Burnaby Profiles of Excellence 2020 by Burnaby Now

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE BURNABY â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

GKS Law Firm

MGM Financial

Ascent Real Estate Management Corporation

Puptown Girls Dog Lounge and Spa

Kearney Funeral Services

West-Can Home Hardware

MedCare Plus Medical Clinic

Lotus Flower Boutique

Agra Tandoori

Zane Patni - One Flat Fee

CanSleep Services Burnaby

elcome to our eighth edition of the Burnaby Profilesof Excellence, a very special annual publication of the Burnaby Now .

The men and women profiled in the following pages come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, experience and expertise, but they all share something in common: a commitment to excellence that is second to none. Their dedication and passion in both professional and personal endeavours have bred success on all levels, making them leaders not just in their respective fields but in the community as well. The awards and recognition these business and community leaders have earned are evidence of the truest hallmark of success: the loyalty and respect of customers, and a reputation here in Burnaby and beyond. We have collected their stories here to share a taste of what they do and why they do it, and most of all, to recognize their commitment to excellence. We are excited to give our readers a glimpse into the lives of these entrepreneurs and professionals, who call Burnaby their home. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lara Graham, Publisher - Burnaby Now

BUSINESS PROFILES n GKS Law Firm n MGM Financial n Ascent Real Estate Management Corporation n Puptown Girls Dog Lounge and Spa n Kearney Funeral Services n West-Can Home Hardware n MedCare Plus Medical Clinic n Lotus Flower Boutique n Agra Tandoori n Zane Patni - One Flat Fee n CanSleep Services Burnaby sponsored content

CONTRIBUTORS I

Project Coordinator: Aislinn Carey I Writer: Christina Myers I Design & Production: Gary Slavin I Photography: Lisa King & Kevin Hill

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE L E G A L SER V I CES

GKS Law Firm

ealing with a workplace injury can be overwhelming and frightening – but needing legal help in the aftermath doesn’t have to be. Gail Sharma, principal lawyer at GKS Law Firm, says her team is committed to making sure that each and every client feels safe, is well informed, and receives top-notch legal representation. In fact, it’s enshrined in the firm’s motto: a dedicated work injury law firm by your side, from beginning to end. “I’ve always known my strength was in advocacy for others and helping people,” said Sharma. “That’s exactly what we do here, every day. We are totally dedicated to helping our clients.” The firm focuses exclusively on workplace injuries. “Focusing on Workers’ Compensation law gives us an edge compared to other firms that may or may not have that level of knowledge and experience. We’re able to adapt quickly to changes in the system which helps our clients.” The GKS team includes Sharma, associate lawyer Jesse

Guenther, and legal assistant Raveena Dhindsa, who have a combined 16 years of experience in the field. “I founded GKS Law Firm specifically to bring together lawyers that were interested in this unique area of law and wanted to help injured workers,” she said. “We are passionate about this work.” This focus on excellence in both law and in client care has given the firm a sterling reputation as leaders in this arena – which helps new clients find them more easily and to feel secure about choosing the firm to represent them. “These kinds of cases can be very difficult times in a person’s life, and one of our goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety of the entire process,” she said. “As a result of these injuries, people’s lives can be turned upside down and they may not know if they are being fairly compensated. They also may not know what to do next to be sure the process works for them. This is

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We are passionate about helping injured workers with their WorkSafeBC claims.

all while trying to heal from their injuries at the same time. Our job is to focus on the legal side of their situation to allow them to focus on their healing.” GKS Law Firm is based in Burnaby, with a second office on the other side of the Fraser River in Surrey, but the firm’s reputation draws clients from around the entire province. “We’re able to represent people no matter where they live by using technology to connect with them conveniently and easily,” she said. And regardless of the type of injury or where

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Gail Sharma, Principal Lawyer

they live, the goal is the same for each and every client: to provide top-notch service and expertise at every step of the process. “Excellence really comes down to doing first class work, every day, for every client,” she said. “We really pour our heart and soul into this work, and it’s not just a job for us, it’s our passion. We are deeply focused on giving our best and focusing on each client as an individual.” GKS Law Firm offers free consultations to help people determine if legal representation is right for their individual situation. sponsored content

