From Leasing Consultant to Building a Company: Lessons in Resilience, Vision, and the Multifamily In

When I read these words from Michael Jordan, I see more than just a legendary athlete
talking about basketball, I see the heartbeat of every great career in multifamily housing. Our work is a game of persistence. Some days we win big. Other days we miss the shot. But the willingness to keep showing up is what makes the difference.

A JOURNEY THAT STARTED AT THE FRONT DESK

I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. I came from a middle-income home where hard work wasn’t a slogan, it was how we lived. My multifamily career began at the front desk as a leasing consultant: answering phones, touring apartments, helping people find a place to call home, and hustling to hit my goals. I was a sponge. I asked questions, tried new things, and learned fast.

I was also a very young mom to two girls with big dreams of owning a photo studio. But with no assets and two little ones to raise, I took a different path, and I’m grateful I did. I “fell” into property management and discovered an industry that rewarded curiosity, grit, and service.

I didn’t have an “in” or a shortcut; I had determination. Instead of climbing a straight ladder, I climbed the lattice; moving across roles to build a broader skill set. Leasing led to business development. I dug into due diligence and transitions. I managed regions, then served as an RVP, and today I’m a VP. Each step wasn’t just a promotion; it was a new puzzle to solve and a new set of lessons to carry forward.

Through it all, I’ve been a team player. I wanted to be in every play; and when I had to sit
out, I used the sidelines to watch others hone their craft and keep learning. That mindset; work hard, stay curious, help the team win, is the through-line of my story. It’s how I got here, and it’s how I lead today.

THE FAILS AND THE WINS

Along the way, I had plenty of failures. I made decisions I wish I could redo, lost opportunities I thought were certain, and faced moments when I questioned if I was on the right path. But every misstep taught me something; about leadership, about operations, and about myself.

I also had wins that I’ll never forget; properties that turned around, teams that achieved impossible goals, and moments where the effort paid off beyond what I could have imagined.
The key wasn’t avoiding failure; it was learning to use it as fuel.

BUILDING SOMETHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Today, I’m learning the art (and science) of building a third-party property management company from scratch. It’s exciting, humbling, and at times overwhelming. I’m applying every lesson I’ve learned over the last 20 years; about residents, owners, operations, and team culture, to create something that can stand the test of time.

This industry has given me the space to dream big, to try new things, and to grow into a leader who can create opportunities for others. I am also surrounded by so many amazing
people that have given me the chance to reach my goals and am forever thankful for them.

WHY MULTIFAMILY IS THE ULTIMATE OPPORTUNITY INDUSTRY

I believe multifamily is one of the most accessible, opportunity-filled industries out there. You don’t need a specific degree. You don’t need to know someone on the inside. If you’re willing to work hard, keep learning, and embrace both the wins and the losses, you can go as far as you want.

I’ve seen leasing consultants become regional vice presidents. Maintenance techs become asset managers. Part-time team members become owners.

If you’ve ever wondered if you can make something of yourself in this business, let me be proof: you can.

 
THE INVITATION

To anyone thinking about joining this industry; or anyone already in it but unsure of their next step, remember: your failures do not define you. Your effort, your resilience, and your willingness to keep taking the shot do.

This is an industry where you can start at the front desk and end up building a company. Where relationships matter, where communities thrive because of your work, and where your career can be as big as your vision.

Take the shot. Even if you miss. Especially if you miss. Because the next one might just be
the game-winner.