Member Spotlight

Corey Ferguson
Cousins Properties
Grade II Engineer

Kimberly Loflin
Stream Reality Partners
Vice President of Property Management

Steve Hallmark
Cousins
Vice President of Operations

James Hollins
JLL
Sr Vice President, Group Manager

Dragan Nesic
Dimensional Fund Advisors
Senior Engineering Manager

Leanna Atkins
Prologis
Real Estate & Customer Experience Manager

Matt Burton
Lincoln Harris
Property Manager

Makenzie Koch
Hines
Tenant Service Coordinator

Mackenzie Yates
Cousins Properties
Assistant Property Manager

Background

• I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor's degree is Psychology. I began my career in commercial real estate working as the Office Administrator for CNL Commercial Real Estate, who changed their name to Foundry Commercial. I worked in this position for about a year before migrating over into Property Management for the next 3 years. Here I assisted with a mix of Office, retail and industrial assets. From there, I joined Griffin Partners where I currently assist in managing Office assets

 Favorite mentor

• Currently I have the pleasure of working with Scott Schuler, Sr. Property Manager with Griffin Partners. Scott is not only a wonderful mentor but a great manager as well. He really takes the time to explain everything to me to ensure I fully understand and grasp the details. He allows me to work at my own pace while also providing plenty of motivation to keep moving. He's fully invested in helping me grow and advance in my career. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor/manager to work with.

 Best advice for emerging professionals

• Take the time to really enjoy your work. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily tasks that you can easily find yourself just moving through the motions. It's okay to slow down, take a break and give yourself some time before moving on to the next thing.

 Most valuable skill needed for career in property management

• The ability and willingness to constantly learn.   

 Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• I love how rewarding the job is- whether it's solving problems, completing tasks or making tenants happy. There's always something to do or someone to help.

Why did you join BOMA

• I joined BOMA to expand my professional/social network. I've attended events prior to joining and have had the pleasure of meeting so many great people in the industry. I find it helpful to make connections in this profession and I knew BOMA would be a great place to start!

 Fun fact

• I had an extra bone in my foot growing up. I actually had it removed when I was 16 and have the scar to prove it!​​​​​​​

• There is always something to do!

Background

• I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing. I am a NC licensed broker and CPM. I began my career in real estate working for Trammell Crow on the Bank of America corporate services account. I then went on to Colliers International and facilitated brokerage activity on tenant representation and landlord rep assignments. From there, I joined Hill Partners and had the opportunity to learn about retail shopping center development and management. I have also managed single family homes for a REIT, Realogy Holdings Corp. I currently work for Lillibridge Healthcare Services managing medical office buildings.

• I have had several people I would consider mentors throughout my career so I don't want to mention just one. Mentors come in all forms from peers, managers, and family members. I encourage people to seize opportunities to work with experienced professionals and allow those connections to be made so you can find yourself in learning situations. It's great to have a diverse group to pull ideas and knowledge from when you are working through new challenges which ultimately result in learning and growth both professionally and personally.

Best advice for emerging professionals

• Lots of tips, where do I start?  Okay, here is a short list:

1. Open your mind and embrace each day with the understanding that a curve ball may come your way, but embrace that challenge and tackle it with positivity and you will get results.
2. Be respectful of the talents each player brings to the table. Teamwork is essential with all of the moving parts and each person is a contributing factor to achieving the best outcome in whatever project you are working on.
3. Know your audience.  If you don't, familiarize yourself and prepare.
4. Don't let fear hold you back from expressing your ideas or opinions, as these are all part of the puzzles in life as it relates to professional or personal accomplishments.
5. Have courage and confidence to tackle any challenges that come your way and have the resiliency to bounce back from any failures along the way. This is the growth process.
6. Have patience to explore various outcomes when problem-solving opportunities present themselves.
7. Hold steady and persevere and the impossible becomes possible as your confidence develops with experience.

 Most valuable skills needed for career in property management

• Leadership and budget management skills.

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• Ability to interact with a wide range of professionals and frequent learning opportunities. 

Why did you join BOMA

• Networking with peers and other professionals in real estate.

Fun fact

• I have a fraternal twin sister.

 Favorite thing about Charlotte   

• Watching the city grow and trying out new venues.    

