When you ask someone what they would do on their day off if our country went to 4-day work weeks and they answer with “doing more volunteer work,” you know you are talking to someone with a good heart!  Spoiler alert - that’s what Cindy said when I asked her that very question.  As nice as she is in her interview, she is even nicer in person.    

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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?

I have always been a people person and our industry is all about people and how we make a difference in their lives by the homes and communities we build and manage for them.  What sets me apart is that I have had experiences in other sectors and I believe the breadth of experience makes me look at things from a different perspective and try to keep that fresh “outside the box” thinking.

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

I started in Property Management in 1987 right out of college with my first job in a Residential Property Management Company in Northern Virginia.   

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

That is a hard one as I love music (many genres) and music, in general, lightens up my mood. 

 

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

1) If you don't like people and find them fascinating, this industry will be really hard for you.  2) Learn how to not take anything personally. People are emotional about their homes and since we touch so much of their lives, they can seem like they are attacking us, but there is usually more going on than we know about.  3) There is no group of people more fun than multifamily people.  If you love this industry, you will be a "lifer" and you will want to do nothing else.  You can easily identify a "lifer" as they will wave at strangers and pick up trash.

 

What is your proudest moment in multifamily?

I would consider the work I have done with Kettler my proudest.  The privilege of work with such a great team of professionals to achieve great results and true capstone to my career.

 

Who is your mentor and why?

I have had so many great mentors in my career and I encourage everyone to continue to find mentors no matter what place you are in your career.  Bob Kettler is my mentor today and he has been instrumental in my continued development in the real estate sector specifically is it relates to Multifamily and Land Development and MF Acquisitions.  Very lucky to have such an iconic mentor. 

 

What book has left the biggest impression on your life?

Professionally, it was a book called “Its Your Ship” by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, a very practical guide to leadership and driving teams to improve performance.  Personally, anything written by Erma Bombeck, her humorous way to look at everyday life was priceless.

 

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

Never even thought about this.  Don’t have an exact location but would definitely be near the water and could not even begin to think of a name, that is why I am not the head of Marketing!

 

What is your most memorable vacation?

Loved my trip to Costa Rica with my two daughters.  We had many great experiences and a bonding time I will cherish forever. 

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

I would do more volunteer work!