Name: Elena Shattuck
Title: Community Manager
Company: Waterton Residential, Oceanside, Calif.
Years in the Industry: 5
units: You moved from a high-rise property in downtown Chicago to a suburban, garden-style community in San Diego. Whats been the biggest adjustment?
Shattuck: One tower of 400 units and three elevators in downtown Chicago seemed easier to navigate than 280 units across 47 acres; luckily I packed my walking shoes. On a serious note, the laws and regulations are vastly different in one location versus the other.
Knowing that California is more lenient on many things, I assumed managing a property would be a different experience; I just didnt realize how different it would be. Between the companion animals and the marijuana laws, the community staff has to know what they can and cannot say/regulate.
units: What advice do you have for young professionals considering a similar jump?
Shattuck: Take the leap! There is nothing more exciting than diving into a fresh start in a new place but do your research before you take the leap of faith. Look into the neighborhoods, school systems, politics and housing marketsbasically anything that will affect how you do your business and how you live your life. Network as much as you can, sign up for different events and get to know people in your industry and your neighborhood.
units: Now that youve worked in both a city setting and the suburbs, do you think one is better than the other when you are first starting out in the industry?
Shattuck: Working in the city first helped me to develop thicker skin and become more well-rounded. The city is where you learn about different cultures and how to work in a faster-paced environment.
However, the suburbs might be a great place to begin ones journey in the industry. Its slower-paced, which offers you time to learn and grow within your company and the industry.
units: Speaking of changes, how has the evolution of social media affected the industry since you first began?
Shattuck: Whether it is a prospect or resident, social media has become an outlet to express ones self. Between Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, etc., everyone from the office staff to the maintenance staff has to be on their A-game at all times.
Social media has become such a powerful tool that it can make or break a community in one simple key stroke. Having 100 great experiences with the office staff can be ruined by one bad experience. The public will hear about the one bad experience versus the 100 great ones. Reputation is everything.
The office staff has also benefited from the evolution; its a new form of communication. Resident get-togethers, events or even reminders have been communicated easier in the last few years than in the entire decade.
To be considered for a future Next Gen column, please contact Lauren Boston at 703-797-0678 or [email protected].