Background

• I spent 10 years in the legal field working as an Assistant Paralegal for a Corporate Immigration law firm - Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernson & Lowey, LLP - and then went on to work for Littler Mendelson, an Employment Labor law firm. A few months after leaving the legal industry, I was given an opportunity to work with Fig Asset Capital as a Property Administrator, to help manage their HSBC Bank in Downtown Los Angeles.  Over the past 7 years, I've worked in Commercial Real Estate/Property Management with companies such as Cushman & Wakefield, Lincoln Harris, CBRE, and I am now working for a Healthcare REIT, Healthcare Trust of America.  

Favorite mentor

• I had the pleasure of working with Bernard "Bernie" Howroyd, founder of AppleOne Employment Services. Bernie was an extraordinary man with a wealth of knowledge he graciously shared with me. I still use what he taught me to learn people and understand them, both in my professional and personal life. I have a passion for helping others and knowing this has taught me how to build successful relationships. 

Best advice for emerging professionals

• Communication! It's the key to being a good professional. This can also help to build positive working and stronger relationships that will create opportunities for networking.

Most valuable skill needed for a career in Property Management

• Most successful property managers are people persons. You must be approachable, understanding, and easy to get along with while maintaining a positive attitude and able to establish good relationship with both tenants and vendors.   

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• I find the opportunity for creative problem-solving to be very inspiring! You never know what the day may hold and the ability to help others is very rewarding.  

Why did you join BOMA?

• I joined BOMA to help grow my professional network. From the events I've attended in the past as a guest, I've met so many smart, ambitious, and inspiring people. BOMA also has helped broaden my awareness of good companies to work with in the Charlotte region. Joining BOMA is one of the best things I've done for my career.

Fun fact

• I moved from a state where you do not pump your own gas (New Jersey). When I moved to North Carolina, I drove into a gas station off of I-95 and parked near a gas pump. After a few minutes when no one came over to help me, I looked over and saw someone get back into their car -- and that's when I realized I had to pump my own gas (for the first time!).

Favorite thing about Charlotte 

• Charlotte is a growing city! The level of energy and excitement is amazing to me. It is getting more environmentally sound, more fun, and more beautiful. Anything is possible in Charlotte.

Background

• I got my start in the PM world with CNL Commercial Real Estate (now Foundry Commercial) working as an Assistant Property Manager right out of college on a suburban office complex.  I was "green" and could hardly understand past the first few pages of a lease agreement, but was anxious to break into the CRE industry and learn as much as I could quickly.  I ended up relocating to Charlotte back in 2013 to join CNL/Foundry's growing team and managed a portfolio of 2-3 million square feet of retail, industrial and office assets around the Southeast region.  I'm currently overseeing Link's industrial portfolio in the Carolinas as the Associate Director of Property Management.

Favorite mentor

• I consider myself very fortunate to have had several great mentors over the years whom have played pivotal roles in my professional career.  If I have to pick one though, Susan McGuire takes the top spot and is a big reason why I relocated to Charlotte in the first place.  I knew from the get-go that she was someone who would take the time to invest in me as a young professional and I had the pleasure of working with/learning from her for 7+ years.  It would take a full page for me to list out everything I learned from Susan over the years so I will just say that I acquired my "master's degree" from the McGuire School of Commercial Real Estate with a specialized focus in retail and transitioning new development projects!

Best advice for emerging professionals

• Spend time studying and applying Success Principles in your life.  You will likely master the hard skills of your job within your first few years, but it's the soft skills that will really advance your career.  The beautiful thing about Success Principles is that they are timeless and will not only serve you well professionally, but they will also have a tremendous impact on your personal growth as well. 

Most valuable skill needed for career in property management

• People Skills.  Whether you are handling a difficult situation with your customer (be it a Tenant or a Client), negotiating contracts with service providers, or managing a team... you are constantly working with PEOPLE in this industry!  I believe your ability to effectively communicate with people is one of the most underrated skills in our industry.

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• You never stop learning.  We saw it firsthand with the pandemic that there is not always going to be a playbook available for every challenge that comes our way in property management.  I love being part of an industry that constantly pushes you to keep learning and adding to your skillset. 

Why did you join BOMA

• To continue building relationships with other peers in the CRE industry.

Fun fact

• During my earlier days managing Retail properties, there were a few years where I dressed up as Buddy the Elf for our annual Christmas events at various shopping centers...  PM's always go the extra mile for their customers!

