Brian O'Kane
CEO Klarke Investments
Brian O’Kane is at the forefront of the O’Kane Group of Companies as president and chief executive officer, managing Klarke Investments as its CEO. This role puts him in charge of a diverse portfolio of real estate development and property investment projects, including multi-family residences, office buildings, commercial spaces, industrial properties, and strip malls. With over twenty years in the field, he has amassed extensive expertise in cost accounting, financial modeling, and the broader aspects of financial management.
In 2002, Brian ventured into establishing various property development and general contracting firms, significantly influencing Calgary’s real estate industry. His ventures have developed new properties and offered contracting services across diverse markets, including the private and non-profit sectors. His notable role as President of Vectus from 2011 to 2015 highlighted his expertise in managing the redevelopment of existing structures and spearheading new commercial and residential developments.
Brian’s career before real estate centered on the manufacturing industry, where he served as CEO of an oilfield equipment company. His leadership was integral to the company's expansive growth, which resulted in a sevenfold increase in size and culminated in its successful sale to a competitor in the United States in 2001.
Brian O’Kane has been a dynamic presence in the business world since 1989, holding senior management positions in various industries and demonstrating a consistent ability to nurture and lead successful business initiatives.
Brian’s tenure as CEO at Capitan Overlay Technologies was marked by significant achievements, including turning around the company’s fortunes and orchestrating its sale to Triton. He remained a management consultant post-sale with the company, facilitating a smooth transition to new leadership.
Between 1993 and 1996, Brian was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Flotek Industries, a company known for its international operations in the oil and gas sector. During his time there, the company expanded its global footprint and launched the Petrovalve technology, revolutionizing production efficiency in oil and gas extraction.
As Controller for Cassola Management, Brian oversaw the financial operations of a conglomerate involved in construction, property development, and manufacturing, effectively managing the diverse financial needs of the group.
Earlier in his career, Brian served as the State Finance Manager for the Salmat Group in Australia, overseeing the financial operations for the company's New South Wales division.
His career began as a Cost Accountant at Lilypak/Polarcup, focused on the disposable packaging industry, and he also managed Metalmesh Trading, a swimming pool filtration equipment manufacturer.
Brian was born in Toronto, Canada, but moved to Sydney, Australia, at seven years old. He grew up in the suburb of St. Ives. He returned to Canada in 1991, living in Vancouver and Edmonton before settling in Calgary in 1996.
Education
Brian completed his Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University in Australia in 1985. He later achieved his CPA in 1990 and obtained his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.
Past Time
Brian participates in outdoor sports such as rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating. His active lifestyle reflects his passion for adventure and deep appreciation for the natural world. Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies provides the perfect backdrop for his winter skiing and summer boating activities.
In his downtime, Brian enjoys visiting local dog parks with his dachshund Benny, a rescue from a local shelter. Brian's life is further enriched at home by the companionship of two cats, emphasizing his dedication to animal welfare. He is also a firm believer in creating pet-friendly living environments.
Family is a cornerstone of Brian’s life, and he deeply values the time spent with his grandchildren, finding joy and fulfillment in their company. As a committed Calgary resident, Brian actively supports various local initiatives, particularly mental health and animal welfare, demonstrating his commitment to community welfare and improvement.
In 2002, Brian ventured into establishing various property development and general contracting firms, significantly influencing Calgary’s real estate industry. His ventures have developed new properties and offered contracting services across diverse markets, including the private and non-profit sectors. His notable role as President of Vectus from 2011 to 2015 highlighted his expertise in managing the redevelopment of existing structures and spearheading new commercial and residential developments.
Brian’s career before real estate centered on the manufacturing industry, where he served as CEO of an oilfield equipment company. His leadership was integral to the company's expansive growth, which resulted in a sevenfold increase in size and culminated in its successful sale to a competitor in the United States in 2001.
Professional Career
Brian O’Kane has been a dynamic presence in the business world since 1989, holding senior management positions in various industries and demonstrating a consistent ability to nurture and lead successful business initiatives.
CEO, Capitan Overlay Technologies
Brian’s tenure as CEO at Capitan Overlay Technologies was marked by significant achievements, including turning around the company’s fortunes and orchestrating its sale to Triton. He remained a management consultant post-sale with the company, facilitating a smooth transition to new leadership.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Flotek Industries
Between 1993 and 1996, Brian was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Flotek Industries, a company known for its international operations in the oil and gas sector. During his time there, the company expanded its global footprint and launched the Petrovalve technology, revolutionizing production efficiency in oil and gas extraction.
Controller, Cassola Management
As Controller for Cassola Management, Brian oversaw the financial operations of a conglomerate involved in construction, property development, and manufacturing, effectively managing the diverse financial needs of the group.
State Finance Manager, Salmat Group
Earlier in his career, Brian served as the State Finance Manager for the Salmat Group in Australia, overseeing the financial operations for the company's New South Wales division.
His career began as a Cost Accountant at Lilypak/Polarcup, focused on the disposable packaging industry, and he also managed Metalmesh Trading, a swimming pool filtration equipment manufacturer.
From Canada to Australia and Back Home
Brian was born in Toronto, Canada, but moved to Sydney, Australia, at seven years old. He grew up in the suburb of St. Ives. He returned to Canada in 1991, living in Vancouver and Edmonton before settling in Calgary in 1996.
Education
Brian completed his Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University in Australia in 1985. He later achieved his CPA in 1990 and obtained his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.
Past Time
Brian participates in outdoor sports such as rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating. His active lifestyle reflects his passion for adventure and deep appreciation for the natural world. Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies provides the perfect backdrop for his winter skiing and summer boating activities.
In his downtime, Brian enjoys visiting local dog parks with his dachshund Benny, a rescue from a local shelter. Brian's life is further enriched at home by the companionship of two cats, emphasizing his dedication to animal welfare. He is also a firm believer in creating pet-friendly living environments.
Family is a cornerstone of Brian’s life, and he deeply values the time spent with his grandchildren, finding joy and fulfillment in their company. As a committed Calgary resident, Brian actively supports various local initiatives, particularly mental health and animal welfare, demonstrating his commitment to community welfare and improvement.