Even though I’d spent 20 years in the Army, there was one challenge I hadn’t trained for: transitioning into civilian life. Then I found the perfect career path for a veteran — in residential property management.
While in the military, I served with the infantry and in aviation, logistics, and finally personnel operations. I spent 11 years with the 101st Airborne Division and completed two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During these deployments, I was responsible for areas such as the overall health, welfare, and morale of more than 300 soldiers.
I retired as a sergeant major with a wealth of experience, but it was still tough finding my place in the civilian workforce. I took a position as an operations supervisor in a commercial glue production facility, but it wasn’t for me. After spending so much of my life in military service, I wanted a job where I could help people.
That’s why I was excited when I spotted a community manager’s position with Beacon Property Management. RPM uses skills I cultivated throughout my military career. In particular, as a first sergeant in the 101st Airborne, I was responsible for taking care of soldiers’ housing needs — experience that directly relates to RPM’s administrative and maintenance management requirements. I knew I was well prepared.
Now I manage two communities for seniors and people with disabilities. I oversee billing, maintenance, personnel, and more — and I’ve even coached a sweet 100-year-old resident on using her new cellphone.
It’s these relationships with residents that I value the most. Managing two communities in a small town has even enriched my mother’s life; she attends church with several of my residents, who make a point of checking on her each week.
I found a professional home in RPM because it’s all about serving others. I became an RPM Careers ambassador to expand my service by attracting more veterans to this industry. Vets can accomplish anything when they transition from the military; my experience shows that we are a great fit for RPM, and RPM is an excellent place to advance your career.
If you know a veteran working in RPM who wants to serve as an RPM Careers ambassador and help attract more members of the military community to our industry, email Sarah Levine.