Favorite thing about Charlotte  

• There is no shortage of great restaurants to eat at in this city!

David Edwards
Cousins
Group Engineering Manager

Background

• I started my career with Tar Heel Mechanical Contractors, my dad's company before getting my NC State Mechanical Contractors License and going into business for myself. I set out on a different path when I accepted a Chief Engineer position with The Keith Corporation reviving City Fair, where Truist Center (formerly Hearst Tower) now stands. I also had the pleasure of starting up the Mecklenburg County Jail Central downtown for Keith Corp., a very unique experience. From there, I joined Cousins Properties where I was involved in the development and start-up of Gateway Village before becoming a regional Group Engineering Manager for the Mid-Atlantic portfolio. In December it will be 22 years with Cousins!

Favorite mentor

• I would have to say my dad, who taught me that we are only limited by our own efforts and that if you step off that road to success all you need to do is step back on to realize your goal. I also had the pleasure of working for Graeme Keith of Keith Corp., a very gracious leader. I would also add Rob Speice with Cousin who hired me and helped teach me the Cousins way.

Best advice for emerging professionals

• Network, get involved with BOMA, and build relationships. Also never stop learning.

Most valuable skill needed for career in property management

• Communication! Learn to listen and understand your audience.  Also, it takes a team to be successful, so be a team player.

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• Relationship forming, making the right choice, and making the choice work.

Why did you join BOMA

• Originally to get my SMA & SMT, which I did. Now I am involved with the Engineering Committee to share and pass on to others with whatever I have to offer.

Fun fact

• My youngest son Josh wanted to learn karate when he was six, and I had no experience in the martial arts. Josh went on to earn Black Belt in karate; I went on to become a 3rd degree black belt in karate, first degree black belt in jujitsu, and an instructor until the school closed.

Favorite thing about Charlotte  

• I'm a native and watching its growth has been fascinating.

Alexandra Bartels

JLL
Senior General Manager

Background

• I began my career in commercial real estate as a receptionist for CBRE, fresh out of college. 13 years and two firms later, I've found my work home with JLL. It's been an amazing ride so far, and looking forward to the road ahead for our JLL Markets Property Management Team.

Favorite mentor

• I've been so lucky with the mentors I've had over the years, it's a tough call to pick just one that have help guide my career and growth. First, Suzanne Bereis who I had the pleasure to work with for almost 7 years, has made an ever present impact on the type of manager I strive to embody every day. I'm forever grateful for the time she invested to teach not only the how, but the why behind what we do and it's importance. Second, Fred Arena, a client relationship that was built starting in 2012, has been an amazing mentor over the years. He's insight on building, client management, and career advice has helped shape the path I'm on today.

Best advice for emerging professionals

• If you don't know, ask! Never be afraid to ask questions, we have all been there once! Some of the best learning opportunities have come from questions. I still get some that challenge my growth as well. I say to my team, we can find out and learn together!

Most valuable skill needed for career in property management

• Being a present, engaged listener. It's as impactful for you as it is for the person speaking.

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• My favorite thing has transitioned as I've grown in my career. I have always enjoyed that each day in this industry is different; I could be working on financials in the morning and move to rescuing baby ducks from a fountain in the afternoon. Each day provides for new challenges and learning experiences. As my team has grown, my new favorite aspect has become the opportunity to teach and train new team members. I get to take all the pieces I've learned and love about this business and give that knowledge to the next generation of emerging professionals.

Why did you join BOMA

• My first manager, Evelyn Mercado, was a long time BOMA member & board member. She encouraged me to branch out and network with peers in the industry which lead me to join BOMA as well. That was 2009, I've continued the membership ever since ??.

Fun fact

• I've learned how to make candles to pass the stay at home time in 2020.       

Favorite thing about Charlotte

•  I love that big city with small town hospitality feel we have in Charlotte.

Taylor Cole

Hamilton EQ
Property Manager

Background

•  I am from St. Louis, MO and lived there until I moved to Charlotte in March 2019. Most of my professional experience has been in accounting, having worked in the private accounting sector for a few years after college before taking a role in commercial real estate. My commercial portfolio consisted of properties in California, Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina, prior to moving into an Assistant Manager position which oversaw Washington, D.C. The opportunity to take a Property Management position in Charlotte presented itself and I decided to make the move so I could learn the another side of the industry.
  

