When Zach Lima started his career at Cadillac Fairview nearly 10 years ago, it was on a whim. Then an aspiring police officer, Zach was fresh out of college and lived near CF Lime Ridge. Looking for experience in security, he got a job as a full-time guard, which satisfied a desire to “serve and protect” and work in his own community.

Initially conceived as the first stop on a policing career path, the CF Lime Ridge community has become his focus. Today, Zach is a Security and Life Safety Manager at the property, having grown his career in ways he didn’t anticipate thanks to the encouragement of his colleagues.

“The great thing about CF is that I’ve been able to take risks because of so many good people within the company who are willing to support colleagues through career transitions,” he said. “Though I had my initial doubts, I’ve progressed from the frontline to a management position. At CF, you really feel supported and set up for success.”

Zach’s first steps toward his current position were initially tentative. After about two years into his original security guard role, he had the opportunity to apply for a security supervisor position but held himself back. He had never considered that line of work before, unsure if he was ready or capable to seize the opportunity. Finally, another two years later, with the support of his peers and supervisors, he took the leap. Since then, he has worked with colleagues who became his mentors and helped him progress his career even further. 

“In the supervisor position, the security manager at the time showed me the ropes and gave me the opportunity to develop and learn,” he said. “I was able to transition from that supervisor position into my manager role because of his guidance, and the guidance today from my General Manager.”

Now hiring and mentoring new team members himself and ensuring the success of his team, Zach has taken note from his own experiences, though it’s unlike what he had envisioned nearly a decade ago. For Zach, his initial career goals post-college have still played out at their core. His work at CF allows him to interact with the community, support a team of security professionals who are there to help individuals at the shopping centre, serving and protecting the community where he lives and works.

“My main driver has always been helping people and being part of the community, and today I’m doing exactly that,” he said. “I’m proud to have taken a chance on myself and I’m thankful that I continue having opportunities to grow my career with Cadillac Fairview.”

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