Apartment Trends Magazine Nov/Dec 2019 | Page 21

WHO'S WHO 2020 TOREY DIXON MARCELLA EPPSTEINER Volunteers of America Colorado Branch Mission Rock Residential, LLC VP Affordable Housing 24 1,611 YEARS WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY Vice President, Marketing 57 UNITS I OVERSEE EMPLOYEES I OVERSEE $142M VALUE OF PORTFOLIO I OVERSEE 15 YEARS WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY 25,000 UNITS I OVERSEE 5 EMPLOYEES I OVERSEE $4B VALUE OF PORTFOLIO I OVERSEE WHO HIRED YOU INTO THIS BUSINESS, AND WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM TODAY? My WHO HIRED YOU INTO THIS BUSINESS, AND WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM TODAY? mother, and our relationship was great until her passing in 2014 YOUR “GO TO” INTERVIEW QUESTION? What would be our biggest risk in hiring you? BEST OR WORST DECISION YOU MADE IN LAST 6 MONTHS: Moving to 3rd party management of a community outside the VOA Portfolio WHAT CAN DEVELOPERS DO DIFFERENTLY WHEN DESIGNING A PROPERTY? Collaborate more and keep the property operations in mind after Perm loan is accomplished AN AMENITY YOU WISH YOU COULD INVENT? Trash Robots IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY SITCOM, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? M*A*S*H BINGE-WATCHED EMBARRASSINGLY FAST: Persons of Interest FIRST GUEST ON YOUR TALK SHOW: Barack Obama MOVIE TITLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR WORK LIFE: Fast and Furious HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE PEOPLE? Showing compassion and understanding to their situations and concerns FAVORITE TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITY? Breaking bread with my staff BIGGEST PET PEEVE? Repeating myself over and over after providing written instructions and giving them verbally as well CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Obtaining 2 degrees while working and single parenting ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST: A week in a Villa in Antigua with a Butler and an infinity pool Chris, a property manager at a community I lived in Tallahassee, FL recruited me for a leasing consultant position. Unfortunately, we’ve lost touch over the years but he was a wonderful influence instilling in me to take the time to imagine what it would be like in the resident’s shoes within any circumstance. YOUR “GO-TO” INTERVIEW QUESTION? As I work within the marketing world of property management, I always ask, “What’s your favorite brand or campaign and why?” It gives me good insight into the individual’s creativity and gets them thinking about branding. BEST OR WORST DECISION YOU MADE IN LAST 6 MONTHS: The best decision I’ve made in the last six months is to slow down, zoom out, and as a team re- evaluate our individual roles and responsibilities. Multifamily continues to boom as an industry and we can often get caught up doing the same things because we’re moving so quickly. WHAT CAN DEVELOPERS DO DIFFERENTLY WHEN DESIGNING A PROPERTY? Realistically consider parking and transportation when planning spaces. Commute is among the top considerations when someone relocates. If there aren’t enough parking spaces allotted then plan for a dedicated space for Uber or Lyft to encourage that lifestyle. Or if public transportation is nearby, then consider how to optimize the renters path to said transportation. AN AMENITY YOU WISH YOU COULD INVENT? A lifestyle app that would prompt residents on how or even when to engage with existing community amenities to fulfill the lifestyle they would like to lead. IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY SITCOM, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? Will & Grace, and I would be besties with Jack and Karen. BINGE-WATCHED EMBARRASSINGLY FAST: Parks and Rec (and I would do it again!) FIRST GUEST ON YOUR TALK SHOW: My grandmother-in-law, Ruth. She’s 102 (and counting!) and continues to live a fulfilled and joyful life all the while aware that every day truly matters. She remains sharp with a remarkable spirit and energy that I would love to interview, share, and take notes. MOVIE TITLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR WORK LIFE: A League of Their Own; our team and culture at Mission Rock is truly collaborative, fun, determined, and everyone focused on being best in class while doing the right thing. HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE PEOPLE? Purpose and vision. People thrive when they know their role, their impact, and have an understanding and say in where we are going. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY? Getting out of the office in fresh air with a laid-back environment allows people to let their hair down, play games, and naturally build upon working together whilst having a good time and getting to know each other better. THREE FAVORITE APPS: Clock, Texting, and Calm BIGGEST PET PEEVE? Inconsistent branding and messaging. A marketer is detail-oriented; therefore, we’ll notice when a random font is at play or an incorrect logo is used. It’s a first-world problem, I know. CAREER HIGHLIGHT: The people I have had the pleasure to work with and develop meaningful relationships. ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST: Become a certified private pilot. KERRY EGELSTON Senior Vice President Griffis / Blessing 34 YEARS WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY 8,500 UNITS I OVERSEE 7 EMPLOYEES I OVERSEE WHO HIRED YOU INTO THIS BUSINESS, AND WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM TODAY? A fee management company in Phoenix, that went out of business many years ago. BEST OR WORST DECISION YOU MADE IN LAST 6 MONTHS: Best- We have hired some new very talented amazing people! Worst- Changing some software policies that were too strict. WHAT CAN DEVELOPERS DO DIFFERENTLY WHEN DESIGNING A PROPERTY? Take into consideration the storage and maintenance needs of the on-site team and parking. AN IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY SITCOM, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? The Jetsons, to be able to zoom across town in a spaceship and not have traffic would be amazing. BINGE-WATCHED EMBARRASSINGLY FAST: Shameless FIRST GUEST ON YOUR TALK SHOW: Oprah or Michelle Obama MOVIE TITLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR WORK LIFE : It’s a Wonderful Life HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE PEOPLE? Giving Kudos when they do a great job and nominating them for a GB award. THREE FAVORITE APPS: My bank app, Facebook, Google BIGGEST PET PEEVE? Crooked pictures and dirty vents. CAREER HIGHLIGHT: The people that I have hired and worked with in the past that have now moved up in the industry. ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST: Trip to Scotland/Ireland www.aamdhq.org NOV/DEC 2019 TRENDS | 19