• This is a tough one, as there are a few mentors that I have enjoyed working with. The few that stand out have not only taught me a specific role, but have encouraged me to try new things and to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
  

• Get involved. Whether that's within BOMA, the company you work for, or your community. It will lead to building relationships, learning, and could even present opportunities that you may not have considered otherwise.        

•  Communication. Being able to effectively communicate, both verbally and via email, with tenants, vendors, and my team members has been vital in finding quick solutions in any situation. 

• I like that every day is different. I also like hearing about what's going on in the industry. New buildings, new companies moving to Charlotte, etc.

• I joined BOMA to build relationships and to get more involved in the industry. 

• I rescued a puppy during quarantine!

• I like that there is always something new to do/try!

Dave Dabson, RPA, CPM, CCIM
Beacon Properties

Director, Asset and Property Management

Company

• I joined Beacon Partners in spring 2019 as the Director, Asset and Property Management. Founded in 1989, Beacon Partners is one of the largest privately held owners of industrial and office properties in the Carolinas. We have invested over 1.5B in real estate projects and developed and acquired in excess of 24.5M SF. Today we lease, own or manage more than 10M SF of property throughout the Carolinas. Our primary focus is acquiring and developing well located industrial and urban infill office and mixed-use properties. We also provide third-party property management, project management and leasing services to institutional and privately held clients.

Background

• My wife Michele and I are empty nesters streamlining our relocation from Minneapolis to Charlotte in 2019 where we hope to escape the Midwest winters and explore day trips from the mountains to the beaches. We have 4 grown children with our youngest graduating from college this fall. (Just sent my last tuition check!) We have 5 Wisconsin Badger and one Minnesota Gopher grad(s) in the family which does not bode well for an equitable family rivalry.
• I spent nearly all of my 33+ year career in commercial property management and leasing with the first 30+ years in Minneapolis. Throughout my career I have enjoyed positions ranging from managing parking facilities to mixed portfolios of suburban office, retail and industrial properties to downtown 1M+ SF office towers. I have had the opportunity to hold direct property management, City Leadership, Regional Management and Department VP roles for third party, private and public companies. Each role has offered a unique challenge and I have never stopped learning from those around me. A common theme to the positions I have migrated to over the years has been being part of a team and a culture that promotes an entrepreneurial spirit.
• My first job was as a paperboy for the local daily paper delivered after school. I became a master at folding the paper and launching it from my bicycle on to the customers' front porch nearly every time! I honed my rent collection skills, 65 cents at a time per week. My recourse was stopping to deliver the paper and that usually resulted in payment. Rent collections should be so easy!

Best advice for emerging professionals

• Take advantage of opportunities to meet people that want to meet you. You will likely learn something new. Ask questions and be curious. I tell everyone that everything I know about building operations I have learned from an expert in their field be it architecture, elevator design and maintenance, asphalt specifications (which by the way are very different here from the Midwest) and roofing options to name a few.
• Identify a network of peers outside of your company to use a resource to share information. Its very helpful to know how other people think. Since my arrival in Charlotte people such as David Pitser, Tom Pizzo, Elizabeth Fulk, and Heather Thompson to name a few have been gracious enough to spend some networking time with me and share thoughts on issues. It's great comfort to know you have people in the industry that will assist if they can. What goes around, comes around.

Most valuable skill needed for career in property management

• Listen! The most valuable skill in our industry is to be a good, active listener. Take a sincere interest in the information people are sharing with you and you will gain their respect regardless if they agree or disagree with you. People want and deserve to be heard.

Favorite aspect of a career in property management

• People, teamwork and building relationships! I enjoy assisting others solve problems through mentoring and training. If you don't like people, this may not be the best career path for you. Working from home has been a challenge for me. Zoom is just not the same!

Why did you join BOMA?

• My first property management boss and wonderful career and life mentor, Dick McGinley in Minneapolis, told me that BOMA was my path to learning the business through its networking and educational opportunities. I drank the Kool aid and dove headfirst into the education, earning my RPA, the programming, committee work and advocacy. While my career positions have offered me professional development, I credit my early leadership and relationship development skills to the opportunities BOMA and other real estate organizations offered me as a committee chair, board member and eventual Chair of the local and statewide association. Local leadership lead to my involvement in BOMA International where I have met great people in our industry from throughout the world.
• The more connections you create, the more access you will have to the knowledge you will need. It's not how much you know, its your ability to identify the right resources and people to solve the problem. BOMA has done that for me throughout my career at every level.
• Lastly, let's not forget the great events and friends you develop through BOMA. Many of my lifelong friends are those I met in my first RPA class 33 years ago! I look forward to getting to know you, BOMA Charlotte and the community better in the coming years!