604-327-9882 I 7364 Market Crossing, Burnaby, BC I www.gkslawfirm.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F I N A NC I A L P L A NN I N G

MGM Financial

hen it comes to money, how we feel about it is as important as what we do with it. For Mike Mollica, the founder of MGM Financial Group, making sure clients have good advice that helps them reach their goals is only part of the picture. “We want our clients and their families to be able to focus on what’s important to them, knowing they can entrust us with taking care of their financial affairs,” he said. “We offer advice, but more importantly, peace of mind.” The independent financial advisory firm focuses on wealth management strategies for business owners, professionals, and families, and can help people with investments, insurance, benefits, cash flow planning, tax planning, estate planning, and corporate/business tax planning. Mollica has been in the financial services industry for 18 years. He started out in banking, completed his education in corporate finance at BCIT, then joined

one of the most well-respected wealth management firms in BC. “This is where my passion for numbers and finance met with the desire to help people achieve their financial and life goals, whatever they may be,” he said. “I worked there for a few years before deciding to venture out on my own. I truly enjoy that I can be an integral part of helping people achieve their personal and financial goals.” The decision to create his own path has been a resounding success. MGM Financial has continued to grow with sterling recommendations from clients, and the team now includes a second advisor, Steven Kanjer, along with two office administrators. Together, they help a wide variety of clients – with an equally wide variety of goals and needs – by making sure that each person has a personalized plan. “A phrase that has continued to resonate with me over the years is that a goal without a plan is only a wish,”

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We offer advice, but more importantly, peace of mind.

he said. “I truly believe that if you have a goal without a plan, the goal will be very hard to achieve regardless of what it is.” Creating that plan and putting it into action is where Mollica and his team excel. “For me, excellence is determined by what I’d expect if the roles were reversed,” he said. “We listen to what’s important to our clients and lay out a plan to help them achieve that. We always go above and beyond to make sure that the true reason for why we’re meeting is addressed.” He notes that this year has been exceptionally challenging for us all. “Through it we’ve been able to adapt our practice to provide our services virtual allowing

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L to R: Steven Kanjer, Dipl. T, RRC – Advisor Mike Mollica, CFP,CLU,CIM,FEA – Founder

us to continue to operate and service our client when they needed us most. We are currently back to normal operation, servicing new and existing clients virtually or in person.” As someone who was born and raised in Burnaby and still lives here today, it was an easy decision to base his business in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood. “This area continues to grow and draw people, and my clients love it because I’m centrally located,” he said. “The Heights is one of the best business communities in the Lower Mainland and I am very happy to be part of this family.” sponsored content

604-646-4065 I 4561 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC I www.mgmfinancial.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE PROPERT Y M A N A G E M ENT

Ascent Real Estate Management Corporation

here’s no place like home – and for Michael Roach, that’s true in more ways than one. The lifelong Burnaby resident is the owner of Ascent Real Estate Management Corporation, an independent property management company that specializes in strata and rental management in the metro Vancouver area. The company, he says, is a blend of the best of both big and small – a bit like the city it calls home. “We provide all the advantages you would expect from a large global brand but with the personalized service of a locally-owned boutique agency,” he said. “We offer a service level that cannot be matched by other firms in an industry increasingly dominated by mergers and foreign ownership.” Roach has owned Ascent for a decade but started his property management career there as a strata manager in 1999. Today, the company has 45 employees,

including 16 strata and rental managers, 24 support staff and a five-member management team, among them a handful who have been with the company for more than 25 years in all. “Ascent’s people are our most valuable asset,” he said. “Customer service is our top priority and that starts with staff. Our people are at the heart of our success.” Roach, who was born and raised in Burnaby and earned his economics degree at SFU, became interested in the field after serving on the strata council at his first condo, learning the ins and outs of strata management from a resident’s perspective. That position required him to work alongside the property management company for his building, which happened to be Ascent. He quickly developed a love for the work and when an opportunity opened up to come on board with the company, he jumped in with two feet. Now, as head of the company, Roach says part of their success has been a focus on

