Employee Highlight - Ray Kulchyski

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Meet Ray, our Branch Manager, who has comprehensive knowledge across nearly all areas of our industry—including mitigation strategies, insurance claims processes, the restoration marketplace, and key performance indicators.

"Success in this position depends on my ability to strategically coordinate departmental functions, ensuring that each team operates efficiently while understanding how their actions impact other departments and contribute to our overarching organizational goals." - Ray Kulchyski

PART ONE • MEET RAY

Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what makes your role unique?

My name is Ray Kulchyski, and I'm the Branch Manager for our Toronto location. As I'm newer to the ARSGEM team, I've found my role to be uniquely multifaceted, requiring comprehensive knowledge across nearly all areas of our industry—including mitigation strategies, insurance claims processes, the restoration marketplace, and key performance indicators. I believe success in this position depends on my ability to strategically coordinate departmental functions, ensuring that each team operates efficiently while understanding how their actions impact other departments and contribute to our overarching organizational goals. 

What’s your favourite part of your job, and why?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is coaching team members on how to effectively achieve their Key Performance Indicators, while also developing strategies to optimize efficiency and promote smarter work practices. I find it especially fulfilling to see individuals apply the techniques I’ve shared and experience meaningful progress as a result.

Ray working at the office

How do you define success in your role?  

For me, success in my role is measured by continuous improvement in our Key Performance Indicators. I believe in setting clear, long-term objectives driven by KPI metrics while breaking them down into smaller, manageable targets. Regularly tracking our progress against these benchmarks is an invaluable tool for staying aligned with our goals and ensuring consistent performance.

Teamwork is a big part of what we do.

How do you help create a strong, collaborative team environment?

Fostering a strong team environment is essential in any organization, particularly during high-pressure or demanding periods. I strive to cultivate a culture of collaboration by encouraging team members to recognize the importance of mutual support and shared responsibility. I also promote empathy and understanding by helping individuals appreciate each other’s perspectives and the unique challenges of their respective roles.

What skills have helped you succeed in your role? 

Emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership, particularly when managing both employees and clients. As a Branch Manager, it’s essential to strike the right balance between holding individuals accountable and recognizing when they are facing challenges and may require support. Often, this means identifying and addressing issues before they are fully recognized by the individual themselves.

Ray with his ARSGEM truck

How do you keep up with industry trends and best practices? 

I am a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. I actively pursue relevant courses to enhance my skills and expand my industry knowledge. In addition, I regularly conduct independent research to deepen my understanding and stay current with industry best practices. For example, I often study building finish reconstruction techniques online.

Our core values are Trust, Integrity, Exceeding, and Teamwork. 

Where do you see these values in action at ARSGEM?

Trust is a cornerstone of success in our industry. Building and maintaining trust with clients is essential for fostering long-term relationships. As industry professionals, it is our responsibility to clearly communicate our actions and decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step. Integrity is closely tied to trust—we must consistently act in the best interest of our clients to earn and retain their confidence. At ARSGEM, this commitment is reflected in our culture of excellence; our team members regularly exceed expectations by going beyond basic job requirements. Collaboration across departments further exemplifies our dedication to teamwork, as we work together toward shared goals and client success.

PART TWO • WORK & GROWTH

What’s one piece of advice that has made a big impact on your career? 

One piece of advice that has consistently guided me is the importance of practicing immediacy. This approach involves addressing tasks promptly to prevent them from accumulating and becoming overwhelming. By minimizing procrastination, I’m able to maintain focus, reduce stress, and ensure that responsibilities are handled efficiently and effectively. 

Who was a mentor, teacher, or leader that made a lasting impression on you, and why?  

At the start of my career, my knowledge of construction was quite limited. However, I had the opportunity to work closely with a skilled trades professional named Paul, who played a key role in mentoring me. Through hands-on guidance, he helped me develop a thorough understanding of the end-to-end process involved in completing interior repairs. This experience significantly enhanced my ability to accurately scope losses and strengthened my estimating skills. 

Ray on the phone

What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay focused or motivated?

Implementing a prioritized daily task list has had a significant impact on my productivity. By organizing tasks in order of importance—starting with the highest priority—I’m able to maintain focus and ensure that critical items are addressed first. This structured approach enhances efficiency and is a practice I consistently apply both in my professional responsibilities and personal life. 

PART THREE • A LITTLE MORE

What’s a hobby you’ve picked up that surprises people? 

 Golfing; some people seem to be surprised that I golf.  

Favourite ice cream flavour? 

Chocolate peanut butter

Favourite food or type of cuisine?  

My favorite food is burritos; they can be tasty or healthy, and in some cases, can be both. 

Do you have a favourite way to stay active?  

Exercising is part of my routine. I do a combination of weightlifting and cardio to stay fit both physically and mentally. 

What’s your go-to music or playlist when you need motivation? 

When I need to feel motivated, I listen to a playlist or set from a drum and bass artist. 

What’s something you’re grateful for today?  

Every day I am grateful to have my health. It's not until you’re sick or injured that you appreciate being healthy. 

What’s one thing you’re really excited about in the future? 

 I am excited to travel. I would like to plan a trip to Japan and South Korea sometime in the future.