How have you seen BOMA change over the years?

• As a new member of BOMA Charlotte I'll touch on my "change" perspective from BOMA International. BOMA has grown with the individuals it serves by transitioning from an operational focused trade association to a multi-faceted industry leader in advocacy, forecasting and research for our industry. This has attracted the institutional owner/asset manager to the organization making it easier for local members to sell the value of the organization to our employers and clients. The organization continues to do the blocking and tackling it has always done representing the industry in codes, regulations, energy and environmental reforms, not to mention most recently providing valuable resources to deal with COVID-19.
• The other major change at BOMA International over the years of my involvement is the evolution of the meaning of "International." It used to mean Canada! The involvement now of members from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Mexico and more is an enriching experience to understand the cultures and business approach elsewhere in the world.

Fun fact

• I ran my first marathon a couple of years ago after being challenged by my kids to do so. I hope to run the Charlotte Marathon in the next couple of years.

Favorite thing about Charlotte

• As recent transplants to Charlotte my wife and I spent nearly a year living in South End to learn the vibe of the community. Prior to the COVID shutdown we loved the walkability, activity and great social venues of the city. We have since migrated to Cornelius to be close to our boat and Lake Norman. Lake Norman sealed the deal on our first visit to Charlotte as a place we wanted to be. Image, a climate where the lake never freezes over......

Jim Turner

Property Manager

Previously with Childress Klein/Wells Fargo account.
Looking at next phase of career




Background

• I was a struggling stock broker, when my wife, Robin Turner with O'Leary Waste (at the time she was with Container Corp of Carolinas) introduced me to commercial property management.  It's the one thing I have never forgiven her for.  I met David Corpening and Steve Banner, joined IREM and started looking for a job. That first job came from Vinson Realty (which over time morphed into the Charlotte Colliers Int. firm).  My first portfolio (over 100 industrial, retail and office buildings) were scattered around the area, but many were in NODA, which was not known as NODA then, but could be an exciting area to go in its own way when collecting rent in person or evicting tenants.  Many were also in South End, which again was not known as South End and was definitely not a cool area of Charlotte as it is today.  That job led me to Carter and Associates out of Atlanta, Barloworld Limited, out of South Africa, Lincoln Harris and Childress Klein. 
  

• I will mention three, Steve Maye, who owned Steve Maye and Associates, George Lipscomb with Carter and Associates and Dave Cannon with Nexsen Pruet.  Steve took an interest in me before my first real estate job, helping me learn the lay of the land in Charlotte, introducing me to his network and allowing me to shadow him for several weeks while I decided if I should enter the industry.  He helped me land my first job.
  George completed crossword puzzles during meetings and yet somehow was always on point with the ability to get to the crux of the meeting.  He had so many sayings, to get his point across.  I called them "Georgisms".  Two I particularly liked were, "do not do things yourself, if there are others that can do them just as well or better" and  " you get what you inspect, not what you expect" (he may not have authored that one, but he used it a lot).
  Dave Cannon taught me about leases, negotiation, transaction contracts, purchasing and disposing of assets.  I relied on his advice often during my time with Barloworld. 
  

• Find mentors.  There are many veterans of our industry out there, with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that are willing to help young professionals develop. In most cases, they are not seeking mentees, but will respond to those who approach them.
  Develop your network and relationships by being involved with professional organizations like BOMA.  It is difficult, because we have demanding jobs and demanding clients.  I have not heeded my own advice as diligently as I should during my career, so do not as I did, but as I say.
  Build a respected reputation and protect it.  It takes some time to build, but can be destroyed quickly. 

• Learn how to how hire BOMA Allied member vendors!  Although, I write that tongue in cheek and to show my appreciation for one or two cocktails I may have received over the years from vendors, we cannot function without good vendor partnerships. Learn to develop, manage and make use of those resources.
  There is no one most valuable skill in our industry.  Every assignment is unique, requiring a different set of skills.  The universal skill needed is to be able to determine what the assignment requires and assemble the resources that can fulfill the need.  That may be yourself, someone on your team, a new hire, a consultant, a vendor, etc. In most cases, the skills required will come from a combination of those sources.