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Great companies are also great citizens.

excellence that isn’t just philosophical but practical. “Our services are based on four principles and I think they are the foundation of quality and excellence,” he said. “Integrity: what we promise is what we’ll deliver. Reliability: we will always be there for our clients when they need us most. Stability: we’re local and we aren’t going anywhere. Financial management: our property managers and staff treat your property as if it were their own and keep accurate records, in compliance with bylaws and regulatory requirements.” Roach says it’s been a profoundly rewarding career, and he’s excited to see what the future

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L to R: Milena Carella, Susan Colosie, Michael Roach, Tanya Millage and Matt Elder

will bring. “You’re helping people with their biggest, most personal asset – their homes,” he said. “We want our clients to feel we provide them with professional, experienced and knowledgeable guidance and advice, and that they can trust us to work closely with them to protect, maintain, and enhance the value of the property. We also want them to feel listened to, helped, and that we care.” Ascent’s commitment to excellence extends well beyond the walls of the business and into the local community, through volunteer efforts and donating time, energy and funds to local projects. “Great companies are also great citizens,” he said. sponsored content

604-431-1800 I 2176 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC I www.ascentpm.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE DO G L O U N G E & SP A

Puptown Girls Dog Lounge and Spa

t’s been a whirlwind year for the crew at Puptown Girls. Since opening their doors in August 2019, the company has grown by leaps and bounds. The all-female family-run business – co-owned by sisters Milena Carella and Sabrina Sim and their cousin Juanita Kitaoka – offers luxury dog daycare, grooming, training, barkday parties, and walking in their Brentwood-area location. The business also offers a retail selection of carefully chosen products, from raw food to toys, and longer-term boarding in home environments with trained staff. The owners are joined by a staff of 10, all of whom are dog owners themselves, and love their work. “These dogs and their owners have become like our extended family,” she said. “Dogs are like therapy to us. They bring so much joy and happiness to our day that this doesn’t even seem like work.” The owners all grew up in Burnaby and still live within five minutes of Puptown Girls. “We opened up in the Brentwood area of Burnaby

because we recognized the need for a good quality daycare in the area to service all of the pet parents that live in the surrounding buildings and houses,” she said. The response has been enthusiastic, thanks to word of mouth recommendations from happy clients. The reason is simple, they say: they focus on providing the highest level of excellence in care for the dogs and customer service for their families. “We call this our Puptown Pack and we really mean that,” she said. “We treat every dog like they are our own and we care like they are family. It’s all about the little touches, such as holiday photos, New Year’s Eve sleepovers, homemade treats. We call our dog owners if we haven’t seen one of our pack members in a while to make sure they are OK. We care and it shows.” Like all businesses, Puptown Girls has had to introduce new protocols this year but those were built on a foundation already dedicated to the highest levels of

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We treat every dog like they are our own and we care like they are family.

cleanliness and sterilization. They’re so confident in their processes that they allow new clients to tour the back area, which isn’t common in the industry. “The number one comment we receive when clients walk in to our daycare is that they are shocked at how nice it smells. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff and our use of veterinary grade cleaning products. This is so important to us and it makes us happy every time we hear it.” And while business is booming, the true measure of success will always be how their furry friends

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L to R: Kassandra Willis, Sabrina Sim, Chloe Mjolsness, Milena Carella, Vanessa Fajemisin and Juanita Kitaoka

feel about Puptown Girls. “We hope the dogs feel loved, happy and safe when they are at our daycare, or being groomed and boarded and we hope that their owners feel assured that their dogs are in the best hands possible,” said Carella. “It’s not just about sitting and petting dogs all day, it’s about being educated in canine behavior, which our staff is highly trained in – and providing a balance of love and offering direction when a dog needs it.” Follow Puptown Girls on Facebook and Instagram: @puptowngirlsbby. sponsored content

