Understanding how to build a successful team starts with learning from those who have worked hard to develop and shape their career to become an integral part of the team. In the #BecomingAnAsset series, we ask Asset Living employees to share advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally – from turning challenges into opportunities for career development to persevering towards a promotion – our team members are full of quality advice that can help to guide anyone towards success. Today we are hearing from Brianne Kocher, Community Manager.
What is your background and experience in and what do you do within Asset Living?
"I have been in property management for 23 years and have worked my way up the ranks on-site in both conventional and student housing communities. My journey in the property management industry has been a dynamic one. I served as a vendor, catering to around 150 apartment communities in the Orlando, FL, area. Seeking new opportunities, I transitioned to Gainesville, FL, where I was a Director of Marketing. However, I was led back to on-site management, where I could immerse myself in the excitement of overseeing a new construction lease-up. Since then, this area of property management has ignited a deep passion within me. I'm about to start my third project with Asset Living in the Middleburg, FL area.
As a dedicated community manager, my responsibilities span a wide range of essential tasks. From overseeing financial matters and managing staff to addressing resident concerns and auditing leases, I ensure the smooth operation of our community. Acting as a liaison between the construction team and property owners, I facilitate effective communication, verify floorplans, create marketing materials, and ensure construction meets owner expectations. Additionally, I strategically price apartments, lease without physical showings, and set expectations for office management as residents move in. My goal is to create a thriving community where residents feel valued and satisfied.”
What piece of advice would you give to a new employee who is #BecomingAnAsset?
"Always be flexible. Property management is a very fluid and ever-changing industry. There is so much to learn daily from everyone within the company. Laws are always changing, residents and prospective residents' wants and needs change, and it's vital for us as individuals or as a team to always be ahead of that curve to meet those expectations."
What drives you to be the best team member possible?
"As a Type A personality, it's already in my blood to be the best at anything I put my mind towards. However, I also have a slight people-pleaser gene, and everything I do is to please those around me, which drives me to be the best I can be. I aim to make those around me happy, including the owner, supervisors, team, or residents. I want our owners to know my goal is to exceed their income goals and that I am strategic in running the community. I want my supervisors to know I put a lot of effort into each of the reports I do or whatever task was being asked of me and through the information being submitted. I want my team to know I will support them, even if they make mistakes, and they can count on me to help them reach their goals. And finally, I want my residents to know that when I tell them to come to me, I will have a listening ear if there is anything they need. I make it known I can only give them the answers they want to hear sometimes, but if I can take action to resolve their concerns, I explain what I can do and then follow through actually to do it. Knowing I can meet all these individual and business needs drives me to continue pushing myself and stand out in our industry."
What is your favorite memory from this year or within your career at Asset Living?
"It's hard to narrow down just one favorite memory as I had no idea the opportunities being an Asset Ambassador would provide me over the last few years. However, I am currently most proud of my 2023 Property Manager of the Year award with the First Coast Apartment Association in Jacksonville, FL. This award was more of a team award because I would not have been able to hit all my goals without them."
Lastly, what do you like to do outside of work in your free time?
"I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband, 8-year-old daughter, and 6-year-old son. We love to roller-skate as a family, go to Disney, sing karaoke, and travel. Over the last six years before moving to Jacksonville, we had been a foster family, so the foster care system is critical to us. I am currently the Foster Care Advocate for my church, and as a family, we love to work with charity organizations to give back to our community locally and abroad."
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