BOARD PERSPECTIVE
BY AMIE ROBERTSHAW , AAMD TREASURER
For the Love of All Things Apartment
My story likely starts out similar
to yours . Once upon a time , we took a position at a job that would seal the deal and bind our lives to the ‘ Industry ’ forever . We didn ’ t plan for it , it sort of just happened . I was in the middle of getting a psychology degree from the University of Florida ( Go Gators !) when I first started leasing apartments . I dreamt of being able to help people . I guess in many ways I am living that dream , but in an entirely different capacity than I had initially thought .
See , we all landed here . Mostly by chance . But we seldom ever leave . What is it about apartments and property management that roots us ? I ’ d wager for most of us it ’ s the people . The people we work with , the people we work for , but mostly the people we provide apartments to .
At the end of the day , we supply the most desired amenity – a home . And sure , some days we wonder why in the heck we signed up for this . But sit back and consider how many lives you ’ ve been able to positively influence .
The Apartment Association of Metro Denver achieved a remarkable goal recently : 250,000 units in our membership ! That equates to easily 350k + individual people that we ( YOU !) have influenced . Collectively , we all know their names , their stories , their kids , their pets , their struggles and also their celebrations . I think we all deserve a round of applause .
The year of 2020 was unique . No need to restate the obvious . But it is worth restating that we were all considered essential during that time . What we do and why we do it proved to be important even under the most insane circumstances . But it sure wasn ’ t easy on us , was it ? We had to switch operations , policies and expectations numerous times . No one knew what tomorrow would bring .
We faced losses that came in many different shapes . Our jobs became harder , while also having to balance our personal struggles . We went from being an industry that thrived on
At the end of the day , we supply the most desired amenity – a home .
networking and relationships , to seeing others mostly on Zoom for the majority of the year .
We were tested in so many ways . And although it hasn ’ t been easy , we have persevered . We are stronger than 2020 . Our roots run deep . Together , we leaned on each other while navigating the past year . And we found creative ways to stay connected . We found ways to come together during a year that was all about ‘ being apart ’. I ’ m most excited about the AAMD Event calendar for 2021 . With so much still in the air , many events are planned outdoors . And lucky for us , we live in Colorado . So no matter the season , being outside is the place to be .
The stress of my job sometimes bleeds into my personal sanity . I carry the weight of responsibility for my teams , peers , supplier partners , clients and residents with me always . I ’ m sure you carry the same weight .
We do it because we love what we do . We have a love for all things ‘ apartment ’. We are the Apartment Association of Metro Denver – and there isn ’ t an organization I ’ m more excited to be a part of . Today , yesterday , always .
Amie Robertshaw is the Vice President of Operations at Echelon Property Group and a member of the AAMD Executive Committee .
6 | TRENDS FEBRUARY 2021 www . aamdhq . org