_Celebrating National Property Managers Day
Aruana, Eileen, Christina, Angela, Alison, Rebecca and David tell us about their careers so far, their favourite part of the job, their goals and any advice they have for future Property Managers.
____________________________
Christina Nikoletatos
Property Manager, Asset Management Services, SA
How did you begin your career?
I began my professional career working as a Residential Property Manager in Sydney in 2000.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
Whilst completing my Economics degree I decided to take a break year and do something that interested me, I chose Real Estate as I had always helped my father self-manage his residential investments, so it was familiar and something I enjoyed! I completed my Real Estate course and then went back to Uni to finish my degree. However, I chose Property as my career.
What is your career highlight so far?
When I relocated to SA in 2005 I became a trusted senior asset manager to a couple of Australia’s Financial Review Rich List that are property owners, and within these roles I gained invaluable experience and opportunity that shaped my career and fostered greater collaboration with clients.
What is the best part of your job?
Celebrating success with our team – albeit with a scrumptious morning tea or a Friday afternoon drink – and managing the professional relationships that I’ve created, also having made lifelong friends in our industry.
How do you go above and beyond in your role?
Our roles as Property Managers never fits the 9-5 model. To be effective, a flexible working mindset is paramount and my attention to detail, planning and managing the expectations of my clients is my commitment to delivering high level services.
What are your key goals in your current role?
In the last 20 years I have worked through many times of market uncertainty, including the GFC and pandemics, including more recently the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pandemic has only strengthened my resolve, with my previous experience allowing me to continue to be a trusted partner that my clients can rely on. My goal is to stay fit and healthy and continue to grow and learn and be able to pass on my experience to colleagues and peers. Being a mama to twin boys has heightened my ability to multitask but also reminds me of the importance of a healthy work life balance.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Property Manager?
To be an effective Property Manager you will need to be prepared, be authentic, be transparent and be organised! Empower yourself to think that the properties you manage are yours; this will help you make better decisions and recommendations for your clients, which will lead to better outcomes. Expect that there will be some long days but know there’ll be some GREAT days!
____________________________
Aruana Hicks
Senior Property Manager, Asset Management Services, WA
How did you begin your career?
After completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, I decided to have a gap year and travel. After that, I completed a Property Management course and started working as an Assistance Property Manager in a Residential Real Estate agency.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
The Property industry always interested me and at the time I wanted a job that wasn’t full-time in the office. After speaking to a friend, I made the decision to enroll in a Property Management course.
What is your career highlight so far?
This year has been very special; I was accepted into the 500 Women in Property Program with the Property Council of Australia and won the 2020 Property Management Award in WA.
What is the best part of your job?
I really enjoy meeting clients and tenants face-to-face, building long term relationship and understanding all stakeholders needs and requirements. It’s amazing how different clients require completely different approaches and advice.
What are your key goals in your current role?
My key goal is to keep the clients up to date in all aspects of their investment properties and ensure they are satisfied with Knight Frank’s services.
____________________________
Eileen Corrigan
Senior Property Manager, Asset Management Services, VIC
How did you begin your career?
I commenced my career in Real Estate when I joined Knight Frank after relocating to Melbourne from Ireland in 2013. Initially starting out in the finance/operations side of the business, I later joined Asset Management Services as an Assistant Property Manager. I have progressed to a Senior Property Manager role over my career with Knight Frank, enjoying a varied exposure to a range of properties with both private investor and institutional clients. Knight Frank and the wider property network has provided me with great learning and career opportunities for which I am very grateful.
What is the best part of your job?
It is always changing – always evolving. Things can change at any second, which often requires you to think quickly on your feet and complete many tasks at any one time. This has been particularly evident over the past few months, whilst continually adapting our management to ensure our buildings are operating safely amidst COVID-19. Every day in my job is different, and it is a constant adventure.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Property Manager?
If you are seeking a career that pushes you to develop your people communication, problem solving skills and ability to adapt to different situations, then this is for you.
____________________________
David Wright
Commercial Asset Manager, Asset Management Services, TAS
How did you begin your career?
