Do you have any tips on becoming a Regional Manager faster?

Hello everyone,
I have been a property manager for a little over 3 years. Just curious as to how long some of you may have worked as a property manager before becoming a regional. And any tips to get there faster.

10+ years. Dont rush it, there is a lot to learn. Take additional education through NAA, mentor new managers, take on more responsibilities/properties, etc...

Kristy Welch Brittney LaChele Childs Agree with that—don’t rush it! It took me 7 years and I assumed it was the obvious next step. It was not the right role for me at all!

7-10 years is reasonable for fast track to regional. Agreed...don't rush it! Good Luck!

34 years in the business. My first regional position was around year 14 after successfully managing A,B&C Assets. Did renovation and new construction. Conventional & Tax Credit. There was a lot to learn.

It's different for everyone. What I always tell people is its a combination of opportunity, and luck BUT prepare for that moment now. Find a mentor, be curious, take some risk, involve yourself, be honest with your weaknesses and focus on that improvement. For example if you have only basic Excel, Yardi, or bugeting, skills, become and expert. Learn the business from an investment point of view.
Best of luck

Oh and like the old saying, be careful what you wish for, it might come true. LoL.

A lot has to do with growth opportunities within your company as well. I recently got promoted to RM after being a manager for 8 years with my current company. We don't have a lot of turnover at that level, so I was lucky that my previous RM worked with me to get me ready when opportunity became available, and that a spot finally opened!

It really does depend on your organization, their RM/VP tenure and business plan. It took me 3 years but I may be an anomaly. I worked for a company that happened to be experiencing a lot of growth and I was in the right place at the right time. That said- I was also doing parts of the job before the title was mine- working with my RM learning the role and taking things off his plate. My goal was to be the property my RM didn’t have to worry about! My motto was to be as prepared as possible so I was an obvious choice when the opportunity presented itself. Best of luck to you as you work to move up!

38 yrs and still a property manager
????????????

Experience is the key! Pay your dues!

20 years and 12 as a property manager. I have zero desire to be a regional. My hat is off to those who can do it. I’m way too ADHD. I’m fortunate to have a great regional and I get to be a fixer so I’m never bored. I love it.

Took me about 10 years. I worked every position. Maintenance, leasing, manager. Class A to Section 8. Close to 800 units, as small as 104. When the time came.. you know what happened? I said give me the marketing job.
I’ve got the knowledge and skill for the regional position if not higher but forget all that stress and responsibility. Let me sleep at night and have a family.

If only I could go back to leasing now❗❗❗

Anna Marie Lopez during COVID I’ve been more of a leaser than anything and I miss it lol

I would definitely go back to leasing! Manager for many years

I was a PM for 3 years before I was promoted to regional, but in the industry for 11 years. It totally depends on drive, determination and knowledge. Work hard and prove yourself, network, join your local apartment association, etc. . .

Been a manager for 20 years. Was a Regional 5 years ago. For me, the stress level and never ending go, go, go was more than I wanted. Trust me being a PM is stressful enough with a large property. But at least I feel like when I go home for the day, I can relax until the next day (somewhat) for the most part. As an RPM it was constant. The money wasn’t worth the stress. But that’s me.

28 years and have always been Manager, assistant and a small stint leasing during a lease up. No desire to be a regional.

Deborah Gilland agreed

I have been in the business for 23 years. 6 months Leasing then promoted to APM, 1 year as Assistant Manager then promoted to PM. Over 7 years as a Property Manager I changed jobs 4 times looking for the right fit. I wanted to find a company I could grow with.
Once I found the right company I was promoted to Regional Manager within 1 year. Don’t be afraid to make a change if you determine there is no room for growth. Take advantage of every training opportunity and be involved with the local apartment associations. Wishing you all the best.

I worked in operations for over 15 years. Several of those as a property manager. I thought being a Regional was about managing people and teaching them to be great property managers so I thought I was ready to be promoted long before I actually was ready. It’s not all about Budgets and spreadsheets and well oiled operations.
It’s about developing people and leading. It’s a soft skill that can be taught if you are willing to learn. Do you have an industry mentor? Someone that you want to emulate? If so, set up a mentorship and do check points. Ask yourself what makes this person great and how can they teach you.

Additional thought: consider why you want it. It is the next logical progression but it is not an expansion of the property manager role. Once I got in the role, I did not like it at all. I left after less than 2 years for a role that a lot of people gave me grief about but I have been the absolute happiest career wise since taking on the new role and company. That was 6.5 years ago and I can truly say today = I love what I do and I love who I do it for.

Doesnt really have much to do with "how long"

It's not about time. It's about performance and knowledge. Take time to get all of the training that you can especially on the financial side. It will be well worth the wait to gain the knowledge to be successful.

Hi there! First thing, get in all the training that you can. Fair housing, customer service, resident relations, management skills, and financials. Be the smartest person in the room. Second, get to know the company. Be a part of them versus just an employee. Invest in the company and know why you want to be there. Third, just breath. Whether or not you know it, your hard work and dedication will be noticed. Give it time! You can do it!