• The variety of things we get to do and have the opportunity to do in this profession.  I have unclogged toilets, designed buildings, figured out how to get race cars in lobbies, sourced national vehicle rental agreements and everything in between.
  We start each day with a plan as to what we are going to do, but rarely is that plan executed fully, because something more urgent always comes up.  It is not for everyone, but good property managers thrive on it.

• My first boss at Vinson Realty had a CPM designation from IREM and he got me involved with IREM and on the CPM track.  At Carter and Associates, one of my bosses, Rutledge Beacham, was president of the BOMA Southern Region.  Rutledge had the moniker, "the godfather of property management" and of course encouraged me to get involved with BOMA for the education and networking opportunities. 

• I really enjoy adventure activities, jumping out of planes, white water rafting, bungee jumping, stock car driving, rope courses, roller coasters, being married to Robin and the like.  If there is bit of danger, I am in.

• Charlotte has always been a friendly, welcoming southern city with a great climate.  New development makes it an exciting and fun city now.  However, my favorite thing about Charlotte is that I can walk from my house to see my grandkids, Monroe (Momo) and Cameron (plus a slight detour allows me to visit a couple of breweries on the walk back).

  ---

Ryan Caudle

Facilities Supervisor
The Dilweg Companies, LLC

• My first career was actually in the commercial construction industry. I started as a laborer for a GC based in the Winston-Salem area when I was 19 years old. I worked my way up from there and was hired by Prestige Building Company as a Superintendent. When the economy crashed in 2008, I unfortunately had to be laid off. I applied for a maintenance technician position with CBRE and Tom Matthews gave me a shot as a roving engineer. I worked for CBRE for about four years before the buildings sold and Cassidy Turley (Cushman & Wakefield) took over as management. I ended up working for C & W for four years as well. Then The Dilweg Companies stepped in, purchased the property and asked me to stay onboard. I was still doing maintenance when the Facility Supervisor position presented itself. I told the Director I was interested in this position and they took a chance on me. So here I am, and very thankful to CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield and The Dilweg Companies for getting me to this point in my career.

• Well, this is a hard one! I've been fortunate to learn from a number of people in the construction and property management industry. I've been able to learn so many things from great superintendents, maintenance technicians, building engineers, property managers and some very important vendors. Hopefully the ones that have impacted my life and career know how much they have helped me. And if they do not, A VERY BIG THANK YOU to all of you that have crossed my path and helped mold me into the professional I am today!!!

• I would say to never quit on your goals no matter how hard they may be to reach. EVERYTHING is possible if you want it bad enough. Lean on other professional's to help you along the way when you do not know something. Never be afraid of asking a "dumb" question. There is no such thing. Also, networking is a great way to meet new people which creates opportunity and relationships that last a lifetime. Thanks to organizations like BOMA for having these opportunities! 

• I'll speak on behalf of all of the building engineers out there. First, customer service is key. You need to have this value with your tenants and vendors. That will take you a long way in this industry. Secondly, always use your skills to find a resolution for a problem or issue that may arise instead of being quick to call a coworker or vendor. This has helped me a lot. However, never hesitate to reach out to those people if really need them. They are always there to help you. Lastly, I would say, be a good team player. We all have our strengths and weaknesses but as a team, you can accomplish so much! 

• There are so many opportunities for you in property management. It also gives me a chance to deal with construction, which I loved. 

• I've had multiple coworkers and vendors that are members who urged me to join because of the networking opportunity.

• I was the South Stokes senior class of 1999 mock Homecoming Queen. (Picture not available, LOL!) 

• It's a growing, vibrant city with unlimited opportunity. Also, there is a ton of sporting teams here! I love my sports!!!

