Jaret Sourisseau
General Manager, GDI Ainsworth
BOMA has helped shape my career by connecting me with industry leaders and insights into new trends.
How long have you been involved in the commercial real estate industry?
I have been in the industry for over 13 years across various industries like construction, development, property management, and now facility services with GDI since January 2023. Each role has contributed to my journey and the importance of embracing change and finding better ways to deliver value to clients.
What are some of your responsibilities?
In my role as general manager, leadership goes beyond day-to-day management. Innovation and forward-thinking are at the heart of everything I do. I oversee a broad range of responsibilities, including preparing fiscal budgets, managing expenditures, supporting our operational teams, and strengthening client relationships—all with a focus on driving progress and delivering value.
What roles have you been involved with in BOMA?
I had the privilege of taking part in the BOMA Awards of Excellence presentations in 2024. Our previous year’s award win (2023 Pinnacle Award for Customer Service) reflects our commitment to excellence and our willingness to innovate in how we serve clients. GDI Ainsworth is also a corporate partner of BOMA Manitoba and BOMA Canada.
What are some of the benefits you see in becoming a BOMA member?
BOMA is a great organizational hub for knowledge and collaboration. It has helped shape my career by connecting me with industry leaders and insights into new trends.
For aspiring young professionals, I would encourage them to join the Building Young Professionals group through BOMA as a great way to learn, innovate, and influence the future of building services.
Monthly luncheons always spark conversations and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. These interactions often lead to ideas that benefit both businesses and clients.
What advice would you give to new BOMA members who aren’t as active?
We all get busy with day-to-day tasks, but prioritizing BOMA events are worth it. These events allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and sometimes even find creative solutions to common challenges.
I have personally found solutions to problems I’ve faced just by talking to someone in the industry at a BOMA event. Often, the most innovative ideas come from simply sharing experiences and perspectives with each other.
What’s a valuable piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Say “yes” to opportunities and take advantage of them, especially networking and industry events. Every interaction can open doors to unexpected possibilities and spark ideas that change the way you work and
think.
In your role, what’s one new approach or idea you’ve introduced that’s made a real difference for your team or clients?
I like to have the mindset that “nothing is impossible.” Instead of saying “we can’t do that,” I always challenge myself and my team to think outside of the box. This mentality has shifted our team’s approach to how we handle unfamiliar situations. If it’s something we’re not familiar with, we’ll often partner with trusted industry experts
to deliver creative results.
From your perspective, where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in building services or operations?
AI presents incredible opportunities and shows how it can make an impact on building services. Predictive maintenance powered by AI can reduce downtime, extend building lifespans, and optimize resources. Embracing AI and technology can redefine how we manage and maintain buildings.