Chances are, you’ve probably heard Sheri’s name floating around the multifamily industry.  She’s got her pulse on the legislative side of our industry and was also a past president of Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA).  Out of all the interviews I have done for A.M.P., her answer to my question: What are 3 tips you would give someone considering a career in multifamily?  Are probably my favorite! Our industry could use another Sheri – maybe we can recruit her twin sister?

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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 love your clever play on words. Having a servant leadership mindset and practice creates such a solid foundation to build exceptional teams who produce exceptional results. It also provides the daily fuel to propel and motivate you to consistently go the extra mile for your team, residents, and clients. When you genuinely care about the growth, development, and well-being of those you impact – it truly sets you ‘apart’. I am passionate about volunteering and working with our legislators to improve our industry and housing affordability for residents at all income levels. Our housing industry changes lives; we provide homes, build communities, and create opportunities. The multifamily industry was ‘meant’ for me to be a catalyst for change, inspire others and make a difference.

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

In 1994, I flew to Seattle for what was supposed to have been a 2-week visit to see my twin sister.  What ended up happening is that I fell in love with the city, decided to stay (on her couch of course), and applied for work at a temp agency. The assignment was with a company located on Lake Union that owned and managed multifamily, commercial, industrial, and moorage. That first exposure to such a variety of asset classes and property management opened my eyes to the industry.  I later joined Trammell Crow Residential Services which was hands down the most ideal foundation to build a multifamily career upon, and the rest is history!

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

September by Earth Wind and Fire.  Do you remember……….

 

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

1) Inspect what you expect
2) Embrace change
3) Understand it is as much people management as it is property management

 

What is your proudest moment in multifamily?

My proudest moments are the daily victories of your team overcoming a hurdle, the promotion of a colleague you helped mentor and develop, or the smile on a resident’s face after resolving their conflict. A very special, proud moment and great honor for me was being recognized as the recipient of the 2020 National Apartment Association’s ‘Outstanding Service to an Affiliate Excellence Award. 

 

Who is your mentor and why?

A true standout amongst many mentors I have been blessed with is Alexandra Jackiw. Alex and I met during the CAPS course I was enrolled in, and she instructed. She is a legendary industry contributor, a champion for improving multifamily and not only promotes but genuinely fosters individual growth and development of all those around her. Alexandra is an outstanding role model of giving back and making an impact. She established the Alexandra Jackiw Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Program, a fund to provide professional development opportunities through NAAEI for men and women who are members of a racial/ethnic minority group, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, or a person with a disability. Alexandra is an advocate for improving housing affordability and is passionate about educating our industry members.

 

What book has left the biggest impression on your life?

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, By John Maxwell, which identifies and teaches leadership principles. 

 

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

It would have to be in the Maldives and I would call it, Mithaa, which means ‘Here’ in Dhivehi.  Where do you want to live?  Mithaa.  Where is home?  Mithaa.  RIGHT HERE.

 

What is your most memorable vacation?

So many unique memories on each trip – a favorite has to be the first time we took our boys salmon fishing  - to Alaska.  Incredible natural beauty, exploration and off-the-grid family time. 

 

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

Any outdoor adventure with my husband and our two boys who are 13 and 16 and growing up way too quickly!