SARAH GIBBS, RPA, FMA
METRO MARKETS 
CORPORATE REAL ESTATE

US BANK

• After college, I started with Apartment Finders in Birmingham, AL which is a long way from upstate New York where I grew up and went to college!  I had a knack for finding apartments for people and I really enjoyed meeting so many different people who were moving to Birmingham.  I was subsequently asked to join Capstone Development, who developed and leased furnished apartments to college students at SEC colleges, and moved to Athens, GA. 
• After 4 years in the south, I returned to NYS and worked my way up from an apartment complex Leasing Agent to Site Manager and then to Property Manager for five complexes.  A few years later, I took a job with an Albany-based commercial real estate developer as a Property Manager where I learned the ropes.  Fast forward to 2015, I was a volunteer at a "Rocking on the River" concert event and I met my would-be husband!  We married in 2017 and moved to Charlotte to get away from all of the snow and cold. I interviewed with U.S. Bank before departing NYS and received the job offer for Property/Facility Manager for the Metro Markets East Region while I was crossing the border between VA into NC! When it's meant to be, it's meant to be!  I currently manage 46 sites in ten states along the east coast between NYC & Dallas and I love every minute of it!!

• I've had so many mentors over the years, all of whom have taught me so much at different stages of my life and career.  When I was just starting out, an older Property Manager taught me how to compose a well written business letter, which I still model today and comes in handy when I have bad news to break, but in a friendly but professional manner.  He also told me that one phone call is the equivalent of 20 emails (Don't hide behind emails! Get out there, build lasting relationships and become a strong communicator).  
• When I moved to the commercial side of real estate, a wonderful man and owner of a HVAC company took me under his wing and taught me everything about commercial HVAC systems.  It was so helpful when I was working toward my RPA designation (Bldg. Operations) and we developed such a nice long-lasting friendship. I've always valued my vendor relationships and consider them my trusted partners.   
• Still later in life, I was involved in a Leadership Program with the Rensselaer Chamber.  I met and became the mentee of a dynamic generous woman and Sr. VP of a community bank in Albany, NY.  We would frequently meet over breakfast to talk about my career.  One thing she taught me was the benefits of enhancing my staff's unique abilities in order to help them develop their own leadership skills, which in turn would further enhance my leadership skillsets.  
• My advice is to get a mentor, if you don't already have one or two, and then become one yourself to reap the benefits of this type of relationship! 

• Life will throw you some curveballs, it always does.  But shake yourself off, learn to laugh at yourself, reflect on what you learned from the disappointment, and then get back in the game. When I was younger, I would get defensive if my manager tried to correct me.  Then I realized that she wouldn't bother with the critique if she didn't think I could learn from it and grow! So now I embrace reviews and I always ask what I can do better to serve the company and customers.

• Don't multitask while talking to someone.  They can hear you clicking on the computer!  Better yet, go meet them in person or video chat (remember the phone call/email note above!).  You need to be present in mind, be accountable for your actions, be dependable, and enjoy your time with the other person(s) in order to develop trusting and successful relationships.

• I love this career because it's so multi-faceted.  No two days are ever the same, you get to move around to all of the different sites, develop long-lasting relationships with internal and external customers, and there is always a challenging situation to learn from.

• I joined BOMA-Capital Region (Albany, NY) in 1997 in order to meet other people in the industry and attend the informative luncheon meetings.  Shortly thereafter, I spent 2.5 years earning my RPA and FMA from BOMI (they didn't offer the accelerated courses back then).  I served on the BOMA Board for years and was President for three consecutive years.  I think I've chaired every committee at one time or another.  I always enjoyed attending the National Issues Conference in Washington, DC and Regional and International Conferences.  The people you meet in this organization are remarkable and you gain so much out of BOMA, but only if you get involved and participate.  When I started with U.S. Bank, I was responsible for 86 sites in 19 states and I traveled frequently.  We have since hired another Property/Facility Manager to share the load with me, which has allowed me more time to follow my passions, which includes participating in BOMA events and getting to know fellow Charlotte Principal and Allied Members.

•  I love to hike, cook, garden and I am an avid history buff.    

• The climate initially drew us here and the fact that it's such a captivating city that is growing and vibrant!  We love where we live (Mtn. Island Lake) and my husband and I are having a blast exploring the many restaurants in Charlotte and taking mini-vacations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

JERRY WALSH
SE REGIONAL PROPERTY MGR
CAPRIDGE PARTNERS

• Originally born in London, U.K., and moved to the states very young. Grew up mostly in Atlanta, GA where I entered into the CRE world at only 20 years old! 17 years later, still going strong and couldn't have chosen a better city to land in for my work.

