Many skills acquired in the military transfer to careers in the apartment industry. These include careers in Management, Leasing and Maintenance. The following are case studies of individuals who found opportunity in the apartment industry following their time in the armed services:

Alexis Davis

Assistant Property Manager, Equity Residential

I started my career serving in the U.S. Military. I was stationed in the aviation unit where we fixed Blackhawk, Chinook and Apache helicopters. I was in charge of having the supplies and parts ready for the aircraft.

In 2006, I returned from a tour in Iraq and I did not know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. After being convinced by a friend to move to the Washington DC area, I started looking for an apartment. I visited a property that I knew I couldn’t afford, but was warmly greeted by the leasing consultant. I realized that this was the kind of company that I wanted to work for. The leasing consultant told me to bring my resume to a job fair that they were having. Soon after, I found myself working for that company.

I began my career in the apartment industry as a concierge and quickly moved up to leasing consultant. With the mentoring and guidance of my peers, I was promoted to assistant property manager. My personal goal is to be a regional manager. I see myself at the top. I see myself going far, especially in this industry.

What I love most about my job is helping and meeting new people. I am constantly building relationships, not only with residents but also with my co-workers. We want to see each other grow and I can go to anybody if I wanted some kind of mentoring. I feel like I have a family with the people that I work with.

Having a background in the military taught me how to be patient with people and treat them with respect. This is an aspect that I still use in property management. It also taught her to strive for the best. I know that with the proper attitude and guidance, I can reach my goal.

Joshua “Josh” DeDecker

Customer Service Representative

Lincoln Military Housing

After serving overseas in the military, Josh DeDecker found a new opportunity back home through the social networking site “Hire a Hero” and in the Apartment Industry. Learn more about Josh’s story in this podcast.

To find out more about how the apartment industry is working with the Hire A Hero program, download this informative brochure.