Lacy Guice began her career in the real estate industry with Chicago-based Draper and Kramer, Incorporated six years ago as a leasing specialist. Her dedication to her residents and team members earned her a Multi-Housing News Excellence Award as Leasing Professional of the Year for 2025.
Here is a look at Guice’s career and the impact she’s already made in the commercial real estate industry.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in Louisiana where everyone knows everyone, a place where community and connection are simply part of everyday life.
Before stepping into property management, my background was in live sound and production. I spent years working behind the scenes, focused on technical execution, and making sure everything ran smoothly. That experience taught me attention to detail, problem-solving under pressure, and the value of strong teamwork. All these skills I continue to rely on every day.
My career path hasn’t been traditional, but each step has shaped how I show up professionally and how I serve the community today.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I transitioned into property management shortly after COVID significantly impacted the entertainment industry. During that time, a lifelong friend who was already working in the industry introduced me to Draper and Kramer, which ultimately opened the door to this new chapter.
I was looking for a challenge that would allow me to grow professionally while still working in a fast-paced environment. At first, it was a major shift moving from behind-the-scenes technical work to a resident-facing role.
What started as an opportunity quickly became something I genuinely enjoy. I discovered that I love helping people find a place to call home and being part of creating an experience where a community feels welcoming, supported, and well cared for.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside strong leaders and teammates who’ve helped me build confidence in this industry. Having supportive management and peers makes a huge difference, especially when you’re learning something new.
I continue to lean on my team for collaboration and guidance. Property management is very much a team effort, and having people you trust to brainstorm solutions with is invaluable.
What does an average day at work look like?
A typical day includes resident communication, handling maintenance requests, assisting prospects, managing lease renewals, and ensuring our community standards are upheld. Depending on the needs of the portfolio, it could also mean stepping in to support another property, helping train leasing agents, or visiting other communities we own to gauge the market and stay competitive.
There’s a balance of administrative work and meaningful interaction between people. One moment I might be reviewing documents or coordinating with vendors, and the next I’m helping someone navigate a lease question or preparing for a tour. That variety keeps the role dynamic, engaging, and constantly evolving.
What do you like most about your job?
I truly love seeing people get excited about where they live and watching them find a place they can call home. My home is my oasis, so I understand how important that feeling is. Knowing that someone chose our community is incredible and it’s especially humbling when they share that they decided to lease because of how I made them feel during the process.
Being from the South, hospitality is just part of who we are. Taking care of people comes naturally, and I take pride in creating an experience where prospects and residents feel valued, heard, and genuinely welcomed.
I also enjoy the creative side of the role. Whether it’s traveling to support different communities, curating playlists for properties, or putting together marketing materials, I appreciate that no two days look the same. It allows me to bring both structure and creativity into what I do.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to work on/achieve that you haven’t already?
I’m always focused on growth. I want to continue developing as a leader and expanding my knowledge within the industry. Whether that’s refining operational strategy, strengthening community engagement, or taking on larger responsibilities, I’m motivated by continuous improvement.
Long term, I hope to be someone others can look to for guidance, just as others helped me when I was finding my footing.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
Outside of work, I love traveling to new cities and exploring different environments. Sometimes that means hopping on a plane for a concert, taking a quick trip somewhere nearby, or heading back home to Louisiana to spend time with my family.
I also value quiet time to recharge whether that’s diving into music, learning something new, or simply spending quality time with the people closest to me. That balance helps me stay grounded and energized both personally and professionally.
