1. At what moment in your past were you most proud of your works as a project manager?

"My very first high-rise project in Central Surrey, 12 years ago called D'corize. This was the first high-rise in Central Surrey to reshape the area. "

Mr. Soon Kim made his debut into the developer field by starting Newgen in 1997, soon after Kim started his first high-rise project that resulted in one of the first buildings to reshape the whole central surrey area to what it has become today. 

2. How do you lead and motivate your team to their best potential. 

"I give enough leeway for decisions and try to give realistic goals, compensate fairly (better than the industry average)"

By giving enough freedom in his employees, Soon brings out creativity and independence from his team. He sets goals, has frequent meetings, and isn’t shy on compensation when it is deserved. 

3. What other projects are you working on? and what can we look forward to?

"After Harrison Ridge we are starting two projects located in Coquitlam. Our main focus is on affordable townhomes." 

Look forward to the next projects coming closer to the city! For a more modern and minimalistic look we are implementing the stacked townhouse looks for the next development. 

4. What’s your favourite part about your job?

"There is never a dull moment when you are in development. Constant problems occur when you are both on-site and at the office. Resolving those issues and seeing the outcome is my favourite part about this job."

Exciting news, bad news whatever the outcome is. Being in development, Kim has very experienced a dull moment both in construction and headquarters. 

5. What your least favourite part about your job?

"Construction cost going over budget." 

Soons least favorite part about his job is the construction cost going over budget. As his main focus for his developments are affordable townhomes, We have suspended launching Phase 4 and 5 due to the escalation of construction costs. We expect to launch both phases in the Spring of 2022. Due to overwhelming demand, we are offering the opportunity to reserve the right to make the first offer when they are available. Continuing forward, when the price of the building material stabilizes, we will be able to honour the same price point for all purchasers of Harrison Ridge. 

6. Who is your role model?

"Bill Kerkhoff is my role model for a project manager. For the first 10 years I was in this industry, he has taught and helped me with many projects."

Kerkhoff construction team develops and builds for their own brand and for clients. They specialize in construction of the projects.  

https://www.kerkhoff.ca/project-archive/

7. Most challenging situation you experienced while working on Harrison Ridge? How do you deal with it? What did you learn?

"Recent spike in material costs during Covid-19. We had to procure materials many months in advance and delay first building construction by couple months. We also had to keep our trades keep working on our site as much as possible to get the efficiency up and keep the labour cost at a reasonable level."

Due to covid, Harrison Ridge is currently on pause for all sales. We are currently only taking in 100% refundable deposits of $10,000.00 for the reservation of the units for the future phases. Putting down a deposit means the buyer gets first options in choosing buying the townhome. If you are further interested in reserving a unit please contact our sales manager / realtor Juno 604 240-1155

8. What is one mistake you made in the past as a project manager that taught you a valuable life lesson. 

"During the fall of 2009 global financial crisis, we had too much inventory and the market crushed. It was no fun restructuring the financial crisis as many buyers backed out of their presale contracts. We need to get adequate non refundable deposits in case of another market correction."

Financial problems are the most stressful problems to solve when it comes to big developments like this. One event can lead to a disaster if not handled properly. Kim was able to work his way through the difficult times and turn his problems into a lesson. 

9. Best life advice?

"Balance is key. Having a balanced life with family and health will increase productivity and longevity to let you have a better career. Without balance, your life and career can get really messy."

Family is very important to Mr. Kim. He was quick to start his own family, to help guide him in his life and career. He is a proud father of two, and recently became a grandfather of a newborn baby girl. Congratulations Mr. Kim!