Although Andrew and I have never met, his recent article entitled “You didn't sign up for this....SO THANK YOU!” which can be found on LinkedIn.  The article was thoughtful and honest making Andrew relatable – which are key characteristics of any trainer.  Part of his personal mission is igniting joy in others hearts.  That right there should make you want to know him!​

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I love dissecting words and looking for greater meaning like the word Apartment.  What sets you “Apart” and why are you “Meant” for the multifamily industry?

What sets me “Apart” is my raw and unpolished approach to life and my career. It is never my goal to find perfect solutions or outcomes, but to deal with real-life by being real. This is why I am “Meant” for the multifamily industry. It is sporadic in this industry where you will find a one answer solution for all situations. Sometimes, it takes digging deeper within yourself to create a new streamline of solutions to be used in everyday life.  ​

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How and when did you get your start in the industry?

I started in the industry back in October of 2012. I honestly was looking for a job that would allow for little to no weekend hours and a nice daytime schedule. For me, this was “temporary work until I found the thing I loved to do. Little did I know., I had already found it. I applied for the Leasing Professional position in Daytona Beach, FL, and with no background in the industry. The hiring manager made it clear that I was going up against people with a lot of experience and asked why she should hire me with a funeral industry background. I leaned over and said, “You try selling funerals to family members that are mourning. It is tough, but it had to be done, and I did it. So I know I can do this”. I had no clue what I was getting into, but that statement got me the position.

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What is one song that always puts you in a good mood?

Back Home by Andy Grammer! It reminds me always to remain humble and never to forget my beginning. That the person I am is compiled from all things back home. It’s my karaoke go-to. 

 

What are 3 tips you would give someone considering a career in multifamily?

1. Don’t fit into a position; make the position fit you.

2. Take risks; sometimes, they are drops of success in disguise.

3. Enjoy the journey, and get ready to meet several newfound family members along the way. 

 

What is your proudest moment in multifamily?

My proudest moment is being selected as one of NAA’s 20 in their Twenties Scholarship winners. NAA’s 20 in Their Twenties celebrates the best and brightest in the rental housing industry. They are individuals who are 29 years or younger that have made great professional achievements in their careers and have the potential to go far. My dream is to be a guest speaker or panelist for a class or even one of the conferences. I feel like I have grown up in the industry and still am and have a wealth of real-life experiences to share.

 

Who is your mentor and why?

Anissa Faus, Director of Training for Mission Rock, my current manager, is one of the few mentors I have. For the past year and a half, I have met with Anissa at least twice a week via Video Conference, and the knowledge transfer is incomparable. When I look for a mentor,  I look for someone that is not going to 100% of the time, pat me on the back and say a great job. This provides me with no room for growth. Anissa has found a way to slow me down and allow me even with my risk-taking to approach all things with a cautious yet passion-filled attitude. While she allows time for praise, she also never neglects an opportunity to enlighten me in areas I may fall short. With her, it is not all work. Anissa’s interest in my mental health and home life, coupled with her interest in my career path, qualifies her in my book as a walking bible for where I am headed.

 

What book has left the biggest impression on your life?

Hands down 'Smile & Move' by Sam Parker. If you know Andrew, then you know that connecting with him is going to be a meet up full of laughter and fun. I have been a comedian all my life and don’t think I will ever stop, no matter what title or position I hold. This book gives you five ways to smile and four ways to move that will have a positive and possibly life-long lasting impression on your customers. I am constantly reminding those around me that smiling and laughter is contagious. A part of my mission statements is to create intentional laughter in spaces I occupy warranted or not. 

 

If you ever owned an apartment community, where would it be and what would you name it?

The apartment community would have to be named The Twilight Saga Community with three buildings, New Moon, Eclipse, & Breaking Dawn. It would be located in Seattle, Washington, of course, with a high altitude. Each resident will receive their Twilight vampire name, even though we know vampires are not real. Or are they?

 

What is your most memorable vacation?

Puerto Rico May of 2018! I went with work friends, and when it comes to adventure, you can count me out. Before this trip, fear had stopped me from doing a lot of this. I went kayaking at night, jumped off a boat in the middle of the ocean, and hiked a reopening trail in the forest. I have to create a moment like that again. 

 

If our country went to 4-day work weeks, how would you spend your 5th day?

I would spend that day writing and performing music. Creating all things musically. I do this now throughout the workweek as time allows but having a full day to do nothing but that. You can’t beat it!