604-423-DOGS (3647) I 3999 2nd Avenue, Burnaby, BC I www.puptowngirls.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F U NER A L SER V I CES

Kearney Funeral Services

lenty has changed over the years, but one thing has remained a constant at Kearney Funeral Services: a focus on compassion and care that goes above and beyond. The family owned business got its start more than a century ago. Today, with locations in Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver and Cloverdale, and fourthgeneration members of the Kearney family still involved in operations, those touchstones continue to be a guiding priority. “We’re very focused on caring for people, for families,” says owner and funeral director Ryan Crean (Kearney). “That’s a priority throughout our organization. We want everyone to feel that they were listened to, taken care of, treated compassionately and with sensitivity. That’s part of our legacy, part of the trust we’ve built over the years.” In some cases, Crean and his team help people plan for the future, but sometimes they’re working with families in the midst of unexpected grief.

“We help people with the process of deciding what kinds of arrangements they want for themselves or their loved ones,” he said. “That can mean people who are coming to us as part of their own estate planning, looking ahead to make plans for themselves. Sometimes we are helping people a few weeks or days in advance, and sometimes it’s an unexpected loss and we step in at that point to support them through that time.” Kearney assists in making arrangements that can include a wide spectrum of services, including burial or cremation, or memorial events. Depending on the circumstances, a family may have very specific traditions and requests, but other times, the staff can help guide choices and decisions. “These events are very important and how we manage this time can impact how the grieving process takes place,” noted Crean. “At one time, communities had

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We’re very focused on caring for people. That’s a priority throughout our organization.

very deeply rooted traditions, but over time that’s become less common and so we know how important it is to help guide people to decisions that will allow them to honour and remember the loved one and also the community and family and friends around that individual.” The proof of their dedication is evidenced in the incredible reputation they have built – and which continues to grow. “We often hear back from people how much of a difference our team made for them. They’ll comment on a specific staff member, sometimes even just a small moment or action that helped them, or that they felt overwhelmed at first but

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L to R: Victoria Cippiciani, Athena Theodorakakis, Ryan Crean, Michael Garisto, Aaron Morrison and Andrea Richmond

that we were able to walk with them through the process,” he said. “We work very hard to build that trust, to help people make decisions that they will feel are the right ones. These are critical moments of transition and connection, and I’m proud that we can help people with that.” Crean says he hopes that people will become more comfortable having conversations about their wishes. “These are hard things to talk about but it’s also reassuring for family and friends to know that they’ve made plans in advance.”

sponsored content

604-299-6889 I 4715 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC I www.kearneyfs.com

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE H A RD WA RE STORE

West-Can Home Hardware

or the team at West-Can Home Hardware, excellence extends far beyond offering top-notch customer service or extensive selection of products. It also includes a dedication to the community, a focus on supporting staff, and being the best in every way possible. “We are passionate about what we do every day and we’re focused on continuous learning and innovation,” said Sonia Jhaj, who manages the family owned and operated business. “Excellence for us flows into all facets of the business and involves ongoing innovation and growth.” That means prioritizing the customer by striving for quality, consistency and constant improvement, she added, while also maintaining a focus on supporting a healthy employee culture where communication, creativity and innovation are encouraged. The Burnaby business is a one-stop shop for household needs, from cleaning supplies, paint, kitchen appliances and utilities, gardening and seasonal products, power

tools, toys, and automotive. “And we focus on having that personal touch, a friendly environment, for our customers, that’s more one-on-one. We get to know many of our loyal customers, and see them again and again,” said Jhaj. The company has had steady growth over the years, as happy customers continue to recommend the Edmonds Street operation to friends and family. This success is due in large part to the incredible staff at West-Can, said Jhaj. “We are lucky to have a strong team of people who all have a passion and experience with customers and are driven to make a difference in everyday people’s lives,” she said. “Happy employees equal happy customers.” That focus on supporting staff includes ongoing training, group-building activities and staff incentives to help strengthen team relationships, and ultimately, build powerful customer relations. “Most people don’t realize that it requires ongoing knowledge consumption for the growing number of

