Celeste Madrigal Career Background
What is your biggest career achievement?
- Reminiscing on my brightest moment in my career, brings back so much joy, excitement, and anxiousness. It was making the decision to move from Southern California to Seattle, Washington to advance my career. In February 2018, I was a leasing manager for 508 units in California, and was offered the opportunity to move to the Washington region through Weidner as a regional leasing specialist. I knew the growth in California was at a standstill if I wanted to further my career with Weidner, then the Washington region was the obvious choice. This career move allowed me to become a property manager within 9 months of arriving, and successfully promote to a multi - site manager totaling my unit count to 226. Having the opportunity to move states, and further my knowledge and growth in the apartment industry makes me incredibly grateful.
What is your ultimate career goal within the rental housing industry?
- My ultimate career goal is to continue educating and supporting new talent into the apartment industry. Whether that be new leasing associates, or a new property manager, I love the opportunity to train and assist people who have a passion for this industry. This field can feel intimidating, but it is all about balancing the business side while also taking care of the customers. In 2019, I received a company award of “Best Team Player”. This award holds a close 2nd to my biggest accomplishment, and by receiving this award it helps remind me that I am working in the correct direction of my ultimate career goal. Guiding associates to enhance their skill sets to further their career brings me so much happiness. I’d like to accomplish this as an Area Director. They overall guide managers, and if you are an amazing Area Director you ensure the entire team is working collectively well in order to see the success of an asset.
What's one rental housing trend you have your eye on?
- The apartment industry is such a diverse field with so many opportunities, and growth. While there are so many moving parts that are constantly evolving, I believe as Weidner calls them, “Love Notes” will be a future event. The author of For the Love of the Cities, Peter Kageyama explained how people care about their cities. Weidner has adapted, and taken this idea and brought it into our Company. Finding ways to love your communities is going to change the way we manage our communities. There is always going to be a budget, a leasing goal, delinquency achievement, revenue expectations, but as we move forward the way you care for your residents will set you apart from the others.
While some companies, are building sculptures to represent the property, others are creating community gardens, and making self sufficient crops for their residents. The concept is so easily diverse, and can be used to do a small gesture for one resident, or create an overall mark on the community for the residents.
As 2020, felt like a unicorn since COVID emerged across the world, I feel this trend has the ability to become a huge part of the future of the apartment industry. For example, in 2020, my team created a banner to thank the health care workers at my property, and it saved the renewals of many. The appreciative response for a $40 banner was overwhelming. I am excited to see this trend enter more communities and see the love be spread.