Meet Mike, Senior Property Manager

How long have you been with Alliance, and what brought you to this role?

I became aware of Alliance Housing when I was the property manager of Alliance Apartments, which Alliance Housing and Aeon developed. There was a position posted for the Property Manager at Alliance Housing, so I reached out to Jessie Hendel, current Executive Director, who was one of my heroes when we previously worked together at CommonBond Communities.

I interviewed and was offered the position, which I excitedly accepted. At that time, my wife was questioning why I decided to join Alliance Housing, but then she attended the September Fundraising Breakfast. When I got home that night, she gave me a big hug, and said, “now I know why you love working there.

What does a typical day look like for you? What does your team manage most often, and how do you balance the operational side with the relationship side of the job?

There is no such thing as a typical day, which is why I love property management, but my day might include meeting with staff, attending a board meeting, moving a homeless individual into their new home, working with a resident to find rental assistance, having a difficult conversation with a resident about a lease violation, going over a capital project with a vendor, lastly and probably most importantly, snaking a plugged toilet.

While everyone pitches in wherever needed, each team member manages their own responsibility. Our goal is to maintain our resident’s housing and improve their quality of life. We do this by empathetically explaining rules & expectations, and then compassionately holding them accountable.

As a senior property manager, how do you support and lead your team? What do you try to model for them in how they interact with residents?

First of all, not only are all of our properties in Minneapolis, but all of the property management staff live in Minneapolis. We care about our city, our residents, and Alliance Housing. Because of this, it is easy to lead the team, as our goals and culture align.

In regards to interaction with residents, I try to follow the Four Agreements, which are from the book authored by Don Miguel Ruiz, well at least my version of the Four Agreements.

Be impeccable with your word. My version - Follow thru on promises made to residents and staff.
Don’t take anything personally. My version - I assume that our residents have had trauma in their lives. They maybe living with mental illness. Even though their behaviors maybe directed at you, it is really about their circumstances, not you.
Don’t make assumptions. My version – Listen, listen, listen first, and don’t make quick decisions based on previous situations
Always do your best. My version - Work hard, and be nice

Can you share a story about a time your work, or your team's work, made a difference for a resident? This can be big or small!

A mom and her 2 kids moved into a North Minneapolis duplex from a homeless situation. She moved in, and called it her "forever home". Shortly after moving in, she lost her job, and fell behind on rent. She was on the verge of losing her "forever home", but she got a job at Aldi. Because of the new income, she was eligible and received some rental assistance, but was still behind on rent. She worked her tail off by picking up extra shifts to pay the remaining money owed. Yes, I met with her countless times, signed multiple payment agreements, and gave her extra time. Yes, she received some rental assistance. But the main reason that she is still in her “forever home” and her kids call her “super mom” is that she worked extremely hard and continues to work hard!

Is there a particular moment or achievement during your time with Alliance that stands out to you?

The situation involving ICE was difficult. We have a building 2 blocks from where Rene Good was murdered. Our office is 3 blocks from where Alex Pretti was murdered. I drive by their memorials every day, so am reminded daily of the toll it took on our residents and staff. It also reminds of how extremely fortunate I’m to be part of Alliance Housing and all the homes that we provide.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have been married for 36 years and dated her 6 years prior, so spending time with her is my biggest enjoyment. Also enjoy early walks with my dog and going to the gym. During the summer, enjoy open swimming at Lake Nokomis, sailing on Lake Harriet, and spending time at the family cabin on Ottertail Lake. During the winter, try to downhill and Nordic ski. I have a son in Denver and a daughter in Seattle, so love to visit them too.