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L to R: Max Langlais, Arden Sparvier, Sonia Jhaj and Brad Hall

We are passionate about what we do every day.

products and services,” she said. “So, in essence, we’re always in school!” This year, West-Can – like so many businesses around the world – faced unique challenges with Covid-19, but Jhaj says they’ve been able to quickly adapt and adjust their services to continue to safely welcome customers. “We love what we do and we love seeing our customers,” she said. “We really have a personal touch here, and being able to use our expertise or knowledge to help a customer is so rewarding.” West-Can focuses on giving back to the community by participating in many community events, volunteering with local organizations, and contributing to charities with causes that align with

the company’s core values. “Burnaby is a wonderful community and very supportive to local businesses. We’re grateful to be in this city.” West-Can’s well-deserved reputation continues to draw new customers all the time, most on the advice of neighbours or friends. “Referrals are very exciting because word of mouth recommendations are the most organic and powerful form of advertising and it tells us that we’re doing something right.” Jhaj says her motto in business is to do your best, every day – judging by their success so far, her team have certainly been doing their best, and beyond, at West-Can. sponsored content

604-248-4663 I 7788 Edmonds Street, Burnaby, BC I www.homehardware.ca/en/store/51679

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE M ED I C A L C L I N I C

MedCare Plus Medical Clinic

he expertise available inside MedCare Plus Medical Clinic is a rare combination. Most clinics have family physicians on staff – MedCare+ has a team of family physicians, but also a clinical counsellor, a rheumatologist, and a physiotherapist, all in one place, all working alongside one another for wraparound care. Additionally, there is a pharmacy next door so patients can have seamless care. This multidisciplinary approach allows the team to offer a spectrum of services that includes general medicine, prenatal care, women’s health, and geriatric care, to name just a few. The new clinic is truly a family affair: the team includes siblings Dr. Sumeet Kalia and Dr. Deepika Kalia, both family doctors, and Jessica Kalia, a clinical counsellor, along with Dr. Sumeet Kalia’s wife, rheumatologist Dr. Arina Garg. They’re joined by Dr. Anna Chong, who is also a family physician, and Nikhita Jain, who offers physiotherapy services.

“Our team is ready to provide exceptional care,” said Dr. Kalia. “Our doctors get to know you and your family, providing comprehensive and continuing health care. We strive to help you improve your quality of life and work with you to achieve your wellness goals.” For the team at MedCare+, this clinic is both a homecoming and the realization of a long-held goal. “Burnaby is home and always will be,” noted Dr. Kalia. “My sisters, and I were born and raised here. Us three and my wife have always dreamed of coming back and opening a clinic together in Burnaby and giving back to the community here. It’s truly a blessing for us to be back.” Dr. Kalia has been immersed in health care in Burnaby and the surrounding region since returning from his family medicine residency in Pittsburgh. He is a physician at the George Derby Residential Care facility, and has been working as a primary care provider at

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Dr. Deepika Kalia, Family Physician and Dr. Sumeet Kalia, Family Physician

L to R: Jessica Kalia, Clinical Counsellor; Dr. Deepika Kalia, Family Physician; Dr. Sumeet Kalia, Family Physician; Dr. Arina Garg, Rheumatologist and Nikhita Jain, Physiotherapist

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We are accepting new patients!

