In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews 24-year-old Ashley Jenkins from Texas, who is making waves in the property management sector. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from a high school dropout who worked two minimum wage jobs to being recognized in the '20 in their 20s' at NAA. She also talks about her innovations in the field, specifically the development of a software solution to track appliances in apartment units. Additionally, they delve into the importance of equipping maintenance teams with proper training and nurturing their growth within the field. Ashley also shares her ambitions of becoming a regional manager and her thoughts on the boundless opportunities within the multifamily industry.
00:19 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Meet Ashley Jenkins: A Rising Star
01:27 About the Host and Community Boss
02:00 Ashley's First Words and Impressions
02:44 Building Community: Ashley's Approach
03:55 Southern Hospitality and Food
05:59 Ashley's Love for Coffee
07:22 Unpacking Ashley's Inspiring Journey
09:28 Overcoming Obstacles: Ashley's Story
15:45 Ashley's Innovative Solution: Appliance Manager
19:46 The Role of a Property Manager
21:43 Career Aspirations and Growth in Property Management
23:24 Exploring the Boundless Opportunities in the Multifamily Industry
24:25 The Importance of Starting from the Bottom and Climbing Up
25:39 The Role of a Regional Manager and the Challenges it Entails
29:14 The Importance of Cross-Training and Understanding Different Roles
29:25 The Need for Maintenance Training and Development
43:44 The Impact of Maintenance Professionals on Resident Retention
44:48 Closing Remarks and Future Goals
Ashley Jenkins started her career without finishing high school and worked two minimum wage jobs. Following a crippling accident while coaching gymnastics, Ashley was faced with unprecedented challenges. Soon after the accident, a property manager offered her a position as a leasing agent which marked the start of her journey in the property management industry.
Ashley recounts her growth in the property management industry, first as a leasing agent in a Class C property, then as a property manager in a Class A property, and her ambition of becoming a regional manager. She acknowledges the importance of personal growth and the significance of every step in her career. She emphasizes the need for cross-training in property management, explaining the differences between class A, B, and C properties, and how each requires different skills and approaches.
Ashley also discusses the importance of maintenance professionalism in the industry and the development of training programs that equip maintenance staff with the necessary skills and knowledge. She is part of a project to develop a maintenance readiness training program in partnership with her local college and has even achieved her EPA certification to understand this segment better.
In conclusion, Ashley encourages listeners not to get discouraged by challenges and always seek growth. She also promotes the importance of learning, cross-training, and problem-solving in the property management industry. Her story offers inspiration to those at any stage of their career and emphasizes that anyone can be successful by embracing opportunities, being innovative, and staying focused.