• I have had so many wonderful mentors along my career path, each of them had something unique within them, they all had their own creative piece of the puzzle and I was able to take away a little piece of each of them and carry it on.
  

• Be involved, insert yourself into the vision you believe in . Be visible to your company and colleagues and learn as much about your industry as you can, the responsibilities are key but learning about anything in general is human health.
  

• Being positive! As many jobs go, there is much more room in the world for negativity. Finding the positive in situations, opens many more doors.
  

• My property management team! I couldn't do my job without everyone else working the same goal with me. The team is what defines the achievements.
  

• I joined BOMA to meet people in the industry, and the golf outings! There are so many folks in the industry that have a lot to offer. I have also made some truly wonderful friends along the way as well.
• I became a lot more involved in BOMA as I learned about the TOBY awards, I thought it was such a great concept to challenge the properties and let them have a presence to shine in. TOBYs are to show the filed that there are great performers out there and owners that truly care for their assets. I have been a fortunate recipient of an International TOBY and a few Regionals TOBYs. I am also a proud; local, regional and international judge when needed.
  

• The food! We have quite the arrangement of A+ cuisines in the city and we continue to bring more and more here.

MELINDA HOPKINS, RPA, FMA
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CBRE

• My family moved to Charlotte from Atlanta, Georgia when I was about 9 months old.  Not quite a native but say I am since there aren't many residents that are actually from Charlotte.  I have worked in the Property Management industry for over 20-years, starting in Facilities and have moved back and forth between facility management and property management over this period. 

• I've been blessed with so many in my life, naming one is impossible.  Every place I've spent time, whether personal or professional, there has always been someone who I admired and learned from.  In property management, I would say that I've had the privilege of working with some very intelligent and strong women who taught me so much about this industry.  On a personal level, one co-worker many years ago taught me to always look for the positive in people and situations. 

• Never stop learning.  Every day provides an opportunity to learn something new, gain new insights to a situation being worked thru, or discover a better way to handle the next "crises".  Each day is a new experience in this industry.  Listen to those around you, ask questions and never hesitate to ask for help or advice.

• Keep a level head and be flexible.  Your day will never go as planned, the schedule changes constantly, and there is always a real or imagined fire to put out.  Being able to stay calm and work thru whatever has been thrown at you is critical to your success (and sanity?). 

• The relationships built with everyone.  You can develop long-term relationships with co-workers, tenants, vendors, etc.  It is a challenging career with many ups and downs but I love the fact that no two days are ever the same.

• While still new in the industry, I was encouraged to join BOMA to learn more about the industry and earn an RPA, and later FMA designations. 

• It is a beautiful city that enjoys all the seasons!

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  STEVE BANNER

  NAI SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE

•  

• I grew up in Charlotte, so I feel like Charlotte native. I am a proud South Mecklenburg Sabre.  I graduated from Winthrop University where I majored in marketing. During high school and college, I worked at Carowinds, I worked there for 10 seasons. I have been in 3rd party property management for my entire career and in that time, I have worked for only 2 firms. I have been lucky enough to have been in property management for over 37 years and received my RPA designation in 1987. Getting my designation was one of the best achievements in my career.

• It would have to be the person that gave me my opportunity in property management, Charlie Madsen, he was a great mentor, but he was a better friend. Charlie always set the bar very high for me and he was a great teacher, he always knew the answer before he asked the question.

• My best advice is to live a healthy lifestyle, learn to live with incompleteness and always be sharpening the saw, and always try to be better today than you were yesterday.

• In the real time world, we seem to live in it is important to be able to manage your time effectively since there are so many time wasters, but a manager must also possess effective intrapersonal skills which include effective written and verbal communication.

• I have really enjoy never having 2 days alike. But the best thing about property management is having the opportunity to meet so many different people and being able to work with so many extremely talented people over my career. 

• I initially joined BOMA for the networking and the education offerings but being a member of BOMA has enhanced my professional career in so many ways. When I first started my real estate career, BOMA was the one organization which I was told you must be a member of. I believe that is as true today as it was 37 years ago. The real difference between then and now is all the activities where BOMA members give back to the community, Ronald McDonald House, supporting our troops, etc.

• I have enjoyed seeing the growth of the city. Charlotte is so much more dynamic than it has ever been. I am not sure that there have many places better than Charlotte for real estate management. The number of career opportunities that have been available is tremendous.