After noticing a gap in the market, Sherry Li decided to shake up the owners corporation services industry and begin her own company - Melbourne Owners Corporation Services (MOCS). 

Five years later, the company is changing the game of the property management industry.

Sherry Li, the Director of MOCS, speaks to WILLIAMS MEDIA about her outlook for the future of strata services, how MOCS remains ahead of the curve, and her advice to someone looking to follow in her footsteps.

How did you start out in property management? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?

I’ve always had a keen interest in the property industry. I started my property journey as an investor and immediately felt drawn to the ins and outs, from the design and aesthetic of a residence right through to the management side of things. 

Before I founded MOCS in 2013, I worked with a well-known property management and owners corporation (OC) company which fulfilled my desire to work in the industry.

Find out more about Melbourne Owners Corporation Services

It was there that I found my passion in OC management. It was also at that time that I realised there was a major gap in the delivery of services when it came to property owners and their managers. More often than not, there was a war between owners and managers – no one seemed to be on the same team.

That’s when I decided to change the face of owners corporation services and start my own company, MOCS. 

What is your outlook for the future of strata services? What role will technology play in this?

I forecast a widespread shift away from traditional OC management and, of course, technology will continue to play a huge role in that shift.  As the strata services industry rapidly evolves, OC managers are increasingly having to offer more than just sound administration skills - they are now expected to manage and advise on complex strata issues.

Things such as ensuring member access to relevant materials at the click of a button, offering innovative digital options, administering a teleconference and online voting for meeting absentees. 

View the full range of services Melbourne Owners Corporation Services provide

Being able to speak multiple languages is also an added bonus when it comes to OC management. All of our OC managers have extensive experience in the industry and most are bilingual. I really think it’s so important that OC managers play an active role when it comes to servicing their clients. 

How does Melbourne Owners Corporation Services (MOCS) remain competitive/ahead of the curve in a saturated industry?

We, as a team, combine extensive expertise with professional services that go far beyond basic OC management duties. From our smarter use of technology through to the implementation of new and proven methods that effectively engage with the various demands of larger owners corporations. 

I’m also a big believer in reinvesting in staff members. It’s so important to ensure we’re always staying ahead of the curve when it comes to training, both internally and externally. 

The team at Melbourne Owners Corporation Services (MOCS). Image supplied.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love what I do. I get to work in an industry that I’m genuinely excited about, but I also enjoy helping people tackle challenges and love watching my clients celebrate their triumphs.  Whether that’s a developer wanting advice or going that extra mile to ensure my owners are happy and satisfied - my job gives me a sense of accomplishment every day. 

What are some of the biggest challenges of your job?
Generally speaking, I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by genuine people. That’s not to say that I haven’t had my challenges facing racism and sexism but it’s those challenges that have given me strength and resilience to reach my goals.  

Find out more about the team at Melbourne Owners Corporation Services

What is your advice to a young person beginning their career in property management?

We all know that to become the best at anything takes time. Focus on doing the best job that you can and the longer you apply yourself, the sooner you will become an expert. In the end, you will reap the rewards and the thousands of hours will pay off. 

If you could change one thing about the property management industry, what would it be?

I believe that the industry could be better regulated but in a way that allows it to grow and mature independently. 

Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live in Hawthorn. My dream home would still have to be in Melbourne. I’ve travelled to many places in the world but I love Melbourne’s multicultural environment, delicious food, shopping, being close to friends and family and, of course, the colourful and artistic environment. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. 

Visit the Melbourne Owners Corporation Services (MOCS) website here.

This is a sponsored article.