I was needing a ‘sea change’ from the industry I had been working in for over ten years. I had dealt with Knight Frank as a client and was always impressed by their professionalism and as a market leader in Tasmania. The opportunity arose and I jumped at it.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
It was the opportunity for a new career change and to challenge myself in a fast paced, vibrant industry that made me take the plunge into Property Management. I needed a change to reinvigorate my work life. It has certainly been a steep learning curve and it is an exciting, fast paced industry to be involved in!
What is your career highlight so far?
Managing Knight Frank’s involvement in the Parliament Square Development, Hobart’s most exciting city development, is certainly the main highlight. Parliament Square is a $200m development of a city block behind Parliament House, comprising a newly built 16,000 sqm Premium grade office building to be occupied by State Government agencies, a car park, numerous retail tenancies, a 152-room luxury Marriott Hotel, and a public plaza. Once complete it will provide a link between the city and the popular Salamanca Place district. The whole development is likely to be completed by early 2021 and will certainly be a magnet for both tourists and locals alike.
What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy the relationships I have with my owners, key tenants and work colleagues.
How do you go above and beyond in your role?
Being available around the clock to manage a range of emergencies. There have been a few floods and weather events (mostly in the middle of the night) to deal with and the aftermath of managing the rectification works as well as the high expectation of tenants.
What are your key goals in your current role?
My main goal is to ensure that the delivery of the Parliament Square project is a smooth one for all stakeholders involved. For the owners, the State Government agencies, the retailers, and to the public who will get to enjoy a vibrant new open space in the city.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Property Manager?
Work hard on developing relationships from Day 1. Property Managers have a wide cross section of relationships, and having owners, tenants, work colleagues and contractors that have trust and faith in you will go a long way to ensuring you are successful!
____________________________
Alison Nowell-Valencia
Property Manager, Asset Management Services, QLD
How did you begin your career?
I started working for another Real Estate firm as support for the sales team, eventually overseeing the admin team over three offices.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
I always enjoyed the property industry but wanted to change career direction. I was interested in exploring a commercial property management role and while temping I was offered a temp maternity leave role at Knight Frank. I enjoyed the role and the team, and when offered a permanent role I jumped at the chance.
What is your career highlight so far?
Working as the acting general manager of 400 George Street, Brisbane for a couple of months, then moving into managing my own portfolio.
What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy working with the Asset Management team here in Brisbane and with my 5 clients.
How do you go above and beyond in your role?
Every time I do something, I work towards doing it better than the last time.
What are your key goals in your current role?
I am currently working towards becoming Senior Property Manager and looking at learning more about a management role and ways to stay up to date on knowledge within the industry.
____________________________
Angela Emblen
Director, Asset Management Services, NSW
How did you begin your career?
About 17 years ago as an inspections officer in residential property management in QLD.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
I have always had an interest in property and architecture. I tried residential and quickly realised it was not for me. I moved into to commercial and haven’t looked back!
What is your career highlight so far?
In all honesty, my current role. Being promoted to Director of the Sydney AMS Team. I feel very fortunate to work with such a wonderful team and to work directly with a great client.
What is the best part of your job?
My team!
What are your key goals in your current role?
To mentor, train and support my team to ensure they reach their goals in the property industry.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Property Manager?
The most important things are communication, common sense and property 101. If you don’t get the basics right, nothing else works.
____________________________
Rebecca Jakubaszek
General Manager - ISPT, Asset Management Services, ACT
How did you begin your career?
As Receptionist for Knight Frank Canberra in 2005. From there I have had roles in Facilities Management, Property Management, Valuations and now my current role as General Manager on the ACT ISPT portfolio.
What made you choose a career in Property Management?
Property Management brings together all facets of a property - financial, operational, leasing, customer and client.
What is your career highlight so far?
Obtaining my Certified Practising Valuer certification and working in my current role on the ISPT portfolio.
What is the best part of your job?
Working collaboratively with my team and our client, the building owner, to develop strategic plans for the properties we manage.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Property Manager?
Develop strong working relationships with your colleagues, clients and customers and take time to focus on the financial and lease management of the properties that you manage.