the Central Park Covid Centre for the last five months, and is a hospitalist physician at Langley Memorial. He has also been elected to the Board of Directors of the Divisions of Family Medicine. It’s no surprise the Kalia family found their path in medicine. Their grandfather was a physician in India, inspiring each of them to follow in his footsteps in their own unique ways. Now, the physicians and the rest of the team are excited to see their commitment and passion for medicine make a difference for patients at MedCare+. “We strive to provide patient-centred care. We are committed to educating our patients so

they can make informed choices regarding their health care.” That goal is one shared by the entire team. “Our hope is that MedCare+ patients receive compassionate care. I hope they feel that all their concerns are heard and addressed,” said Dr. Kalia. “I hope they feel at home with us and part of the family. Excellence for us is being able to provide excellent care to our patients.” The clinic is currently accepting new patients, for both virtual appointments by phone or video, or in-person. Same day appointments are available for urgent help, and each of family doctors are still accepting new patients for long-term care. sponsored content

604-600-3911 I 7618 Sixth Street, Burnaby, BC I www.medcareplus.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE F L OR I ST

Lotus Flower Boutique

he seeds to some success stories are planted early in life. For Natalie Chow-Kung, the path to owning a successful business began in childhood – by watching her mother. “My mom owned a floral shop in Brentwood for more than 25 years. As a child I’d go with my mom to do my homework in the back and help out with the small jobs where I could,” she says. “I just loved what she did and fell in love with the work when I saw how much joy it brought people.” It wasn’t long before she knew that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps – not just to work in the industry but as a business owner herself. “My mom taught me everything she knew. That was my apprenticeship into the field,” she said. “Over time I’ve grown, learned, and tweaked all those tips and tricks to create my own unique style.” When the time came for her mother to retire, many of her long-time loyal clients simply switched over

to Chow-Kung’s new shop. “I feel a lot of people appreciate the unique history of the shop, knowing it started off as a family business, it’s local, and we always add our personal touch,” she said. “There’s a lot of big box companies that try to do what we do, but they can’t compare because we put heart into our designs.” When the opportunity arose, she also took over Terra Plants and Flowers in Richmond, bringing another set of clients over under the Lotus Flower Boutique umbrella. She now has five designers and a stellar reputation in the region. “I feel that we’re not the average flower shop. We stand out and build relationships with our customers. We talk to each customer, find out what they want, what they need, and that’s what keeps them coming back,” she said. “It’s definitely different now. We see people coming in

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We love what we do and it’s not just a business for us.

with ideas they’ve seen online,” she said. “We love having the chance to think outside the box and to give our customers that bit of ‘extra’ through our designs.” She is quick to give credit to her flower shop family. “We have an amazing group of people here,” she said. “We love what we do and it’s not just a business for us – it’s really about creating something beautiful, about fulfilling the customer’s needs. That’s our priority.” Chow-Kung is hoping to see her business

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Natalie Chow-Kung, Flower Boutique Owner

continue to grow, just as her mother’s did, but not at the expense of quality. “We want to always be a family business that is personal and approachable,” she said. “We have to stay true to our roots and be here for our customers. I love knowing that we have this rich history of where we’ve come from and that we can continue to raise the bar for the future.” The boutique serves a variety of corporate and private customers both through their Lotus storefront but also through their website’s online boutiques. sponsored content

604-299-5200 I 4132 Dawson Street, Burnaby, BC I www.lotusflowerboutique.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE RESTA U R A NT

Agra Tandoori

ood has always brought people together as a way for friends and family to share, celebrate, and gather. For the team at Agra Tandoori, which offers authentic Indian cuisine in Burnaby, that sense of connection is more important than ever before. “We strive to bring the taste of India for our guests to experience here in Burnaby, spreading not only the flavours of India but also spreading the culture of community,” says owner Bhupinderjit Sandhu. “This year, we had to step outside the box to reimagine what community building can be in this new world.” With two locations, Agra Tandoori has been able to continue to serve the Burnaby area with new procedures and protocols in place. But they also found ways to reach out and connect, such as including inspirational notes inside takeout and delivery orders and becoming more active in social media to stay in touch with loyal customers. The restaurant began as a single location on Canada Way, then expanded to a second location at Market

Crossing, thanks to steady growth and increased demand from customers. Sandhu says the great reputation the restaurants have built is due to his incredible staff. “We are led by four amazing culinary chefs, Daljit Banger, Randeep Paul, Mukesh Sacher and Vanshpradeep Rathore. Each one is dedicated, driven and exceptional members of our team,” he said. “Alongside myself, Hussein Ali is at the helm of the team to ensure culinary excellence. And we have a large serving and kitchen staff, who are the backbone of the team. Together we work to provide our guests with food that will leave them wanting more.” Being able to share fantastic food and a wonderful dining experience with customers is incredibly rewarding, he adds. “We are lucky to be in an industry that focuses on making people happy by filling their stomachs. We want them to feel like family here.”

