This week marks Residential Property Managers Career Week, sponsored by the National Apartment Association. It’s a week set aside to highlight as well as celebrate the work of residential property managers, and showcase career opportunities in the field. With the Chicago area ranking as the fourth largest apartment market in the country, there are hundreds of people working as PMs in the city and suburbs. Here are three to share their experience in the profession.
Selena Lockwood
RMK Management Corp.
(Photo courtesy of RMK Management Corp.)
Selena Lockwood has worked in property management for more than 40 years, starting out as a tennis court attendant and receptionist with a Chicago-based management company. Over time, she worked her way up while learning the business and gaining experience at a variety of Chicago-area multifamily communities. Today, she is the property manager of Versailles on the Lakes in Schaumburg, Ill., a 618-unit rental community where she has proudly worked since 2011.
Selena, who has been a dedicated team member at RMK Management since 2002, holds the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and brings a wealth of industry knowledge, leadership and operational expertise to her role. Known for her hands-on leadership style and commitment to resident satisfaction, Selena says, “I take pride in maintaining a well-run, welcoming community while developing strong, high-performing teams.” She currently oversees a team of approximately 26 employees.
In addition to overseeing leasing and maintenance for the large-scale community, she manages the property’s resort-style amenities and 30 acres of landscaping and green space, including two lakes. However, Selena’s favorite aspect of her job is “the people part of it.”
“I thrive on building relationships with residents and keeping everything running smoothly, and love that no two days are ever the same,” she says.
Selena advises those considering a career in property management that it takes patience and flexibility, as well as the need to be organized and able to think on one’s feet. RMK Management considers Selena a key role model and example for all of the firm’s team members.
Augustus “Guy” Coletti
Draper and Kramer, Incorporated
(Photo courtesy of Draper and Kramer.)
While many property managers grow into the role through experience in leasing, Augustus (Guy) Coletti’s background was on the property maintenance side – and he says that’s made a big difference in how he approaches his current position as property manager for Draper and Kramer, Incorporated’s North 680 property in Schaumburg, Ill.
“Maintenance makes or breaks a property’s reputation and a resident’s experience,” Guy says, “and roughly 50% of a property’s expenses are related to maintenance. So having been in the shoes of the maintenance team gives me not only a great appreciation of what good maintenance workers contribute, but also a more holistic view of managing the property.”
Guy also notes he enjoys the financial aspect of his position and loves digging into the financial reports. However, he says, ultimately, it’s all about the people. He doesn’t hesitate to roll up his sleeves and help his team however it is needed. One example is when a new maintenance person started at Guy’s property at an incredibly busy time. Wanting to set him up for success, rather than begin a new job backlogged, Guy joined him for a day as a maintenance assistant, showing him the ropes and taking care of items on the crew’s list. “It removed some of the stress he was feeling as a new person, and also showed him that I have his back,” says Guy.
He adds, “It’s a special relationship that staff members have with residents. There is a lot of care and a lot of trust, and I’m grateful for the people around me.”
Amanda LauLetta
Marquette Management
(Photo courtesy of Marquette Management.)
“Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” This is the guiding philosophy of Amanda LauLetta, property manager of the 343-unit Preserve at Cantera in Warrenville, Ill. She has managed Preserve at Cantera for the past eight years of her 19 total years with Marquette Management, overseeing a team of eight. Her role covers a wide range of responsibilities including budgeting, monthly financial reporting, employee engagement and team development, as well as resident retention and satisfaction.
Resident favorites at the property she and her team keep in tip-top shape include the clubhouse and its well-equipped fitness center as well as the outdoor pool and its expansive sundeck that overlooks a tranquil pond. In addition to maintaining and maximizing opportunities for residents in these popular amenity spaces, Amanda and staff are dedicated to building community through resident activities, hosting a minimum of two resident events each month.
Amanda says, “I got my start in the industry in high school, working as a receptionist and in the leasing/management office of a multifamily community. Eventually I was promoted and served as a leasing agent at that community throughout college.” Upon graduation, she realized this was her career path and accepted a management position at the property.
Her favorite part of her job is building relationships and providing a community that residents are proud to call home. She approaches her job as property manager with a business owner’s mindset, noting this role gives one an opportunity to change lives, provide quality service and build relationships.
