Brian O'Kane
CEO Klarke Investments
Brian O’Kane is the influential President and CEO of the O’Kane Group of Companies and Klarke Investments. He manages an extensive portfolio that includes various real estate investments, ranging from multi-family residential units to office buildings, commercial spaces, industrial properties, and strip malls. With over twenty years of solid foundation in the industry, he has honed his cost accounting, financial modeling, and finance skills, making him a key player in the field.
Beginning in 2002, Brian embarked on creating a series of property development and general contracting companies, which have profoundly impacted the real estate landscape in Calgary. These companies have developed various properties and provided essential contracting services to private and nonprofit organizations. His tenure as President of Vectus from 2011 to 2015 is particularly notable, where he oversaw the redevelopment of existing properties and the construction of new commercial and residential buildings.
Before his ventures in real estate, Brian led an oilfield equipment manufacturing company as CEO. There, he implemented a strategic turnaround that significantly expanded the company's operations, growing it sevenfold over five years before it was acquired by a U.S. competitor in 2001.
Professional Career
Brian O’Kane has been prominent in various industries since 1989, successfully leading companies and establishing new ventures.
CEO, Capitan Overlay Technologies
Brian served as CEO at Capitan Overlay Technologies, successfully managing a significant turnaround. He eventually led the company to be acquired by Triton. He continued to provide his expertise as a management consultant to ensure a smooth transition after the sale.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Flotek Industries
From 1993 to 1996, Brian was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Flotek Industries, where he played a critical role in the company’s expansion into international markets and the development of innovative Petrovalve technology, which significantly boosted production in the oil and gas industry.
Controller, Cassola Management
As Controller at Cassola Management, Brian managed the finances of various companies in construction, property development, and manufacturing.
State Finance Manager, Salmat Group
Earlier in his career, Brian served as State Finance Manager for Salmat Group in Australia, managing the financial operations for the company's New South Wales divisions.
Before joining Salmat, he was a Cost Accountant at Lilypak/Polarcup, specializing in disposable packaging, and also owned and operated Metalmesh Trading, a company focused on swimming pool filtration equipment.
From Canada to Australia and Back Home
Brian was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was seven, where he lived in the suburb of St. Ives. He returned to Canada in 1991, settling in Calgary in 1996 after brief stints in Vancouver and Edmonton.
Education
Brian completed his Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University in Australia in 1985, achieved his CPA in 1990, and later acquired his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.
Past Time
Brian passionately engages in various outdoor sports, including rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating. These activities fulfill his adventurous spirit and allow him to connect deeply with the natural beauty of his surroundings. Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it an ideal location for his hobbies, which he pursues fervently.
Outside his sporting life, Brian enjoys spending time with his rescue dachshund, Benny, at local dog parks. His home is also shared with two cats, reflecting his strong commitment to animal welfare. This commitment extends into his professional ethos, advocating for pet-friendly residential environments.
Family is central to Brian’s life, especially cherished moments with his grandchildren, whose presence brings immense joy and liveliness. His profound connection to his community is evident in his support for local initiatives, particularly in mental health and animal welfare, underscoring his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.
Beginning in 2002, Brian embarked on creating a series of property development and general contracting companies, which have profoundly impacted the real estate landscape in Calgary. These companies have developed various properties and provided essential contracting services to private and nonprofit organizations. His tenure as President of Vectus from 2011 to 2015 is particularly notable, where he oversaw the redevelopment of existing properties and the construction of new commercial and residential buildings.
Before his ventures in real estate, Brian led an oilfield equipment manufacturing company as CEO. There, he implemented a strategic turnaround that significantly expanded the company's operations, growing it sevenfold over five years before it was acquired by a U.S. competitor in 2001.
Professional Career
Brian O’Kane has been prominent in various industries since 1989, successfully leading companies and establishing new ventures.
CEO, Capitan Overlay Technologies
Brian served as CEO at Capitan Overlay Technologies, successfully managing a significant turnaround. He eventually led the company to be acquired by Triton. He continued to provide his expertise as a management consultant to ensure a smooth transition after the sale.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Flotek Industries
From 1993 to 1996, Brian was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Flotek Industries, where he played a critical role in the company’s expansion into international markets and the development of innovative Petrovalve technology, which significantly boosted production in the oil and gas industry.
Controller, Cassola Management
As Controller at Cassola Management, Brian managed the finances of various companies in construction, property development, and manufacturing.
State Finance Manager, Salmat Group
Earlier in his career, Brian served as State Finance Manager for Salmat Group in Australia, managing the financial operations for the company's New South Wales divisions.
Before joining Salmat, he was a Cost Accountant at Lilypak/Polarcup, specializing in disposable packaging, and also owned and operated Metalmesh Trading, a company focused on swimming pool filtration equipment.
From Canada to Australia and Back Home
Brian was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was seven, where he lived in the suburb of St. Ives. He returned to Canada in 1991, settling in Calgary in 1996 after brief stints in Vancouver and Edmonton.
Education
Brian completed his Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University in Australia in 1985, achieved his CPA in 1990, and later acquired his Canadian CGA accounting designation in 1995.
Past Time
Brian passionately engages in various outdoor sports, including rally racing, skiing, cycling, sailing, and boating. These activities fulfill his adventurous spirit and allow him to connect deeply with the natural beauty of his surroundings. Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it an ideal location for his hobbies, which he pursues fervently.
Outside his sporting life, Brian enjoys spending time with his rescue dachshund, Benny, at local dog parks. His home is also shared with two cats, reflecting his strong commitment to animal welfare. This commitment extends into his professional ethos, advocating for pet-friendly residential environments.
Family is central to Brian’s life, especially cherished moments with his grandchildren, whose presence brings immense joy and liveliness. His profound connection to his community is evident in his support for local initiatives, particularly in mental health and animal welfare, underscoring his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.
