Brian O'Kane
CEO Klarke Investments
Brian O’Kane is the esteemed president and chief executive officer of the O’Kane Group of Companies. In this capacity, he also directs Klarke Investments, a dynamic corporation specializing in developing and investing in various property types, including multi-family residences, office buildings, commercial properties, industrial structures, and strip malls. With over twenty years of management experience, his expertise in cost accounting, financial modeling, and broader financial strategies has significantly shaped the real estate landscape.
Initiating his entrepreneurial journey in 2002, Brian established several property development and general contracting businesses that have profoundly impacted Calgary’s real estate scene. His companies have developed properties and offered comprehensive contracting services to clients, including private-sector enterprises and nonprofit organizations.
From 2011 to 2015, his tenure as President of Vectus—a construction management and general contracting firm—underscored his proficiency in overseeing the redevelopment of existing properties and creating new residential and commercial projects.
Before his real estate ventures, Brian was deeply involved in the manufacturing sector as the CEO of an oilfield equipment company. His strategic leadership facilitated a significant turnaround, expanding the company’s operations by seven times within five years, leading to its successful sale in 2001 to a competitor in the United States.
Professional Career
Brian’s extensive career has been marked by leadership roles across diverse sectors since 1989, demonstrating a consistent ability to launch and grow successful enterprises.
CEO, Capitan Overlay Technologies
As CEO of Capitan Overlay Technologies for five years, Brian was critical in transforming the company into a leading provider of exotic metal overlays for the oil and gas industry worldwide. His efforts culminated in the company's successful sale to Triton, after which he provided consultancy services to ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Flotek Industries
From 1993 to 1996, Brian served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Flotek Industries, a publicly traded company specializing in oil and gas equipment. His tenure saw the expansion of operations to various countries and the successful launch of the Petrovalve technology, significantly improving the industry's production efficiency.
Controller, Cassola Management
Brian’s role as Controller at Cassola Management involved overseeing the financial strategies of 32 diversified companies within the group, spanning from high-rise construction to property development and management.
State Finance Manager, Salmat Group
Earlier in his career, Brian managed the finance operations for the New South Wales segment of Salmat Group, Australia's largest direct marketing company.
Before joining Salmat Group, Brian was a Cost Accountant at Lilypak/Polarcup, focusing on disposable packaging solutions. He also operated Metalmesh Trading, a manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool filtration equipment, for seven years.
From Canada to Australia and Back Home
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Brian relocated to Sydney, Australia, at age seven. He spent his formative years in St. Ives, a suburb of Sydney. In 1991, he moved back to Canada, residing in Vancouver and Edmonton before settling in Calgary in 1996.
Education
Brian obtained his Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University in Australia in 1985. He achieved his CPA in Australia in 1990 and acquired his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.
Past Time
Brian is passionately involved in several outdoor activities, such as rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating, which allow him to indulge in his love for adventure and the great outdoors. Given Calgary's proximity to the Canadian Rockies, his residence offers him abundant opportunities to engage in these pursuits.
Beyond his adventurous pursuits, he enjoys time in Calgary’s dog parks with his dachshund, Benny, a rescue dog who accompanies him to work and adds joy to his day. His home life is shared with two cats, reflecting his commitment to animal welfare and pet-friendly living environments.
His life is rich with family connections, including cherished moments with his two grandchildren. A committed member of the Calgary community, Brian O’Kane actively supports various local causes, particularly in mental health and animal welfare, demonstrating his deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in his community.
