Success Story: Thomas

Thomas Feldman, NALP

Leasing Consultant, The Dolben Company

Thomas Feldman, NALP is the 2008 NAA PARAGON Award winner for National Apartment Leasing Professional of the Year. The PARAGON Awards are given annually and are the highest honor bestowed by the National Apartment Association.

I have always had an interest in real estate as my father had worked as a real estate agent for many years.  I also had appraised real estate before but found that real estate appraising (while interesting) was not personally engaging enough for me.  I started thinking about Property Management and leasing because it seemed to be the perfect marriage of the person-to-person interaction that I enjoyed, combined with a never- ending growth industry.

Property is never going away…we all have to live somewhere.  I liked the idea of becoming part of an industry where there is always work and always growth.  Markets may rise and fall…but we still need qualified, competent people to lease and manage where we live.

I started working for The Dolben Company in 2003 and the company and my community just seemed like a natural fit.  In no time I was being trained on the nuts and bolts that make a community happen.

The real estate industry is about people, not property.  Being a “people person”, I knew that working in the apartment industry would allow me to interact with new clients all the time while also having a solid team of people that I could work with and rely on.  I have seemingly endless energy that lends itself well to multi-tasking as well as communicating the enthusiasm you need to get people excited about a new home.  With each apartment tour I gave, I just felt that I had found a good career for me.

I received positive feedback immediately.  My company had me “mystery shopped” very early on to see how I would score given the little training I had received at that initial point. To their surprise (and mine) I scored quite well, which showed me that I had some innate abilities that worked well with the job and also got me excited to formally train those skills.  In a matter of months, my closing ratios were very high and I’ve been able to keep that pace consistently.  By the time the official recognition arrived (Employee of the Month, Employee of the Year, NAA PARAGON Winner), the track record of success I had created felt like reward enough.

I love that I find people exciting new homes; it is what I love about my job!  It’s so easy to get lost in the details of closing sales and following up with the necessary management responsibilities that you may forget the bottom line: Your residents are happy in their new apartment homes.  I also love that over time, my residents and my management team have become like my family.  I have been at my community for five years and I have seen my residents get married, have babies and unfortunately, in some cases, even pass away.  The job becomes a real part of your life and something to look forward to.  I also stay in touch with my Property Manager and Assistant Property Manager over the weekend when we all aren’t working together. I never dread Mondays!

There are endless opportunities within the apartment industry.  No other industry allows you to develop your natural abilities to their strengths while also providing so many different roads to use them.  Whether your skills lie in sales, management, marketing, accounting or technology…there’s a place for you to exceed your potential in the apartment industry.  I’m living proof.  You can start at a job with just potential and then five years later be accepting the NAA PARAGON award for a Leasing Consultant.

My advice is to go after what you want and play to your strengths!  No matter where your strengths lie, there’s an exciting career for you here!  And don’t get distracted by advancement options that ultimately will take you away from what you want.  I have had opportunities offered to me within the industry that would have meant advancing my career, but I knew that I wouldn’t have enjoyed doing those jobs.  I know my strengths and I know the aspects of the industry that I really enjoy. Staying focused on what you truly want, and playing to your strengths will help you bring out the best to meet your own personal success.  You and the apartment industry will be better because of it.

Tami Fossum, CAPS

Regional Asset Manager, Blue Ridge Property Management

Tami Fossum, CAPS, is the 2008 NAA PARAGON Award winner for Professional Designate of the Year. The PARAGON Awards are given annually and are the highest honor bestowed by the National Apartment Association.

I began my career in the apartment industry in 1989 as a part time leasing consultant working afternoons and weekends while in school. My father was a maintenance supervisor; my mom was an assistant manager and then worked for corporate office in accounts payable and payroll. I also had two uncles in maintenance and two aunts in housekeeping. So, it was natural for me to give this opportunity a try.

This industry offered me many opportunities and it was very stable; you could grow in many ways. It gave me the opportunity to learn many skills such as; sales, computer skills, accounting, management, real estate investments, construction, maintenance, human resources, people skills and much more. What more could I ask for in a career?

From my first position in 1989, I excelled relatively quickly, moving to a leasing manager in 1991, then to an assistant manager in 1993, a property manager in 1995 and finally to my current position, multi-site manager in 2004.

For me, multi-family property management offers constant opportunities to grow and learn. I love the variety that it offers through the different products, people and programs you can experience. The personal gratification of seeing those you supervised grow in their career as well as seeing the residents you provide a home to prospering and enjoying your community.

