Amazing how a networking event creates gratitude.  A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a networking event with several of the colleagues that have influenced my career.  It encouraged me to take stock of the opportunity to meet, work with and the experiences this industry has provided.

Thirty years ago, I was working for the local police department, a Police Service Officer, but the position had been funded with a special grant and the funding expired.  One of the police officers in my section mentioned the apartment community where he lived, was hiring.  Using him as a reference I applied for a part time leasing position for a senior property with Section 8 assistance.  A few weeks later, I joined the property management industry.  Part time, became full time, leasing became managing, managing a single property location grew to a multi site responsibility.  Then the promotion to oversee a portfolio of properties.  Property Management has been my passion for thirty years.

My exploration into blog posting with Property Management Minutes is an effort to give back to an industry that has given me much.  People describe the challenge of property management, “something different every day.”  I love the challenge with the variety of disciplines; Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Business Management, Supervision, Training, Maintenance, Renovating; the list goes on.  I love it!

My first experiences were properties owned and managed by Oxford Management.  I had the privilege’s of working with industry greats, Alex Jackiw, Howard Campbell, Sherre Helmer.  Many of my colleagues at Oxford, remain in Property Management today.  I  am equally thrilled that individuals I interviewed and consequently hired for a variety of Property Management team positions remain in the industry today.

Learning business analytical skills from tremendous leaders, Gerry Zais and John Robison, have helped develop tools to pursue objectives to establish best practices. The industry continues to challenge me to find new ways to apply metrics to the data. Most importantly, use the data and results as it applies to daily business practices and grow the business.

Whether working with affordable or conventional properties, managing for performance is the challenge facing a management agent.

I have attended NAA annual conferences and remain awestruck at the expanse of our industry.   Participating with the apartment association in Michigan I have met and worked with many individuals the bring pride and professionalism to our industry.

I am thankful for the experiences, I am thankful for the opportunities, I am thankful for the wonderful people I have met, the friendships that have developed and the accomplishments we’ve achieved.

In my opinion, there is no other industry that offers the rewards, the satisfaction, the challenges presented when providing and maintaining apartment homes for families. I am thankful everyday for the opportunity to participate in this industry.

Property management becomes a surprise career for many.  We start off in a part time fill in the gap, temp hire, and love it so much, we truly never leave.  How did you start your career in property management?  Share in the comments below!  I’d love to hear your story.