I first want to thank those that have recently contacted me to let me know how much they enjoy my page. Those that know me can attest I have two passions, being leadership and property management. OK, maybe I have a few others like diving with sharks and family. I have had some amazing experiences in my property management and now Disney career as a leader. What an amazing ride it has been so far.
So you want to be a property manager? How does one get into this business? I have asked that question of hundreds of property management professionals, and more times than not it was not something they were seeking rather something that found them. Most people do not get into this industry through a college degree. There are only a handful of universities that have property management programs, while we have hundreds of thousands of employees in this business. Maybe they were familiar with the job because they applied for an apartment previously and had great customer service skills coupled with an outgoing personality. Maybe a friend or family member in property management recommended they look at industry opportunities. I have actually had several respondents who said they needed a job and lived in an apartment community that was hiring.
So what does this industry provide that others may not? First, no two days are exactly the same and something new will always be on the horizon. If you want diversity, this industry provides it. From the service side that may have ten service requests one day and because rent is due now you have fifty. Or the office staff who is outreach marketing one day, answering the phones another and leasing apartments another, and yet another planning or putting together a resident activity. We forget about the service tech that is called out at two in the morning because someones toilet is flooding the apartment downstairs. Or how about the property manager who must wear one of the following or many of the following hats at any given time and be prepared to adjust to the moment: Risk manager, financial consultant, marketing director, human resources consultant, project manager, emergency preparedness administrator, advertising expert, sales adviser, trainer, psychologist, asset manager, budget and reporting expert, inspector, and occasional babysitter when a lost child wonders into your office. You may have to deal with some really "heart tough" issues including collecting rents, dealing with the death of a resident, or raising rents that challenge both your residents and staff. You may be faced with fires, floods, hurricanes and severe storms, car accidents, equipment failures, budget cuts, market changes, and not to mention dealing with personal issues related to your team.
For those of you in the business, you're probably feel you need a raise after thinking about all the responsibility you are given and the hats you must wear. If you are not in the industry you may be thinking, "Waiting tables at Olive Garden doesn't seem so bad." One thing is for sure, if you find yourself in property management for any period of time it gets in your blood and into your soul. This is especially true within multifamily and the apartment industry, because of the diversity of jobs and the diversity within those jobs. All of the above for some of us is why we love the challenges and opportunities provided in property management. You may also find when you ask that waiter who made a customer service impression on you, "So, you want to be a property manager?," this was exactly how you discovered the profession you have chosen.