The amazing thing about the multi-family industry is the constant variety and challenges that it offers you. There is never a boring time. I personally feel I am constantly challenged, rewarded and have the variety to keep my job interesting and motivating. The other areas of that I have kept me on the top of my game is giving back to the industry through my local apartment association and the National Apartment Association.

My advice to someone thinking about entering the industry or someone who is just starting out would be work for different managers, so you can get a broad width of knowledge from these supervisors. I also recommend to not taking the fastest track to the top that the more knowledge you cultivate as you grow will make you one of the best versus just one of the crowd.

This is a field that can give you many skill sets and the opportunity to really showcase your natural strengths and grow your areas that need the most growth.

Mark Lawrence, CAMT

Director of Maintenance, Chestnut Hill Realty

Mark Lawrence, CAMT is the 2008 NAA PARAGON Award winner for Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician of the Year. The PARAGON Awards are given annually and are the highest honor bestowed by the National Apartment Association.

I got started as a property manager when I was 21 for a 129-unit luxury apartment community in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. I was given an opportunity to make change and took on the challenge. I am a people person and I love working with and helping others and taking on new challenges. This opportunity fit me like a glove.

After five years as a property manager, my property was purchased by Chestnut Hill Realty. I stayed on as property manager and took on the responsibility as a clerk for a new condo development they were building. Five years later, I became a project manager for the same company and a year later, I was promoted to maintenance supervisor for a 789-unit apartment community. In 2003, I was promoted to regional director of maintenance and last year I was promoted to director of maintenance.

At Chestnut Hill Realty, we are encouraged to use the tools that we have as individuals to make an impact. There is a great open door policy within the company, at any time during the day, we could be meeting with or talking to the CEO, COO and CFO of the company about various issues and topics.

I love that my company offers me professional growth, the opportunities to continually learn new ideas and approaches, and how to incorporate those ideas into the workplace. I particularly love that my current position allows me to coach and mentor my supervisors. I love the difficult challenges my job presents, such as dealing with fires that truly destroy and deeply affect people’s lives and the ways that we have helped residents through difficult times.

At Chestnut Hill Realty, our maintenance staff is the face of the company. Yes, it is important to have the skills and the right tools to take care of the residents’ maintenance requests, but we make it a priority to focus on internal and external customer service. Being able to take care of resident’s issues 24/7 and them thanking you for the job is quite rewarding. Whether it is 2 a.m., or over a holiday, or just showing up quickly and giving them exceptional service, exceeding their expectations to me is a “wow”.

The apartment industry is very exciting and rewarding with great potential for professional growth. The other thing that should be mentioned is that although the apartment industry is huge throughout the country, because of the NAA and other local apartment associations, you have the opportunity to meet others in the industry regularly and then you begin to feel more like a family. If you like dealing with people and like the challenge of “juggled up days” then come along for the ride!

Justin A. Moradi

Leasing Director, Equity Residential

Hear how Justin made the transition from working in hospitality to a career in the apartment industry by listening to the ApartmentCareerHQ.org podcast. Just click on Justin’s picture to learn more!

Lorin Atkins, CAM

Assistant Property Manager, Kettler Management

Late into my sophomore year in college, I met with different professors and advisors who were instrumental in developing an interest in multifamily housing for me. After many conversations with family, friends and advisors I decided to enroll in the Residential Property Management program at Virginia Tech University. I always knew I wanted to do something in real estate, but needed direction in pinpointing my exact career path. One of the great opportunities the property management curriculum provided was the hands-on experience. By the time I graduated, I had completed two summer internships, attended an IREM National Conference, wrote a management plan and been exposed to many facets of apartment management, commercial management and development. This sort of hands-on experience and the book knowledge the curriculum provided solidified my interest in property management, as well helped launch my career.

I graduated from Virginia Tech in December of 2006 and accepted a position in January 2007 with Kettler Management, a privately held company with properties throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. After working as the Assistant Property Manager of a 244 unit property, I accepted a lateral position as the Assistant Property Manager of one of our brand new class A, high rise, lease-up buildings in Reston, Va. Working in residential property management has by far exceeded all of my expectations. Just between the two properties I have worked at, I have never experienced more fun, stress, and self satisfaction… all in one day!

