In our seventh installment of “Profiles in Success,” a series where NAA talks to successful apartment professionals to learn how they got to where they are, who inspired them and what their biggest challenge was, we visit with a Regional Manager from Denver.
Name: Chad Christian, NALP, CAM, CAPS, ARM
Company: Avenue5 Residential
Current Title: Regional Manager of Operations
Years in the Industry: 19
What was your first apartment job?
Leasing Consultant in Austin, Texas, for The Lynd Company
Describe your job now.
I supervise 2,100 apartment communities in Denver metro area. I work with several institutional ownership groups to help them meet their investors’ goals.
Who was your greatest influence in the industry (how did they influence you)?
Wow, there are too many to name! However, one that always comes to mind is Jackie Rhone. I’ve always admired her from a distance and during the past 10-plus years I have watched her career grow. She has always been someone I admired, noticed and tried to fashion my day-to-day job after.
What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome that challenge?
Staffing continues to be one of the biggest challenges. With new construction, our industry is growing rapidly, and we are running out of people to hire! Bringing new people into our industry from outside is how we will continue to be successful.
What is your ultimate goal in the apartment industry?
I would like to be in an executive leadership position with a national management company.
What has the apartment industry given you, personally and professionally?
Personally, the industry has helped me grow! I have more patience and admire different types of professionals. Professionally, it has taught me to be strong and to never give up.
What’s your favorite or funniest apartment industry story?
My favorite part is seeing people who work in our industry grow their careers. In 2000, I was hired for my first job by a manager named Lynne Gage. Fast forward 14 years later and I was a Regional Manager hiring Lynne to work as a Property Manager in Houston for me! In 2019 Lynne has joined my current company (Avenue5) as a Senior Manager in Austin (but she doesn’t work for me). So many people thought it was odd, but Lynne was happy to have witnessed my growth and admired who I had become. I was thrilled to have someone who had helped me get my start in the industry. I have watched Lynne continue to grow during the past few years, so it has felt good to give back.
What volunteer roles do you currently hold?
I have volunteered locally and statewide for the Houston and Austin Apartment Associations in addition to the Texas Apartment Association and National Apartment Association. My volunteer work has centered on young professional development, education and career development.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped in your career?
My volunteer experience has helped me to meet individuals and make strong connections in the industry.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I spend time with my nieces and nephews.
What did you want to be growing up?
Teacher.
What do you want to be doing five years from now?
I see myself in a senior management role at Avenue5.
If you could talk to yourself 10/15/20 years ago, what would you say?
Be patient…
What’s your favorite quote?
“Teamwork makes the Dream Work”
What’s your favorite song/musician?
Toby Keith
What’s the biggest difference you see between our industry today and when you started?
Technology. I remember dial-up Internet in 2000 when only one person could be on the internet at a time and we had to take turns.