property management, and property development.

State Finance Manager, Salmat Group

Brian worked as the State Finance Manager for the Salmat Group, Australia's largest direct marketing and mail house. At Salmat Group, he managed the accounting and finance department for the New South Wales operations of the three companies within the group

Prior to joining Salmat Group, Brian was the cost accountant for Lilypak/Polarcup, which manufactured and distributed disposable packaging

For seven years, Brian owned Metalmesh Trading, which manufactured and marketed swimming pool filtration equipment

From Canada to Australia and Back Home

Brian was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was seven He attended primary and secondary school in St Ives, a suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore He moved back to Canada to Vancouver in 1991 and later Edmonton until landing in Calgary in 1996

Education

Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University in Australia in 1985. He completed his CPA professional accounting designation in Australia in 1990 and his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.

Past Time

Brian enjoys rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating These hobbies enable Brian to tap into his love of the outdoors, his passion for adventure, and the freedom of the open air. He enjoys the adrenaline rush of navigating rugged terrains at high speeds When winter arrives, mountains become his playground, carving through fresh powder on the slopes Calgary, the springboard into the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is the ideal place for Brian to enjoy a long and snowy season Summers are spent cycling, sailing, and boating Whether on land, snow, or sea, his hobbies reflect a deep love for exploration, challenge, and the beauty of nature.

After work, Brian can be found in the dog parks around Calgary, enjoying fresh air with his trusted companion, a 13-year-old dachshund. Coming from an animal rescue shelter north of Calgary, Benny is a great reminder of the importance of animal rescue, a happy outlook on life no matter what the circumstance, and naps (as befits a senior pup). When at work with Brian, Benny is always willing to pitch in as lunch quality controller.

As an animal lover (in addition to Benny, two cats also roam the home), Brian believes in the importance of pet-friendly residential rental living As a proud Albertan and Calgarian, Brian gives back to the community by contributing to several worthwhile causes including mental health wellbeing and animal welfare.

Brian loves spending time with friends and family, which now include two grandchildren - who live far too away, are growing up far too quickly, and always keep everyone around them busy and happy