After a short year-and-a-half in this business, I must say that I really love the people I work with and the people I work to help. There is truly never a dull moment or a boring day, and I have learned to appreciate everything that each individual contributes to the growth of this industry.

The constant growth in communities and job opportunities keep the apartment industry very exciting and upbeat. Kettler Management alone currently has four properties in lease up within the Northern Virginia area and several more units to come. These are the type of happenings that indicate growth and security within an industry and suggest opportunity for advancement, which is attractive to any ambitious spirit.

I would tell anyone and everyone in the industry to stay relevant. Tomorrow’s trends seem to become yesterday’s fads very quickly in this business as there is always a “new” product in your market. For those interested in property management as a career, I would ask you to start with a self evaluation because there are many different realms of property management; and each realm requires a certain personality and work ethic. But if you enjoy interacting with people on daily basis, and never want two days to be alike… then this might be the career for you!

Sarah Yoon, CAM

Assistant Property Manager, AvalonBay

I graduated from the Residential Property Management Program (RPM) at Virginia Tech, the first and largest property management program in the country. While I was working on my degree, I was exposed to various aspects of property management. As a student in the RPM program, I had great opportunities to meet and network with many different companies nationwide as well as important contacts within those companies at our advisory board meetings, during our major specific career fairs, and in-class guest lectures. I interned with Roseland Property Company, a private company based out of Short Hills, N.J., in 2006 and in 2007 to gain some on-site experience. I accepted a full-time position as an Assistant Community Manager with AvalonBay in October of 2007 and began working for them post graduation in December of 2007.

I started college as a Business major, but I knew that it was not the major for me. I heard from a friend about the RPM program and set up a meeting with Dr. Rosemary Goss, the advisor and head of the program. Everything about the major and industry appealed to me and it was exactly what I was looking for. It encompasses all business aspects (management, marketing, accounting and finance) as well as customer service skills and continual problem solving. I knew that it was an industry in which I would never stop learning. Everyday is different and it continues to challenge you.

This is my first position in the apartment industry out of college. The combination of my degree in RPM and my internships, one of which was a manager in development program, and my Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation allowed me to step directly into a management role. Currently, I am working on a 380 unit brand new lease-up community in Massachusetts. I am also working towards earning my Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation.

The thing I love most about my job is the gratitude and appreciation a resident or prospect gives you regarding your service to them. When someone leases an apartment, they are renting something that can cost anywhere from 10-50 percent of their income. That is why it is so important to make each and every resident and prospect feel important and appreciated. And when they tell you that they appreciate what you have done for them, or if you know that they absolutely love their new home it really means a lot.

For me, I think knowing that there are so many opportunities for me in the future keeps me motivated to stay in the apartment industry. I have heard such great stories about different career paths that it encourages me to keep learning and give my best everyday. I know that if I work hard, my efforts will not go unnoticed and it motivates me to keep working towards my goals for my career.

During my college career, internships, and my time with AvalonBay, I have met and worked with dedicated and intelligent individuals. They have all taught me something and I know that I could always call on them if I needed anything. This industry is a large one, but there are great opportunities to network with others.

If someone was interested in this industry, I would suggest learning as much as you can and taking it in one step at a time. Every position in a property management company is important and I would suggest mastering a position before moving onto the next. Listen and do not be afraid to ask questions. Use the people around you as references and take in as much as you can from them. If you have the drive and a strong support system, you will only be set up to succeed.

Ellen Maxime, NALP, CAM

VP of Property Management, Delaney Development, Inc

I started in the apartment industry in what some might say is a pretty bizarre way. I was working at a local bank. I had my regular customers that I saw every week including a lady who was in the property management industry. One day, after several months of waiting on this particular customer, I handled her transaction and she handed me a business card and on the back it said, “I can pay you more than what you are making and you are worth it, if you are interested, give me a call.” I called her and started work as a leasing agent at a 200 unit property in Mobile about two weeks later. I knew pretty quickly that this was something I could do and would be successful at. I loved meeting the new people and it was rewarding to me that I was helping people. The market was pretty good at that point in Mobile and she was right…I was making more money and I was having fun in the process.

