The Unexpected Journey: From Art Major to Apartment Industry Maven
A Twist of Fate in the World of Apartments
"How did I get into the apartment industry?" This question often brings a smile to my face. You see, many find their way into this field quite by accident - a friend's recommendation, a chance encounter, or perhaps an offer too good to refuse, like an apartment discount. But my journey? It's a bit different and all the more special to me.
A Family Legacy and a Summer Job
It all started with a family connection - my father, a well-respected executive in the industry. His one condition for me, as I pursued a Studio Arts Degree at Texas Tech University, was to learn apartment leasing. So, leasing apartments became my summer and winter break routine. Little did I know, I would fall head over heels for it!
From Art Major to Community Leader
My passion for working with people, for helping them find their perfect home, quickly shone through. Starting as an assistant manager, I soon found myself managing a $37 million property in the 90s, with nine full-time employees. Imagine that, just an Art Major in such a big role! There were hard times, tears, but above all, there was fun and a sense of achievement.
A Career Path Unfolding
The journey didn't stop there. I became a Floating Manager, dealing with troubled or new properties, realigning and setting them up. Following that, I took on the role of Marketing and Training Director for a high-end property management company. My art background came in handy, allowing me to work on floorplans, designs, colors, and marketing strategies. I owe a lot to my mentors and colleagues who helped me grow in this field.
Exploring the Supplier Side
But my story takes another turn. Remember my father? He started a collection agency, and who better to help than his Art Major daughter? I learned the ins and outs of collections, navigating regulations more than I ever imagined. Our hard work paid off; we grew the business and eventually sold it. My career continued to evolve in sales leadership, customer service, business development, and account management.
A Legacy of Volunteerism and Passion
Following in my father's footsteps, I ventured into volunteer leadership with various apartment associations. My passion for helping people and my creativity found new outlets in education, legislative, mentoring, and fundraising committees. Eventually, I moved on to national volunteer leadership, serving on a council for the supplier community.
Honoring a Legacy
My father, the man who influenced me the most, may have passed away years ago, but his legacy lives on. He left an indelible mark on national education and training platforms, fueled by his passion for acceptance and helping others. It's this same passion for the industry and helping people that he instilled in me, a legacy I proudly carry forward.
A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Looking back, it's been a journey of growth, learning, and embracing every opportunity that came my way. From an Art Major to a leader in the apartment industry, I've realized that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
