“We attribute our success to honesty, kindness, hard work, and the flexibility to accommodate our clients with anything they want and their tenants with exceptional service.”
Vincent Vomero is our 1st bonus interview.
Vincent is a very successful property manager in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in managing off campus student housing.
Background:
Vincent is the Co-Owner/Chief Property Manager for Hodara Property Management.
Education / Organizations:
1. How did you get into Property Management?
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I began as a rental agent for Hodara Real Estate Group in May of 2009. After a month of rentals I decided it wasn’t for me. My now business partner and I began discussion of starting a property management company. After two months of industry research, and business plan writing we officially opened for business and acquired our first client.
2. Did you have a mentor?
No
3. What educational classes have you taken that have proven to be very valuable to you?
Classes in biology and sustainability have given me the ability to take a scientific approach to developing a green management company as well as a unique approach to business. As a student graduating from Boston University with a degree in biology I believe I have an edge over others with a profound understanding of the environment and the affects we have upon it.
4. How do you keep up with all the new laws related to property management?
Frequent visits to the City of Boston website and local meetings where new laws are presented.
5. Any recommended books, websites, educational resources, etc. that you would recommend?
www.technologyreview.com a science website published by MIT, has frequent updates on advancements in solar technology, materials and energy.
6. What are you reading now?
“First Impressions: What You Don’t Know About How Others See You” by Ann Demarais and Valerie White.
7. Are you now, or were you ever, involved in an Apartment Association, Residential Property Management Association, or other related organization?
No
Marketing / Internet:
1. How has the internet helped you? How are you using it for your property management business?
We use our website and advertising on websites to drive traffic.
2. Do you tap into social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), and how are you using it to be more successful?
LinkedIn provides us with crucial networking resources. Contacts made are extremely important to business.
3. Do you find traditional advertising helpful?
Traditional advertising has not been very useful for us. Word of mouth is of course the best advertising. We stay involved in the community and provide exceptional service so we are recommended.
4. What about PR/getting in the media (TV, Radio, or print)?
PR is extremely important, both in print, i.e. newspaper, and in articles on the internet. Many news paper articles are syndicated all over the internet so one article can create a large presence on the internet.
Success / Beliefs / Values:
1. What do you attribute your success to?
Honesty, kindness, hard work, and the flexibility to accommodate our clients with anything they want and their tenants with exceptional service.
2. From where do you draw your strength and inspiration when things get particularly bleak in your business?
We draw strength and inspiration from our youth. Many people in our business are older than us and love to see young men taking things by storm and shaking things up a bit. We ask for advice and for references and they are always more than willing to help us out.
3. Is there a particular slogan that comes to mind to help you overcome challenges?
We say if we keep making moves we won’t stagnate and cease to grow.
Your Business / Your Company:
1. How do you attract and retain the best employees?
We look to our university for talented employees. They are attracted to the youth and creative atmosphere we employ in our office. Many will leave when they graduate however an endless supply of intelligent and talented students are waiting to take their place.
2. What is the most important attribute you look for?
We look for students that have ambition and those that may have contacts to contractors, other property managers or media companies.
Challenges / Lessons Learned / Experiences:
1. What are some of the biggest challenges you face?
One of the biggest challenges we face stems from our youth. Since we are young there are those that are wary to work with us.
2. How have you overcome this challenges?
We overcome this challenge with hard work and perseverance.
3. Describe your best client, owner, resident, and/or tenant.
Our best client is one that wants to stay active and updated in the management of their property. They enjoy investing in green renovations and in keeping their properties in the best possible condition.
4. What have been the most rewarding aspects of your property management business?
The most rewarding aspect of my business is working with my friends. Many of my peers live in the buildings we manage so I have firsthand knowledge of our properties.
5. What is your property management philosophy?
We specialize in student housing because we can relate to our tenants. We believe in maintaining open communication with our tenants and making sure we are aware of any problems that arise. Many college students are living on their own, without any supervision, for the very first time. They are looking to take on that extra responsibility of having to pay bills, pay rent and maintain their own home. At Hodara Property Management we believe, if we treat our tenants with the respect they are looking for and deserve as young adults, they in turn will treat us and the property they live in with respect. This philosophy has worked extremely well for us thus far and we continue to communicate with many of our tenants at least once a week.[/private_member]
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