My first job in this industry at that 200 unit property was in 1985. I worked for a few different companies over the next several years as a leasing agent, assistant manager and manager. I took a short leave and worked on the vendor side of things with a furniture leasing company as a marketing representative but, I knew where my heart was. I got back into site management and in 1994 and I became a regional property manager in 1998 and earned my Alabama Real Estate License during that same year. In 1999 I came back to work for Delaney Development, Inc. as their regional property manager; (I worked for this company earlier in my career as a site employee). I always felt like this company was home for me. Since returning to Delaney Development, I have achieved my NALP and CAM designation and am currently working on my CPM designation with the Institute of Real Estate Management. I was made a Vice President of Property Management in 2006 and plan to be here until I retire.

The best part of my job and clearly why I like it the most is the people I work with and the company I work for. My job is different everyday. I enjoy the process of making decisions that make a difference for my company and the people who live in our communities.

So many people have given me opportunities to show my skills and what I can do in this industry. From Mrs. Cahill; who handed me that first business card to Gordon Napper who gave me my first chance as a regional manager to the Delaney family who have and continue to give me the chance to make a difference, I owe a great deal to a lot of people. I have been given opportunities to learn and to grow as a person and to learn and grow in my profession. I have achieved designations and recognition and feel in this industry. I have been able to change the lives of some of the people who have lived in our communities.

When I have new employees or I talk to someone interested in this industry, of course I recommend it if I think it is a good fit. I also tell them that all you only get out of it what you put in. I can’t remember ever passing up an opportunity to attend an event with our Apartment Association that would give me the opportunity to learn and meet people. Get involved and stay involved. Offer to help and give it your all. Decide for your self if this is a career or if this is a job and if it is to be a career…treat it as you would anything else you cherish; take it and nurture it and feed it with knowledge and watch it grow and your efforts will be returned to you ten fold.

Beau Daniel

Director of Operations, Foshee Management Company

In April of 2001, with my college graduation only one month away, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to take a full time leasing position at a large apartment community in Tuscaloosa, AL…basically, putting off finding a “real job”. Not knowing that decision would influence my future career.

After working for only three short months I found myself being promoted to Community Manager. I still wasn’t sure that this industry was for me, but, by taking the job it stopped the questions from my family and friends of “What was I going to do with my life?” However, within the first year of being in this industry I realized this was the career path for me. I spent almost four years at this position in Tuscaloosa with ETI Multifamily, leaving in late 2004 to join Colonial Properties Trust as a Community Manager in Florida.

In 2005, I left Colonial Properties Trust to join Foshee Management Company in Montgomery, AL as the Director of Operations. Foshee Management Company currently manages 1800 units in Central Alabama. I have become active in the local apartment association serving as President of the Montgomery Apartment Association in 2007 and Treasurer of the Alabama Apartment Association in 2008.

I chose the multifamily industry because it offered a career that was different. Different from other jobs because it allows you to “sit behind a desk” at times and also allows you to get out from behind your desk and “move around”. The multifamily industry also presents you with different challenges every day from budget concerns to residents’ concerns. It is an industry that is ever changing and keeps you on your toes.

While the multifamily industry is not for everyone, it is perfect for some. I would encourage anyone interested in the industry to dive in head first.

Carmen Azzopardi

District Manager, Griffis/Blessing, Inc

In 1986, while working part-time retail, I needed a full-time job. I saw an ad for a housekeeper position, applied and was hired. My duties included working between two properties. The company promoted advancement from within and in just over three months because of the training I received which taught me all aspects of maintenance I became a floater working at all 11 properties. After a year and a half I left that company and started working for a larger management company as a housekeeper.

After about six months I applied for a leasing position that was available at another community. I was hired for that position January 1991. There, I had a manager willing to train me on managing a property; she took me under her wing and gave me the tools I needed to grow. Nine months later I was promoted to Assistant Manager; within nine months of being an Assistant Manager, I was promoted to Section Manager. In 1993 my hard work earned me a promotion to Community Manager. From here, I continued to strive to learn all that I could to work toward a more responsible position in Property Management. Eventually, I was promoted to oversee another community while managing a new lease-up of my property.

In April of 2005 I was recruited by my present employer, Griffis/Blessing, Inc., for a position as District Manager. I currently oversee nine communities and over 1,700 units along the Front Range of Colorado. Griffis/Blessing, Inc. is helping me to obtain the CPM designation.

Each company I have worked for has given me the mentorship, education and training I needed to be where I am today. The leaders I have been fortunate enough to work with have been the biggest influence and always gave me the opportunity to grow. I believe that education is key and knowledge is power. If you have the drive and determination you can accomplish anything. I have always said “yes” when asked to do something and because of that have learned all aspects of the industry.

Category: Success Stories