When I first stepped into an affordable housing community office around 20 years ago, I thought it was a temporary gig — a short stop on the way to a different kind of career. But what started as a job quickly became a passion, and it all came down to the people.

On-site, I learned the fundamentals of property management — things like how to collect rent, how to complete certifications, and how to figure out who exactly rented garages 4 and 5. And I learned that the people who lived in the community really wanted to do just that: live. It was my office; it was their home. My job was to balance the operational needs of the property with respect for that reality.

From there, I moved into software implementation and training, helping shepherd a transition from two separate software platforms into one integrated system (Yardi). I later took on corporate and lease-up marketing, overseeing projects that bridged technology, communication, and strategy across multiple departments.

Each role built on the last, revealing a consistent pattern: when people and processes aren’t aligned, everyone feels it — and operations struggle. I learned that while quick fixes are sometimes necessary, they’re rarely sustainable. Real progress comes from knowing when to solve the symptom and when to rebuild the system.

I founded WM5 Consulting to help organizations find that balance — keeping day-to-day operations moving forward while addressing the root cause, and always remembering that people are at the heart of the business.

Connect with us today to share what’s challenging your operations and learn how we can help.