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We are lucky to be in an industry that focuses on making people happy.

The company has implemented extensive new policies to ensure that all recommendations and regulations are carried out in light of Covid-19. “As a business we recognize the responsibility we are taking on and we take that incredibly seriously,” he said. “The safety of our guests and staff is our main priority. We truly hope that everyone remains safe during these times. Supporting each other as a community is how we will get through this together.” For Sandhu and his team, that responsibility is a reflection of the commitment they’ve always made to their customers.

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Bhupinderjit Sandhu and Hussein Ali, Restaurateurs

“For us, excellence is constantly pushing yourself to learn, innovate and grow. Excellence is demonstrated when an organization is obsessed with improvement. We strive to raise the bar that we have set for ourselves.” Sandhu notes that they’re now online (find them on Instagram @agratandoori and on Facebook @ AgraTandooriRest) and they’re encouraging their loyal customers and newcomers alike to join them there. “If you use social media, we would love to have you follow us – and be sure to share with us what type of content you would like to see!” sponsored content

604-435-1600/604-430-1600 I 7366 Market Crossing & 110-3790 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC I www.agratandoori.ca

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE RE A LTOR

Zane Patni – One Flat Fee

he real estate market is changing everyday – and Zane Patni is thrilled to be part of it. The Burnaby real estate agent works with One Flat Fee, which – as the name suggests – allows home sellers to utilize a single flat fee, determined at the start of the process, rather than the traditional commission-based realtor structure. “It gives a client much more certainty to know exactly what will happen,” said Patni. “It’s definitely still a new concept for a lot of people but it’s growing. It’s an industry changer and it’s having an impact on expectations of real estate.” With a background of more than 20 years in market development, Patni moved into real estate after a serendipitous experience. “My mother had decided it was time to sell her home and as we were looking at the options it was just so limited,” he said, noting that a commission-based fee structure would leave her final cost higher than her entire salary. “My lawyer suggested I look at the flat-fee model

and it was an absolute eureka moment for me. We went with it, got the property sold, and I thought ‘that was amazing.’ I knew I was interested in helping other people do the same thing.” Patni notes that the traditional models in realty are so deeply entrenched that people sometimes ask if the flatfee model is even allowed. “We get clients who call us to ask questions and they’ve just never heard of anything like it. But at the end of the day, this is a fully legal model run by all the same standards and regulations. It’s just, in my opinion, a much better model and I believe we’ll continue to see it grow and continue to change things in the industry.” Patni says the proof is in the pudding – or in this case, the final bill. “When a client is first approaching this and it’s so new, they might feel hesitant but then when you sit down and

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This is going to change our expectations of real estate.

look at the numbers on a spreadsheet, the flat fee system not only saves them money but it also gives them certainty.” Patni says he’s passionate about making sure each and every client gets the best service and feels confident about their choice. “I tell people: don’t just interview me, go out and interview three agents. And not three from the same firm or the same structure. Interview three with different approaches, from different firms. This is one of the largest transactions of most people’s lives, and I don’t want them to come to me just

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Zane Patni, Real Estate Agent

because of a recommendation but also because they feel excited and confident about that choice.” Patni is passionate not just about the exceptional service he offers but also about ensuring expertise and knowledge. “Ultimately, what separates a fantastic agent from an average one is knowledge: I wake up every morning and the first thing I do is look at the inventory that’s currently available, the sales. I’m obsessed, because that’s a basic fundamental thing – you have to be on top of it, every day.”