Pros
The properties themselves are well-positioned assets, and many on-site team members are hardworking and committed to their residents. The pace of the business allows for rapid exposure to complex operational scenarios.
Cons
During my tenure, I observed consistently high turnover across multiple levels of the organization. In my experience, this was closely tied to leadership gaps at the regional level and a lack of structured onboarding or training for new leaders.
There was no formal onboarding process. New Community Managers were expected to assume full operational responsibility immediately, often without historical context, team insight, financial background, or clear expectations. The learning curve was steep not because the role is inherently complex, but because foundational support systems were absent.
Property management is a people-centered business. Product quality matters, but long-term stability depends on leadership development, boundary-setting with clients, and consistent recognition of site performance. I experienced instances where decisions appeared reactive rather than data-driven, which created instability and increased liability for site leaders.
Community Managers carry significant operational and legal responsibility. Without experienced, structured support from Area Vice Presidents, that responsibility can feel disproportionate. Recognition for strong performance was inconsistent, while accountability was swift when challenges arose. That imbalance impacts morale and retention.