Putting People First - Is Profitable and Feels Good!

[Michael Tempel]

I have been in the property management business for over 19 years.   It is always exciting, challenging and I am yet to feel like I know it all by any means.   In fact, the more I know the more I learn I need to know.  

Putting people first - whether our tenants, partners, owners or team members has proven to be the most effective business strategy I have focused on time and time again.   Above everything else, it makes sense, but I was hoping to get some feedback and ideas about how others have used this in their business.   So many times real estate can be the business of profiting off of other people misfortunes.  I am looking for the good stories, the Win Wins!  

Personally I have found taking the extra time to know and care for our employees is more important than any raise or title you can give them (well....to an extent), that sending cards to residents and taking the time to simply listen can be the difference of a renewal or a move out with a horrible review.

It goes all the way to the top of the line with owners/investors, residents, partners, vendors and even unpleasant events involving compliance or auditing.   Leading with a smile and great care performing customer service seems to light the way through dark or rough patches in this business.

I look forward to hearing some other examples, hopefully ones we can all use and grow as a group.  

What is your way of putting people first in your business?